MDES Newsletter

MDES Newsletter

 

     June 5th, 2026

 
 

 

2025-2026 Handbook

Elementary Student Handbook

Principal's Note:

Hello MDES Families,

As we wrap up the first week of June, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible hard work and dedication of our students and staff. This season is filled with beautiful milestones, and it has been a joy to witness the culmination of a year's worth of growth celebrated through Step-Up Day, project presentations, learning celebrations and performances. Our spring assessment shows that our collective efforts have paid off in making a positive difference for our students. Our building is buzzing with pride, and justly so!

As we look toward the final week of school, there is a distinct mix of excitement and nostalgia in the air. We have a memorable few days ahead as we send off our oldest students and wrap up the year together.

The Final Week Schedule:

Tuesday, June 9th at 5:00 PM: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony. We look forward to honoring our 8th grade class and celebrating all they have accomplished during their time with us.

Wednesday, June 10th: School-Wide Field Day! A day of fun, community, and outdoor activities. Please ensure your child is dressed for active play and outdoor weather.

Thursday, June 11th: Last Day of School! Please note that we will have an early dismissal at 12:30 PM for all students.

 

With Sincere Gratitude

As this is my final Friday Principal's Note of the academic year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you. The partnership between our teachers and families is what makes our school community so special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children, for your unwavering support, and for working alongside us every step of the way.

We wish our 8th graders the absolute best as they take their next steps, and we wish all of our returning families a safe, happy, and restful summer.

Let's make this final week a fantastic one!

 

Thank you,

Heather Dorr, M.Ed.

She/Her

Principal, 

Mount Desert Elementary School 

 

 

 

 

MDES Newsletter

 

June 8th 6-8 Hike and Bike Day

June 9th- 8th Grade Promotion, 5pm 

June 10th- MDES Field Day

June 11th- Last Day of School - Early Release 

 
 
 

FIELD DAY TEAMS

 
 

Kindergarten Fun

 
 
 
 

8th Grade

Our 8th grade class took on Boston earlier this week. It was a successful trip with lots of fun memories!

 
 
 

MDES Athletics

 
MDES Newsletter
 

Athletic Calendar subject to change.

Athletic Calendar

 
 
 
 
Future Trojan Registration
 
 

2025-2026 School Calendar

Pictures
 
 

Mustang Cafe

 
 
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Art News

 
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3rd and 9th grade students got to take a field trip to the Asticou Azalea Gardens with visiting artist Kathryn Emory.  Students spent time in the garden observing and photographing nature.

 

Music News

 
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Tick season is in full swing! Daily tick checks go a long way in preventing Lyme disease. This includes checking your clothing and gear for ticks. Here are some other ways to prevent tick bites that are recommended by the Maine CDC:

Check pets for ticks. Pets can bring ticks into the home that can bite a family member later. Check any pets that go outside for ticks and remove them. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to protect your pets from ticks.

Shower soon after being outdoors. Take a shower within 2 hours of coming indoors. This can help remove crawling ticks and is a good time to do a tick check. If you can't shower, use a wet washcloth to wipe down your skin to catch any crawling ticks while doing your tick check.

Check your entire body for ticks. Remember that ticks can be as small as a poppy seed. Use a mirror to help you check all over your body. Make sure to check:

-In and around the hair

-In and around the ears

-Under the arms

-Inside the belly button

-Around the waist

-Between the legs

-Behind the knees

Remove ticks as soon as possible. If you find a tick attached, use tweezers or a tick spoon to remove the tick quickly. Make sure to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Avoid pinching the tick in the middle of its body. Put the tick in a sealed container to throw away or place it in rubbing alcohol to preserve it for later testing, and contact your provider for next steps.

Happy Spring!

Nurse Ashley

 
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Garden News

Growing Gardens, Growing Minds: MDES School Garden Project

 

A busy week in the garden. The preschoolers planted potatoes, a few of the older children have been working alongside the younger children in the garden, seeds needed to be planted for a big batch seedlings to be grown in the greenhouse for the garden stand, there was  a lot of daily watering to do to care for newly planted tomatoes, peppers and flowers and we had good fun tasting sour rhubarb and playing with giant rhubarb leaves. The garden is happy to have sunny, hot days! Summer is almost here!

https://www.facebook.com/MDESSchoolgardenproject

 
 

Library News

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2026 MDI Girls Summer Basketball Camp

The 2026 MDI Girls Summer Basketball Camp is just over two weeks away and will be held June 22–25. If your daughter is interested in attending, please reply to this email to let me know. Registration forms and payment can be brought on the first day of camp.

Dates: June 22–25, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Who: Girls entering grades 6–9

Camp Features

Skill stations

Full-court drills

Tournaments (5-on-5, 3-on-3, and 1-on-1)

Daily competitions:

Hot Shot

Free Throw Contest

3-Point Contest

Skills Challenges

The camp will focus on basketball fundamentals, defensive skills, and overall player development. Our goal is to help players improve their understanding of the game while emphasizing the hard work and dedication necessary to reach their potential. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player looking to take your game to the next level, this camp is designed for you.

Camp Staff

Current and former MDI Girls Basketball players and coaches.

What to Bring:

Basketball shoes or sneakers

T-shirt

Athletic shorts

Water bottle

Snacks

Registration Information

Cost: $75
Scholarships: Available for families who may need assistance.

Please make checks payable to:
MDI Girls Summer Basketball Camp

Mail registrations to:
MDI Girls Summer Basketball Camp
c/o Brent Barker
10 Center Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

For additional information, please contact me at brentbarker@mdirss.org.

I look forward to seeing everyone at camp!

Coach Brent Barker