MSAD #51 Superintendent's Blog

September 28, 2015 Dear MSAD #51 Families, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on two timely issues that are of immediate concern to our school community. First is a follow-up to the unexpected passing last week of an 18-year-old senior who attended Greely High School.  The state Medical Examiner's office has confirmed that the death was a suicide. I have been struck by the incredible response that students, staff, and the community have made in light of this traumatic event.  I wish to give special thanks to GHS Principal Dan McKeone and Assistant Principal Jayme Jones, the K-12 guidance counselors, and K-12 social workers.  Their leadership and efforts have helped to provide comfort to our grieving high school. Thank you also to the senior class and student council for their organization of a candlelight vigil that provided compassion and support for each other and the entire school community. Inevitably, when these kinds of incidents occur, ...

Message September 14, 2015 The first couple of weeks of school are behind us and so are a number of well-attended events so far, including the MIW annual welcome back picnic and the GHS open house. School has started on a smooth note as students and staff settle in for the year ahead. Strategic Plan Update: The pathways program has identified most of the students who will be served. 6-12 grading and reporting committee membership has been identified. Implementation of the new version of Everyday Math K-5 has begun. New tech program for 504 plans (Acuity) has been rolled out to track and monitor all 504 plans in the district. Membership for the 6-12 late start ad hoc work group is almost complete. New ed. tech. protocol in place to better assess whether or not a student requires ed. tech. support before making this decision. Facilities committee has begun developing 5-year plan. Evaluation initial stakeholder group continues to meet to define how studen...

We opened the school year on Wednesday on a smooth note with 2,041 students in grades K-12, up from the projected 2,016 students.  This represents no change in our enrollment from the 2014-15 year. MIW:  571 GMS 4-5:  307 GMS 6-8:  496 GHS:  667 I would like to recognize Phil Blake and Larry Lare at the transportation department for earning the district a flawless state inspection for our 28-vehicle bus fleet.  This inspection report is unheard of in most districts and speaks volumes of our excellent mechanical skills at the bus garage. Sally Loughlin and myself met with consultant Reed Dyer from Great Schools Partnership to plan district-level policy and communication work around proficiency.  In October, Reed will be joining us to present an update to the Board on proficiency work, including looking ahead at policy implications and communication avenues with parents and community members. Many thanks to all of our maintenance and custod...