Update: September 5, 2019

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Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year!


Campus Renovation
It's been a long summer with a lot of renovations happening to our campus. We will share some of those updates with you over the course of the next couple of months. First to share is the newest update, just completed over the weekend. With the addition of another portable to MIW, the playground had to be reconfigured. Fortunately we were able to add two new structures to the playground. They should be a great addition for our youngest students to climb and play on. Check out the new rocket ship and worm!

Community Day at GHS
Last Thursday, the whole GHS community participated in a Community Day to start off the school year. Students could participate in a variety of activities that ranged from frisbee on the field to bounce house obstacle course to reading in the library. They were able to relax, have some fun, catch up with their peers and get to know others. There was even an opportunity to dunk several of their teachers/staff in the dunk tank...including Mr. Hoffman and myself. Lots of fun!

Equity & Inclusion
MSAD #51 has retained the services of Community Change Inc. (CCI), a long-established Boston based organization dedicated to promoting positive change with regards to racial equity, to assist in educating and organizing for greater equity and inclusion as outlined in the Strategic Plan. 

CCI will be facilitating a stakeholder workshop on the topic of racial equity on September 24. We had over 100 interested participants in this workshop. While we would like for everyone to receive this training, we must limit the number of participants to 35-40 stakeholders representing students, staff, parents and community members. We hope to be able to provide some additional resources to everyone as we continue through this process. 

New Staff
On August 22, all of our new staff attended orientation day to learn more about the district, get acquainted with some of our leadership staff and get to know about each other. We are excited by the energy and enthusiasm that this group has. If you happen to see any new faces around the district, say hello! To help you know who they are, view our New Faces. We have also been "introducing" our new staff on our social media platforms. 
Communication
Speaking of social media...we have added another communication tool to our social media: Instagram! We can be found @msad_51. As a reminder, here are some of our digital communication methods:
Not on social media and not a parent in the district but want to stay up to date on what is going on at MSAD #51? We've got you covered! Click here to sign up for our Community List. You will get a weekly email (generally on Thursdays), of what's going on around the district and many community messages.

Impact Video
As a way to highlight the great aspects of our district, I invite you to view this short video, Faces of Greely, featuring some of our students, parents, and staff offering their reflections on the impact of MSAD #51 schools.

Congratulations Goes To...
Aila Robinson, 7th grader, for being published in the Portland Press Herald on Sunday, August 18. Here is a link to her article: Kid review: 'In the Vanguard' full of striking work

 MIW Teacher Connie Russell for recognition by the National Board of Certified Teachers for her outstanding leadership in the teaching profession, specifically in taking time this summer to lead teachers in their pursuit of supporting future National Board candidates.

Christopher Gilbert, a 12-year-old GMS student, for publishing his very first book Quantum Mechanics!