From the Superintendent
This is the second of a multi-part series around the district's 2024-25 strategic priorities. The MSAD #51 Strategic Plan identifies Wellness as the foundation of teaching and learning. Healthy, balanced, and well-rounded students and staff are intentionally prioritized in the Plan above anything else. But what does this actually mean? Below is a case example of how students have led the way in their efforts to make wellness a real priority.
A year ago, a group of Greely High School students wrote a grant that started Maine's second-only chapter of KyleCares/Active Minds, joining 47 other KyleCares chapters in New England and 700 Active Minds groups in the U.S. Dedicated to Kyle Johnson, KyleCares is a non-profit organization that promotes open and honest communication about the mental health challenges experienced by teens and young adults, aiming to eliminate self-harm and suicide by creating school environments that support seeking help without shame or hesitation. The motto "smash the stigma" describes the intent of KyleCares to make known that which has so often been relegated to a place of whispers.
The Greely chapter was recently recognized for being one of the most active KyleCares groups in New England, with 60 members, thanks to the dedication of student leaders (past and present) Charlie Anania, Sam Anania, Fin McLean, Sean Allen, Max Allen, and advisor Melissa Fowler. This Fall, an impressive array of activities are planned to spotlight mental health and suicide prevention in young people. As was the case last year, KyleCares ambassadors speak for a few minutes at the beginning of a home game played by each varsity athletic team, which is repeated during the winter and spring sports seasons. Additionally, students are heavily involved in the Yellow Tulip Project, Green Bandana Project, and fundraising events such as a dodgeball tournament, bake sale, and a laser tag event, among others.
Last spring, senior Charlie Anania and other chapter officers organized a Mental Health Matters 5k road race in which 250 runners raised funds to combat mental health. Jim and Sue Johnson, co-founders of KyleCares, wrote that "We were inspired by the immense generosity displayed, with an impressive $50,000 raised for mental health advocacy. This achievement speaks volumes about the passion and commitment of everyone involved. It was truly one of the best overall events we’ve seen at KyleCares run by a school." The Johnsons recently awarded another grant of $4,000 to GHS, calling it a "model chapter – perhaps one of the most active and impactful of the 47 different chapters we’ve helped start across 3 different states." Perhaps even more compelling is the impact our students have already made beyond the community. Over the summer, a couple of Greely alumni reached out for information so that they could start a KyleCares chapter where they attend college.
There can be no stigma when it comes to mental health. There must be a climate that encourages students to open up and seek help or the stigma will not be defeated, and I salute our Greely chapter for their immense efforts to create this climate.
Regards,
Jeff Porter
Active Minds/KyleCares Club kicked off our fall suicide and mental health awareness programming last night at the boys soccer game!
This year, KyleCares is proud to honor Greely High School as one of five schools being recognized for its exceptional partnership and collaboration over the past 18 months. As a token of appreciation, KyleCares is awarding Greely High School a $4,000 grant. They view Greely High School's Active Minds chapter as a standout example, possibly the most dynamic and influential among the 47 chapters they have supported across three states.
Notices from the Office of the Superintendent
Curriculum Corner
Dear MSAD #51 families,
Periodically I will send out information about curriculum, assessment, and instruction in the District Newsletter. My intention is to provide timely and meaningful content about a variety of topics. This week, I am sharing information on attendance because for students to learn, we need them to be present in school. Please read on to learn more.
Sincerely,
Mar-E Trebilcock, Director of Academic Services
The Importance of Good Attendance
Did you know that getting into the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever? It helps to:
- reduce stress
- make it easier to connect with friends and teachers
- support learning
According to Attendance Works, at the elementary level (grades preK-5)…
- Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
- Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.
- Students can still fall behind if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.
- Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
- Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.
And at the secondary level (grades 6-12)...
- Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful, and on track to graduation.
- Frequent absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully, or facing some other difficulty.
- By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
- By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
- Missing 10%, or 2 days a month, over the course of the school year, can affect a student’s academic success.
This year we are focusing on our daily attendance rates to make sure that our students are present for learning. You will periodically see updates like this one in The Curriculum Corner of the District Newsletter that are intended to serve as friendly reminders about the importance of school attendance. Each school is equally committed to monitoring their attendance rates and messaging about attendance. We know that tracking how we are doing along the way will help us achieve our attendance goals. Thank you for your help along the way!
Sometimes students are ill and need to stay home, but how can you determine when they are well enough to go to school? Our nurses recommend the Maine Chapter, American Academy Pediatrics guidelines as a resource to help you with your decision making. Check it out here.
State Mandated Assessments
Click here for a letter from Mar-E Trebilcock, Director of Academic Services, regarding State Mandated Assessments.
MSAD #51 Student Flu Clinic 24-25
MSAD #51 will be having an influenza vaccination clinic on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, held at Greely High School in the commons from 1:30-6:00 PM. We will be partnering with Northern Light Home Care & Hospice to provide this clinic to our students.
Please click on the link below and complete the consent form by Wednesday, October 23, 2024 to be eligible for the clinic. All starred fields will need to be completed to submit the form. We appreciate it if you include accurate insurance information. There is no out of pocket cost and those without insurance will be vaccinated. Northern Light Health will be unable to accommodate walk-in vaccinations.
Or scan below
- The Vaccine Information Sheets are included in the link after the consent form.
- If you need a translated form or are unable to complete an electronic form, please let the school nurse know and we will send a paper form home.
Clinics will have injectable vaccines. In addition, FluMist (nasal spray) may be available at some clinics. Unless you clearly mark which type of vaccine you prefer, and there is no contraindication to either type of vaccine, the nurse at the clinic will determine which type of vaccine to use.
For flu vaccine information go to www.maineflu.gov or call Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention at 1-800-867-4775, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
For questions about the vaccine clinics, please contact your school nurse.
Sincerely,
Job Opportunities at MSAD #51
MSAD #51 is hiring for the following immediate positions:
- Custodians
- Bus Drivers
- Ed Tech III - Special Education
- Ed Tech III - RTI Behavior & Academic Support
- Substitute Teachers
- Full-Time Substitutes at the middle school 4-8 levels
- Lunch/Recess Aides at elementary level
For a complete list of openings and to apply, please go to: https://msad51.tedk12.com/hire
Stay Connected
Click on the icon above to connect with MSAD #51.
Find all the ways MSAD #51 shares information here.
MSAD #51 Board of Directors Information
All meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School. For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign).
October 3 - Regular Meeting
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo
Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos
One Campus Project Information
For comprehensive information regarding the School Building Project, please visit the project page at: https://www.msad51.org/app
One Campus Project Update
The Building Committee held their first meeting last week. To view upcoming meeting dates and updated materials regarding the project please visit: https://www.msad51.org/apps/
The Turf Subcommittee has their first meeting tomorrow, September 17. To view upcoming meeting dates and information click here.
Community Partners
Our Community Partners are strong supporters of various areas of the school. Without them, our students would not have many of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that they receive.
Come Support Foundation 51 at the Fall Fling!
Each year Foundation 51 raises funds to help support academic and enrichment programs in MSAD #51. We strive to award grants that enhance the curriculum and fund innovative ideas while helping to remove barriers in accessing education. The Fall Fling is our biggest fundraiser to help accomplish these goals and we need your help! Please get your tickets at Foundation51.org and join us on September 20 at Skyline Farm from 6:30-10:00 PM.
It's time to get your Greely Gear!
The sale runs 9/13-9/20. Visit our online shop at https://ptogreelygear.secure-
Community Notices
Community Notices are not affiliated with MSAD #51. Please contact the organization directly with any questions. For a full listing of Community Notices, please click HERE.
Junk in the Trunk
Useful Links
Greely Center for the Arts Events
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Melissa Porter for approval. The deadline each week is Wednesday. Any requests received after Wednesday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website.
Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event.
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