The Bridge - Spring 2023

Ground Up From the

On June 6, 2023, the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) offcially broke ground on its expansion. This $7 million project, funded by the Maine Department of Education, will increase Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming beginning with building a wing onto Biddeford High School behind the Center of Technology. The expansion will allow students increased choice in career pathways, such as the newly-created Culinary, Hospitality, and Athletic Training programs, along with adding more space to accommodate an increased enrollment of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Plumbing and Heating programs.

“It is a remarkable day in our history as we begin a transformative journey that will empower our students, provide more opportunities, and shape the future of our community,” said Paulette Bonneau, BRCOT Director. “This groundbreaking ceremony signifies more than just the construction of a building; it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and practical skills. This new wing represents a bold step forward in

fulfilling our responsibility to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world, a hub where students can explore a wide range of career pathways to discover their passion and prepare them for success in the workforce. The impact of this endeavor will shape the lives of generations to come and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.”

The expansion will also have the capacity for future middle school programming to explore students’ interests and provide space for workforce training and skill enrichment classes through Biddeford Adult Education. All programs will offer certifications such as ServSafe, OSHA 10, NCCER Plumbing Certifications, EMT Basic Licensure, CPR & First Aid, Athletic Training, dual enrollment opportunities, and post-graduate Apprenticeship opportunities.

Construction of the expansion is expected to be completed by Fall 2024.

Breakthrough Innovation

The Biddeford School Department is excited to share the groundbreaking events, innovative teachers, athletic trailblazers, and foundational donors which provide an unparalleled learningexperience for our students. The 2022-2023 school year has been filled with notable events, such as the BRCOT groundbreaking, Wreaths Across America visit, State Championships, successful concerts and plays, and local service to others.

As you read through The Bridge, we hope you will be impressed with our students’ achievements, academic growth, and personal development. We are excited to witness the positive impact our staff, donors, and community members are having on our students’ academic growth and personal development. By offering a wide variety of learning experiences, we are fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for knowledge. Through collaborative projects and real-world problem-solving, students develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability preparing our students to thrive in a rapidly-evolving world.

Together, let us celebrate the exciting journey that lies ahead as we continue to nurture lifelong learners and empower our students to reach their fullest potential. It is an honor to be part of this community’s educational system.

Yours in Service, Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools

Transforming Community

On the Cover

(l-r) The Honorable Ryan Fecteau, Former Speaker of the House and Current Senior Advisor for Community Development and Strategic Initiatives in the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future; Dwight Littlefield, Maine State Director for Career and Technical Education; The Honorable Janet Mills, Governor of Maine; Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Biddeford School Department; and Paulette Bonneau, Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and Maine State Board of Education.

“Biddeford’s CTE will create a culinary arts and hospitality program and the State’s very first Athletic Training Program. Since I have taken office, CTE enrollment state-wide has grown by nearly 11%, with an almost 300% increase in exploratory programs. Today, 27 CTE programs in regional centers enroll nearly 10,000 students in 85 different programs.”

Thank you to Deering Lumber for their generous donation of $10,000 to the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. The funds, raised through Deering Lumber’s 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, were designated to support the building trades program. The tournament also secured enough funding to provide $10,000 to the Sanford Regional Technical Center for a total contribution of $20,000.

“It’s a win-win for everyone in our communities that these teens have the resources they need to get a great education and prepare for their future careers,” said Dave Chapais of Deering Lumber.

On behalf of all the BRCOT students and staff, thank you to all those who support this fundraiser.

- Maine State Governor Janet Mills

Laying the

This past school year, the Biddeford Education Foundation’s Pillars of Pride event honored Denise D’Entremont (right) and Apex Youth Connection (Director Melissa Ciley, left) as generous community partners and longtime contributors to learning. The event raised over $7,500 for the Foundation, which provides resources outside the school budget to enhance learning opportunities, assists students in need of food, clothing, and shelter, and supports teacher mini-grants to maximize opportunities for students Pre-K through Grade 12.

“Together, Denise and the staff at Apex Youth Connection have made a significant impact on the youth throughout Biddeford,” stated Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “Denise has been a one-ofa-kind champion for students while Apex Youth Connection mentored and expanded their growth through engaging programs. Denise and Apex are a reflection on the Foundation’s goals - to maximize opportunities for our students in Biddeford - and we are fortunate to have these pillars in our community.”

Denise D’Entremont began her career in Biddeford in 1973 as a special education teacher, eventually becoming a guidance counselor. She emphasizes the value of stability, positive coping skills, and mental health support in the relationship to a student’s academic success. Denise served the Biddeford Schools as an educator for 40 years, the Foundation Board of Directors for four years, and continues to serve on special projects supporting district staff so they can better meet the needs of students.

Apex Youth Connection was the first organization to be recognized as a Pillar by the Foundation. As a partner with Biddeford Schools for more than a decade, Apex Youth Connection provides afterschool service-learning programs for middle school students, community-based learning opportunities for high school students, and supports at-risk youth to help ensure a level of stability they may lack in their daily lives. Most recently, the two organizations have collaborated to develop a grant-funded position that assists students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and directly connects families with critical resources.

SAVE THE DATE 2023 Pillars

Preparations are underway for the Sixth Annual Bid deford Education Foundation Pillars of Pride event. This year’s event will be held on October 28th at The Lincoln Hotel at 6pm. Each year, at Pillars of Pride, the Biddeford Education Foundation honors and recog nizes two community partners who have been longtime con tributors of time, talent, and treasure toward the Biddeford School Department and signify pride in this community. We are pleased to announce that this year, our Pillars to be recognized are Roger Raymond, Biddeford’s first Special Education Director, and the late Joe Fairfield, longtime maintenance supervisor. Both of these individuals contributed countless hours to making our school community a better place, and we are excited to celebrate them.

Ticket sales are available online by visiting https://www. eventbrite.com/e/pillars-of-pride-tickets-653915889027.

Ticket cost is $50 each and includes entry to the event, heavy appetizers, and one drink ticket. Tickets are limited, so please do not delay.

Proceeds from the event support the needs of students in our community outside of the regular school budget.

Shaping the Future

On June 25, 2022, President Biden enacted the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a significant legislative measure aimed at enhancing mental health services and bolstering safer, more inclusive school environments. The BSCA allocated $1 billion nationwide; Maine’s allocation was ~$4,500,000, with the maximum award to any school district capped at $500,000. Fifteen awards were made, and the Biddeford School Department was awarded $449,586--the second highest in Maine. These funds are intended to establish conducive learning spaces, counteract bullying, violence, and hate, and nurture positive school cultures.

Termed the Stronger Connections Grant Program, the funding aims to foster familyschool partnerships, promote restorative practices, offer mental and behavioral support, advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and enhance school safety and emergency readiness. Family-school partnership initiatives encourage the active involvement of parents through education programs and collaborative decisionmaking. Restorative practices, emphasizing dialogue and relationship-building, reduce conflicts and create inclusive atmospheres. Mental and behavioral support funding enhances access to professional services, anti-bullying programs,

$449,586

and trauma-informed strategies. Lastly, the application addresses school safety through upgrades, emergency planning, and various interventions, aiming for comprehensive emergency responses.

By addressing these impact areas, the grant award and its support for various programs, building improvements, and staff support strives to create a holistic framework for nurturing resilient, supportive, and secure learning environments that benefit students, educators, and staff alike.

One Wreath

at a Time

The country’s longest veterans’ parade – Wreaths Across America (WAA)’s annual “Escort to Arlington” made a scheduled stop along the way at Biddeford Middle School on December 12, 2022. This 12-truck convoy, accompanied by Chevrolet vehicles, the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit, and local supporters, passed through Saco and Biddeford on its way to Arlington National Cemetery to deliver veterans wreaths to our nation’s interred veterans.

“Biddeford was honored to be chosen as one of this year’s ‘Escort to Arlington’ stops as the convoy travels to Arlington National Cemetery,” said local WAA volunteer stop coordinator and Biddeford School Department’s Director of Community Outreach Shelley Kane. “Having been part of this convoy in the past, it was a privilege to have Biddeford Middle School chosen so students could personally hear from veterans in our community and learn about the importance of their ultimate sacrifice.”

As the convoy passed through Saco and Biddeford, students from Fairfield and C.K. Burns Schools in Saco and John F. Kennedy, Biddeford Primary, and Biddeford Intermediate Schools in Biddeford lined the roads leading to the convoy stop and waved to the truck drivers on their way to honoring American heroes. When the convoy made its scheduled stop at Biddeford Middle School, students and local veterans were invited to a special presentation.

Speakers included Superintendent Jeremy Ray, Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jen Fullmer, Retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Michael Gibney, Mayor Alan Casavant, Wreaths Across America Executive Director and Co-Founder Karen Worcester, and Gold Star Mother Cindy Tatum.

The official escort travels annually down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations to spread the mission to REMEMBER, HONOR, and TEACH.

Donors to the Education Foundation

Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999

City of Biddeford

Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999

Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating

Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999

Maine Community Bank

Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499

Infinity Credit Union

Jeremy Ray

Saco & Biddeford Savings

Team Letellier of Coldwell Banker Realty

Gifts of $500 to $999

Atlantic Federal Credit Union

Bangor Savings Bank

Biddeford Saco Rotary Club

Camden National Bank

Mandy & Rick Cyr

FMI, A Spirit AeroSystems Company

Chris Indorf and Family

The Clam Shack, J. S. KI. Group LLC

Keith & Kathleen Jacques

Shelley Kane

Michele Landry

TruChoice Federal Credit Union

Gifts of $250 to $499

Michelle Boucher

Sandra & Bill Koch

Lucky Pigeon Brewing Company

Paquin & Carroll Insurance

Rousseau Insurance Agency, Inc.

Gifts of $100 to $249

Diane Bessey

Michael & Dona Boissonneault

Don & Joan Cyr

Diana Davis

Douglas DeRienze

Denise Doyon

James & Barbara Dumont

Donald & Mary Fleurant

Maureen Fortier

Kelly Foss-Root

Ronald Gobeil

Lisa & Tom Gorman

Amy Grohman

Felicia Guerin

Alan & Linnea Hallee

Cindy & Tom Henry

Martha & Jon Jacques

Raymond Jacques

Jeannie & Donald Jarry

Norman & Nancy Labbe

Kathleen LaBelle & William LaBelle

Deborah Laverriere

Jessica Laverriere

Lauren Lennerton

Jeannie & Peter Madore

Linda Paquette

Michael & Denise Reilly

Saco Valley Credit Union

Ted and Karen Scontras

Bruce Stout

Marc Sylvestre

Susan & Bruce Tourigny

Shelly Wilbar

Peg Gobeil

Aurise Hughes

Stephen & Barbara Hughes

Gloria Huot

Patricia Jolin

Briana & Kris Lagasse

Dianne Law

Roland Loranger

Trish Mason

Lucien & Celine Middleton

Lindsey Nadeau

David Nelson

Michael & Judy Pasternak

Charlene & Paul Roberge

Guy & Carol Roy

Marlene & Roger Roy

A sincere thank you to the Jacques Family for establishing the Ralph Jacques Memorial Fund to honor his legacy and support the Biddeford Education Foundation.

Mr. Jacques spent over 30 years at BHS sharing his love for math and left a significant impact on his students. Donations in his memory raised nearly $11,000 to help Biddeford students.

Gifts up to $99

Angela Avery

Aimee Bartlett

Bernard & Patricia Binette

Paulette Bonneau

Roland & Claire Boucher

Karen Bradbury Drapeau

Sharon-Lee Brinkman-Young

Alan Casavant

Christopher Clancy

Maddie & Jerry Coombs

Dan & Linda Cote

Emile & Phyllis Cote

Rae Cote

Daine & Guy Daigneault

Eric & Trisha Doyon

The Emerson Family

Russ & Susan Gagne

Tracy Gibson

Roger Ruel

Roy & Jayne Sheltra

Richard St. Louis

Lisa Sylvestre

Milton & Mary Truman

Robert & Margaret Underwood

Jeannie White

Michael & Kathleen Willett

In-Kind

Biddeford High School Athletics

Biddeford Saco Country Club

Blaze Brewing

Jeremy Ray

Brady Screenprint & Embroidery

City Theater

Cowbell Burger Bar

Deja Vu Salon & Spa

Dizzy Birds Rotisserie

Elements: Books Coffee Beer

Forever Fit

Funtown Splashtown USA

George’s Italian Sandwich Shop

Gloss Hair Parlor

Gorham Bike & Ski

Impact Fitness

Jackrabbit Cafe

Kennebunkport Resort Collection

Klassically Kute Designs LLC

Maine Juicery

Maine Mariners

Marden’s Surplus & Salvage Biddeford

Maureen Grandmaison Photography

Mill Studio Arts

Mulligan’s

Nibblesford

Otto Pizza

Palace Diner

Papous Pita

Pepperell Provisions

Portland Glass

Portland Pie Company

Pyramid Hotel Group - Residence Inn

Boston on Tudor Wharf

River’s Edge Spa & Salon

Round Turn Distilling

Saco Bay Tackle

Sea Salt Lobster Restaurant

Sherwin-Williams - Biddeford

Teguis Orthodontics

Trillium

University of New England Athletics

Vic & Whit’s Sandwich & Wine Shop

Tiger Trailblaizers

The Biddeford Athletic Hall of Honor pays tribute and honors outstanding student athletes, coaches, or contributors for their achievements and/or contributions to Biddeford Athletics. Included in this year’s Class of 2022 Induction was the 1973-74 girls’ state basketball team. At that time, girls’ basketball was not recognized as a Maine Principals Association sport, and the girls on the team were never issued their state championship medals. During the Hall of Honor induction ceremony, Athletic Director Dennis Walton them this long-overdue recognition and presented those in attendance with their medal.

Also included in the 2022 induction was Carolyn Allbee, who coached the 1973-74 undefeated state champion girls’ basketball team and her role in transforming girls’ basketball from a halfcourt to a full-court 5-on-5 game. Roland Eon, class of 1970, was recognized for his excellence in football, basketball, and baseball. Jeff Gaudette, class of 2001, was recognized as one of the best

@BiddHSAthletics

track athletes in Biddeford High School History. Paul Gobiel, St. Louis High School class of 1952, was recognized as a top performer in football and baseball. Nicole (Kimborowicz) Johnson, class of 2009, was a four-year starter on the girls’ field hockey team, going on to play division I field hockey at Sacred Heart University. Shawn Walton, class of 1993, was an all-conference football player and track athlete.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, inductees and guests attended a social held at Dutch Elm Golf Club. To read the full bio of each inductee, visit the Biddeford Schools website.

Pictured above (l-r): Nichole (Kimborowicz) Johnston, Roland Eon, Jeff Gaudette, Paul Gobeil (Represented by his son Mike Gobeil, Carolyn Allbee (Represented by her sister Minerva Shields), and Shawn Walton.

Lady Tigers Bring Home Championship

The undefeated Biddeford High School volleyball team won its first Class A State Championship since 2010, with three postseason victories and a final win over Gorham High School at the University of Southern Maine. The Tigers bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to Scarborough in the 2021 state competition to dominate their opponent in 2022.

Following their victory, Coach Ruth Shaw told the Portland Press Herald, “This was a total team effort. It’s hard to go (through) a season undefeated again. I’m proud of the girls. They wanted this all season. When it was tied 21-21, I told them it’s just zero to zero. Just go in and play like it’s the start of the set.”

Congratulations to Danielle Emerson for being named Maine’s Gatorade Player of the Year for Volleyball. Winners are selected based on athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character. Danielle helped BHS win the Class A Championship; ending the season with 168 kills, 114 assists, 94 digs, 53 aces, and 18 blocks.

The Excitement is BUILDING, with your help

FFor many decades, the John F. Kennedy School has held a central place within our community. As Biddeford’s oldest public school building, JFK’s proximity to St. Louis and Waterhouse fields has made it a notable landmark for spectators. Over the years, students aged 5 to 14 have walked through its doors, creating cherished memories for generations of Tigers. However, despite its rich history spanning seven decades, the school now finds itself in a dire state of disrepair. While it once adequately met the needs of Biddeford’s educators and students, this is no longer the case.

From its outdated and unreliable 10-ton oil burners to its failure to comply with fire safety regulations and disability codes, the School Committee has concluded that the cost of revitalizing the building is excessively high.

In recent times, we’ve collaborated closely with engineering firms, contractors, and architectural experts to evaluate the costs associated with renovation and replacement. Unfortunately, these expenses have risen significantly, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic. The projected costs for renovating JFK’s current structure have now escalated to an astonishing 25 million dollars.

However, we view challenges as opportunities, and we are excited about the potential that lies ahead. With the evolving student population and the School Committee’s implementation of grade-level changes in Biddeford Middle School and Biddeford High School, we find ourselves in a unique position. Through careful budgeting and the infusion of federal funds, we have a rare chance to enhance our facilities and improve academic programs. This, in turn, will lead to substantial long-term savings for taxpayers and fewer transitions for increased stability for students. In fact, the construction bond vote in November for $9,000,000 to expand BPS yields 9-16 million in savings versus a JFK renovation and will have a near-neutral impact on the budget.

Our plan is straightforward: We intend to construct an additional wing onto the Biddeford Primary School, simultaneously addressing deferred maintenance issues in this 30+ year-old institution while discontinuing operations at JFK. By allowing natural attrition and facilitating transfers, no employees will face job losses, and students will no longer have to contend with substandard facilities. This project

Together, we can shape the future of our schools for the betterment of our community and our children’s education. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to address questions and engage in this exciting dialogue. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the future of Biddeford’s education system.

Paving the Way

to the Future

Andrew Reddy, a Social Sciences Teacher at Biddeford High School (BHS) was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). A role model to his peers, Reddy was nominated by a student for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession.

Biddeford High School student Tatiana Carty (Class of 2024) wrote in her nomination, “I nominated Mr. Reddy because of his positive, and jovial attitude joined with the way he does his very best to see his students succeed!”

Each year student members of the NSHSS are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career for the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. This honor recognizes exemplary educators whose passion and devotion inspire their students to grow and develop as scholars, leaders, and citizens.

“Andrew has truly been a mentor to his students,” said Martha Jacques, Principal of Biddeford High School. “He takes time to make connections with and get to know his students, he reaches out to families with stories of success and accolades, and does not hesitate to share his positivity with students and colleagues. We are fortunate to have Andrew as a member of our BHS Family and applaud this recognition.”

The National Society of High School Scholars is continually seeking new ways to provide lifetime learning and growth opportunities for academically talented and accomplished student leaders, and the educators who support them. NSHSS President James W. Lewis adds, “Dedicated educators who exhibit a commitment to excellence deserve our highest praise and appreciation. We hope to acknowledge and encourage the vital work of of those shaping the intellect and character of our young scholars.”

For more information about NSHSS, visit www.nshss.org.

Donors to Our Schools

Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999

Deering Lumber

Maureen Grandmaison Photography

Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999

Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating

Thomas Behen Fund

This Old Barn LLC

Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999

Biddeford Athletic Association

Saco & Biddeford Savings

Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499

Brady Screenprint & Embroidery

Maine Community Bank

Mick’s Sports Bar

Southern Maine Health Care

Team Letellier of Coldwell Banker Realty

Gifts of $500 to $999

Amvets Post #1

Biddeford Painting

Biddeford Police Department

Biddeford Saco Rotary Club

Fraternal Order of Eagles 804

Northeast Credit Union

Paquin & Carroll Insurance

PeoplesChoice Credit Union

Richard Perreault

Rousseau Insurance Agency, Inc.

Saco House of Pizza

Gifts of $250 to $499

angelrox

Arundel Ford

Atlantic Federal Credit Union

Biddeford Family Dentistry

Biddeford School Administrators

Association

Brown Dog Carriers & Logistics

Dairy Queen - Biddeford

Dead River Company

Dean G. Tourigny, D.D.S., P.A.

Fence Tech LLC

Moody’s Collision Centers

Dr. Eric Lehouillier - Optometric

Association of Southern Maine, LLC

Pizza By Alex

St. Louis Alumni Association

Town & Country Federal Credit Union

GSS Biddeford, LLC -

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Volk Packaging Corporation

Gifts of $100 to $249

A & S Limousine Service

Aquaholics Surf Shop

B. Peachee Inc.

Beaupre Fuels

Showcasing Talent

Casey Bourque

Carl A. Goodwin Inc.

James T. Chamberlain

John Conroy

Sarah Conroy

Dallaire’s Motel and Cottages

Susanne Delisle

DMC Enterprises

Land Surveyors & Land Planners

Dow & Coulombe, Inc.

Gary Dube

Dube Drywall & Supply Co., Inc.

Amy Grohman

Donald Guay

Roger Guerin

Haley’s Metal Shop, Inc.

Hancock Lumber Co.

Hull Law Office

Jeff Huntress

Martha & Jon Jacques

Joe Troegner’s Auto Service, Inc.

KP Asphalt

Joseph Long

Magnus On The Water, LLC

Rachel Montpas

Normand M. Methot, Inc.

Palace Diner

Patriot Subaru of Saco, Inc.

Robert Roy

Ed Silva

Paul & Margaret Twomey

This year’s District-Wide Art Show was a sight to behold! Families across the district came out to the exhibition to celebrate and view the talent of our students’ artwork PreK-12. Students Annie Robinson and Lucy Martin, along with their teacher Mrs. Chapman, produced a vid eo to showcase the creative talent which is posted on the Biddeford Publications YouTube Channel.

A special congratulations to student Julie Gonneville, who was selected to participate in Youth Art Month at the Portland Museum of Art. This annual exhibition, in collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association, showcases the incredible talent of young artists. Julie pictured here with her teacher Ms. Yandell.

State Farm - Jason Hight

The Golden Rooster, Inc.

Valleigh Inc. Valerie’s Scratch Kitchen

Gifts up to $99

Kristin Bertoline

Crystal Blais

Kristin Carlson

Linda Chasse

Jeff Dutremble

Perrin Gordon

Paulette Houston

Gloria Huot

Shelley Kane

Jenny Kopenga

Liam LaFountain

Mickie Lavigne

Carol Lombard

Sophia Manning

Paige Marks

Christopher Martel

Lydia Martzial

Michael & Linda Morin

Linda Namm

Rapid Rays, Inc.

Rolnick Chiropractic Wellness Centre

Marc & Constance Rousseau

Christine Sheldon

Samantha St. Laurent

Time & Tide Coffee

Wilkinson and Son Inc.

Never Stop

Imagining

Among the 48 teams representing Divisions I, II, and III at the Maine State Odyssey of the Mind (OM) State Finals Tournament, four of the six Biddeford teams placed in the top three of their divisions in the competition. Both the Biddeford High School (BHS) and Biddeford Middle School (BMS) Technical Teams were named State Champions and World Finalists, while the BMS Drama Team placed second and qualified for Worlds, and the Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) Team placed third. There were teams from BMS and BIS that were pirates and built a vehicle; they placed fourth and ninth in the state, respectively. The Biddeford Primary School (BPS) and John F. Kennedy School (JFK) Teams also participated as dinosaurs in a parade and enjoyed their first experience at a State tournament.

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative, problem-solving, extra-curricular program involving students from kindergarten through college. Teams of up to seven students work together at length, with limited guidance from a coach, to solve a predefined long-term problem and present their solution to the problem at a competition.

In the last year alone, the Biddeford OM program has grown by 56% in student participation with teams led by coaches Suzanne Tighe, K-5 Gifted and Talented Teacher at BIS, and Victoria Salo, Biddeford’s OM District Coordinator and Science Teacher at BHS.

“We are so proud of all the students for working so well collaboratively and thinking outside the box to continually place at the State Tournament and proceed on to the World Finals,” said OM District Coordinator Victoria Salo. “The students placed 17th in the world at the Finals!”

In the last decade, Biddeford OM teams have expanded from two teams in 2017 to eight teams across the district K-12. Biddeford teams have placed among the Top 3 at the State Tournament and moved on to the World Finals every year since 2015. In 2021, Biddeford Middle School’s talented team of eighth graders was the first team to be awarded the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award, which recognizes a team or individual for demonstrating outstanding creativity.

National History State Champ

Biddeford Middle School (BMS)

7th-grader Kyleigh Froelich took first place for her division in the National History Day state competition at the University of Maine in Orono. Her win qualified her to compete in the national competition at the Univer sity of Maryland (College Park) in June, representing Biddeford and the State of Maine. Kyleigh and her teacher, Jes sica Larson, traveled to Washington, DC, for the competition.

National History Day is an annual academic competition wherein students research a historical topic and create a presentation. In the state of Maine, students first compete in a regional competition in order to qualify for the state competition. Only the top projects are selected to compete in the national competition. Since students at BMS began creating projects for National History Day in 2017, several have contended in the state competition, but none have advanced to the national competition. It was a huge honor for both Kyleigh and BMS to showcase her academic achievement.

Little Inventors

Breaking Barriers

A leader in innovation and focused on removing barriers, Biddeford High School (BHS) has taken the next step in recognizing that “high-achieving” means more than what many have come to think of in the traditional sense. This year, BHS students nominated their classmate Hunter Frechette to the National Honors Society (NHS). The first student to be nominated with multiple disabilities, Hunter stood proudly alongside his classmates during the induction.

“As a child with Down Syndrome, Autism, Tourettes, and ADHD, things have not always been easy. Hunter has worked so hard to get to where he is today, and that is a testament to his perseverance, resiliency, and strength of character,” said Diane Frechette, Hunter’s mother.

BHS principal Martha Jacques adds, “This is a monumental occasion towards inclusivity at Biddeford High School, and I am delighted that our staff and students recognized Hunter in this way.”

Students at John F. Kennedy School began learning how to think like inventors, and at the 2023 Little Inventors Expo they showcased their OWN inventions! This exciting unit aligned with the Next Generation Engineering Design Science Standard, which asks students to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. It was fascinating to see their creative inventions. Pictured: Jaspen St. Pierre.

We’ll Go The Places

Don Stanhope, 8th Grade Science Teacher at Biddeford High School (BHS), was one of fifteen K-12 educators across the country selected to participate in The Henry Ford’s Educators-in-Residence program. This hybrid professional development opportunity invites educators to explore and implement ideas to create a new kind of classroom culture where students feel empowered to think and act like innovators.

Launched last year, the hybrid program begins with an on-site summer kick-off at The Henry Ford and is followed by virtual check-ins throughout the school year. During the three-day July visit, educators connect with their cohort, share their current classroom techniques, and collaborate with The Henry Ford’s Learning & Engagement team and other experts to identify resources that could facilitate creative thinking in their classrooms. The residents will also have the opportunity to explore the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village. At the conclusion of the three-day visit, educators will leave

with well-defined plans to implement in their classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year.

Throughout the school year, The Henry Ford Learning & Engagement team organizes periodic virtual check-ins with the cohort to offer support, facilitate the sharing of progress, foster a collaborative environment where educators can share the impact of their innovation journeys and implement new ideas, resources, and content to promote innovative thinking among their students.

The Biddeford School Department is excited to see the creativity unfold in Don Stanhope’s classes in the coming year.

To learn more about The Henry Ford Educators-in-Residence program, visit thehenryford.org and click on Education. The full article about last year’s cohort is published in The Henry Ford magazine (January-June 2023 issue) by clicking on Membership then Magazine.

Marching Band Brings Home Silver C Serving Others

Embarking on the Journey

ongratulations to our students in the Seacoast Marching Band for earning a Silver Medal at the Maine Band Directors Associa tion Marching Band Finals. Seacoast Marching Band is a marching band co hort between Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach Schools. A combined 41 students from both schools participated in the activity this year. Many music programs around the country are experiencing low enrollment, so to ensure the viability of our program, we created a cohort between the two school districts. This cohort has allowed an opportunity for those students interested to have a great experience in the marching band. We are proud of their accomplishments!

PLACES FINE ARTS STUDENTS ARE ATTENDING NEXT YEAR:

 Krystal Shumate -

American Musical and Dramatic Academy - Musical Theater Major

 Elliana (Nico) Durkee -

University of Maine Orono -

Student Arts/Marching Band Major

 Annika LeBlond -

Maine College of Arts -

Animation Major

 Caleb Labbe -

Marching with Spartan Drum and Bugle Corps - Nashua, NH

PLACES STUDENT ATHLETES

ARE ATTENDING NEXT YEAR:

 Adam Louis - SPORT

United States Army

 Julius Silva - Basketball

Southern Maine

Community College

 Patrick O’Driscoll - Lacrosse

University of Southern Maine

 Kaden Cadorette - Football

Maine Maritime Academy

 Khianna JacksonField Hockey - Assumption College

 Cece Keller - Field Hockey

Franklin Pierce University

 Grace Tardif - Track & Field

Each year, the Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) students walk over to St. Joseph’s Cemetery to help place hundreds of flags on veteran’s final resting place in honor of Memorial Day. This year, the American Legion volunteers came to BIS to help distribute an ice cream treat to every student and staff member while students shared moments of the service project over the intercom. BIS

Teacher Lori Flynn added, “Students honored the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, and it was very heartwarming. Our school community was so grateful to share in that experience.”

York County Community College

 Sarah Labbe - Soccer

Central Maine Community College

 Callum Labonte - Lacrosse

Neumann University

 Brycen Wolfahrt - Lacrosse

Neumann University

DRAMA the unfolds

The Biddeford School Department provides performing arts as part of a balanced curriculum, including standards-based experiences in general music, chorus, band, jazz band, and musical theater. Extended experiences are also available.

BMS & BHS Drama Production Photos Courtesy of Maureen Grandmaison Photography

In February 2023, the Biddeford Intermediate School Drama students performed Flower Town Ball.

In March 2023, the Biddeford Middle School Drama students performed the musical Disney’s Beauty & The Beast Jr.

In April 2023, the Biddeford High School Drama students performed the musical Pippin’.

BMS Students in Beauty & The Beast Jr.

BHS Students in Pippin’.

BMS Students in Beauty & The Beast Jr.