From the Superintendent
Many thanks to those of you who have already completed the stakeholder surveys that were sent out to all parents/guardians, staff, and students in grades 3-12 earlier this week. I am pleased that we have been able to resume these surveys this year after pausing them during the pandemic. We use the anonymous data we collect for two important reasons: To identify strengths and areas of improvement, along with tracking trend data over time. If you are interested in viewing the district's summary report from the last survey administration in 2019, click HERE. After the current survey results are compiled, a summary report will be presented to the Board of Directors this spring, shared in this newsletter, and linked on the district website. Your feedback is valuable and appreciated.
It was great to see so much energy and enthusiasm at the GHS Spirit Week assembly on Thursday afternoon. Each grade level competed at various events in order to score the highest point totals. Events included hula-hoop, chess, basketball, and (my favorite) the zombie wrap contest. Great spirit from students and staff to make this week festive and memorable.
Finally, it is with sadness that I report on the passing of Janet Hotham, a long-time educational technician at MIW, after a prolonged illness. Janet was a beloved staff member who cared deeply about the children of MIW and was known for being kind to everyone. She was a true professional who did whatever was needed to help students. Most of her time was spent teaching students literacy and math skills as part of the RTI process. Last year, she jumped in without hesitation to teach a classroom for several weeks due to a need at that time. That was the way she approached her job every day; always ready to help in whatever way possible for children. Please join me in keeping Janet's family in your thoughts at this time, along with all of the staff and students of MIW whose lives were touched by her unfailing dedication and caring over the years.
Regards,
Jeff Porter
Junior and Senior classes look on during the zombie wrap competition at the GHS Spirit Assembly.
On Wednesday, March 8 almost 300 singers in grades 3-12 performed at the All District Chorus Concert at Greely Middle School.
Conductors: Jennifer Caton (3) Bethany Perkins (4-8) & Sarah Bailey (9-12)
Notices from the Office of the Superintendent
BinaxNow COVID-19 Testing
Where can I find a test?
- MSAD #51 still has a limited number of home tests available free of charge. Contact your school nurse for details.
- Visit COVIDtests.gov for information on free tests that may be available through government services.
- Anthem members: Anthem has a limited number of at-home diagnostic test kits available for certain members to order online. Log in using the SydneySM Health mobile app or at anthem.com. If you’re eligible to order an at-home test, you’ll see the option to place an order. If you don’t see that option, you’re ineligible but you still have other testing options available.
- You can still use in-person diagnostic COVID-19 testing sites. These may include your doctor’s office, a pharmacy or health clinic, or an urgent care center. Use our COVID-19 Test Site Finder to find a testing location close to you.
- At-home diagnostic tests can be purchased over the counter, online, at a local pharmacy, or from a big-box store.
Free Bus Driving Class
MSAD #51 is offering a FREE Bus Driving Class. Training will assist you in obtaining the permits required to obtain a Commercial Class B driver's license with P (passenger) & S (school bus) endorsements. Class begins Monday, April 10. If interested, email [email protected].
Greely High School Drama Club Proudly Presents

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here.
Like us on Facebook at MSAD #51
Find us Instagram @msad_51
YouTube Channel MSAD #51
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).
March 20 - Regular Meeting (5:30 PM Non- Public, Public Meeting will begin at 6:15-6:30 PM)
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo
Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos
School Building Project Information
For comprehensive information regarding the School Building Project, please visit the project page at: https://www.msad51.org/
Request for Proposals
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.
Math & Literacy Night
PTO needs your help for Family Math & Literacy Night!
Teachers and staff at Mabel I. Wilson are busy planning a Family Math & Literacy Night on March 30th! As part of this great event, they are hoping to send every child home with a "New to Me" book. To make this happen, the PTO is helping to collect LOTS of gently-used books appropriate for PreK-3rd graders. You can send in book donations (picture, chapter, fiction and/or nonfiction) with your child by March 29th. Please make a note for them to be delivered to the Mabel I. Wilson book nook for Math & Literacy Night where they will be held until the event.
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 Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday 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.
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
Contact Us | 207.829.4800