From the Superintendent
On September 17, 1787, the Founders signed the US Constitution in Philadelphia, establishing the United States of America and thus a grand experiment in democratic governance. Federal law requires all public schools that receive federal funds to teach age-appropriate material related to the Constitution during the week that includes September 17.
Since 1787, there have been 27 amendments to the document, the first ten (also known as the Bill of Rights) were ratified shortly after the Constitution's inception. Though this is a remarkably small number of changes considering the 238-year-history of the Constitution, it also speaks volumes about the built-in flexibility the Constitution has provided to make necessary changes when the people demand it. Some changes, such as the 27th (and latest) amendment, required immense patience. Ratified in 1992, the 27th Amendment was first proposed in 1790, taking 202 years to finally see passage, further illustrating the resilience of the democratic process that has guided our nation.
The First Amendment, often viewed as the most important, broadly encompasses the freedoms of religion, peaceful assembly, and speech. The Founders knew that a true democracy could not long survive if these freedoms were routinely threatened. National events over the last week have punctuated the fragility of free speech, specifically, in a civilized society. An act of barbarism, directed at one individual in an attempt to silence free speech and civic discourse, has the chilling effect of diminishing and threatening the rights of all of us. The Founders further understood that vigorous and honest debate, free of violence, was essential if the nation was to thrive- and -even survive. Benjamin Franklin said it this way: "Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom, and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech."
The Founders knew that the Constitution they drew up was not a finished product and was, in some instances, a deeply flawed one. But the constitutional mechanisms that were designed to be responsive to a growing and evolving nation have proven to outlast its vulnerabilities and helped us move forward even during tumultuous times. In fact, the Preamble leaves no doubt about the Founders' intentions to "To form a more perfect union," knowing that the work to do so would never be fully realized. It is an enduring relic, and one that must be taught to each new generation, so that it continues to be a living, breathing document that both guides and adjusts in a changing world. But it must be protected by each successive generation. For more information, check out these resources from the National Archives: Constitution Day resources.
Regards,
Jeff Porter 
Notices from the Office of the Superintendent
Traffic Alert – Thursday, September 18 
Please expect delays or seek an alternate route on Thursday, September 18.
A section of Campus Drive (behind MIW heading toward GMS) may be sporadically closed throughout the day due to ongoing construction at MIW.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
Curriculum Corner
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to share information regarding student testing that we will conduct in MSAD #51 at different points during this school year. As a district, it is important that we regularly assess our students to determine whether they are making sufficient academic progress. Our local assessment system includes a coordinated collection of standardized tests that we administer to students. These measures provide holistic information on individual student, school, and district progress toward the Maine Learning Results (MLR) content standards.
Maine Law requires all public schools to administer the Maine Through Year (MTY) Assessment twice a year in reading and math in grades 3-8 and the second year of high school. MSAD#51 includes students in their first year of high school in this testing. In addition, the Maine Science Assessment is required for all fifth grade, eighth grade, and third-year high school students. Maine uses the data for accountability purposes, and it is one of the primary tools used by the state to determine a school’s effectiveness.
We know participation in this assessment will be of value to our students, and we view it as an opportunity for learning, not just testing. MSAD #51 uses state assessment data to inform our decision-making regarding individual student instructional plans and each school’s programmatic curricular decisions. More information about how we use state and district assessments is available on our website at this link.
MSAD #51 is committed to providing the best educational programming and support for our families. Our school principals will provide additional information regarding the specifics of testing within each school. If you have questions regarding your child’s testing, please contact your building principal.
Sincerely,
Mar-E Trebilcock
This Saturday!
Help Keep Our Campus Clean!
After recent events, we've noticed more trash being left behind on the athletic fields. We're asking for volunteers to help with quick clean-up efforts after games and practices. Even just a few minutes of your time makes a big difference!
Let’s show pride in our school and respect for our shared spaces. Thank you for stepping up! 
Student Flu Vaccine Clinic
Friday, October 10, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM
Maine Health will be onsite Friday, October 10th from 4-7 pm at GHS in the commons to administer flu vaccines to students. Please use the link below to print and complete the consent form and the insurance information. Bring the completed forms to the clinic to receive your vaccine.
Flu Clinic Consent Form and Insurance Information Card
If you can’t attend the MSAD #51 Student Flu Vaccine Clinic, you can visit your healthcare provider or your local pharmacy for a flu vaccine. The seasonal influenza vaccine is covered by MOST insurance plans at no cost to you!
OR
Find a list of additional flu vaccine provider sites near you.
FREE Bus Classes are Back!
Contact Fran Prentice at [email protected]
Join the MSAD #51 Team!
Check out the positions we are hiring for. See any you are interested in? Apply today at: https://msad51.schoolspring.com/
Paper applications can be picked up at the District Office.
Stay Connected
Click on the icon above to connect with MSAD #51.
Find all the ways MSAD #51 shares information.
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).
September 25 - Regular Meeting
Committee meetings this week:
September 16 - Equity LSC
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo)
Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos
Community Notices
Community Notices are not affiliated with MSAD #51. Please contact the organization directly with any questions. Here is a full listing of Community Notices.
Hashi- Maine 2025 Reception
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.
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
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