MSAD #51 District Newsletter - January 12, 2026

From the Superintendent

Now that we've used up the two traditional weather-related cancellation days for the year, the next inclement weather day will be a Remote Learning Day. Most years have three days built in, but because of the long December break and starting the school year after Labor Day, we only had two days in the calendar to play with this year. Please note that the last day of school is now June 18 (early release).

For reference, here's the district's procedure for all weather-related cancellations and delays, including remote learning days: School Weather Closing Letter -Annual Notification. 

Below is a reminder about what to expect on a remote learning day. Individual schools will send out more specific information about remote learning as needed.

• All students will have access to Concurrent Learning activities. Concurrent Learning is when there are live instruction/direction/class meetings for students provided by the teacher for at least part of the school day. Teachers are expected to provide students with instructional details (Google meet link, assignments outlined in Google classroom or other means). Each school will provide more details as needed.

• Remote Learning days for this purpose will follow the early release schedule for students:

• Grades 6-12:    7:50 AM-11:35 AM

• Grades PK-5:   8:50 AM-12:35 PM

• Students are considered to be ‘in attendance’ when they have attended scheduled remote sessions and/or completed assigned learning activities. 

• In the event that a student cannot access scheduled remote sessions due to a power outage, this will be handled as an excused absence.

• Schools will communicate additional specific grade-level expectations out to families as needed, including how to handle/distribute technology devices in advance of a potential storm (as applicable based on grade level).

• Food Services will provide meals to students in advance of a remote learning day, upon request.

More details regarding each school's remote day can be found on the District Remote Learning Plan.

Regards,        
Jeff Porter

As part of the CKLA Knowledge unit on Astronomy, First grade had a Google meet with two Aerospace engineers. One of the young women works to design and test the rocket engine that powers spaceships, satellites and the rovers on Mars into space.  The other works to design habitats to be used in space and eventually on the moon.  Students learned so much about engineering and space!

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for MSAD #51 (Cumberland-North Yarmouth) will begin on January 12, 2026. If your child will be five years old on or before October 15, 2026, they are eligible to attend kindergarten this fall.

Additionally, if you have a student currently enrolled in a private school or being homeschooled and would like them to attend Mabel I. Wilson School in the fall, please register your child online at www.msad51.org by January 23, 2026. We want to ensure all incoming students are included in the placement process for the 2026-27 school year. If you have any questions, please call at 829-4825 or email the MIW office.    

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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).        

January 15 -PreK Workshop

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/ apps/pages/building_project

Update- Demolition

As part of the One Campus project, the new MSAD 51 Facilities building is now complete and being occupied by our Facilities staff. Abatement of the maintenance building has occurred over the last two weeks in accordance with Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidelines. Demolition of the old maintenance building, which is located on the construction site of the new PK-1 school building, is expected to take place on Monday, January 19 (MLK holiday) when school is not in session.  There will be heavy equipment on the site which could impact traffic on campus that day, especially the GCA side of the high school. Please avoid this area of the campus on Jan. 19. Clean up of the site is expected on Tuesday, Jan. 20, with minor traffic delays possible on the 20th.

One Campus Update:

 Don't forget to check out the One Campus Photo Album to see up-to-date information and to watch the latest episode of Hard Hat Chats!

Useful Links

Employment Opportunities

MSAD #51 Website

Strategic Plan

District Calendar

GHS Athletics Schedule

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.