MSAD #51 District Newsletter - February 23, 2026

From the Superintendent

Welcome back to the next stretch of the school year, albeit with a remote learning day.

We recognize that in-person learning is always the preferred and most effective approach to education, and that remote learning days can be challenging (and stressful) for students, staff, and parents/guardians alike. As such, we try to use remote learning days only when they are necessary due to weather-related conditions. Below is additional information about remote learning, including why it is part of the district's calendar, that may be helpful:

• Maine law requires that school calendars provide a minimum of 175 instructional days. Most years, the MSAD #51 calendar sets aside 176 days.
• During the pandemic, Maine law changed to allow schools the option of using remote learning days in lieu of adding in-person make-up days at the end of the school year. The vast majority of Maine schools use remote learning days to supplement the calendar so that the school year does not extend into late June.
• Additionally, the state's recent recognition of the June 19 Juneteenth holiday prompted most Maine districts to build in remote learning days so as to not extend the school year beyond this holiday.
• The MSAD #51 district calendar continues to set aside 2-3 days annually that are "traditional" in nature and are added in June as long as they fall before Juneteenth. The 2025-26 calendar only had room for 2 traditional days, given the long December break and starting after Labor Day.
• We already used both traditional days early this winter, which were added to the calendar in June. The last day of school is now Thursday, June 18, and is not expected to change.
• Due to the active winter pattern this season, for the first time in several years we have had to use remote learning days when there are weather-related conditions. The previous several winters were mild enough so that we did not have to activate remote learning days. Given that we are not yet into March, there will likely be additional remote learning days this winter.
• Typically, when there is a forecasted storm, we make every effort to send home school-issued devices for grades PK-8 in advance of the storm. However, due to the February break, devices in most cases were not sent home prior to today's storm. Many thanks to the hundreds of GMS 4-8 families who came out on Sunday evening to pick up devices. It is very much appreciated!
• MSAD #51's Remote Learning Plan includes a mix of virtual classroom instruction and independent work at every grade level. Today, we built in some flexibility based on inconsistent student access to school devices following the break.
• As a reminder, if your child may need meals on remote learning days, please contact food services director Jon Carlson directly at [email protected] in advance of a forecasted storm. The district provides shelf-stable meals for families requesting them.

Before long, spring will be on its way and we can move beyond remote learning for this school year. But, for the immediate future, they are a necessity when the weather does not cooperate. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we navigate this aspect of the school calendar.

Regards,        
Jeff Porter

We are coming back from break with a lot to celebrate!

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Full Day Wednesday

As a reminder this Wednesday will be a full day of school.

Special Note: We Need Your Help

We need help in keeping disability-designated parking spots open and available to those who need them on the school campus. A reminder that only vehicles with properly displayed decals should be parking in these marked spots. Recently, we have received numerous complaints that these spots are being used by vehicles, especially during pick up and drop off times. We recognize that drop off and pick up times can be very challenging to navigate, but designated disability spots should only be used by those who need them. As such, the Cumberland Police will be increasing monitoring and enforcement of these designated spots starting this week. Thank you for your patience during the school construction phase and for your help in keeping disabled parking spots open and available to those who need them.

 Hard Hat Chats

We’re thrilled to launch Hard Hat Chats, a brand-new, student-led interview series that goes beyond the fence line to spotlight the professionals building our One Campus One Community. In each episode, student hosts step onto the construction site to sit down with the architects, engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople who are bringing the vision to life. Hard Hat Chats gives our community an inside look at the people, processes, and passion behind the project—from early planning to concrete pours—and highlights how real-world experience connects to student aspirations. Tune in, learn something new, and get inspired by the stories shaping the future of our One Campus One Community.

Watch the 2nd episode available on our channel:https://youtu.be/lS7NkhhUo0k
Watch the 1st episode available on our channel: https://youtu.be/_41-msOU1qA?si=EIQw-U63XRFUPz81

Stay Connected 

       
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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).        

March 6- 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

Committee meetings this week:

February 24 - Curriculum
February 24 - Policy
February 27 - Finance

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

Updates!

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.

Spring Sale Coming Soon... Mark your calendars!

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.