May 23, 2023
Greetings RSU No. 67 staff, students, parents, and community members
It’s that time of year again when there never seems to be enough time to accomplish all that needs to be done. Our schools are abuzz with learning activities, field trips, and end-of-the-year fun, which has now returned to pre-pandemic levels. This is truly a special time of year, filled with fun, family, and celebration. This edition of the Superintendent’s Corner is dedicated to highlighting some important upcoming events that you may not want to miss.
Much of this edition of the Superintendent’s Corner is dedicated to student, staff, and family activities. However, I want to take this opportunity to also remind the citizens of Chester, Lincoln, and Mattawamkeag about the upcoming RSU No. 67 annual budget meeting this Thursday, May 25th at 6 PM in the Mattanawcook Academy Cafetorium. At this meeting, the RSU No. 67 communities will vote on each of the articles that make up the 2023 – 2024 RSU No. 67 budget. Throughout the budget process, the district has focused on meeting the needs of all students, while also being responsive to the needs of taxpayers. In the coming year, the RSU No. 67 budget is increasing by approximately 3.7%. However, with an increase in state subsidy and by utilizing available undesignated fund balances, the towns of Chester, Lincoln, and Mattawamkeag will all see reduced assessments, which means fewer tax dollars are needed for schools in comparison to 2022-2023.
Things are hopping at the Ella P. Burr Elementary School in June as we prepare to close out the school year. On June 2nd, the school will host a “Rachel’s Challenge Kindness Celebration” and on June 5 and 8, the school will conduct its annual Kindergarten Screening assessments for newly registering Kindergarten students. Finally, third grade “step-up” day, and our annual “field day” are scheduled for June 13, and our last student day (a half-day early release) will be June 14, 2023.
At Mattanawcook Junior High School, the last school dance for 7th and 8th graders will be held on June 2nd from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Dinner for 7th and 8th graders before the dance will be available at 5:30 PM in the MJHS Cafeteria. Parents/family members will be able to take pictures in front of the school and inside the gymnasium before 7:00 PM. The grades 6-8 Band/Chorus concert is scheduled for 6:00 PM on June 6th. Even if you don’t have a student at MJHS, we encourage you to come, enjoy the music, and support our students, which is greatly appreciated. The grades 4-7 academic awards are tentatively scheduled for June 12th and time will be determined at a later date. Invitations will be sent to the families of students who qualify for an award. The 8th grade “last assembly” will be held on June 14th at 1:30 PM. This is a ticketed event and available tickets have already been distributed to students. The 8th grade “step-up” day is scheduled for June 2nd.
At Mattanawcook Academy, it is going to be a very busy end of the school year. The 8th grade “step-up” day is scheduled for June 2nd along with the senior class trip that is also scheduled for June 2nd. The senior class night is scheduled for Friday, June 9th at 7 PM, with graduation exercises scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 10th at 4:00 PM in the Mattanawcook Academy gymnasium. The final school day for all students in grades 9-11 will be Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Finally, on Monday, May 29, 2023, we will recognize Memorial Day, a day in which we honor the brave men and women of our armed forces who so valiantly fought and died for our country. As a nation, we are indebted to those brave souls whose sacrifice enables each of us the opportunity to pursue life, liberty, and happiness in the greatest country in the world. Thank you.
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” Author Unknown
Until next time……….