District Updates
District Updates are sent out at least once a month. If you are a family member or caregiver of a Falmouth student and are not receiving the District Updates, please contact Sharon Ross.
August 2023 - December 2023
- December 29. 2023
- December 16, 2023
- December 2, 2023
- November 17, 2023
- November 3, 2023
- October 27, 2023
- October 26, 2023 - Evening
- October 26, 2023 - afternoon
- October 26, 2023
- October 13, 2023
- September 30, 2023
- September 15, 2023
- September 1, 2023
- August 18, 2023
December 29. 2023
SUPERINTENDENT NOTES
2023 will surely stir memories for a long time to come. Arguably (and with a nod to Swifties~) the rollout of Chat GPT signaled one of the most significant and likely future-altering developments of 2023. AI has entered our lives and is beginning to transform work and learning in ways we can only begin to imagine. In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to study and reflect on how we best prepare students for the future.
As we move into 2024, our mission, Navigating Creative Pathways to Courageous, Compassionate, and Fulfilling Lives remains a relevant and powerful driver of our shared work. The outcomes we have for our students and ourselves continue to be of the utmost importance and timely:
- Clear and effective communicators
- Self-directed and lifelong learners,
- Creative and practical problem solvers
- Responsible and involved citizens
- Integrative and informed thinkers
Have a Safe and Happy New Year.
IN THE SCHOOLS
FHS winter chorus concert (during the last song they invited alumni/audience members on stage to sing)
FPS Alumni visiting Nancy Goldstone’s Art class to discuss careers in the arts
FPS Unified cornhole event
SCHOOL BOARD
January 2, 2023 at 5:30 pm in the FHS Library: School Board Workshop Meeting: Budget
January 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the FHS Theater: Rescheduled December School Board Business Meeting
Please see the School Board Webpage for meeting schedules, agendas, and additional information. Both meetings will be recorded and the videos posted following the meetings. Included in the upcoming business meeting agenda are the following reports [these are the same reports that were in the 12/18/23 agenda]:
- Superintendent Report
- Falmouth Elementary School
- Falmouth Middle School
- Falmouth High School
- Director of Special Education
- Director of Learning
- Athletic Director
- Director of Technology
- Director of Finance and Operations
UPCOMING EVENTS
The winter athletic season is in full swing! Check out the competition schedule and catch a game!
FIND US ONLINE
School Web Pages
Social Media
December 16, 2023
SUPERINTENDENT NOTES
Greetings,
Next Thursday, December 21st, is the last day of school for 2023. It’s also the shortest day of the year. We'll kick off the winter break on Friday with a little bit more sunlight each day, and much on deck for the new year. A few items of information:
2023-2024 School Calendar
The Maine Department of Education has approved our request to waive October 27th and 28th as required school days. At this time, barring snowdays, the last day of school is June 12th, 2024.
Equity and Inclusion
We had a robust day of meetings with equity consultant Lawrence Alexander, on Wednesday, November 29th. The evening culminated with a Special Board Workshop that can be viewed through this video recording link. In addition to previously reviewed studies and interviews, insights and feedback gained through the conversations with students, staff, and families over the course of the day surfaced a number of themes for attention across our district and schools. The leadership team reviewed these items and, in collaboration with Mr. Alexander, identified several themes we can confidently address this year. These include:
- Regular and ongoing communication about our work to expand equity and access
- Respectful communication and interaction among students
- Incident management and restorative justice protocols
- Resources for inclusive curriculum and restorative practices
- Hiring practices and protocols to recruit and retain exceptional staff
These stand in addition to the ongoing efforts of the School Board policy committee, where work on an Equity Vision Policy is commencing just as the Transgender and Gender-expansive Student Policy moves to the first phase of the approval process (full School Board review)..
FY 2025 Budget Process
On Wednesday, December 13th, the School Board and Town Council held a joint finance committee meeting to prepare for the budget process that begins in earnest in January. The January 2nd School Board workshop will include a review of new positions and programs, as well as a discussion of opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. Our FY25 budget development calendar can be found on the Budget Page on the district website. Informational presentations and information will be shared on that site as the winter months unfold.
Windows into learning
Our teachers continue to collaborate and create new and dynamic learning opportunities for students: revisioning units, designing new courses, and implementing high-impact instructional strategies are ongoing, and speak to a commitment to lifelong learning by our staff. While they can’t begin to capture the range of cool learning opportunities our students have everyday, our Social Media pages (see links below) are updated multiple times per week with images and stories about the learning in Falmouth Public Schools Pre-K - 12. Anyone can view these pages online: no account or registration is needed. But for those with an account, we encourage you to follow us!
Have a peaceful and restorative winter break,
Gretchen
IN THE SCHOOLS
Winter Concerts
FES
FMS - 6th grade
FMS - 7th & 8th grades
FHS
FES Students Working with Barron Center Residents
FMS Community Service Club Choose Your Charity Craft Event
SCHOOL BOARD
This month’s School Board Business Meeting will be held on Monday, December 18th and will begin at 7:00pm in the FHS Theater. This meeting will be recorded and the video will be posted following the meeting. Included in the upcoming agenda are the following reports:
- Superintendent Report
- Falmouth Elementary School
- Falmouth Middle School
- Falmouth High School
- Director of Special Education
- Director of Learning
- Athletic Director
- Director of Technology
- Director of Finance and Operations
Please see the School Board Webpage for meeting schedules, agendas, and additional information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Falmouth Public Schools will be closed Friday, December 22nd through Monday, January 1st for our winter holiday break. Enjoy!
FIND US ONLINE
School Web Pages
Social Media
December 2, 2023
SUPERINTENDENT NOTES
December has arrived!
Lawrence Alexander spent a full day in Falmouth schools this past Wednesday, meeting with students, staff, families, School Board and community members. Thank you to all who participated. For those unable to attend, the Special Board Workshop meeting can be viewed through this video link. In the upcoming days, we will be articulating next steps in our work with Mr. Alexander, based on our identified priorities and informed by the insights and feedback from these various meetings.
At the last Board meeting, we highlighted the recently finalized Community Safety Information Page now posted on our website. Developed by the District Safety Team, this page provides information about terminology and protocols we use in the district.
Although this is the season of shorter days and less daylight, it's also the time when winter sports kick into high gear and our student musicians bring music to our ears. Please enjoy the fun these next few weeks!
IN THE SCHOOLS
Four FMS students and one FHS student are running in the National USATF meet next weekend. They were interviewed by News Center Maine. They are one of only a few teams from Maine who have qualified for Nationals.
FHS celebrated the induction of 27 students into the Spanish National Honor Society, Los Navegantes de Falmouth chapter. The society recognizes the high achievements of students enrolled in Spanish:
4th grade students had the opportunity to ask questions of a NASA scientist presenting on Mars rover:
SCHOOL BOARD
This month’s School Board Workshop, on Monday, December 4th, will involve a review and discussion of district NWEA and i-ready data. This meeting will begin at 7:00pm in the FHS Library.
The following meetings are also scheduled in December:
- Wednesday, December 6th - Facilities Committee Meeting
- Friday, December 8th - Policy Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, December 13th - Policy Committee Meeting
- Friday, December 15th - Policy Committee Meeting
- Monday, December 18th - School Board Business Meeting
Please see the School Board Webpage for meeting schedules, agendas, and additional information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Grades 4 & 5 Winter concert - Dec 5
Grade 6 Winter concert - Dec 5
Grade 7&8 Winter concert - Dec 6
FHS Band Concert - Dec 13
FHS Choral Concert - Dec 19
FIND US ONLINE
School Web Pages
Social Media
November 17, 2023
UPCOMING EVENTS
This month’s School Board Business Meeting will take place on Monday, November 20th, at 7:00 pm in the High School Theater. This meeting will be recorded and the video will be posted following the meeting. Find Board Meeting Schedules and Agendas on the district website School Board Page. Included in the upcoming agenda are the following reports:
Additionally, a Special Board Workshop with Equity and Inclusion consultant, Lawrence Alexander, will be held Wednesday, November 29th at 6:30 pm in the Falmouth High School Theater. During this live-streamed event, members of the Board will have a discussion about equity and inclusion in Falmouth Schools, and community members attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. If you wish to submit a question, please complete this form up until 11:59 pm on Monday, November 27th.
Falmouth Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, November 22nd through Friday, November 24th for our November Break. Enjoy!
FIND US ONLINE
School Web Pages
Social Media
November 3, 2023
SUPERINTENDENT NOTES
May all members of our community be continuing to take good care of themselves and others in the wake of last week’s horrific events in Lewiston. We were saddened to learn that one of the victims, Bill Brackett, played on Falmouth High Schools’ baseball team between 1993 and 1994. While Bill did not attend Falmouth Schools, he was well known and cared for in Falmouth and a trailblazer for the deaf community.
Thank you to our staff, and all those involved, for the successful collaboration that went into the welcoming of our students back to campus on Monday morning. The routine, the rhythm, and the learning and laughter that occurred in our school community this week was an important step in reconnecting and taking care of one another. These wonders could not have occurred without skillful work and care-filled planning. The pictures below capture just a few precious moments from our week.
As events in Lewiston, the Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere continue to impact our community, Falmouth Public Schools continues to support respectful and constructive engagement on the challenging and complex matters before us. Our zero tolerance for words or actions of hate or intimidation, including, but not limited to, expressions of racism, anti semitism, and Islamophobia exists for this reason; and reports of such conduct will be investigated and acted upon pursuant to our policies. In our schools we persist in our work toward greater tolerance, care and admiration for each other and for our many identities and perspectives.
As we set our clocks back this weekend, and gain an hour of rest and additional early morning light, please consider connecting with our school community through one of the several events upcoming this month (see below). With strength, courage and compassion we will navigate these challenging times together.
IN THE SCHOOLS
Candy collection for U.S. soldiers at FMS this week:
FHS AP Bio Students teach 2nd grade FES students about seeds:
FHS students performing in the musical:
SCHOOL BOARD
November 6th School Board Workshop
This month’s School Board Workshop will take place on Monday, November 6th, at 7:00 pm in the High School Theater. Following a recognition of the High School Boys Golf State Champions, members of the state legislature representing Falmouth will confer with Board members about upcoming bills, and hear from the school about ongoing opportunities and challenges. This meeting will be recorded and the video will be posted following the meeting. Find Board Meeting Schedules and Agendas on the district website School Board Page.
Special Board Workshop with Lawrence Alexander rescheduled for November 29th
The Workshop with Equity and Inclusion consultant, Lawrence Alexander, originally scheduled for this past Monday has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 29th at 6:30 pm in the Falmouth High School theater. During this live-streamed event, members of the Board will have a discussion about equity and inclusion in Falmouth Schools, and community members attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. If you wish to submit a question , please complete this form up until 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 29th.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Percy Jackson Musical is on!
The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School has done a wonderful job with their production of “The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”. Opening Night was a hit—don’t miss your chance to see this wonderful production! Shows run through this weekend:
- Friday, November 3 at 7pm
- Saturday, November 4 at 2pm
- Saturday, November 4 at 7pm
- Sunday, November 5 at 5pm
Veterans Day Concert
Students from Falmouth High School Concert Band, Concert Choir, and National Honor Society will join together again this year to celebrate our Community Veterans. Please come out and join us as we honor our best and brave! There will be an assembly of readings and music, followed by a reception for the Veterans and students, Thursday, November 9th, at 1:25pm, in the high school theater. We would love to fill the theater with folks who want our veterans to feel the admiration and respect they deserve. Livestream link: https://www.falmouthschools.
FIND US ONLINE
School Web Pages
Social Media
October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
Dear Falmouth Schools Staff, Students, and Families,
I am writing to let you know that our current plan is to have school on Monday, October 30th with a one-hour delayed start for students. Reconnecting and providing routine for our students and ourselves are important steps for our community.
While police activities related to Wednesday’s violence in Lewiston are still ongoing, the Falmouth Police Department has affirmed that there is no elevated safety concern for our community at this time, and supports our return to regular operations. Other Cumberland County school districts are also planning to reopen Monday, and we don’t expect staffing to be an issue. Should there be any status changes with regards to safety or staffing, we will certainly revisit our plans.
As we resume school operations on Monday, our School Resource Officers (SROs) and other members of Falmouth PD will have a strong presence on our campus, to provide additional comfort and assurance to our community; and we will be vigilant about adhering to our regular safety precautions.
School staff have made developmentally appropriate plans to greet and support students, and school counselors and social workers will be available to provide support for those requiring additional assistance. The one-hour delayed start for students on Monday morning will allow our staff time to finalize preparations for opening the buildings.
There will be no Principal Notes this week, but building leaders will be providing more information about school plans for Monday over the course of the weekend.
At this time, please be aware of some date changes:
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The Southern Maine Athletic Association (SMAA) has postponed all competitions originally scheduled for this weekend - new dates will be announced.
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The High School Theater Productions of the Lightning Thief scheduled for tonight and tomorrow have been postponed - new dates will be announced.
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The Elementary School field trip to Portland Ovations Performance for grades 1 and 2 has been canceled.
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The meetings and School Board Special Workshop with Lawrence Alexander scheduled for Monday 10/30 have been postponed - a new date will be announced.
As we make these plans, we wish to acknowledge, honor, and respect that members of our school community have been directly and indirectly impacted in different ways by the events in our region, and will have different concerns and needs moving forward. Please continue to access the resources on our website (https://www.falmouthschools.org/community/coping) and reach out to building administration as needed.
Thank you for your collaboration, patience, and understanding as we work to make the best decisions for our community and our schools. Unless something changes, you will not hear from me over the weekend. The district will send out reminders about the one-hour delayed start for students on Monday.
Please continue to take care of yourselves, your families and one another.
Sincerely,
Gretchen A. McNulty
Superintendent of Schools
October 26, 2023 - Evening
Good evening,
I’m reaching out tonight to update you regarding plans for the possible reopening of our schools tomorrow, Friday, October 27.
As you know, we canceled school today as a precaution while police searched for the person responsible for the terrible violence in Lewiston. We continue to work with the Falmouth Police Department to monitor the situation.
If this situation is resolved on Friday morning, we will reopen our schools on their normal schedules. However, if needed, we will cancel school again tomorrow as a precautionary measure.
Either way, we will send you a message informing you of our decision before 5:15 a.m. on Friday.
If our schools reopen tomorrow, our school staff are prepared to support students in their morning meetings, advisories and crews. School counselors and social workers will be available to support those requiring additional assistance when schools reopen.
We continue to encourage you to talk with your students. We have added resources to our website at https://www.
Please look for further communication from us tomorrow morning via text, phone, and email, and posted on our website and social media.
Please continue to take care of yourselves, your families and one another.
Warmly,
Gretchen McNulty
Superintendent of Schools
October 26, 2023 - afternoon
Good afternoon,
We continue to monitor the current search that is underway for the suspect in the Lewiston shootings. I have been in frequent contact throughout the day with our law enforcement partners.
It is too early at the moment to definitively say whether or not we will be able to safely return our students to school tomorrow morning. While we all desire a return to normalcy right now, we want to make a decision that is best for students, staff and families in our district.
In the event that the situation is under control this afternoon or this evening, we will be fully prepared to have students back in the buildings tomorrow. Our building and school-based crisis teams have met throughout the day to develop communication and support plans for staff and students. In addition, the Falmouth Police Department is committed to being present at the schools and on campus tomorrow to support returning students.
The Maine Department of Education has recommended some talking points and resources when communicating with children about tragic events:
- Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of school safety like reminding children about exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.
- Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance processing the incident. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to ensure their safety.
- Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe communities and schools, communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators and parents/guardians, and accessing support for emotional needs.
Mental Health First Aid (also on the crisis tab of our website)
- Monitor and assess impact: Students and colleagues will be affected in different ways. We do not know how this event has affected people – directly and/or indirectly. Continue to assess the impact of the event on those around you.
- Be mindful of self-regulation to assist youth in maintaining a level of safety and connection.
- If you are an educator in need of additional support, The FrontLine WarmLine is also available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week by calling 207-221-8196 or texting 898-211.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988.
Additional Resources (also on the crisis tab of our website)
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers Talking to Children about the Shooting (nctsn.org). Shootings such as this tragedy evokes many emotions—sadness, grief, helplessness, anxiety, and anger. Children and adults are likely struggling with their thoughts and feelings about the stories and images of the shooting may turn to trusted adults for help and guidance.
- Resources for educators and parents to support children of different age levels manage feelings of anxiety and helplessness following a tragedy: Helping Children Cope With Tragedy Related Anxiety | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
- US Department of Health and Human Services Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/
default/files/tips-talking-to- children-after-traumatic- event.pdf - APA resources for coping with mass shootings, understanding gun violence
I will update our community as soon as I have additional information. Thank you to everyone in our community who has reached out to offer their support.
Sincerely,
Gretchen McNulty,
Superintendent of Schools
October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023
Dear Falmouth Schools Community Members,
It is our understanding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the individual believed responsible for the devastating shootings in Lewiston last night. After consultation with the Falmouth Police Department, we have decided Falmouth Public Schools will be closed today, Thursday, October 26th. Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police. Our campus will be closed (no staff/students).
Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and others impacted by this traumatic event, including members of our own community.
Violence of this nature is difficult to make sense of, for all of us. We also know that our students may be particularly shaken by this event and have concerns and questions. We have prepared some online resources for staff and families with crisis hotline information, as well as tips for talking with children.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to school principals or to me if you have additional questions or need any assistance in supporting your child.
We are hopeful that this situation will resolve quickly and will provide additional information as we know more.
Please take good care,
Gretchen McNulty
Superintendent of Schools
October 13, 2023
Happy Homecoming Weekend!
Congrats to the FHS Golf Team who earned the title of State Champions this week! The season continues, so please keep coming out to support our high school athletes (schedules here). GO NAVS!
School Board
The next School Board Business Meeting will be held on Monday, October 16th in the High School Theater. School Board Meeting information, including agendas can be found on the School Board Page of the website. The agenda for Monday’s meeting includes the following reports:
On Monday, October 30th at 6:30 pm in the Falmouth High School theater, there will be a Special School Board Workshop to provide members of the Board and Community an opportunity to learn more about our work with consultant Lawrence Alexander. The event will be live-streamed and video-recorded (posted within several days of the meeting). Additionally, community members will have the opportunity to ask questions in person, or electronically in advance. If you wish to submit a question, please complete this form up until 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 29th.
Upcoming Events
FMS PTO Fall Fun Fest | Saturday, October 21 |12-6 pm | Hurricane Meadows Farm
Bring your whole family for a day of fun and games, pick your own pumpkins, sunflower field, corn pit, paintball and SO much more! (rain date October 22). Admission $12.
FES PTO Harvest Fest | Saturday, October 21 | 11am-3pm | FES Parking Lot
The Falmouth Elementary School (FES) PTO is hosting their annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 21, from 11am - 3pm. This free event features fun games and activities, great food, contests and prizes, and is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the community. Learn more about the 2023 Harvest Fest.
September 30, 2023
Dear Students, Staff, Families and Caregivers,
As September comes to a close, I want to thank you for a great start to the school year. Our Open Houses were very well-attended, and we appreciate the time invested by staff and families/caregivers. We continue to encourage students to take part in the range of clubs, activities, and athletic programs offered through the schools.
We are very pleased to announce that Falmouth Public Schools has retained consultant Lawrence Alexander to support our efforts to create “a culture and climate that is safe, equitable, and foster wellness” (Strategic Compass Point: East). Mr. Alexander has provided trainings for Maine School Superintendents’ Association, and works with a number of area districts including MSAD 51 (Cumberland-North Yarmouth) and RSU 21 (Kennebunk). He is recognized as an expert on equity practices in school settings, and we look forward to his work with our Board, students, staff, and families in the months to come. We’ll be sharing more information in the days ahead.
The October School Board Workshop will be held on Monday, October 2nd in the Falmouth High School Library at 7:00 pm. This month’s meeting will focus on a presentation and discussion of the science of reading and Falmouth Schools’ curriculum, instruction, and assessment related to reading. We welcome members of the community to attend, and have included time for community questions about the topic as part of the workshop. Additionally, we are pleased to share that our new technology will be used to film this workshop, and we’ll post the video following the meeting. See the School Board Page of the website for additional information about Board activities.
Upcoming events to have on your radar:
- Homecoming Weekend Go Navs! - October 13-14
- FES PTO Harvest Fest - October 21
- FHS Fall Musical Lightning Thief Opening Weekend - October 27-28
Stay connected & updated:
|
School Web Pages |
Social Media |
Happy October,
Gretchen McNulty
Superintendent of Schools
September 15, 2023
Principal’s Notes
A great way to stay informed is to check out the information in Principals Notes, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to building staff and administrators with questions.
School Closure Notification Plan
Should there be a school closure, notifications and updates will go out to all parents, guardians, caregivers, and staff via email, phone, and text based on the contact information we have in Powerschool. Additionally, information will be available on various local television and radio outlets as well as on the Falmouth Schools website.
Town of Falmouth Storm Preparedness
Falmouth’s Emergency Management Team (Public Safety, Public Works, Administration, etc.) is working closely with Cumberland County EMA in preparing for Hurricane Lee. Updates will be posted via social media and the town homepage at www.falmouthme.org.
Town of Falmouth Comprehensive Plan Survey
As part of the Comprehensive Plan Update, a final community survey has been mailed to residents; but you are encouraged to take the survey online. Scan the QR code on the printed version or take the survey right now. The survey will help to confirm feedback they received from community workshops and through other engagement activities as well as current Town planning documents (e.g., Bike/Ped Plan, Open Space Plan, future Climate Action Plan).
It's important to get feedback from as many residents as possible to guide planning for Falmouth's future!
Open House Appreciation
Thank you to everyone who attended the open houses at the Middle and High School that took place this week. We are grateful for the partnership with families, and the commitment of parents and caregivers to learning more about our staff, schools, and curriculum.
The Elementary School has the following dates for their Open Houses:
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Tuesday, September 19th - Kindergarten (5:30-6:15) and Grade 1 (6:30-7:15)
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Wednesday, September 20th - Grade 2 (5:30-6:15) and Grade 3 (6:30-7:15)
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Thursday, September 21st - Grade 4 (5:30-6:15) and Grade 5 (6:30-7:15)
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Tuesday, October 3rd - Pre-K (5:30-6:15)
Additional dates and events can be found on the Calendar Page of our website.
School Board Information
All School Board Meeting and Committee Information and Agendas can be found on the School Board Page of our website. The September business meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18th at 7:00 pm in the High School..
Follow Falmouth Schools on Social Media
Consider following Falmouth Schools on Social Media:
September 1, 2023
Dear students, staff, families and caregivers,
We’re off and rolling!
Nothing beats the energy of everyone being back on campus. We are ready to continue our work: Navigating creative pathways to courageous, compassionate, and fulfilling lives.
As the year starts off, please check out the information in Principals Notes and don’t hesitate to reach out to building staff and administrators with questions.
Welcoming and Inclusive Schools
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our new Pre-K and Kindergarten students and families, as well as to the 80+ students and families who are joining Falmouth Schools this year.
At Falmouth Public Schools we celebrate each individual’s unique identity and inherent potential. We believe all staff, students and families should feel safe, welcome, included, and have a sense of belonging. The growing diversity of our schools and our communities enriches all of us. We are committed to the ongoing work of eliminating barriers to inclusion and success in keeping with our Strategic Compass Point East: A climate and culture that is safe, equitable, and foster wellness.
New Elementary School Co-Principal
We are pleased to welcome Margaret (Peg) Armstrong as Interim Co-Principal (Grades 3-5) for Falmouth Elementary School. Peg has served as a Middle and High School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, classroom Spanish teacher and school social worker. She is coming to us most recently from RSU 5 where she has worked for the last 4 years as an Instructional Strategist/ Coach at Durham and Pownal Elementary Schools. Peg will transition from her position with RSU5 over the next several weeks, and is eager and looking forward to getting started.
School Breakfast and Lunch
School Breakfast and Lunch will be free of charge to ALL enrolled students of Falmouth Public Schools for 2023-2024. Please complete a Meals Benefit Application to qualify for other income based financial opportunities such as P-EBT funding, scholarships, fee waivers. It also helps support our school funding from the State of Maine, educational grants, and E-rate. Please contact Falmouth School Nutrition with questions.
Information/Sign Offs in Powerschool
Thank you for taking the time to complete these very important forms by September 30th:
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23-24 FES School Year Policy & Permission Sign Off (required)
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Health update form (required)
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23-24 Maine Migrant Education Program (optional)
Here are directions on how to complete the sign offs/forms. If you have any questions, please contact your building administrative assistant.
Staying Healthy
Keeping our school staff and students healthy is a priority. We ask that anyone who develops symptoms to please test for COVID before coming to school, and follow the US CDC guidelines for positive cases. If you have any questions, please contact Health Services.
School Board Information
All School Board Meeting and Committee Information can be found on the School Board Page of our website. There is no School Board Workshop this month, and we encourage all families to attend the upcoming open houses to learn more about our staff, schools, and curriculum this year.
School Open Houses
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Falmouth High School: Monday, September 11th - Grades 9-12 (5:45-8:00)
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Falmouth Middle School:
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Tuesday, September 12th - 6th Grade (6:00 - 7:30)
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Wednesday, September 13th - 7th Grade (6:00 - 7:30)
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Thursday, September 14th - 8th Grade (6:00-7:30)
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Falmouth Elementary School:
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Tuesday, September 19th - Kindergarten (5:30-6:15) and Grade 1 (6:30-7:15)
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Wednesday, September 20th - Grade 2 (5:30-6:15) and Grade 3 (6:30-7:15)
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Thursday, September 21st - Grade 4 (5:30-6:15) and Grade 5 (6:30-7:15)
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Tuesday, October 3rd - Pre-K (5:30-6:15)
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See the Calendar Page of our website for the school year and events calendar.
Follow Falmouth Schools on Social Media
Consider following Falmouth Schools on Social Media:
Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend,
Gretchen McNulty
Superintendent of Schools
August 18, 2023
Dear Falmouth Students, Staff, Parents and Caregivers,
Back-to-school season has arrived, and we are gearing up for the start of the 2023-2024 school year!
The campus never stopped buzzing this summer – between Extended School Programming, Kindergarten Jumpstart, teacher planning groups, hiring committees, technology upgrades, facilities updates, and more – our staff has continued to work hard through summer to set us up for a great year ahead.
Opening Days of School
Tuesday, August 29th - Elementary School Meet & Greets
9:00-9:30 Kindergarten
10:00-10:30 Grade 2
11:00-11:30 Grade 1
12:00-12:30 Grade 4
1:00-1:30 Grade 5
2:00-2:30 Grade 3
Wednesday, August 30th - First Day for Grades 1-9
Thursday, August 31st - First Day for Kindergarten, Grades 10-12
Friday, September 1st - No School
Monday, September 4th - Labor Day
Tuesday, September 5th - First Day Pre-K
Open House Dates
Falmouth High School:
Monday, September 11th - Grades 9-12 (5:45-8:00)
Falmouth Middle School:
Tuesday, September 12th - 6th Grade (6:00 - 7:30)
Wednesday, September 13th - 7th Grade (6:00 - 7:30)
Thursday, September 14th - 8th Grade (6:00-7:30)
Falmouth Elementary School:
Tuesday, September 19th - Kindergarten (5:30-6:15) and Grade 1 (6:30-7:15)
Wednesday, September 20th - Grade 2 (5:30-6:15) and Grade 3 (6:30-7:15)
Thursday, September 21st - Grade 4 (5:30-6:15) and Grade 5 (6:30-7:15)
Monday, October 3rd - Pre-K (5:30-6:15)
See the Calendar Page of our website for school year and events calendar.
New Staff
We have an exceptional slate of new staff joining us this year, so be on the lookout for more information about these folks in Principal Updates and at start-of-year events. I am pleased to share the names of a few people in district positions you may encounter in the days ahead:
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Paul Milliken, Director of Food Services
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Mark Campbell, Assistant Director of Special Education
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Spencer Libby, 2nd High School Assistant Principal
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Stephanie Motter, District Communications Coordinator
We are in the process of identifying the right individual to serve as our Interim FES 3-5 Principal. That said, we are incredibly fortunate to have a very strong leadership team at FES, and the school is in great hands. FES 3-5 families can continue to direct questions or concerns to Chelsea Hunnewell and Stacy White.
District Email Communications
We learned earlier this summer that some Falmouth Schools emails had been going directly to SPAM. Our technology department has been working with our Email Provider (GOOGLE) to address this issue and we know great improvement has occurred. A text was sent to our families and caregivers encouraging them to check their SPAM folders and mark any emails from Falmouth Schools as 'not spam'. We hope this issue is now resolved.
School Board
This year we are looking forward to providing more access to school board meetings and workshops. In order to do this, School Board events will now be held in the High School theater or library.
The first School Board Business Meeting of the year will be held on Monday, August 21st in the High School Library. School Board Meeting information, including agendas can be found on the School Board Page of the website. The agenda for Monday’s meeting includes the following reports, which highlight the summer’s activities and other information:
Have a great start to the year!
Gretchen McNulty
Superintendent of Schools