From the Superintendent
This is part 2 of an intermittent multi-series taking a closer look at the MSAD #51 Data Dashboard, with a continued focus on demographic data this week.
Between 2015-19, athletic participation in grades 6-12 remained steady, with more than 65% of all students participating in at least one athletic program during the academic year. As the pandemic hit, not surprisingly participation dropped off to 58%, but has rebounded incrementally since 2022, returning to pre-covid levels in 2023 and 2024. This is a good sign that there has been a full recovery of typical enthusiasm and participation in our sports programs, part of what we know to be a healthy component of a student's overall school experience.
On the flip side, there are two areas where we are monitoring our data at this time. Since covid, the number of students at GHS enrolling in one or more Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate courses dropped from a high of 70% in 2020 to a low of 42% in 2023, with a slight rebound during the 2023-24 school year. Correspondingly, the number of students attempting 3+ of the most rigorous high school courses has dropped markedly, from a high of 44% in 2020 to a low of 13% in 2023, with a slight increase in 2023-24. The standards and workload for AP and IB courses does not change over time, but we know that in our district (and nationally, too) the number of students who feel prepared and confident to attempt the most academically demanding courses has seen a precipitous drop since the pandemic. This is most likely due to the reduction of in-person learning over an 18 month period, March 2020-June 2021.
We are working hard to shore up our curriculum programming, especially in literacy and math, along with academic interventions for students who are struggling to keep pace with grade level expectations. Over the last three years, we have continued to increase our MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) staffing at all levels in order to provide targeted interventions for small groups and individual students who require additional academic support. To learn more about the district's curriculum, visit https://www.msad51.org/apps/
Now that Maine winter is upon us, a reminder that we have an inclement weather procedure for your reference HERE. Please note that if the need for a 2-hour delay falls on a day that also is scheduled as an Early Release, the entire school day will be canceled instead.
Regards,
Jeff Porter
GHS Active Minds Club members help demo at a KyleCares stress management assembly.
Grades 4 & 5 learn about coping skills at a KyleCares stress management assembly.
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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).
December 19 - Regular Meeting
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Links
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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/app
Planning Board Meeting
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.
Greely PTO Fundraiser
Stay cozy this winter with your own Greely fleece throw blanket! See below for details.
Community Notices
Community Notices are not affiliated with MSAD #51. Please contact the organization directly with any questions. For a full listing of Community Notices, please click HERE.
The Class of 2027 Presents - Winter Night of Fun!
Cannabis in Adolescence - What parents need to know
Connect. Explore. Grow - Girl Scouts of Maine
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.
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