November 24, 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to share a message of gratitude and reflect on some of the wonderful events that have taken place in our school district. I hope you will see that the following opportunities and activities truly highlight the spirit of learning, community, and collaboration that defines our district.

Our elementary school recently held a Read-a-Thon, encouraging students to develop lifelong reading habits. The event featured books such as The Magical Yet by Angela Di Terlizzi, which teaches the importance of a growth mindset. The story reminds students that it’s okay if they can’t do something “yet”—with perseverance and effort, they will succeed. The Read-a-Thon was a tremendous success, thanks to the hard work of our teachers, parents, and community volunteers who dedicated their time to make this a memorable day for our students.

Earlier this fall, all of our junior high students had the opportunity to attend the Mobile Maine Bio Lab. This hands-on experience brought science tools and techniques directly to our students, providing them with a deeper understanding of BioScience careers. This was made possible through the generous efforts of Educate Maine, a nonprofit program based in Portland, Maine.

Our junior high students also participated in the Thanksgiving Turkey Basket event, contributing food items to support local families during the holiday season. The student leadership group, made up of approximately 30 students, played an instrumental role in spreading the word and organizing the collection. Their efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to promoting kindness, gratitude, and social responsibility.

Last Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Winslow High School Drama Production of Chicago: Teen Edition. The cast and crew delivered an outstanding performance for the audience. Their dedication and talent were on full display, and it was a wonderful reminder of the creative spirit that thrives in our schools.

Two weeks ago, many of you traveled to Hampden Academy to support our Black Raiders Football Team as they competed in the Northern Maine Class D Football Championship. Our athletes, along with our outstanding cheerleading squad, made our community proud. Their dedication, both on and off the field, reflects the strength and unity of our entire community.

At the end of last week, I had the privilege of attending "Admit in a Day" at Winslow High School. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for our seniors to meet with college admissions professionals. A total of 60 out of 84 seniors participated, scheduling 153 individual appointments with representatives from a variety of colleges and universities. While I don’t yet have this year’s results, last year, 70% of our seniors participated, with 100% being admitted to at least one college during the event. Furthermore, those who participated were offered merit-based scholarships totaling over $1 million for the four years of their college education.

It’s clear that great things are happening in our schools, and I’m deeply grateful for the continued support from our parents, guardians, staff, school board and the broader community. I am also incredibly thankful for our outstanding team of professionals who work hard every day to serve your children. 

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of helping prepare your students for success in the 21st century. I look forward to continuing our partnership and celebrating many more achievements together.

Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous Thanksgiving!

Peter Thiboutot

Superintendent Winslow Public Schools