NEWS | Schools to host annual ‘Biddeford & Saco Rising’ event

The Sept. 17 event is an opportunity for family engagement, strengthening connections and learning more about available community resources.

By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department

As a continued effort to better engage with students and their families, the Biddeford and Saco school departments are hosting their annual Biddeford & Saco Rising gathering on Thursday, September 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Biddeford High School, 20 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford.

The event is focused on families of PreK-12 students in Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton, with free childcare, community resources, translation services and light refreshments provided.

“Our schools are often the first place families turn to when they have a question, need support, or are simply trying to find their way in a new community,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools. “Biddeford & Saco Rising gives us an opportunity to bring people together, build relationships, and make it easier for families to connect with the many resources available right here in our communities.

“We want every family to leave knowing they belong, they are valued, and there are people ready to help,” Ray added.

The event aims to achieve several key goals, including enhancing school-to-home communication and connecting families with community resources, such as athletic and camp opportunities for kids and social services.

The event will offer free car seat checks, a raffle with giveaways and information on essential community services such as medical and dental care, legal support, financial assistance, housing and nutrition services to build trust and engagement between the community, schools and families.

Community organizations that will be present to provide local resources include: Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition, Disability Rights Maine, Kids Free to Grow, Adult Education, Apex Youth Connections, My Place Teen Center, Beacon Builds, Center for Grieving Children, MaineHealth, Partners for Healthier Communities, Caring Unlimited, YMCA of Southern Maine, York County Community Action Corporation, Spurwink, United Way of Southern Maine, Youth Full Maine and many more.

Biddeford and Saco schools believe that every student benefits when schools and families are supported by strong community partnerships.

A diverse student body enriches our classrooms, and we are committed to ensuring all students and their families can access the resources they need to thrive.

The tri-district Welcome Center — with offices at Biddeford Middle School and a satellite office at Young School in Saco — serves as a hub for connecting families to school services and vital community supports.

Whether registering new students or linking families to vital social services, the Welcome Center underscores our commitment to making sure every child and family feels welcomed, supported, and connected. The services of The Welcome Center are made possible by several grants, including grants from Catholic Charities, Governor Mills’ Office, and the McKinney-Vento office at the Maine Department of Education.

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