Click here to view this weeks edition of the RSU56 Weekly Newsletter: https://5il.co/mmpc READ MORE >
The RSU 56 School board meeting will be held in person at TWK Dirigo Middle School, and on Zoom due to the current COVID situation in the River Valley. The meeting will be streamed live on our Facebook page, but if you have questions or comments for the public comment section of the meeting please connect to the meeting through the zoom link below, or in person at... READ MORE >
Click here to view this weeks edition of the RSU 56 Weekly Newsletter: https://5il.co/mepo READ MORE >
Good Morning from RSU 56. We are looking for help from the parents of our students to help us apply for more grant funding. The form below will provide information needed by the Maine Department of Education to determine RSU 56‘s eligibility status for State Economically Disadvantaged funds available under the Essential Programs & Services Funding Act. Data in... READ MORE >
Office of School Nutrition RSU 56 147 Weld St Dixfield, ME 04224 We are happy to announce that the USDA has again extended free meals to all children 18 and under through June 30, 2021. This means that all of our students will continue to have access to free breakfast and free lunch through the remainder of the school year. Although we will be... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools _________________________________________________________________________ October 9, 2020 Dear Staff, Students, and Families, Oxford County was designated as “green” today by the Maine CDC.... READ MORE >
On Wednesday, October 14, Sophomores and Juniors at DHS will need to be in school for the PSAT. Bussing will be offered. Seniors and Freshmen need to be online, via the Zoom link sent to your district email. READ MORE >
October 2, 2020 Dear Staff, Students, and Families, Oxford County was again designated as “yellow” today by the Maine CDC. RSU 56 will, therefore, continue with hybrid learning. In the RSU 56 Framework, the hybrid model was outlined in the following manner: A hybrid model would be utilized if the district was unable to meet all the CDC and/or MDOE... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools September 25, 2020 Dear Staff, Students, and Families, Oxford County was changed to a “yellow” designation today from Maine CDC. As noted by the Maine Department of Education: “Oxford County... READ MORE >
During the 14-day closure we will be offering meal delivery to those who request it. Meals will consist of both breakfast and lunch in a multiple day package. Meals are free to any child under the age of 18. Please contact your school secretary to request meal delivery for your child. Thank you!Dirigo Elementary School - 207-562-4207Dirigo Middle School -... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools September 15, 2020 Dear Staff, Students, and Families, Out of an abundance of caution, this letter is to inform you that more than one individual associated with the RSU 56 school system... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools September 14, 2020 Dear Staff, Students, and Families, Out of an abundance of caution, this letter is to inform you that an individual associated with the RSU 56 school system recently tested... READ MORE >
Dirigo High School has a beautiful new electronic sign donated in memory of Susan Holmes. This generous donation certainly reflects the positive impact that Susan had on DHS and the sports programs. Clearly she was loved and appreciated by many who wanted her legacy to continue. READ MORE >
Families/Students who have opted for virtual learning with Dirigo High School will be receiving the following letter in the mail:Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, Per your request, you will be participating in virtual learning provided by Dirigo High School. As you recall, signing up for virtual learning means that you remain a virtual learner up through the... READ MORE >
Below, please find the questions and answers from the virtual parent meeting that was held on Monday evening. If you have further questions, please feel free to email pdoyen@rsu56.org or call 562-4251. Questions and Answers from 8/17/2020 Zoom Q&A Session Q: Why do teachers need to be 6 feet away from another person but students only need to be 3 feet apart? I... READ MORE >
Please use the link below to register your student for in-school, virtual or "other" sessions in the fall:Click here to register. READ MORE >
Hello Dirigo Music Students! My name is James Hamalainen, and I am thrilled to be your new Band/Choir teacher at Dirigo High School and Dirigo Middle School. The Dirigo Music Program is ready to achieve greatness, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Although this school year will be unique in many ways, you will be able to participate in the band and choir... READ MORE >
Please join us for a Q&A session for parents and students about the Return to School Framework for DHS. You have been invited to the following event.Dirigo High School Return to School Framework Q & AWhenMon Aug 17, 2020 7pm – 8pm Eastern Time - New YorkWherehttps://zoom.us/j/96124252405?pwd=UXArcVBlM1FLL2tqSWcxS0ZsSklDUT09... READ MORE >
Please see the letter from Superintendent Doyen below, or check the following page for more information.2020-2021 Return To School InformationRegional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of... READ MORE >
School Budget Vote is Tomorrow, July 14, 2020 Please take the time to vote tomorrow on the school budget. The school budget vote will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 8:00am - 8:pm at the following locations: Canton Town Office Carthage Town Office Dixfield - American Legion Peru Town Office Quick facts: The... READ MORE >
School Budget Vote, July 14, 2020 Please take the time to vote on the school budget. The school budget vote will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 8:00am - 8:pm at the following locations: Canton Town Office Carthage Town Office Dixfield - American Legion Peru Town Office Quick facts: The School Budget is up... READ MORE >
School Budget Vote, July 14, 2020 Please take the time to vote on the school budget. The school budget vote will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 8:00am - 8:pm at the following locations: Canton Town Office Carthage Town Office Dixfield - American Legion Peru Town Office Quick facts: The School Budget is up... READ MORE >
Regrettably, the Class of 2021 must cancel Prom 2020. The decision was made in consultation with the Superintendent of Schools, and in accordance with the Maine CDC COVID-19 guidelines, the Maine Department of Education COVID-19 guidelines, and the Governor’s executive orders against large group gatherings. Our hearts are with the Class of 2020. We know they’ve... READ MORE >
Remote Public Hearing In previous years, all school systems have been required to hold an annual budget meeting to be followed by a budget validation referendum vote. This year, because of the pandemic, Governor Mills issued Executive Order #56 on June 3, 2020, providing for school districts to hold a remote public hearing and school budget referendum in lieu of a... READ MORE >
Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, It has certainly been an unusual spring and last few months of the 2019-20 school year. I truly appreciate everyone’s support during remote learning. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the extraordinary circumstances, we are making some changes to our end of year collection process. This year all laptops will need to be dropped... READ MORE >
Seniors and senior parents, please join us for a zoom graduation meeting tonight. This is the time for questions and answers. Pamela Doyen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Senior student and parent meetingTime: May 19, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/96931393678?... READ MORE >
Department of School Nutrition RSU 56 147 Weld Street Dixfield, Maine 04224 Dear Parent/Guardians: Please note the below delivery change for school meal deliveries starting next week. Meals will be delivered on Monday, May 18, Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21st next week. Starting on May 26th we will be moving to a two days a week delivery which will... READ MORE >
I arrived at work this morning to a senior prank. Nicely played, seniors! :) READ MORE >
Please join us on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 6:00pm for a zoom meeting for senior students and parents. The meeting pertains to graduation and will allow for questions and answers. The zoom link is below:Pamela Doyen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Senior student and parent meetingTime: May 19, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join... READ MORE >
Please watch a video done by the DHS Alternative Ed students of their trip to New York City earlier in the school year. READ MORE >
Due to the Governor's stay at home order, CDC recommendations, and in the interest of public safety, the decision has been made to postpone prom until Thursday, August 6th, 2020, in hopes the restrictions against gathering in large groups will be lifted by then. We are mindful of the importance of events like prom in the lives of our students, and the class of... READ MORE >
Our number one priority during remote learning is to maintain student engagement. This is not just an extension of in-school learning, it is a different type of learning altogether. We understand that the caliber of education offered is completely different. Due to the fact that remote learning is not the same as in-school learning, our grading procedures will... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools April 8, 2020 To RSU 56 Students, Parents, Guardians, Staff and Community Members, Per Maine Commissioner of Education Pender Makin’s recommendation, with Governor Mills’ approval of that... READ MORE >
Good Morning from RSU56. Due to the forecasted storm coming Thursday night into Friday morning, we are going to send out the weekend meal deliveries on Thursday instead of Friday. Students will get their Wednesday and Thursday meals today. Then their Friday, Saturday and Sunday meals on Thursday. If you have any questions please call the central office at 562-4300.... READ MORE >
March 25, 2020 Dear Community Partners – While we are currently safely isolated in our homes, G.E.A.R. Parent Network staff would like all to be aware that we are here to support the parents/caregivers in Maine who are raising children or youth with emotional and behavioral health concerns. We understand what parents are going through, all members of the... READ MORE >
March 19, 2020 Dear Parents and Guardians, We know we are living in a time of uncertainty and this situation can cause a lot of anxiety for both children and adults. The main reason for the closure of schools is that we want to enable as many people as possible to practice social distancing. We are in serious unprecedented times right now and we need each other... READ MORE >
Mental Health & Community Resources READ MORE >
March 17, 2020 Dear DHS Students and Families, The DHS staff are working diligently to transfer to remote learning. We will continue to prepare remote lessons throughout this week. We will be ready to provide remote learning opportunities starting Monday, March 23, 2020. School staff will be contacting homes this week to collect information that will help... READ MORE >
March 16, 2020 If any RSU56 staff members need help with creating remote lessons, using Google Meet, Google Classroom or anything else technology related you can reach out to our Tech Department at help@rsu56.org, or my email is bkeene@rsu56.org. The same goes for RSU56 students, if you are having trouble with your emails or school issued devices, let us know. We... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools ___________________________________________________________________________ March 16, 2020 Dear Parents/Guardians, Students and Community Members, This email is designed to provide you with... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools _____________________________________________________________________ March 15, 2020 There will be food available at the following sites, Monday through Friday for ANY child 18 or under. Free to... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools _____________________________________________________________________ March 15, 2020 Student's from RSU56 that attend the Margaret Murphy Center for their classes, will still be picked up at... READ MORE >
Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools _____________________________________________________________________ March 15, 2020 Good Afternoon: RSU 56 has been continually monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to be proactive... READ MORE >
Good afternoon. This is an important call from RSU 56. Please listen carefully. The RSU 56 schools will be closed initially from Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th. This decision was made in consultation with many stakeholders and out of an abundance of caution to follow the rapidly changing guidance regarding enhancing social distancing efforts to... READ MORE >
Tonight's Winter Sports Banquet will be modified due to the Department of Education guidelines issued today concerning mass gatherings. We will not be having a meal together in the SCC, instead, teams will proceed directly to their individual rooms to receive awards. Senior recognition and Keegan awards will take place in the individual award rooms. Awards will... READ MORE >
* Click here to download the letter below *Regional School Unit No. 56 147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224 Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075 www.rsu56.org Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools March 12, 2020 Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Community Members, RSU 56 recognizes that the recent outbreak of the respiratory illness known as... READ MORE >
Congratulations to our Forensics Team! Mr. Conant is holding Michael Dunn's (2009) Alumni Achievement Award. Adrianna Belskis was acknowledge for her career 1000+ points award as well as chosen as Maine District of the NSDA Student of the Year. Finally, Cassie Quinn (2003) was chosen as Coach of the Year award. READ MORE >
Check out the newest edition of the RSU56 weekly newsletter for what has been going on in the district this past week! Click here to read the District Newsletter. READ MORE >
Dirigo High School Students are spending today in a school assembly talking about the school culture and what they want the school to be. This activity will help craft a code of conduct for the students, staff and administrators. READ MORE >
The peak of the cold and flu season is upon us. To prevent widespread illness in our schools, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing the following symptoms. · Fever (temperature 100 or greater) · Vomiting (even once) · Diarrhea · Chills · Feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle... READ MORE >
2019 - 2020 RSU 56 School Budget VoteJanuary 7, 2020Canton Town Office: 12PM - 7PMCarthage Town Office: 12PM - 7PMDixfield Town Office: 12PM - 6PMPeru Town Office: 12PM - 7PM READ MORE >
The RSU 56 School Department utilizes all assessment data to help inform our practices at the district, school, classroom and individual levels for our students. Although we encourage students and parents to participate fully in our assessment program, it is important to note that parents/guardians may opt their child out of state testing. If you are... READ MORE >
The round 5 2019-2020 Budget Validation Meeting will be held on December 19, 2019 at Dirigo High School starting at 6:30pm.Draft 2019-2020 BudgetTown Assessment Sheet READ MORE >
Check out the newest edition of the RSU56 weekly newsletter for what has been going on in the district this past week! Click here to read the District Newsletter. READ MORE >
Happy Friday!! Check out the newest edition of the RSU56 weekly newsletter for what has been going on in the district this past week! Click here to read the District Newsletter. READ MORE >
2019-2020 Round 5 Budget Meeting ScheduleNovember 12 (reg. board mtg.) - quick presentation of potential cuts, 6:30 DHS SCC.November 19 (special board mtg) - Budget workshop (hearing from our four towns, community members, proposed cuts reviewed, board determines direction) 6:30, DHS SCC November 26 (reg. board mtg) - Board votes on budget, 6:30 DES... READ MORE >
Happy Friday!! Check out the newest edition of the RSU56 weekly newsletter for what has been going on in the district this past week! District Newsletter - 11/8/2019 READ MORE >
Happy Friday!! Check out the newest edition of the RSU56 weekly newsletter for what has been going on in the district this past week! https://5il.co/b3dx READ MORE >
The round 4 of the 2019-2020 RSU56 School budget vote is Tuesday, November 5th. RSU56 Town Voting Locations are as follows: Canton Town Office, 94 Turner Street 8am-8PM Carthage Town Office, 703A Carthage Rd. 8am-8PM Dixfield American Legion Hall, 8 River Lane 8am-8PM Peru Town Office: 26 Main St. 8am-8PM Absentee Ballots are available! READ MORE >
Twelve Dirigo High School students from Mrs. Fletcher's homeroom took part in the community service day and went to the Pine Grove Cemetery in Canton to work with the "Cemetery Ladies" and other volunteers to learn about stone cleaning and to help clean some stones, and work on documenting the layout of the cemetery. During the five hours the students were there,... READ MORE >
The DHS Gear Up team brought Jared Campbell, a singer/songwriter from upstate NY, to perform for our student body last week. His main focus is allowing his music to impact the lives of his listeners by experiencing joy, finding comfort through pain, and looking past obstacles towards living a better life. READ MORE >
These students earned their positions by creating anonymous speeches and running in our election. We chose to do anonymous speeches to ensure people were voting on the merit of a candidate's ideas and leadership qualities (as outlined in their respective speeches) rather than on popularity. These awesome young leaders will be attending JMG's Leadership Education... READ MORE >
Congratulations to the DHS Golf Team- 2019 MVC Lakewood Invitational Champions! READ MORE >
MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Seeks Students to Serve on First-ever Student CabinetLink to the Article The Maine Department of Education (DOE) today announced that it is launching its first-ever student cabinet, a group of students that will meet quarterly with Commissioner Pender Makin to discuss educational opportunities, improvements, and policy. The purpose of the... READ MORE >
Per pupil cost was asked about at the budget hearing/validation meeting. Please find the information below: Information on per pupil cost for districts can be found at:https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/FY18_PPOC_bySAU_20190314_DL.pdf As of December 1, 2018, the state average for per pupil cost was $12,197.95. RSU 56 was... READ MORE >
Dirigo Cougars Game Schedule- 9/16-9/21/19 Monday 9/16: DHS Boys Soccer @ Lisbon- 4:00 pm (Bus Leaves at 2:00) DHS Field Hockey Home v. Hall Dale- 6:30 pm Golf Home v. Winthrop- 3:30 pm Tuesday 9/17: TWKDMS Soccer @ Winthrop- 4:00 pm (Bus Leaves at 2:00) TWKDMS Field Hockey @ Spruce Mountain (Bus Leaves at 2:00) Varsity - 3:30 pm JV to Follow DHS... READ MORE >
Dirigo High School 2019-2020 Student Cell Phone Guidelines In accordance with RSU 56 School Board Policy JICJ, students will not be allowed to use their cell phones or other privately owned electronic devices during the school day. Cell phones should be silenced and away during scheduled class times including learning labs, Cougar Paw Activity Period, and RTI... READ MORE >
Please review the Round 3 budget overview by Superintendent Doyen. READ MORE >
RSU 56 has decided to disband the varsity football team for the remainder of the 2019 season. This decision came after the athletic director, superintendent of schools and board chair heard from the football coaches that the current roster poses safety risks for our students. Dirigo High School began the football season with a limited roster and has experienced... READ MORE >