These Cougars Care! We are happy to share that our food drive raised 850+ items for our food pantry, our toiletries and clothing are well stocked in the Cougar Den, and the TWKDMS Veterans' Day Luncheon served a Turkey Dinner to 30+ guests. This week, our staff hosted over 250 parent-teacher conferences; these late nights were made better thanks to the generosity of our PTO, who put meals together for us while also running a fundraiser. It has been a busy couple of weeks, and we're only getting started as we move into our winter sports seasons! If you have ever considered volunteering to help out at TWKDMS, send Mr. Long a note at
jlong@rsu56.org. At its best, a school is an extension of its community. We're doing good things here. Want to join the movement? Go Cougars!
about 3 hours ago, Jason Long
The TWKDMS Winter "Want and Wear," sponsored by the DDF Toy Drive, is underway. There is only 1 week for students to apply; the deadline is Friday, November 14. TWKDMS students are invited to apply for two items: One item ($20-$25) that they “want,” and one article of clothing to "wear" (shoes, winter gear, shirts, pants, pajamas, socks, etc.). The forms are available in the Main Office. The DDF Toy Drive will try to fulfill as many requests as possible, but completing an application does not guarantee selection. Only the Main Office sees the applications, and then we give the DDF Toy Drive folks just the list of items that have been requested. They make the purchases, bring us the items, and then we distribute the items at school. Parents may make requests on behalf of students, but the students must attend TWKDMS to be eligible. Go Cougars!
6 days ago, Jason Long
Attention Parents/Guardians and Community: Our drill has concluded, and we have returned to our regularly scheduled classes. Go Cougars!
6 days ago, Jason Long
Attention Parents/Guardians and Community: TWKDMS is conducting a brief evacuation drill with the support of our partners from the Oxford County Sheriff's Office, Dixfield Fire Company, and Med-Care Ambulance. We expect to return to normal classes shortly.
6 days ago, Jason Long
A few weeks ago, Region 9's Heavy Equipment Instructor, Mr. Trenoweth, came to TWKDMS as part of our "Region 9 Experience" series. Mr. Trenoweth had 30+ students sign up, and they got to check out the excavator he hauled over to the school and compete in a communication challenge. In the challenge, students attempted to assemble an item while getting the directions over a walkie-talkie. The kids had a blast and left with a newfound respect for worksite communication.
Students at TWKDMS earn points throughout the year for things like good attendance, passing grades, positive behaviors, and more. They can save up and spend these points on prizes, gym time, or experiences like this. Region 9 sends us a different program each month. Next up - Culinary Arts. I love seeing how our students save up their points for these opportunities! Go Cougars!
9 days ago, Jason Long
Attention Parents/Guardians/Community: TWKDMS will be holding a "rally point" drill this Friday. We will announce the start and end of the drill via the website and social media, as well as post signs (as we always do). We are working in coordination with the Oxford County Sheriff's Office. The main point of the drill is to confirm our off-campus evacuation routes, and then we will return to the regular school day. Also, Friday is looking like it will be a little chilly. Please make sure your middle schooler remembers their coat. Go Cougars.
10 days ago, Jason Long
Good vision plays a vital role in every student’s success—both inside and outside the classroom. Uncorrected
vision problems can lead to difficulty concentrating, disruptive behavior, and struggles with learning and
participation. Beyond academics, poor vision can also affect a child’s social and athletic development.
At VIP Eyes Auburn, we understand that for many families, the cost of eyeglasses can be a challenge. That’s
why we’re proud to continue our mission of giving back to our community through our Annual Gives Back
Day, established in 2015. Our goal is simple: to help as many students as possible see clearly and confidently.
Event Details Date: Wednesday, November 26th Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: VIP Eyes Auburn 120 Center St Plaza Auburn
10 days ago, RSU56 Updates
Here is the November lunch menu.
11 days ago, Lisa Sanborn
If you or your family are worried about food during the government shutdown
shutdown, help is available.
15 days ago, Lisa Sanborn
Gru, Dr. Nefario, and the Purple Minions are out in full force for Minion Monday. Reminder - as part of Spirit Week, the food drive makes up 50% of the total score to see which grade wins the week. Go Cougars!
18 days ago, Jason Long
Attention parents and guardians of 5th-8th graders!!!
Winter sports REGISTRATION DEADLINE is THURSDAY 10/30!
If your child is planning to participate in a middle school sport this winter, check out this website (schools.snap.app/dirigo) to complete all necessary paperwork. If your child played a middle school sport this fall you still need to go to this website, but you will just need to click on the sports they want to participate in (you do not have to create a new account or refill out forms).
Please remember middle school sports are open to grade 5 students when there are spaces available so it might not be and option in every sport.
18 days ago, Sara Thurston
Let’s kick this fundraiser into gear - TWKDMS has partnered with Hype Socks to bring you high-quality Dirigo athletic socks just in time for the holidays! We are minimizing our profit margin and selling each pair for just $15. We sampled the product and went with Hype Socks because they really are high quality - and they rock with school spirit. Orders need to be placed online by 11/13/25, and then the company will send the socks to TWKDMS by 12/10/25. At that point, we will send socks home with your student, or you can pick them up at the school yourself. See the link below to check them out! This is to raise money for fun stuff at the school, and let folks get a new kind of Dirigo gear. Go Cougars! https://twkellydirigomiddleschoolsocks.itemorder.com/shop/home/
20 days ago, Jason Long
Reminders about the TWKDMS Dance tonight: 1. The dance starts at 6:30, and students must arrive by 7:00 (we will not admit new students after 7:00). 2. The dance is over at 9:00 pm, and students wishing to leave early need to have their parents contact Mr. Long. 3. This is a Halloween-themed dance, and school-appropriate costumes are allowed. However, students planning to wear costumes should bring a change of clothes in case Mr. Long decides, for any reason, that their costume is not a good fit for the dance. 4. Students must be ELIGIBLE (passing all classes as of the last grade check) to attend the dance. 5. Unlike elementary dances, parents may not stick around unless they are pre-approved chaperones (you can come in and take a quick picture, but that is it). 6. There are snacks for sale, so a little pocket money wouldn't hurt. If you have any questions, give us a call at 562-7552. Go Cougars!
21 days ago, Jason Long
Dear RSU 56 Parents/Guardians,
Friends of the River Valley is a nonprofit organization that seeks to better the lives of kids living in the River Valley. They help sponsor a number of activities (including the DDF Toy Drive and the DES Bryant Pond trip for grade 5 students), and are looking for some input from parents in our area. If you are willing, please take this SHORT survey to provide this organization with information and insight regarding the needs and strengths in our area.
Click on the link below to take the survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-AMGwIVWrent5UNkHd1zex2vdtSiWNBl_lU5fri2kOpQakQ/viewform?usp=header21 days ago, Jason Long
TWKDMS is having a food drive next week! All food collected will be used to restock the TWKDMS food pantry for our school's use during the year. The kids will earn "points" as part of the grade vs grade spirit week competition. We are collecting anything non-perishable, but the most useful contributions are: boxes of granola bars, cereals, macaroni and cheese, and other things that are ready or eat or simple to prepare/cook. If you want to contribute as a community member, we recommend giving your food to a TWKDMS student to bring in as part of the competition. This is only a one-week challenge - so let's stock up and Go Cougars!
22 days ago, Jason Long
Attention Parents/Guardians: Students are coming home today with a blue paper that has instructions for Parent Teacher Conference sign-ups (first-come, first-served, starts online at 7:00 am on Friday, see the paper for more details) and information about our upcoming Veterans' Day luncheon. (After my pink hair experience last spring, please forgive the remaining bleached top) Go Cougars!
22 days ago, Jason Long
The PTO and Student Council are excited to announce our fourth annual TWKDMS Veterans’ Luncheon on Monday, November 10th, 2025. It will be at the school from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm. As is our tradition, any TWKDMS student may invite a Veteran in their life to join us for a spectacular free Thanksgiving-style lunch by contacting the Main Office at 562-7552. Please RSVP by Friday, October 31, 2025. Go Cougars!
23 days ago, Jason Long
Get ready for our spirit week!
24 days ago, Lisa Sanborn
24 days ago, Lisa Sanborn
Attention Parents/Guardians: Parent Teacher Conference sign ups start at 7:00 am on Friday, 10/24/25. The link (
https://bit.ly/PTCTWKDMS) will NOT work until that time.
The conference dates are Monday, November 10, 2025, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. , and Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Sign-ups start ONLINE at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025. Appointments are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call the school at 562-7552 if you need help signing up or to make changes. However, no signs up will happen before the portal goes live this Friday at 7:00 am.
24 days ago, Jason Long
