The tri-town region's SunMeals program begins next Monday, June 22!!!!
Congratulations to our PK students ! We had a wonderful end of PK celebration this week.
Here are the works of arts done by the winners of the grades 3-5 art contests.
Here are works of the winners of the grades K-2 coloring contest.
Granite Street had an assembly to celebrate the achievements of our 3rd-5th graders. Students were recognized by specialist teachers (music, art, library, and PE), community contest winners, attendance awards, and citizenship awards.
Granite Street had an assembly to celebrate the achievements of our K-2nd graders. Students were recognized by specialist teachers (music, art, library, and PE), community contest winners, attendance awards, and citizenship awards.
On Monday, June 8, 2926 the third graders at Granite Street enjoyed their "Camping Day" activities. A few of the events included singing along to campfire songs, playing Camping Pictionary, telling campfire stories, and of course having "S'more fun!" We had many happy campers!
Page 4 of field day 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions part 2
Were staff involved in the process?
Yes. Discussions regarding the schedule adjustment occurred over several months and included school administration,leadership teams, transportation, food service, and staff conversations within both school buildings.
Was the School Board involved?
School schedules are an operational matter and do not require School Board approval. The Board was informed of the adjustments once administration confirmed the plan.
Were transportation and food service considered?
Yes. Transportation and food service were important parts of the review process. We worked closely with both areas to ensure services would continue to operate effectively under the revised schedule.
At this time, students at Granite Street School will arrive slightly later in the morning, and bus dismissal will occur before walkers and parent pickups. This will create a safer dismissal for all students. Students at Stearns Jr./Sr. High School will be transported after Granite Street School dismissal. This will allow students more time to collect their items before heading to the bus eliminating missing a bus.
Will bus routes change?
At this time, no significant bus route changes are anticipated. As usual, Mr. Bragdon will review and update bus routes before the start of school. The bus routes will continue to be shared through the newspaper by Mr. Bradgon, and the school will also share them on the website, app, and Facebook page.
How will the schedule impact extracurricular activities and student employment?
District practice currently provides that extracurricular and co-curricular activities do not begin until after 3:00 p.m which will not change. We recognize that schedule changes may require some adjustments for students and families. Historically, local employers who hire students have been supportive and flexible in working with student schedules.
Were students involved in the discussion?
Student needs are always an important consideration throughout the review process. School leaders regularly consider student experiences, participation in activities, and academic needs when evaluating decisions that affect students.
Did the district pursue a state grant related to later school start times?
The State of Maine offered a competitive, one-time grant opportunity related to later school start times. The district did not pursue the grant because we did not feel it was the right fit for our needs. Our decision regarding the schedule adjustment was not driven by grant funding.
Why was this information shared now?
The schedule adjustment was communicated before the end of the school year to provide families with the summer months to review the change and make any necessary arrangements before the start of school in the fall.
What if the new schedule creates a challenge for my family?
We understand that schedule changes can affect family routines, childcare arrangements, transportation, and supervision plans.
Families with specific concerns are encouraged to contact their building principal. School administrators will work with families to understand individual circumstances and identify potential solutions whenever possible.
Bottom Line
While the schedule adjustment may appear significant on paper, the actual change is approximately 30 minutes for both schools, although it affects each school differently.
The adjustment was developed after months of review and discussion involving administration, transportation, food service, and staff. The focus throughout the process was on creating the best possible learning environment for students while maintaining effective school operations.
For Granite Street School, the revised schedule creates a calmer and safer start to the day, we anticipate the revised schedule will create opportunities for additional programming. Students will have a scheduled 30-minute recess, and staff will continue to incorporate movement and play-based learning throughout the school day.
For Stearns Jr./Sr. High School, the revised schedule provides additional instructional opportunities and better aligns the school day with research regarding adolescent learning and development.
The district recognizes that schedule changes require adjustments for families. By communicating the adjustment before the end of the school year, families have the summer months to plan and prepare for the transition. As with any significant change, we will continue to monitor its impact and make adjustments when appropriate.
Who should I contact with questions?
Families are encouraged to contact their building principal with specific questions regarding their families needs.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our students. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall.
Shelley
Were staff involved in the process?
Yes. Discussions regarding the schedule adjustment occurred over several months and included school administration,leadership teams, transportation, food service, and staff conversations within both school buildings.
Was the School Board involved?
School schedules are an operational matter and do not require School Board approval. The Board was informed of the adjustments once administration confirmed the plan.
Were transportation and food service considered?
Yes. Transportation and food service were important parts of the review process. We worked closely with both areas to ensure services would continue to operate effectively under the revised schedule.
At this time, students at Granite Street School will arrive slightly later in the morning, and bus dismissal will occur before walkers and parent pickups. This will create a safer dismissal for all students. Students at Stearns Jr./Sr. High School will be transported after Granite Street School dismissal. This will allow students more time to collect their items before heading to the bus eliminating missing a bus.
Will bus routes change?
At this time, no significant bus route changes are anticipated. As usual, Mr. Bragdon will review and update bus routes before the start of school. The bus routes will continue to be shared through the newspaper by Mr. Bradgon, and the school will also share them on the website, app, and Facebook page.
How will the schedule impact extracurricular activities and student employment?
District practice currently provides that extracurricular and co-curricular activities do not begin until after 3:00 p.m which will not change. We recognize that schedule changes may require some adjustments for students and families. Historically, local employers who hire students have been supportive and flexible in working with student schedules.
Were students involved in the discussion?
Student needs are always an important consideration throughout the review process. School leaders regularly consider student experiences, participation in activities, and academic needs when evaluating decisions that affect students.
Did the district pursue a state grant related to later school start times?
The State of Maine offered a competitive, one-time grant opportunity related to later school start times. The district did not pursue the grant because we did not feel it was the right fit for our needs. Our decision regarding the schedule adjustment was not driven by grant funding.
Why was this information shared now?
The schedule adjustment was communicated before the end of the school year to provide families with the summer months to review the change and make any necessary arrangements before the start of school in the fall.
What if the new schedule creates a challenge for my family?
We understand that schedule changes can affect family routines, childcare arrangements, transportation, and supervision plans.
Families with specific concerns are encouraged to contact their building principal. School administrators will work with families to understand individual circumstances and identify potential solutions whenever possible.
Bottom Line
While the schedule adjustment may appear significant on paper, the actual change is approximately 30 minutes for both schools, although it affects each school differently.
The adjustment was developed after months of review and discussion involving administration, transportation, food service, and staff. The focus throughout the process was on creating the best possible learning environment for students while maintaining effective school operations.
For Granite Street School, the revised schedule creates a calmer and safer start to the day, we anticipate the revised schedule will create opportunities for additional programming. Students will have a scheduled 30-minute recess, and staff will continue to incorporate movement and play-based learning throughout the school day.
For Stearns Jr./Sr. High School, the revised schedule provides additional instructional opportunities and better aligns the school day with research regarding adolescent learning and development.
The district recognizes that schedule changes require adjustments for families. By communicating the adjustment before the end of the school year, families have the summer months to plan and prepare for the transition. As with any significant change, we will continue to monitor its impact and make adjustments when appropriate.
Who should I contact with questions?
Families are encouraged to contact their building principal with specific questions regarding their families needs.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our students. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall.
Shelley
Millinocket School Department
School Schedule Adjustment:
Frequently Asked Questions part 1
Over the past several days, families have shared questions regarding the school schedule adjustment for the 2026-2027 school year. I appreciate the thoughtful feedback and understand that changes to daily schedules can have an impact on students and families.
The following information is intended to answer some of the most common questions we have received and provide additional context regarding the adjustment.
Why is the school schedule changing?
The schedule adjustment was carefully reviewed over several months by district and school administration. During that time, we considered instructional time, student needs, transportation, food service, scheduling, safety , impact on the families and overall school operations.
The goal is to better support students while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the school day.
What are the benefits of the new schedule?
The revised schedule is expected to:
Increase instructional opportunities at both Granite Street School and Stearns Jr./Sr. High School
Create a calmer and safer start to the day for elementary students
Reduce congestion during dismissal at Granite Street School
Better align school schedules with the developmental needs of students at different grade levels
Allow additional opportunities to strengthen programs and student experiences
How does the new schedule increase instructional opportunities?
At Granite Street School, we anticipate the revised schedule will create opportunities for additional programming. Because Granite Street students will begin their day slightly later and Stearns students will begin later as well, shared staff resources such as art and music can be accessed earlier in the elementary school day. This creates opportunities to strengthen and potentially expand programming for students.
The district is exploring opportunities to continue building its music program and increase access to enrichment opportunities such as art, library, and music instruction. School schedules are still being finalized.
At Stearns Jr./Sr. High School, the schedule adjustment also provides additional instructional time within the school day.
What about recess and opportunities for movement at Granite Street School?
All Granite Street students will have a scheduled 30-minute recess period, a slight increase over this year.
While the morning recess period is being removed (15 minutes), many students did not regularly participate in that recess due to arrival schedules and other factors. As a result, many students will actually experience an increase in active play time during the school day.
In addition, Granite Street School was awarded funding to participate in the PlayLab program, an initiative focused on increasing student engagement through purposeful play and movement. Staff attended PlayLab training and have been implementing strategies designed to incorporate play-based learning into daily instruction. This work began at the PreK level and is encouraged throughout the elementary grades. Movement breaks and active learning opportunities will continue to be part of students' daily experiences.
Student data will continue to be reviewed as part of the implementation process, and staff will continue to utilize age-appropriate strategies that support student attention, focus, and learning.
School Schedule Adjustment:
Frequently Asked Questions part 1
Over the past several days, families have shared questions regarding the school schedule adjustment for the 2026-2027 school year. I appreciate the thoughtful feedback and understand that changes to daily schedules can have an impact on students and families.
The following information is intended to answer some of the most common questions we have received and provide additional context regarding the adjustment.
Why is the school schedule changing?
The schedule adjustment was carefully reviewed over several months by district and school administration. During that time, we considered instructional time, student needs, transportation, food service, scheduling, safety , impact on the families and overall school operations.
The goal is to better support students while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the school day.
What are the benefits of the new schedule?
The revised schedule is expected to:
Increase instructional opportunities at both Granite Street School and Stearns Jr./Sr. High School
Create a calmer and safer start to the day for elementary students
Reduce congestion during dismissal at Granite Street School
Better align school schedules with the developmental needs of students at different grade levels
Allow additional opportunities to strengthen programs and student experiences
How does the new schedule increase instructional opportunities?
At Granite Street School, we anticipate the revised schedule will create opportunities for additional programming. Because Granite Street students will begin their day slightly later and Stearns students will begin later as well, shared staff resources such as art and music can be accessed earlier in the elementary school day. This creates opportunities to strengthen and potentially expand programming for students.
The district is exploring opportunities to continue building its music program and increase access to enrichment opportunities such as art, library, and music instruction. School schedules are still being finalized.
At Stearns Jr./Sr. High School, the schedule adjustment also provides additional instructional time within the school day.
What about recess and opportunities for movement at Granite Street School?
All Granite Street students will have a scheduled 30-minute recess period, a slight increase over this year.
While the morning recess period is being removed (15 minutes), many students did not regularly participate in that recess due to arrival schedules and other factors. As a result, many students will actually experience an increase in active play time during the school day.
In addition, Granite Street School was awarded funding to participate in the PlayLab program, an initiative focused on increasing student engagement through purposeful play and movement. Staff attended PlayLab training and have been implementing strategies designed to incorporate play-based learning into daily instruction. This work began at the PreK level and is encouraged throughout the elementary grades. Movement breaks and active learning opportunities will continue to be part of students' daily experiences.
Student data will continue to be reviewed as part of the implementation process, and staff will continue to utilize age-appropriate strategies that support student attention, focus, and learning.
Page 3 of field day pictures.
Page 2 of field day 2026 pictures.
We had a spectacular field day at Granite Street. Thank you to Mrs. Leech for organizing the events. Thank you to all of the staff, family and community volunteers, and high school volunteers who made this a wonderful day of fun for our students.
This is page 1 of our field day pictures.
This is page 1 of our field day pictures.
There was a mistake made in the post concerning release time tomorrow, June 5th. Granite Street students will be dismissed at 11:25.
Due to class day, All students will have an early release day tomorrow, June 5, 2026. Granite students will be dismissed at 11:25.
The Millinocket School Department is making some changes next year and have highlights to share of what has been happening over the last two years. Please share with others in our community.
Stearns Jr./Sr. High School
June Menus
June Menus
Granite Street School
June Menus
June Menus
We want to hear from our families, so please fill out our schools' PBIS survey.
The link for parents with students at Stearns is https://assessment.pbisapps.org/Anon/H0y104NyXC00. The link for parents with students at Granite is https://assessment.pbisapps.org/Anon/GWy104DyXC00. These surveys close by June 10, 2026.
The link for parents with students at Stearns is https://assessment.pbisapps.org/Anon/H0y104NyXC00. The link for parents with students at Granite is https://assessment.pbisapps.org/Anon/GWy104DyXC00. These surveys close by June 10, 2026.
