Our first week at school was amazing! It was wonderful seeing you all again and/or meeting you and your families! I will be sending out weekly newsletters called Vine Shine Reports. I always include imporant information, upcoming events, and photos letting you see how Vine Shines every day with our students and staff. Please enjoy this edition of the Vine Shine Report!
Dear Bangor School Department Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As part of our ongoing facilities planning process, the Strategic Planning Committee is seeking feedback from our community as we work to evaluate the current and future needs of our schools.
During recent community listening sessions, we presented information about the challenges and opportunities facing our school facilities. We encourage everyone to review the presentation, which can be accessed here:
Listening Session Presentation: https://aptg.co/lB7VQQ
Within the presentation, you will find both a direct link and a QR code that will take you to a community survey. We value your perspective and encourage you to take a few moments to share your thoughts. Your feedback is an important part of this process and will help inform the committee's recommendations as we plan for the future of Bangor's schools.
The survey will remain open through September 10, 2026. We encourage you to participate before the deadline to ensure your voice is included in this important community conversation.
Thank you for your continued support of the Bangor School Department.
#WeAreBangor
Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 3
• 8:40 AM: Students permitted on playground
• 8:55 AM: Students enter classrooms
• 3:00 PM: Dismissal
Grades 4-5
• 8:35 AM: Students permitted on playground
• 8:50-9:10 AM: Homeroom/Attendance
• 3:00 PM: Dismissal
Grades 6-8
• 7:30-8:10 AM: Band, Chorus & Orchestra
• 7:50 AM: Students may arrive on school grounds
• 8:10 AM: Doors open
• 8:15-8:20 AM: Homeroom
• 2:30 PM: Dismissal
• 2:30-3:30 PM: Academic support with teachers
• 4:00 PM: Late bus departs (Monday-Thursday)
Bangor High School
• 7:45 AM: Student locker privileges
• 7:55 AM: Report to Mod 1
• 8:00 AM: Attendance
• 10:10 AM: Daily announcements
• 2:00 PM: Dismissal
• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Academic support available with teachers
• 3:45 pm: Late Bus Departs (Except Friday)
Bangor Regional Program
• 8:00 AM: Student arrival
• 2:30 PM: Dismissal
We can't wait to see our students tomorrow as we kick off another great year. Here's to a fantastic first day and an amazing school year ahead!
https://www.bangorschools.net/page/school-hours
#WeAreBangor
We are excited to welcome our new teachers and staff members who are joining our school community this year. Your energy, talents, and commitment to students will make a meaningful difference across our district.
We would also like to congratulate the following staff members on 15 years of dedication and service to the Bangor School Department:
Teachers
Heather Bendure — William S. Cohen School
Johanna Bridges — William S. Cohen School
Jill Clark — Fruit Street School
Scott Clement — Bangor High School
Annmarie Dionne — Vine Street School
Bailey Edward — James F. Doughty School
Lydia Murphy — Fairmount School
Rabyn Pelkey — Abraham Lincoln School
Kassie Saucier — Mary Snow School
Charlene Southwick — Abraham Lincoln School
Educational Technicians
Amanda Boudreau — James F. Doughty School
Libby Butterfield — Bangor High School
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, families, schools, and community. We are grateful for all you do and proud to celebrate this milestone with you!
#WeAreBangor #15YearsOfService
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year! We are very excited to welcome you to Vine Street School. Here is a short message from Principal Swett. https://youtu.be/qXrYEbq-09M
Kindergarten Kick-Off
August 25, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Open House
August 26, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
First Day of School
September 1, 9 am
For more information, contact us:
https://vinestreet.bangorschools.net/
207-941-6300
#WeAreBangor
https://app.smore.com/n/gd02s
Good morning Vine Street Families,
The 2026–2027 school year will begin in a few short weeks! I hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful summer and finding time to relax and make lasting memories together.
Welcome back to Vine Street School for another incredible academic year! We are anxious to see our hallways filled once again with the vibrant energy, curiosity, and smiles of our returning and new families. As we begin this new school year, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your outstanding support, partnership, and dedication throughout this past school year. Your continuous involvement is the heart of our strong community, and together, we will make this year an exceptional experience filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable memories for all of our students.
We have two important upcoming events at Vine Street School:
On Tuesday, August 25 from 4:30-5:30 pm, we are having our Kindergarten Kick-Off event. We welcome families to come to Vine Street School where you will meet our fabulous Kindergarten teaching team, as well as, other special members of our staff.
On Wednesday, August 26 from 4:30-5:30 pm, we will have our school wide Open House. Families are welcome to come and meet your child's teacher, see your child's new classroom, and fill out some important paperwork and sign up for 21st Century clubs. We have a before school morning club, a walking school bus and after school clubs provided by our 21st Century grant. In order for your child to participate, you must fill out some paperwork. This paperwork and more information about clubs can be found at Open House on Wednesday, August 26 from 4:30-5:30 pm.
Our talented teachers and staff are excited to welcome students back and are already preparing classrooms filled with meaningful learning experiences. We believe that strong communication, positive relationships, and a caring school climate are the foundation for student success. By working together, we can ensure every child has a rewarding and successful school year.
Vine Street School's PTO would like to welcome you to join them in supporting our school. Please take a moment to fill out this survey so they can plan this years upcoming meetings. https://forms.gle/P3oWCzdm5CShswSi6
The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 1, 2026. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and beginning another year of learning, growth, and celebration together.
Thank you for being an important part of the Vine Street School community. In the next few weeks your family will be receiving a letter from your child's teacher with additional information about the upcoming school year.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we can't wait to see you soon!
Respectfully,
Debbie Swett
Principal, Vine Street School
School may be out—but care is still in.
PCHC’s School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are open all summer long, making it easy for students to get the care they need—Take advantage of summer access to your School-Based Health Center! It’s the perfect opportunity to complete physicals, manage ongoing health needs, and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Summer visits are also a great time for parents and caregivers to tour the SBHC, meet their student’s care team, and get familiar with services available throughout the year.
Available during summer & school vacations at:
📍 Bangor High School | 207-404-8247
Services include:
✔ Annual & sports physicals
✔ Immunizations
✔ Acute care (illness or injury)
✔ Chronic disease management
✔ Mental health & substance use counseling
✔ Health education & referrals
Give your student a healthier, easier summer.
Learn more at www.PCHC.com or call for more information or to schedule an appointment.
#WeAreBangor
The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a powerful tool designed to keep you informed and engaged in your child’s education. Staying connected has never been easier!
Through the Parent Portal, you can quickly and securely access important information such as:
📅 Attendance records
📊 Grades and progress updates
📝 Report cards
📚 And more important school information
With real-time access to your child’s academic information, you can stay on top of their progress, celebrate successes, and address concerns early. The portal helps strengthen communication between families and schools, ensuring students have the support they need to succeed.
Ready to get started? Click here or copy and paste this link into your browser to sign up: https://www.bangorschools.net/forms/powerschool-parent-access
Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay involved. #WeAreBangor
Notice of Temporary Phone Service Disruption
The Bangor School Department is currently upgrading our IT systems to better serve our students, families, and staff. As part of this upgrade, there may be intermittent disruptions to phone service throughout this week.
During this time, you may experience difficulty reaching school offices by phone. If you are unable to get through, please contact your school via email or try calling again later.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these important improvements.
#WeAreBangor
Cyr Bus is looking for transportation specialists and school bus drivers or those who are interested in becoming one! School bus drivers have school vacations—school holidays and summer vacations off, (with unemployment benefits). You are home nights and weekends. We will train you for free.
Cyr Bus has PTO, attendance bonuses, a great competitive wage, employee-paid health insurance, HSA, 401k, Aflac, 3 paid snow days, and 6 weeks a year you can collect employment benefits, and there are opportunities to work more hours.
If you are in need of training to be qualified to drive a school bus, training starts soon!
Please call Judy at 207-942-3354 or Melanie at 207-949-0597
Effective June 22, 2026, through August 14, 2026, the central office will close at 1:00 PM on Fridays.
Have a wonderful and restful summer break!
https://app.smore.com/n/x2875w
The PCHC School-Based Health Center (SBHC) for the Bangor School Department is expanding to year-round services, including summer break!
🩺 Services Available:
✔️ Primary & acute medical care
✔️ Mental health services
✔️ Available to ALL Bangor School Department students and staff
📌 Location: Bangor High School (BHS) – all services provided on site
⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📞 Scheduling is easy and unchanged: Call 207-404-8247
We’re excited to continue supporting our school community—now all year long!
#WeAreBangor
Title I Public Comment Meeting
Families are invited to attend a Title I Public Comment Meeting on Monday, June 15, at 3:15 PM at Downeast School.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide families and community members an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the district's Title I program and plans for the upcoming school year. Your input helps us evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and ensure that Title I services continue to meet the needs of our students and families.
If you are unable to attend but would like to share feedback, please contact Kathy Harris-Smedberg, Assistant Superintendent, at kharrissmedberg@bangorschools.net
You will also be able to provide comments at the June 24, 2026 Bangor School Committee meeting.
Find information about the temporary Fairmount School relocation to a school within a school model at Bangor High School at the link below:
https://www.bangorschools.net/page/temporary-relocation
#WeAreBangor
Summer Lunch Program: More info at www.bangorschools.net/foodservices
Bangor Housing Splash Pad
June 29 - July 17
July 27 - August 14
Lunch 11:15 - 12:15 PM
The Rock Church
6/22 - 25
Lunch 12 - 1 PM
14th Street School
6/29 - 8/7
Breakfast 8: 30 - 9 AM
Lunch 12:30 - 1 PM
