Dear Marcia Buker Families,
On Friday afternoon as I began this letter, we were just completing our final event of May 2025 -- Plant A Seed Days! A special thanks to Garden Keeper, Te Wood, for organizing the two days of outdoor learning. The staff and community members who hosted activities planted seeds of knowledge, awareness, and stewardship through games, walks, art, music, stories, gardening, and other activities focused on plants and their relationships with the kingdoms of the earth.
Fun fact: When surveyed after hearing the story Hey Little Ant, students voted, 160 to 20 that we should not squish ants. The 20 who voted in the minority came to appreciate the ecological and social value of ant life after the story and discussion, but still think the insects are a little too scary!
The month of May is academically intense with end-of year benchmark assessments and the final push to meet learning outcomes and complete projects. Plant a Seed Days is just one way we offer a balanced curriculum and get kids away from desks and walls and into new environments to experience learning. The Bobcat Sightings video is evidence of how our Marcia Buker team nurtures the whole child.
The list of June dates for school events is below. This week features the senior walkthrough, the grade 4 and 5 spring concert for families, and the 5th grade trip to The Portland Museum of Art.
We are looking forward to a fun and strong finish to the year!
In partnership with you,
Mary
Mary Paine
Principal, Marcia Buker ES
28 High Street
Richmond, Me 04357
School (207)-737-4748
We envision a collaborative culture where the community unites to foster engaging learning experiences that empower students to thrive in a diverse and ever changing world.
Dates and Notices
June 4th Grades 4 and 5 Spring School Concert 1:00
June 4th Senior Walk through Marcia Buker, 9:45 AM
June. 5th Grade 4 and 5 Spring Family Concert 1:00
June 6th Grade 5 Portland Museum of Art
June 9th Last day of Pre-K AM 9:30 celebration and PM 1:30 celebration
June 10th Afternoon Pre-K Screening
June 10th Bikes for Books Drawing and Awards, 10:00 AM
June 11th Grade 4 Maine Maritime Museum
June 11th Pre-K Screening
June 12th 2nd Grade Field Trip to Maine Wildlife Park
June 13th Pre-K Screening
June 13th Field Day (for students and staff)
June 13th Kindergarten Last day
June 16th Grade 5 ceremony 1:00 PM
June 16th Kindergarten Screening
June 17th Kindergarten Screening
June 17th Last day of School, Early Dismissal
June Menus
Breakfast
Lunch
With the last menus of the 2024-25 school year, we would like to thank Kathy Lord, Richmond Food Service Director, for her many years of service to the children of Richmond, and her leadership in the new Richmond School Department. School Nutrition Director may be the most difficult job in public education, with more interests, policies, and financial considerations to balance than in any other sector. Kathy has handled this balancing act with skill, empathy, and joy. She has never let anything interfere with the priority of providing balanced, nutritious meals to children, while taking care of her colleagues and staff. We wish Kathy the best in her well-earned retirement.
It Takes a Village
Our gratitude goes out to John Pratte, Owner of Trail & Earth LLC, who donated 4 metal garden beds to Marcia Buker School. This valuable donation to our Bobcat Sprouts Gardens will provide lasting planting structures and many learning opportunities for our students, staff, and community.
Public Works Director, Darren Delano working with us to protect our town-owned forest learning space. (Superintendent Kempton demonstrated felling a dead tree by hand.)
Back by popular demand! The PTG is sponsoring its second-annual coin fundraiser. This year, 12 staff members are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice -- a whipped cream pie in the face! Students may 'donate" coins to any staff member. And we have spare change at school for any student who needs some!
