Welcome back, Kennebunk! We’ve officially returned to our crowded staircases, initial regret of those honors and AP classes you signed up for last spring, and Friday night football games. Whether you’re walking through these hallways for the first time or the last time, this school year holds promise to be one of change– both in and out of the classroom. Will any of our fall sports prove to be state champions? Will our fall musical be SIX/six stars, or fall flat? And will homecoming be a tropically hot topic, or leave students hoping for an early winter? This year, I invite each and every one of you to pay attention, speak up, and show up for what you believe in. Here’s what you need to know as we embark on these next few months.
In school news– As the leaves begin to change, so are scoreboards– fall sports are back in full swing! Between our eight different fall sports, (Football, Volleyball, Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Golf, Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Cross Country) we are certain to have an abundance of athletic success. This fall, the theater department will transform into a royal court as the drama department takes on the musical SIX. Based on the lives of the six wives of King Henry VIII, the show turns history on its head by storytelling real people through song, dance, and glittering lights, with bold vocals and hand-made costumes by our own Herd staff member, Estelle Wackman. Don’t forget to mark your calendars, as well, since homecoming is this Saturday, from 7-10pm. The festivities don’t just start then, however– here at KHS, homecoming is an all-day celebration. Starting at 9am, the KHS Boosters will be throwing a pancake breakfast, followed by the spirit parade at 11am through downtown KHS. The parade ends back at the high school, just in time to support our very own KHS Varsity Football team as they play Massabessic in our homecoming game. This year, urge you all to get involved in our school community by trying a new sport, club, or activity! Meet new people, cheer each other on, and build long-lasting relationships.
In community news– While most of us were getting ready for back-to-school, the school board was still facing a big question: What’s going on with the district budget? In late August, voters rejected the RSU 21 budget proposal for the second time. The $62.6 million plan, which included a 5.6% increase over last year, would have included funding for new positions, and raised staff salaries & benefits. For students, this may feel like something that’s happening in the background of daily life– but in reality, it directly impacts class sizes, extracurricular activities, or access to technology. As this is going on, RSU 21 has a new face at the top: Dr. Martin Grimm has stepped in as the new superintendent, bringing a fresh perspective to our district, which has been navigating big changes. With experience in educational leadership, Grimm has taken the lead at a pivotal moment. The school budget is still unresolved, and important conversations are happening around the curriculum so we are in need of a strong sense of community.
Whatever this year has in store, we are sure to cover it and spread awareness. Focus on the now, and make this school year the best one yet! On behalf of The Herd, you got this!
Sincerely, Quinn Wherley
