September 2025 eNews

Summer is over, school has resumed, and colder weather is just around the corner. It's only a matter of time before we have beautiful fall foliage back on the trees.


Check out our September newsletter to learn more about what is happening in the RSU5 community this month.

Fall Programs - Last Chance to Register!


Below is a list of programs that start soon - we would love to add a few more participants to each class!


To register for these programs, you can click on their titles or click here to view all of our upcoming programs for fall and winter.


Tumbling & Fitness: Balance & Power


We are now offering a Tumbling & Fitness class for older athletes! Children in grades 3-6 can sign up to learn and improve basic gymnastics floor and beam skills. Practice handstands, cartwheels, round-offs, rolls, and more while building strength, agility, balance, and flexibility. Late fall and winter registrations now available!


Mad Science: Science Surprise!


New sessions for this program begin the week of Sept 22. Sign up now to reserve your spot! Classes available at MSS, MLS, and DCS.


SparkYou: Slime Masters


There is still space in this program if you'd like to join! A new session starts this week at MSS for grades 2-5, or you can join the K-2 group at MLS which has only had one class so far.


Tea Tasting for Adults


Join us for this one-time class to learn about and taste different styles of tea. We will discuss the history, culture, cultivation, and quality of each tea over light snacks.


Basic Photography


Sign up for this class to learn the basics of photography - understand your camera settings, practice photo composition, and discuss practical tips or get feedback on your images.


Photo Editing


Learn how to use LightRoom and Photoshop in this class. Organize, edit, and adjust your photos to make consistent, high quality improvements to your photos.


First Aid, CPR & AED For Adults


Join this course to learn and practice the skills of first aid, CPR, and AED use. This class led by American Red Cross will leave you with the essential knowledge and ability to help in an emergency situation until EMS arrives. By attending both classes, you will receive the American Red Cross Certification.


Age-Friendly Events in Freeport/Pownal


Our partners at Freeport Community Services offer community events taking place regularly at their location at 53 Depot Street in Freeport:


Art Van


Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month, from 10:30am-12pm. Meet in the FCS courtyard to create art with your neighbors.


Tech Time with the Library


Every 1st Thursday of the month, from 1-3pm. Meet in the FCS lobby. Come with questions, curiosity, and any gadgets you may need help troubleshooting!


Reminder to Use Credits on Your Accounts!


Many credits have been issued over the past year, which means you could register for a program using money that has already been applied to your account. To see whether or not you have a credit, you can log into your profile at this link - after logging in, click "My Account" and any credits will be listed under the "Account" menu on the left (see example image below).



Information on Scholarships


One of our goals here at Community Programs is to make our programming accessible to everyone. To help us reach that goal, we offer scholarship funding to anyone who may need it - all you have to do is apply!


If you are interested in applying for a scholarship (full or partial), we ask you to please submit our application form BEFORE registering for the program. The earlier we are able to process these requests, the better, as it helps us budget and plan our programming each season. You may submit your application/request to our office by emailing the completed form to cp@rsu5.org. All information provided will be kept confidential.



Adult Education


Don’t Miss Out on Free College!


The Free Community College benefit ends December 31 — which means time is running out! If you’re thinking about completing your HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), now is the time to finish and lock in this incredible opportunity! Complete your HiSET before the deadline and take advantage of tuition-free college while it lasts. Let’s make it happen!


Contact our Adult Ed Coordinator Liza Gerber at:


207-865-6171 x322 or GerberM@rsu5.org



Laugh & Learn


Our Laugh & Learn programs in Durham, Freeport and Pownal schools have started up again and we’ve had a great first couple of days welcoming newcomers and returning children. We’ve had many conversations about summer fun, and goals and ideas for this school year! 


We also just had a brand new playground installed at the ELC - check out the images below:


Our Laugh & Learn team works hard to prepare an inclusive, educational and fun environment for children throughout the school year and this year, we hope to grow and become even more involved in our school and local communities. 


Registration for Laugh & Learn Preschool, Before and After Care is open however spaces are filling up fast for the 2025-2026 school year. Visit the Laugh & Learn page on our website for more details and to begin the registration process. Any questions? Reach out to: ChildhoodEd@rsu5.org


Laugh & Learn programs are growing so fast that we’re looking to add more teachers to our team! This fun and fulfilling position can be viewed and applied for by visiting this link. Questions? Please reach out to: ChildhoodEd@rsu5.org


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