AOS 96

08/23/2026

Back-to-school conversations don’t have to be all about grades, behavior, and doing your best.

Some of the most important things we can give kids as they head into a new school year are realistic expectations about what learning and growing actually look like.

There will be mistakes. Hard assignments. Friendship changes. Awkward moments. Days they feel confident and days they don’t.

Our job isn’t to convince them that every day will be great. It’s to help them understand that they can handle the days that aren’t.

When kids know that struggle is expected, not evidence that something is wrong, they’re much more willing to keep trying, ask for help, and take healthy risks.

Save this one for the first few weeks of school. 💙

08/22/2026

Every school day, kids cross the street trusting drivers will do the right thing. Don't be the one who lets them down. Always stop when the stop-arm is out.

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Special thanks to those who honor Jen in this incredibly meaningful way 💕 If you want to nominate a teacher, be sure to do so directly on the original Jen’s Helping Hands post.

In loving memory of Jen Feeney, and to give back to those that spend their days pouring into our local children, Jen's Helping Hands is excited to announce our first ever Teachers G I V E A W A Y!

What we need from you: Tell us about your favorite teacher in the comments below!* Nominate a teacher of your choice by telling us their name, their school, and some of the great things they do for their classroom by next Monday, August 24th.

We will then randomly select two of the teachers nominated, and each of them will receive $5 0 0 from Jen's Helping Hands to kick off their school year, and help them get what they need for their classroom.

*Teachers nominated must be currently employed at a school within the AOS 96 school district: Bay Ridge (Cutler), Fort O'Brien (Machiasport), Elm Street, Washington Academy (East Machias), Whiting Village, Jonesboro, Rose M. Gaffney, Machias Memorial, or Machias Valley Christian School (Machias).*

*Jen's Helping Hands appreciates all that have donated to our Foundation thus far. Your donations make things like this possible! If you'd like to contribute to Jen's Helping Hands, please message the page for direction.*

08/09/2026

Thank you, Bucket! Our students love these opportunities 🎣 💙

07/30/2026

AOS 96

Special Education Educational Technician

Position Opening

Jonesboro Elementary School

Opening for Special Education Educational Technician

Work will include one-on-one and small group situations

Experience with Special Education and certified Educational Technician III's preferred

Willing to train and provide professional development

Applications may be obtained at the Office of the Superintendent

Nicole Case

Superintendent of Schools

AOS 96

291 Court Street

Machias, ME 04654

(207) 255-6585

Position will be filled when a suitable candidate is found

EOE

07/28/2026

🚧 Playground Closures Until Further Notice 🚧

Please note that both the Front Playground and the Pre-K Playground at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School will be closed until further notice while construction is underway to repair the roofs on the 3rd Grade Pod and Kindergarten Pod.

These temporary closures are necessary to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors during the construction process. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these important improvements to our school.

Thank you for your cooperation and support!

07/19/2026

⚽ Registration is now open!

The season will be here before we know it, and we’re excited to get kids back on the field this fall! More details and schedules coming soon!

New this year: We’ve worked with the local flag football program to coordinate schedules, so kids can participate in both sports without overlapping game times.

⚽ Register today: https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/downeastyouthsoccer

📣 We’re always looking for volunteer coaches! No experience is necessary, just a positive attitude and a willingness to help kids learn, grow, and have fun.

👟 Have gently used soccer cleats you’d like to donate? Send us a message! We’d love to help get them into the hands of another player.

➡️ Please share this post to help us spread the word!