BIDDEFORD — Schools opened their doors across Biddeford yesterday as the new school year kicked off after a hot and sunny summer break.

Students shuffled into the schoolyard at St. James School, reconnecting with classmates while parents snapped back-to-school photos.

Several new teachers have been added to the faculty at Saint James, including first grade teacher Nancy Pierce, sixth grade teacher Robert Travers, seventh grade teacher Emily Valentino and eighth grade teacher Jaime White, according to St. James Principal Nancy Naimey.

Naimey added that the school is very fortunate to have the highly qualified teachers added to an already hardworking faculty.

Before students left the schoolyard and entered their classrooms, priest Monsignor Mathieu, from Good Shepherd Parish, led students and parents in a prayer, followed by two St. James alums who led the gathering in the pledge of allegiance.

Over at Biddeford High School the incoming freshman class, numbering about 184 students, settled into their new school schedules and routine. This year the high school is incorporating a new program, titled the STEM academy, which focuses highly on science, technology, engineering and math.

“Ultimately it’s new at the high school,” said Karen Chasse, Director of Community Outreach and Development for Biddeford Schools. “It started in the middle school last year and is now moving with the freshman into the high school.”

The biggest new program brought on this year, Chasse said, is in the districts Pre-K system at the JFK Memorial School. Children, typically around the age of four, have enrolled and opened up positions for new teachers. 

High school faculty has for the most part remained the same from last year, however the school has hired Tracey Collins, taking on the role of career pathways coordinator. Collins is tasked with working with the business community to secure internships for students and help setup job shadowing opportunities.

In terms of renovations to the schools in the school district, Chasse said there haven’t been any major projects, however steps were taken over the summer to improve energy efficiency.

“Most of what we’ve done recently is energy efficiency stuff,” Chasse said. “We got a grant last year for $50,000 from national distributers to upgrade the lighting at the Biddeford Primary School.”

Officially, there are 344 newly enrolled students in the Biddeford School District, according to Chasse.

Other schools across York County also started class yesterday, including schools in Old Orchard Beach and Thornton Academy. Sanford, Kennebunk and towns incorporated in the Massabesic school system begin next week.

— Staff Writer Ryder Schumacher can be reached at 282-1535, or via email at [email protected].