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~Rare 1-in-100-million ‘ghost’ lobster named Casper informs DNA research at University of New England and will join first-of-its-kind study exploring the genetic basis of unusual lobster coloration~ By Alan Bennett, Asst. Director of Communications, University of New England September 21, 2026, A rare white lobster estimated to occur in just 1 in 100 million such animals has arrived at the University of New England in Maine, where it will join ongoing research into the geneti

By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department September 14, 2026, A new collection of student-created stained glass panels is illuminating the main office at Biddeford High School (BHS), showcasing what is possible when creative teaching, hands-on learning, and community support come together. The project, titled “Illuminating the Tiger Inside,” was funded through a $1,000 Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) teacher mini-grant, which offers educators mini-grants to bring inn

By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department September 10, 2026, Patricia “Patsy” Gendron, a lifelong Biddeford resident who spent 25 years serving students and educators throughout the Biddeford School Department, has been appointed to the School Committee. Gendron will represent Ward 6, filling the vacant seat previously held by Meagan Desjardins. The School Committee confirmed Gendron’s appointment at its September 9, 2026, meeting following her nomination by Mayor and Sc

"Allegedly once all of the students exited the bus per the drivers instructions, the bus driver then left the students at the high school, and then completed their evening route returning the bus back to "base" - the students were left at the high school to seek alternate transportation on their own." September 9, 2026, This morning we've received multiple reports regarding an incident that took place yesterday at the Biddeford High School. For those who are unaware, differen

"As the founder of Biddeford Ballet, Reynolds brings her knowledge, artistry and guidance to a new home — a place where dancers of all ages can discover their potential, refine their craft, and experience the joy of movement… students will be trained in both classical Vaganova (Russian) and Cecchetti (Italian) methods as well as contemporary ballet " September 8, 2026, This evening, Biddeford Ballet, Biddeford's newest business located on its historic Main Street, held a ribb

"I’m not going to have it removed. That’s my call, not the teacher’s." - Jeremy Ray, Superintendent, Biddeford and Saco Schools September 2, 2026, Earlier today a letter was shared to social media by a parent of a student attending school in Biddeford. The letter was sent to Superintendent Jeremy Ray and was outlining the parents concerns about a pride flag that was currently displayed in a elementary classroom in a Biddeford school. Ray's response to the parent is included b

MaineHousing Awards More Than $2 Million To Help Prevent Student Homelessness In Maine Schools August 31, 2026, In a report released on August 10, 2026 by MaineHousing, the organization announced it was awarding more than $2 million to seven Maine school districts through the Student Homelessness Prevention Program (SHPP) with 240k of the funds awarded to the Biddeford School Department. The SHPP supports local efforts expected to serve nearly 1,300 students and their familie

By Karen Garnett, Saco School Department ~Three-year agreement delivers a 16.6% salary increase over three years, places 70 off-scale teachers onto the salary scale, a starting salary above $50,000, a new 100% single health insurance option, and two additional professional development days.~ August 28, 2026, The Saco School Board and the Saco Education Association (SEA) are pleased to announce a tentative agreement on a new three-year collective bargaining contract for Saco S

"Coach Gray has dedicated his career to developing student-athletes, building successful programs, and advancing the sport of lacrosse at all levels throughout Maine." July 1, 2026, According to the Biddeford School Department, BHS Lacrosse Coach Marsh Gray has recieved the 2026 "Man of the Year" award from the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association. Congratulations to BHS Coach, Marsh Gray! The National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NILCA) Man

By Alan Bennett, University of New England, Office of Communications "Residents in Biddeford and Portland report the University's highest ratings for reputation, integrity, and community impact". View the full survey results June 22, 2026, The University of New England today released the results of a comprehensive public opinion survey conducted by Emerson College Polling, finding strong levels of support, trust, and confidence in the University across Maine. Ratings were esp

~Letter to the Buzz~ June 11, 2026 By Mike Burman, Saco Resident and Former City Councilor Ward 4 I’ve been following the TA-Saco situation carefully, including the meeting on Wednesday June 10th. To be honest, I found the whole thing embarrassing. For context, I have served two terms as City Councilor for Ward 4, served on the Saco School District strategic planning committee, served as founding member of the Saco Education Foundation (originally Saco STEAM), am a Profess

"Menard just upped the anti... and it's getting kind of intense." June 9, 2026, For those following the contract negotiations between Thornton Academy and the Saco School Department, Menard just upped the anti... and it's getting kind of intense. Basically (and in the words of a millennial) in one single action, TA Headmaster Rene Menard said, "ok, you want to see gangsta? Enjoy tomorrow's school board meeting Superintendent Jeremy Ray". Say what you want about him, Menard is

By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department, Contributing Writer June 8, 2026, As Biddeford High School (BHS) celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, twelve graduating seniors have earned Maine's Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction that recognizes proficiency in English and at least one additional language and highlights the growing value of multilingual skills in college, careers, and an increasingly interconnected world. The Seal of Biliteracy is just one of ma

By Karen Garnett, Saco School Department, Contributing Writer June 8, 2026, Hundreds of young learners at Young School in Saco recently embarked on an unforgettable ocean adventure as "Chunk the Whale," a massive 43-foot inflatable humpback whale, arrived at the school. The interactive "Whale of a Day" program, sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), gave students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 the unique opportunity to step inside the life-sized whale and explor

-Attorney Sartoris’ framing of the word “Accidents.” is important. How many times have you heard, “Sorry, it was just an accident.” The connotation of “accident” is that no one is at fault.- By Patrick Conlon, Founder Bike BS June 3, 2026, Very recently Maines’ Cumberland County District Attorney Jackie Sartoris vowed to bring criminal and/or civil charges against drivers who cause crashes that injure our most vulnerable road users, pedestrians and bicyclists. In 2025 Cumber

*Warning - if you have a graduating senior, this may make you tear up a little 🫶* "From learning that life throws you curve balls (literally leaving their impact), to learning how to lead, learning that communication is key, and that being a role model comes with great responsibility, you have handled every single one with poise and ease." June 2, 2026, Yesterday, just prior to their final game of the season, the Biddeford Tigers Baseball program held a brief "Senior Night"

By Karen Garnett, Saco School Department, Contributing Writer June 1, 2026, After 24 grueling hours, 11,115 made NBA three-pointers, and an unforgettable final hour fueled by the cheers of hundreds of students, Saco Middle School (SMS) physical education teacher Ryan Martin, also known as “Dr. Buckets,” has added a fifth world record title. Martin shattered the previous Guinness World Record record of 10,703 NBA three-pointers made in a 24-hour period, adding a fourth Guinnes

"Congratulations to both teams and wishing all seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors!" May 30, 2026, Yesterday, both the BHS Lady Tigers Lacrosse and BHS Boys Lacrosse teams played their final home games of the 2026 season. The Ladys faced off against Sanford, with the boys playing Bonny Eagle. "Although not moving on to playoffs, both teams demonstrated incredible dedication and sportsmanship on the field all season", said one spectator. In addition, prior to pl

~Letter to the Buzz~ May 30, 2026 By Haley Magnell, Secretary, Thornton Academy Alumni Board, TA Class 2010 Dear Biddeford Buzz, Saturday was a landmark day for the Thornton Academy community as students, alumni, families, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate the official unveiling of the new Miles Field House, one of the largest athletic facility investments ever made by a Maine high school. The opening of the impressive new facility marks a significant miles

By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department, Contributing Writer May 29, 2026, The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 225 students during its annual End-of-Year Awards Ceremony on May 28, 2026. This year’s event marked the largest group of students recognized in the school's history. The ceremony honored juniors and seniors from Biddeford High School, Thornton Academy, Old Orchard Beach High School, and Kennebunk High S