By Emma Bouthillette 

Staff Writer

While Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end to summer, it is also the last weekend of summer vacation for most students in Maine, but most teachers are already back in the classroom preparing materials for the new year. 

At Sea Road School in Kennebunk, art teacher Darlene Nein was unpacking boxes of new supplies and looking for a spot to hang educational posters. 

“I can’t wait to see all the children. I have new techniques to teach them and it’s all about having fun. I really miss them,” Nein said. 

Nein spent her summer traveling to San Francisco and visiting the city’s art museums. She said she went to the Asian museum, saw a Frida Kahlo exhibit and enjoyed the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art. She said she cannot wait to share her experiences with her students and hopes they have enough time.

“I wish they could spend more time in the visual and performing arts. I would want to see them all afternoon. They are all so happy to be here,” Nein said. 

At Kennebunk Elementary School, second grade teacher Liz Roper was photocopying handouts for students. She said she is looking forward to “another group of wonderful children” to teach.

“I’m concerned about field trips that are going to be at a minimum, if any at all, this year. The field trips are activities that reinforce the curriculum,” she said.

School Administrative District 71 Superintendent Patrick Manuel said with rising oil and fuel costs, cutting field trips might be necessary. He said the administrative team will be meeting after school starts to discuss proactive ways of saving money without cutting curriculum.

“It is obvious that every school district is struggling with cost of oil and fuel. We’ll have to take measures to compensate for the costs, but it’s still too early to say what those measures will be,” Manuel said. 

Despite concerns, Manuel said he is excited for new staff members joining the district and his first year as superintendent. Previously, Manuel  served four years as assistant superintendent, a position Wayne Dorr now fills. 

“Make it the best year you can,” Manuel said. “We have a lot of opportunities for new and exciting things to learn. It is what you make of it that counts.”

Schools for grades one through nine in SAD 71 will begin Tuesday Sept. 2, while grades 10 through 12 will start the following day and kindergarten is scheduled for Thursday Sept. 4. At Consolidated School in Kennebunkport, first bell rings at 8:10 a.m. Parents should have their children at Kennebunk Elementary School by 8:15 a.m. Classes start at Sea Road School in Kennebunk by 8:10 a.m. and at the Middle School of the Kennebunks at 7:30 a.m. Students at Kennebunk High School should be ready for classes by 7:45 a.m. Bus routes and other information can be found by visiting www.msad71.net.