Kids and their parents streamed onto the Mapleton Elementary School playground Sept. 2 with big smiles and zip in their steps. It was the first day of the new 2025-2026 school year and the students, teachers and parents were eager to see each other.
Dan Duprey, school principal, greeted everyone as they arrived. Whether walking from the parking lot or arriving by bus, he greeted every student and parent by name with a smile and a warm hello. Occasionally, he teased some students with “Wow! You back again?” before giving every student his hallmark high five.
Teachers greeted their students from last year and met their new students. Teachers had prepared their rooms. On the first day they were carrying signs that listed their names and grades. When the opening bell rang, everyone hurried to line up with their teachers.
Parents who were with their children joined in for a special ceremony held to open the school for the new year.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
When everyone had lined up on the playground, Duprey welcomed everyone and thanked parents for attending. He led a parade of students and teachers by grade around the front of the school to the flagpole and led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. He asked students, teachers and parents to unite in making this the best school year for everyone. He then read a poem that expressed the importance of nurturing seeds and young plants to full blossoms.
Before opening the school, Duprey made a plea for parents and students to be understanding as staff and students get into a routine, especially with the adjusting of bus pickup and drop-off times. He unlocked the door and invited students and teachers to start their new year.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Fair fall festival
On Thursday the Mapleton Lions Club will open the Mapleton Lions Den at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds for Crisp Nights and Carnival Lights. The four-day event features Smokey’s Greater Shows.
The Lions will serve fair food and doughboys, and have added chicken fingers to the menu.
Their food booth will be open Thursday and Friday, Sept. 11 and 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 and 14, from noon to 8 p.m.
Baked ham dinner
The Haystack Historical Society will host their annual baked ham dinner on Saturday, Sept. 20.
The dinner is a longstanding tradition that has been enjoyed by many residents of Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill. This year folks will be able to dine in the museum or do a drive-thru.
The menu will be honey baked ham, fresh-made potato salad, baked beans, dessert squares and soft drinks or water. The charge will be $12 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
This year a roasted hot dog meal will available for children under 12 for $5 that will include a hot dog, potato salad or chips, dessert and soft drinks or water.
As always, all funds raised will support the operations of the museum.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
