From organizing Christmas lights and cleaning trails to cleaning and organizing a recreation hall and placing flags for veterans, nearly 500 Biddeford Middle School (BMS) students in grades 5 through 7 took part in a Community Day of Service this week.
Seventh-grade students volunteered on Wednesday, May 21, followed by sixth and fifth-grade students on Thursday, May 22. BMS students volunteered at more than a dozen local sites, including Saco Bay trails, Oak Grove Cemetery, Ocean Park Association, the Heart of Biddeford, My Place Teen Center, and Biddeford Public Works. Projects ranged from stocking shelves, placing veterans’ flags, and trail maintenance to weeding and cleaning Clifford and Rotary Parks.
“This is about more than just community service,” said Principal Scott Descoteaux. “It’s about helping our students recognize their impact. When they see the difference their hands can make—whether planting a garden or simply cleaning up a park—they begin to understand the value of teamwork, empathy, and giving back.”
The effort was made possible through partnerships with over 12 local organizations, including The Heart of Biddeford, Saco Bay Trails, Ocean Park Association, Biddeford Recreation, The Pines Community, and multiple local cemeteries.
“What can you get done with 15 kids at the Rec Hall? Benches and supplies are now back at the tennis courts, outside benches are out along with trash containers, floors are swept, windows are washed, and things are wiped down, “said Debbie Sousa, a volunteer with The Ocean Park Association. “What an awesome job! A big thank you to the Biddeford Middle School students!”
Sue Slee, the President of Saco Bay Trails, was also very appreciative of the work both 6th and 7th graders did, adding, “The kids were all extremely cooperative. They worked very hard and got a lot accomplished.”
For many students, the day is as meaningful as it is memorable. “The Day of Service is fun because you get to do nice things for people,” said BMS 6th-grade student Kaden Hinson. “At first I didn’t think it would matter, but by the end, I realized we really made a difference.”
The Community Day of Service is part of Biddeford Middle School’s broader focus on civic engagement and character development, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world responsibility. BMS 5th grade teacher Deb Chapman, who helped her students place flags at the local cemeteries, said, “Placing the flags on the gravestones of veterans was a great experience for students. They were in awe at just how many flags needed to be placed in order to honor all who served.”
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BMS 7th-graders after picking up trash at Rotary Park: (L-R) Nina Chiong, Milian Jackson, Tessa Matherene, and Brooke Dow.
BMS 6th-graders Nickolas McPhee and Nora LeBlanc clearing the Ferry Landing Trail in Saco. 
BMS 5th-grader William Davis salutes a veteran after placing a flag in their honor at Woodlawn Cemetery in Biddeford as part of the school-wide Community Day of Service.
BMS 5th-graders (L-R) Austin Newport, Landon Nolette, Fernando Muhingo, and Mardo Ana pose for a picture at St. Demetrios Cemetery in Biddeford as they prepare to place flags on veterans' graves.