Smart Starts for Students accepting registrations for the fall

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Penquis’ Smart Starts for Students program is currently accepting registrations from parents and guardians who need back to school supplies for their children — the registration deadline is Aug. 2. If you or someone you know lives in the greater Piscataquis area and has children attending school in RSU 68, SAD 4, 41 or 46 or Union 60 you may register for assistance at www.penquis.org (select Register Here – Back to School Supplies button on the right hand side) or call 564-7116 or 1-800-215-4942 ext. 2440 or stop by the Penquis office at 50 North Street in Dover-Foxcroft.

    Businesses and community members are encouraged to help serve the students in this area. “The need was extremely high in the Piscataquis region last year and we anticipate that will not change,” said Sheree Brown, project coordinator. According to Brown, 360 students from the region were registered for Smart Starts for Students in 2012. 
    “It is our hope that each student registered will receive a basic pack of back to school supplies including folders, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, and paper and a backpack if they did not receive one from the program last year,” Brown said.
    Individuals, businesses and civic organizations interested in helping to provide backpacks, basic supplies or a monetary donation can contact Penquis at 974-2440 or 1-800-215-4942 ext. 2440 or sabrown@penquis.org. Donated supplies may be dropped off at the Penquis office in Dover-Foxcroft at 50 North Street.