An amazing partnership between Great Falls, Narragansett and Village Elementary Schools and the University of Southern Maine, has provided an opportunity for the schools to successfully provide an uninterrupted schedule for their end-of-the-year field days. These events are often the highlight of the K-5 students’ school year experience in the Gorham schools.

For years, the field days were held outside and were weather-dependent, either interrupted by Maine spring rains or by unsafe, intense heatwaves. This always provided for the threat of postponements, cancellations or the threat of heatstroke. Being able to use the large and comfortable Costello Sports Complex has been greatly appreciated by the students and staff of the three elementary schools.

According to Frank DeFrancesco, recently retired physical education teacher at Great Falls School, “It is incredibly generous of the university to provide this facility free of charge. To put it in perspective, the field house rents for $250 an hour and we use the facility for 6 plus hours each day for all six days. We have been using the facility all but a couple of the Covid years ever since we began the k-5 schools 14 years ago. We are extremely grateful to the University of Southern Maine for this partnership.”

Kim Turner, the Associate Director of Athletics at USM, said, “As a former physical education teacher in the Gorham School System, I am proud to be involved with Gorham Field Days through my affiliation with University of Southern Maine Athletics. For five days at the start of the summer, the elementary students that participate in Gorham Field Days bring joy to all who work in the Costello Sports Complex. Hearing the students hoot, holler, laugh, cheer and giggle brightens our days! Speaking on behalf of USM Athletics, I am proud to stand alongside the many teachers, community members and parents who visit Costello during Gorham Field Days to cheer these children on. If as a department, we can have a small part in helping these students find joy in the many benefits associated with physical fitness and wellness, then we are all in! I am hopeful that USM and the Costello Sports Complex will host Gorham Field Days for many years to come!“