Ben Fogg joins Saco Middle School as its new assistant principal. (Courtesy of Ben Fogg)

Saco Middle School is beginning the school year with a new assistant principal. In late August, the school appointed Ben Fogg to the position.

An alum of Biddeford schools, Fogg brings over two decades of experience to his new role, including 10 years of experience teaching middle school. Most recently, Fogg taught history at Middle School of the Kennebunks.

Saco Middle School Principal Marie Soucy said the school is “excited” to welcome Fogg to the community.

“Mr. Fogg’s extensive classroom experience, coupled with his deep commitment to students and families, makes him a tremendous asset to our school,” Soucy said. “His focus on building strong relationships and supporting both academic and personal growth aligns perfectly with our vision for Saco Middle School.”

Having grown up in Biddeford, Fogg said he is particularly excited to join the Saco Middle School team because of his strong connections to the Biddeford-Saco community.

The role also gives him an opportunity to grow as an educator, he said.

“I believe that stepping into a leadership role here offers endless opportunities for growth, and being able to connect with and lean on such experienced colleagues will be instrumental to my success,” Fogg said.

Fogg graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor’s degree in psychology before earning a master’s in adult and higher education. He also earned a certificate in advanced study in educational leadership from the same university.

As assistant principal, Fogg will work closely with Saco Middle School staff, families and students, both in building connections and in a behavioral capacity, helping students recognize the power of their daily choices in shaping who they will become.

Already, Fogg has made an impact on the school, planning staff icebreakers, helping to organize the first assembly, serving on committees, updating the school website and an electronic sign outside of the school, and helping teachers with technology changes.

“No two days are alike, and there is never a slow moment at SMS,” Fogg said. “The work is dynamic and varied.”

As the school year begins, Fogg looks forward to being part of a “great school community” and getting to know teachers and staff.

“I want people to feel empowered,” Fogg said. “We have an incredible staff and students who are doing great things.”

Fogg also looks forward to working with school administration and connecting with district leaders, but most importantly, he wants to connect with his students.

“I want to encourage them to take risks, step outside of their comfort zones, and grow into the incredible people they are meant to be,” Fogg said.

Middle school can be a difficult time for students, Fogg said, and he wants his students to know that he has gone through the ups and downs of middle school, too: feeling left out, stressing about tests, worrying about sports tryouts, or thinking a teacher didn’t care.

“But the truth is we do care, deeply,” Fogg said. “Our job as educators is to support students, help them grow, and guide them on their journey.”

Outside of the classroom, Fogg enjoys working on his house, exercising, playing guitar and piano, and spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their three dogs.

Just like his students, Fogg said he is not done growing and learning.

“I want my students to know that I’m not done working toward my goals, either,” Fogg said. “A life well lived is one where the learning, growth and development never ends.”