by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

With one full week of school under their belts, Machias principals Nicole Case and Sue Dow say the new school year is off to a strong start.

“The staff is tired, but they’re amazing,” said Dow, who this year took over the position of Rose M. Gaffney (RMG) Elementary School Principal, after the retirement of Joyce Fragale. Dow has more than 30 years of education experience, including nine years at Washington Academy and 21 years at Narraguagus Jr/Sr High School.