In an effort to promote the masterful work our public schools do for the students in the Kennebec valley region, the Kennebec Valley Regional Superintendents’ Association (KVRSA) sponsored it’s 4th biennial Showcase Event on November 15, 2019 at Cony High School in Augusta.
This year 10 school districts participated with their students sharing 20 different and ingenious educational opportunities taking place in their schools. Showcase activities ranged from digital photography, ELL programming, culinary arts, Fast Break Café, Dual Enrollment opportunities, JMG Backpack programs, innovation using upcycled materials, STEM and the latest technology such as 3D, printers and Robots. We had students share their digital graphics program, multiple pathway opportunities and a 20% Project program. We were also entertained by two performing groups.
This worthwhile event was attended by DOE representatives, Superintendents, Principals, School Board Members, Parents, and Maine Legislators.
“This was such an awesome event!” said Page Nicols, Chief Innovation Officer for the Maine DOE. “I was especially impressed by a group of high school students from Gardiner working on ‘The 20% Project’ in which they developed a business idea and then actually launched the business. There were a couple of graduates with them who have further pursued their project/business since they graduated.”
“I was so impressed by the caliber of the student ambassadors as they shared what they were learning and doing in the various programs they were representing,” said Shari Templeton, Maine DOE Science & Technology Specialist and Kennebec County Regional Representative. “From RSU 3 elementary students adeptly discussing Cougar coins and PBIS strategies to RSU 18 high school students proudly describing their Fast Break Café, the young people were poised, confident and strong advocates for the programs they represented. Kudos to the next generation and the teachers who lead them,” she added.
Participating School Districts and what they were showcasing are as follows:
Elementary – Grades Pre-K – 5
- RSU 3 – PBIS
- RSU 18 – Robotics
Middle School – Grades 6 – 8
- RSU 3 – IKnowME
- RSU 38 – Ratio Math Projects
High School – Grades 9 – 12 & Technical Center
- Augusta – Digital Photography and ELL Program, CATC Culinary Arts and serving, Cony Madrigals – Welcoming performance
- RSU 3 – Chamber Singers (Performing during event)
- RSU 18 – Fast Break Café
- RSU 38 – Dual Enrollment
- MSAD 49 – JMG Backpack Program
- MSAD 13, 59 & 74 – Innovation using upcycled materials and the latest technology such as 3D printers and Robotics
- MSAD 13, 59 & 74 – Multiple Pathways Academy
- MSAD 11 – 20% projects completed and in progress
- MSAD 54 – Digital Graphics Program
Adult Education
- RSU 38 – Maranacook Adult and Community Education
Information and pictures for this article were provided by administrators from the Kennebec Valley Regional Superintendents’ Association (KVRSA).