Kennebec Valley Regional Superintendents’ Association Hosts 4th Biennial Showcase Event

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).

Maine FFA Aroostook Chapter Students Collaborate on Leadership

On November 15, 2019, 160 enthusiastic Aroostook County FFA student members (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) participated in a one-day workshop at the University of Maine at Presque Isle devoted to leadership skills of positive influence, prioritizing, time management, and teamwork. The University’s Sustainable Agriculture program sponsored the event.

Student State FFA Officers Graham Berry (President), Camryn Curtis (Vice President) and Ava Cameron (Secretary-Treasurer) developed, organized and conducted the workshop, with assistance from Haillee Cunningham and Alli Kenney of Ashland High School and from Emma Burby, Brandon Dubie, Izzy Higgins, Rheanna Ortman, and Amanda Winslow of Presque Isle Regional Career & Technical Center. Logistics were assisted by Doug Robertson, State FFA Advisor, Maine Department of Education.

Practicing Teamwork through human “table” (table members left to right, facing camera): Wyatt Allen, Central Aroostook High School – Kristin Bragg & Haley Johnston, Washburn High School

Human Table (left to right): Sara Stitham, Central Aroostook High School, Kassidy Blackstone, Central Aroostook Junior High School, Haleigh Holmes, Ashland High School, Macey Coffin, Central Aroostook High School

Model Preparations (left to right): Macey Coffin, Central Aroostook High School – Julian Howes & Ellie Calhoun, Ashland Middle School – Dane Driscoll, Ashland High School

All current FFA chapters of Aroostook County fielded students to the event: Ashland High School, Ashland Middle School, Caribou Technology Center, Central Aroostook High School, Central Aroostook Junior High School, Easton Junior/Senior High School, Hodgdon High School, Presque Isle Regional Career & Technical Center, Presque Isle Middle School, Washburn High School.

Considering Positive Influence in Leadership (left to right at table in foreground, five students facing camera): Hunter Cunningham, Ashland Middle School - Nick Margeson, Caribou Technology Center – Madelyn Buzza, Presque Isle Regional Career & Technical Center (PIRCTC) - Creed Chasse, Ashland High School – Maggie Currie & Clay Gregg, PIRCTC — Considering Positive Influence in Leadership (left to right at table in foreground, five students facing camera): Hunter Cunningham, Ashland Middle School – Nick Margeson, Caribou Technology Center – Madelyn Buzza, Presque Isle Regional Career & Technical Center (PIRCTC) – Creed Chasse, Ashland High School – Maggie Currie & Clay Gregg, PIRCTC

Maine FFA is a statewide organization whose nearly 500 members come from grades 7-12 classes devoted to areas of agriculture and natural resources (including science curricula infused with agriculture and natural resources topics). Workshop content included discussion of topics, brainstorming, and hands-on illustrative activities. In additional to leadership skills, students had the chance to meet and work together with peers from other schools. Some students at the workshop had also recently returned from the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, an event attended by nearly 70,000 students from across the country. In addition to workshops and conventions, students in FFA are often involved in local community service and may benefit from numerous awards and scholarships.

Schools interested in starting new FFA chapters should contact: Doug Robertson, Maine FFA Advisor, Maine Department of Education, doug.robertson@maine.gov (207) 624-6744.

MSSM Student Elected as Youth Governor of YMCA Youth and Government Program

Submitted by Ryan McDonald, Public Relations Coordinator, Maine School of Science and Mathematics.

Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) student Martin Brozman, a junior from Bangor, will serve as the 78^th YMCA Youth Governor of the Great State of Maine. He was elected to the office by his peers at the 2019 Maine YMCA Youth and Government program on Sunday, November 11th. Martin is the first MSSM student ever to hold the position. With his election, Martin will attend the YMCA Youth Governor’s Conference in Washington, D.C., representing the Maine YMCA, and he will serve as Governor of the 2020 Youth and Government program in Augusta.

The MSSM delegation returned to Limestone Sunday evening where they were welcomed by a Limestone Police and Fire Department escort at the town line and a celebratory student body ready to welcome Governor Brozman and the rest of the group home. Additional recognition to this year’s senior participants: Will Whitman (Swan’s Island), Michael Delorge (Biddeford), Toben Streevy (Bar Harbor), Taesu Joo (Republic of Korea), Jordan Theriault (Fort Fairfield), James Lau (Buxton), Jay Philbrick (North Yarmouth), Christian Chagnon (Eliot), Annie Giroux (Wales), Shea Sewall (Hope), and Madelyn Battcock-Emerson (Kittery).

Brozman’s platform was based on a need for affordable healthcare here in Maine. He believes that this would “attract young people and families to live here and thrive. Without having to worry about healthcare costs, young families will be more likely to stay and be active members of their communities.” Brozman comes from a family of doctors and plans to be either an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist. Brozman went on to say, “This program has helped me realize the role of government, and now I have a better understanding of the politics behind medicine.”

YMCA Youth and Government program allows any High School student in Maine to participate in a hands-on experience of how Maine’s Legislative process works. Delegates have a variety of duties such as drafting all the bills to be debated and discussed, and electing their peers to serve in leadership positions to lead at the State House weekend. They also receive training in how to complete all leadership roles for the weekend. YMCA Youth and Government Program Delegates serve as Youth Governor, Cabinet, Representatives, Senators, Lobbyists, and Media Staff, and have a unique opportunity to have access to the State House during the program. The program takes place in the actual chamber and committee rooms.

For more information contact Lonney Steeves, Maine YMCA Youth and Government Director, at lonneysteeves@gmail.com.

Lewiston Adult Ed Class Sparks New Life In Clown Car

Submitted by Mike Reagan, Education and Marketing Coordinator, Lewiston Adult Education.

Small Engine & Power Equipment Repair students at Lewiston Adult Education bring in chainsaws and snowblowers with seasonal regularity.

When the weather gets warm again, instructor Richard Hussey will see the return of lawnmowers. But this fall, he had a student bring in a repair job that would not fit in with the others, though it did have a small engine.

Patrick Penley is a member of the Kora Temple Shrine, a Kora clown and the owner of a multicolored jalopy that had several owners before him.

“My goal was to get that running,” he said.

The clown car had a three-horsepower engine and during the semester, it was removed and replaced by a power washer engine.

“We had to modify the engine. We had to modify the framework. We had to modify the drive system. And this was done primarily by the student. I just gave the guidance,” Hussey said.

He said that students can bring in gasoline engines at the start of the semester but are responsible for bringing them in and taking them home at the end of class. Penley brought the clown car in the back of his pickup truck.

“It has to come and go. That’s your size reference,” Hussey said.

The Small Engine class is finishing up for the fall semester but is scheduled to return for Winter-Spring 2020. The class listing will appear in the combined Lewiston Adult Education-Auburn Adult & Community Education brochure, which is set to come out in early January.

In addition to the clown car, Penley worked on a leaf blower and chainsaw in the class.

He hopes to have the car off and running in a 2020 parade. For those interested in seeing it run a little sooner, here is a link to a video of a test run on Tuesday night at Lewiston High School’s main entrance.

Maine School of Science and Mathematics Graduate Selected as a Schwarzman Scholar

Submitted by Ryan McDonald, Public Relations Coordinator, Maine School of Science and Mathematics.

Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) graduate Gordon McCulloh, Class of 2016, has been selected as a Schwarzman Scholar and will undertake a one-years master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in 2020.

A highly selective international program, Gordon is the first student from Maine, and only the third from the USAFA, to become a Schwarzman Scholar whose programmatic focus is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders for the challenges of the future.

Gordon studies astronautical engineering, applied mathematics, and Arabic at USAFA. He earned the 2019 USAFA cadet of the year award and held various leadership positions that focused on building others, such as managing the academic performance of over 1,400 cadets. A proponent of commercial and international collaboration in the space environment, Gordon interned at Ad Astra Rocket and SpaceX. His intent to study in China is to inspire peaceful space policies and technological solutions as an engineer and acquisitions officer in the United States Air Force.

Full details of the Schwarzman Scholarship Program can be viewed at: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org

Five Town CSD to Host Innovation Conference July 2020

Submitted by Trina Schroeder, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent & Communications Director at Five Town CSD / MSAD #28.

The Hatchery at the Five Town CSD invites you to SAVE THE DATE for our Innovation Conference: The Intersection of Education and Industry, July 1-2, 2020 at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport, Maine.

This exciting two-day conference will bring educators and students interested in innovation together with entrepreneurs, business owners and industry leaders who are interested in education. Featuring a wide variety of presenters covering 15 sessions, Design Sprint, Open Minis, and countless networking opportunities.

Registration will open January 2, 2020.

Visit our website regularly for up-to-date information and the announcement of our keynote speaker. https://csd.fivetowns.net/innovationconference

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/20141475/admin/

The Five Town CSD, serving students in grades 9-12 from Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport is widely known as a top-notch secondary school district. This well deserved reputation is made possible by the considerable support of all of the member communities, and strengthened by the strong effort and talent of the students, staff, and administration.

Maine Music Educators Help Root Modern Band Curriculum into Maine Schools

Educators from across the state gathered at Orono High School recently for their Modern Band 102 lesson, a second professional learning opportunity available through the Maine Kids Rock Program. Delivered by Little Kids Rock Educator Spencer Hale, the class gave educators the opportunity to fine tune their technique, and to build upon what they had learned in the previous modern band lessons they’ve been participating. Through the Maine Kids Rock program, each of these educators accepted $5,000 worth of modern band instruments, along with resources and hands-on learning opportunities to help them run modern band programs in their schools, an opportunity they would otherwise not be able to give to their students.

There are currently 35 Maine schools offering modern band programs through the Maine Kids Rock program. To be eligible for participation, districts agreed to offer modern band – taught by a certified music teacher, with priority given to schools who serve 50% or more free or reduced meals to eligible students.

During introductions at Modern Band 102, educators in attendance shared their name, school, the age group they are teaching, and the music the kids are working on. Their students were learning a wide-range of modern music selections, of their choosing, like Lost Boy by Ruth B., Count on Me by Bruno Mars, Best Day of My Life by American Authors, Ho Hey by The Lumineers, and Happy People by Little Big Town, on a variety of modern band instruments provided through the Maine Kids Rock Program.

Orono High School Music Teacher and Band Director Jen Acosta, who has been hosting the modern band professional learning in her music room for the past 3 years as a central location in Maine, only recently joined the program and currently offers modern band programming and instruments to her students.

“This is revitalizing [music] programs,” said Acosta. “It gives people the opportunity to use whatever resources they have to get kids playing music,” she added. Acosta went on to explain that it also serves as a gateway to music education in general. Being able to play and sing the songs they are listening to on the radio and on TV gets so many more students interested in music education than otherwise would be. Once they learn how to play one instrument, they most likely will pick up another she explained.

“The approach is so open it gives teachers a lot of autonomy,” added Maine DOE Visual and Performing Arts Specialist Jason Anderson. New to the Department, Anderson recently came from his long-time position as Vocal Music Director at Houlton High School, one of the original 10 pilot schools awarded instruments and modern band resources when Maine Kids Rock was created.

Developed between the Maine Department of Education and national nonprofit Little Kids Rock in 2017, the Maine Kids Rock program is funded through a combination of Little Kids Rock donors and a portion of the State of Maine’s education budget, which is approved each year by the Maine State Legislature.

“I think the biggest standout – from top down – is that it represents the ‘do’ approach. Getting them [the kids] to do something,” said Acosta. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” She went on to explain that music education like this is going to change music culture. While students are still in the midst of learning modern band right now, they will eventually graduate and move on to post-secondary options and careers, having learned modern music at a much earlier age than students have been able to previously. This will more than likely result in new and innovative music creations and performances to come from our next generation of musicians.

Maranacook Community Middle School Learns About Gravity Through a Pumpkin Drop!

Submitted by Kristen Levesque, Principal at Maranacook Community Middle School.

Each year some of Maranacook Middle School’s students participate in an annual gravity experiment! Through a collaborative effort from Central Maine Power (CMP) and Acadia Team teacher, Mr. Dan Holman. This exercise was a fun, educational opportunity for students to learn about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Students learn about Newton’s work-energy principles as they watched pumpkins drop from the CMP bucket trucks!

School Bus Driver Expands Winter Clothing Drive, “Keeping Kids Warm ♥️ Hudson”

Lewiston school bus driver Ivy Corliss is expanding her local winter clothing drive in hopes of gathering and providing warm winter gear to give to kids across the Maine who need it. She says she hopes to help kids “stay warm so they can focus on learning and enjoying time with friends at recess.”

I love being a bus driver but sometimes we have heavy hearts when we see kids who don’t have basic winter gear to keep warm. There was a young child in tears on my bus whose hands and face were beat red because they had no winter hat, mittens or boots. So I was able to find them what was needed at home and now they are nice and warm. This is just one of the many children and young adults that don’t have warm winter gear.

By teaming up with schools nurses, local businesses, and many “big hearted” people across Maine, Ivy has created a clothing drive through her Facebook Group, Keeping Kids Warm ♥️ Hudson. She hopes to expand those efforts to more schools to help ensure that kids around the state have access to winter gear.

Any schools that are interested, can contact Ivy Corliss directly. She hopes to communicate with schools directly when winter gear is needed so that she can get the word out to potential donors.

If you would like to get in contact with Ivy Corliss she can be reached at (207) 320-9507 or ivycorliss741@gmail.com.

MSAD 13/RSU 83 Valley Junior High School Students Perform The Prince and the Pauper

Submitted by Sandra J MacArthur, Superintendent of Schools MSAD 13/RSU 83.

Valley Junior High School presented The Prince and the Pauper on Nov 22^nd. Approximately 50 Valley Junior High School students practiced Nov 18^th – Nov 21^st under the direction of Children’s Stage Adventures.

It was amazing to watch the students’ progress throughout the week. The students’ self-esteem, pride in their accomplishments, and confidence increased on a daily basis. Their week of hard work ended with them presenting their production twice on Nov 22^nd to the students, staff, parents, and community members.