Sheepscot Valley RSU 12 March 2019 Superintendent’s Report Information, Recognitions, and Celebrations

From the Superintendent Dear RSU 12 Community, A preliminary draft budget has been developed and recommended by the RSU 12 Finance Committee to the RSU 12 School Board. A review of the budget will take place at the March 14th Board meeting. The School Board will vote on April 11, 2019 to send a budget to the voters. The total proposed budget after revenues are applied is 3.5% higher than last years budget. This increase is primarily due to an increase in high school tuition students. The Finance Committee and the School Board invite you to attend public presentations of the budget. Please see schedule of public presentations this month. You can attend any presentation even if it is not located in your town.

1. Chelsea Town Office - Chelsea Selectboard Meeting - February 28th 6:30 pm

(live-streamed on community TV) 2. Windsor Town Office - Windsor Selectboard Meeting - March 5th 6 pm 3. Alna Fire Station - Alna Selectboard Meeting - March 13th 6 pm 4. Chelsea Elementary School - RSU 12 Board of Directors - March 14th 6:30 pm 5. Whitefield Fire Station - Whitefield Selectboard Meeting - March 19th 6 pm 6. Palermo Town Office - Palermo Selectboard Meeting - March 28th 6:30 pm 7. Westport Island Town Office - Westport Selectboard Meeting - April 1st 6 pm 8. Somerville Town Office - April 3rd 6pm 9. Chelsea Elementary School - RSU 12 Board of Directors - April 11th 6:30 pm 10. Chelsea Elementary School - RSU 12 District Budget Meeting - May 16th 6:30 pm 11. Town Polling Locations - RSU 12 District Budget Referendum - June 11th

Sincerely, Howard Tuttle RSU 12 Superintendent Curriculum and Technology Report In early March, RSU 12 hosted a meeting of the Jumprope User Group, which is a gathering of technology and curriculum leaders in area districts that use Jumprope as their grading and reporting tool. Attendees met with a Jumprope representative who spoke about updates to the platform, and they worked together to improve their understanding of the reports available in the program.

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On March 6, administrators from RSU 12 met online with administrators across Maine as part of the Maine Cohort for Customized Learning’s Communications Think Tank. Participants shared successes and challenges with communication and left with an action plan for improving communication efforts in each district and school. Westport Island Student Count Information

-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Grand Total

9-12 Boothbay-Boothbay Hbr CSD 1 1

9-12 Brunswick School Department 1 1

9-12 Lincoln Academy 2 2 4

9-12 RSU 01 1 1

9-12 Watershed School 1 1 9-12 Wiscasset School Department 4 2 2 8

K-8 Boothbay-Boothbay Hbr CSD 1 1 2

K-8 Center for Teaching and Learning 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 9

K-8 Chewonki Semester School 1 1

K-8 Damariscotta Montessori School 1 1

K-8 Edgecomb School Department 2 1 1 1 2 7

K-8 Great Salt Bay CSD 1 1 1 1 2 1 7

K-8 Juniper Hill School 1 1 2

K-8 RSU 01 1 1 1 3

K-8 RSU 51/MSAD 51 1 1

K-8 Wiscasset School Department 1 3 2 2 1 1 2 1 13

Grand Total 2 4 2 5 5 3 6 6 4 7 4 7 3 4 62

Alna Student Count Information

-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Grand Total

9-12 Boothbay-Boothbay Hbr CSD 1 1

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9-12 Lincoln Academy 8 1 2 5 16

9-12 Waynflete School 1 1 9-12 Wiscasset School Department 1 2 3 1 7

Chelsea Elementary School 1 1 1 3 K-8 Boothbay-Boothbay Hbr CSD 1 1 2

K-8 Brunswick School Department 1 1 2

K-8 Center for Teaching and Learning 2 2 4 2 2 1 4 1 18

K-8 Chewonki Semester School 1 1 1 1 4

K-8 Damariscotta Montessori School 2 1 2 1 1 7

K-8 Edgecomb School Department 2 1 2 1 1 7

K-8 Great Salt Bay CSD 2 3 1 3 4 3 1 17

K-8 Juniper Hill School 2 1 5 2 2 12

K-8 North Yarmouth Academy 1 1

K-8 RSU 01 1 1 K-8 Sheepscot Valley Children's House 1 1

K-8 Wiscasset School Department 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 11

Whitefield Elementary School 1 1 2

Grand Total 2 9 7 11 12 9 8 13 11 5 10 3 7 6 113

Somerville Student Count Information

-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Grand

Total

9-12 Augusta Public Schools 1 1

9-12 Erskine Academy 6 4 2 3 15

9-12 Lincoln Academy 2 2

9-12 Watershed School 2 2

9-12 Wiscasset School

Department 1 1 2 4

Chelsea Elementary School 1 1 1 3

K-8 RSU 40/MSAD 40 1 1

Palermo Consolidated School 1 1 1 3

Somerville Elementary School 4 4

Windsor Elementary School 5 7 2 4 4 5 9 4 4 44

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Grand Total 4 5 7 2 5 4 6 10 6 5 10 7 3 5 79

Chelsea Elementary School Report

MEA’s - Students in grades 3-8 will be taking the MEA’s over the next month. These are rather lengthy state assessments which are required for all schools. Students will spend several days being assessed in reading, writing and math. Grade 5 and 8 will also take the science portion of the assessment. Please make sure students are getting enough sleep and are eating a good breakfast and lunch.

“Johnson Hall is proud to provide the Kennebec River Valley and the surrounding towns with a state-of-the-art performing arts center showcasing music, theater, entertainment and more!” (Johnson Hall Website https://www.johnsonhall.org/) Johnson Hall is in our own backyard and is looking to connect and share with schools some of their art shows for free. Chelsea will be bringing as much of the arts into the school as a result. Johnson Hall also has weekend art shows that students and parents can see at the art center. Next week, on March 8, at 8:30 am Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center will be at Chelsea School with Audiobody. “The synthesis of music, comedy, and technology – AudioBody’s performance is an electronic journey into an unknown realm of seriously spectacular entertainment. This thrilling show is an explosive mix of circus arts, relentless comedy, full-body contortion, juggling, LED light shows, and live, up-beat, electronic music! Features a custom 15-foot wide drum set, electronic jumpsuits, and a complete computerized LED lighting system that can transform any space into the full AudioBody experience!

The following was a release to parents about a potential danger on the internet on sites that our students do access.

Parental Alert **

Parents and Guardians please be mindful and vigilant of the content your kids are viewing when

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using popular platforms such as YouTube, YouTube Kids, WhatsApp, Fortnite, Minecraft and even Facebook. There is always an element of danger when kids go unmonitored online. The latest trend is the viral MoMo challenge game. This character, who is rather scary looking, is being misused and embedded into certain programs viewed by children and sent on texting applications. This character encourages dangerous behaviors and stunts up to and including suicide and other self harming acts. TALK to your children and educate them on appropriate web content and encourage them to openly communicate what they are experiencing with you, let them know why some of these challenges are unsafe. Forbes suggested that instead of forbidding children to visit the site with “momo”, to talk to your children about the momo challenge and the inappropriateness of the site.

8th GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS The time has arrived for our grade 8 students to start considering which high school they will be attending in the fall. Over the next few months students and parents will have the opportunity to explore the high schools they are interested in. It is important that students look at all of their options prior to making a decision as to which school they will be attending. It is the parent’s responsibility to sign up for the high school that best suites their student, but support services will help as much as possible. Students are also reminded that surrounding high schools do not have to take them. The only high required to take high school students from Chelsea is Wiscasset. High schools look at the students behavior, attendance, and overall work habits when they are making a decision about accepting incoming grade 8 students.

Habits of Mind Students have learned how to be a reflective learner by having a growth mindset. Examples are; I know I can if I work hard, I will try a different way to solve things if my first try is not working. They have also been working on being a reflective learner by understanding their own learning style by taking a risk and trying new things. They have more recently been working on their quality of work by fixing their mistakes, listening to others for new ideas, and rereading their assignments to help them produce their best work.

Dusoe Family Dinner, Dance & Auction On February 6, fire crews from Chelsea, Augusta, Pittston, Vassalboro and Togus responded to a structure fire in Chelsea. The Dusoe family lost their home and family pets in this devastating event. This family has been an integral part of our school and the immediate and surrounding communities. In the past they have supported the community and the school through their participation in bowling leagues, square dancing (calling), gaming and game nights at Chelsea Elementary, as well as supporting other families in need. The Chelsea School, Town of Chelsea and Erskine Academy have banned together to support this family with a Family Dinner, Dance & Auction event to be held on March 16th at Chelsea Elementary School to begin at 4:00. Details of the event are still being finalized and a flyer will be going home with the students next week. To give you a sneak peak of what you can expect...pasta dinner, live entertainment from local musicians (Tina Charest & John Hasnip, and

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Bobby Reed and the Wild Horses with our very own Brian Gelina (Mr. G)). There will also be an ongoing silent auction as well as a live auction with some fabulous items. Please watch Facebook and the Chelsea Elementary website for updates on auction items or any changes. If you would like to donate an item for the auction to help the Dusoe’s , please contact Mrs. Sandy Dunn or Jen Lindsey. Please join us in helping to support one of our school families. Mark your calendar and come

join us with your family and friends. This is sure to be a great time! This month is Dr Seuss’s birthday and pre-k through grade 2 participated in a multitude of activities. Students made Dr. Seuss hats and read stories, and heard stories read and built hats. Students and staff alike had a fun time. Students also celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing like your 100, bringing in 100 objects, counting 100 objects and reading 100 words.

Whitefield Elementary School Report The winter sports season has just concluded with all reports indicating a successful experience for all participants. Even in a small school like WHES we managed to field both a boys and girls varsity and JV team. Middle school interscholastic athletics have a fine balance to maintain; being competitive but also teaching skills and making sure that the interest level in our student-athletes remains strong. I am pleased with the WHES coaches and their ability at striking this precarious balance. It is important to recognize that for many the participants, either because of their skills level or their interests, middle school may be the last time they participate in an organized athletic team. That is why it is so important that their experience be a positive one.

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March 18th marks the beginning of the emPowerME (MEA) testing window for all Maine students in grade 3-8. Students are assessed for their competency in reading, writing and mathematics and students in grades 4 & 8 are additionally assessed in science. At our last staff meeting we had a discussion related to the appropriate preparation of students for this major assessment. The MEA is given, unless alternative plans are made, to all students using a laptop computer and students are allowed to use a variety of “tools” within the testing program to support their efforts. Solid instruction and a cohesive curriculum provides the needed preparation for the academic content of this assessment. That comes in a cumulative manner over the course of a child’s school experience. However, the uniqueness of the computer-driven testing format is not as common and students need to have guidance and practice in the mechanism in order to demonstrate what they know and are able to do within the various content areas that are assessed. The WHES staff is taking advantage of practice modules that are available to schools to build the necessary familiarity with the mechanism to successfully engage with the content expectations. All schools must complete the assessment by April 12th and we receive results of student performance back towards the end of the summer or early fall. Palermo Consolidated School Report

Our 8th grade students are currently working on a lengthy math/ science project on building bridges. The students thought it would be a fun project with glue and spaghetti! Well it is.. AFTER… they work on the planning, estimating, cost assessing, measuring, and drawing the plans. Mr. Chadbourn will then tests the strength of the bridge to determine the best aspects and planning.

We continue to implement the habits of mind. This path month the teachers taught and practiced creativity and imagination. Our first grade combined their creative lessons with the celebration of the 100th day of school and vocabulary. The students needed to imagine and create the 100 defenses of a dinosaurs. They presented their creative dinosaur to show off their skills. Next month will bring lessons on handling conflict.

Last week was Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The younger grades read and watched some Dr. Seuss stories while making Dr. Seuss snacks and hats. This focus on reading is kicking off the annual Bikes for Books. To increase the students

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involvement with the program, we are offering weekly acknowledgements and an opportunity to look at donation opportunities if they win a bike but do not feel they need a new one. Kids are very excited about this.

Over February vacation, the kitchen received a makeover. Mike Flynn worked hard to make sure the kitchen was ready to go when school started. With the new kitchen improvements and the new big freezer, we are able to work more efficiently and productively during the preparation and clean up time.

Owen Robichaud, a 5th grade student, qualified for the state level geography bee. Own will complete with the top 100 students in the state on March 28th at University of Maine, Farmington.

Upcoming events at Palermo include 1. MEA testing- We will be educating parents and students about the importance of

sleep, healthy eating and less screen time during testing time. The celebration of students putting for the the best effort is important to all of us.

2. May baskets - Our book buddies are going to be creative and decorating May baskets for the elderly residents in Palermo. This is an old tradition we want to bring back.

3. Community Days/ Career awareness. - We are planning an event to help our students reach out to our community businesses. We want to support our community by offering a helping hand with chores in exchange of career exploration.

Windsor Elementary School Report

On Friday, March 1, Windsor School celebrated Read Across America Day. This was such a great way for the entire staff to share our love of reading with all students. Our students read well over 3 million words in one day! On Thursday, March 7, the seventh grade traveled to the State House to celebrate our two winners of the Secretary of State Native American Essay Contest. Jeremy Parker was the winner for the State of Maine,

and Caleb Gay was runner up. This essay was a collaborative effort between Helen Beesley’s writing class and Jana Diket’s social studies class. All 7th graders got to tour the State House, and were recognized

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by the House of Representatives. Windsor’s Representative, Richard Bradstreet, congratulated the boys. The Secretary of State presented the awards to the boys, and the students also got to see primary sources at the Maine Archives. Teachers and staff at Windsor continue to seek out trainings to support our vision of teaching happy, healthy children. Several staff members recently attended a Trauma-Responsive Schools training, others are learning how to construct calm rooms in schools, and still others are learning how to incorporate best practices for improved school attendance. We continue to address academic, behavioral, and attendance concerns in our RTI monthly meetings.

In preparation for the MEAs in reading, math, and science, Windsor staff are working to help students understand the importance of giving their best effort. We are planning a pep rally similar to a sports rally, but focused on academic achievement. At the pep rally, we will recognize students who not only achieved a score ablove state standards, but also the students who showed growth in their scores from one year to the next.

Adult Education Report By Kalya Sikora I am the new adult education director here at RSU 12. I am very excited and honored to be working in your school district. I graduated with my Master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education in the summer of 2017 and also work as the part-time adult education director at RSU 40. The Winter/Spring program is off to a great start! We are once again offering the substitute teaching class and substitute bus driving. We now have some new substitutes. We are partnered with the Family Literacy group and we maintain and stock the little library at the Town Office in Somerville which has been successful. We are offering free internet and computer use to community members. We are offering a wide option of classes including, college transition classes, enrichment classes and HiSET classes (High School Equivalency). We changed the style of our brochure and have had positive feedback in regards to the change. 2019 is off to a great start! Transportation and Facilities Report By Larry Dancer, Director of Operations The facilities and transportation end of things have been running pretty smoothly the custodians involved in snow removal have been doing a great job keeping our sidewalks and other areas of our buildings safe,getting rid of all the ice and snow we have had this winter,they have been working very hard. On the inside of our buildings the custodians have been busy disinfecting all the hard surfaces trying to stay ahead of all the illnesses going around this time of year. On the transportation side of things we received two new buses, we are trying to keep our fleet as safe for our children as possible and lower our cost in maintenance, the cameras on the buses have been a real asset for discipline and other incidents that occur, such as vehicles driving through the stop lights, we have outside cameras on most of our buses on regular

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runs in hopes of having them all done this summer. We have been having monthly drivers meetings and Pat Block has graciously offered to attend those meetings and has been great in encouraging our drivers to interact with our children, they are trying to give out more rewards for good behavior. All in all a big thank you to all the custodians and bus drivers who have a tough job to do with a lot of responsibility and they come to work every day with good attitudes.We also appreciate our substitute bus drivers, and custodians who come in at short notice and do a great job.

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