Superintendent’s Report

June 4, 2008

Victoria Burns, Superintendent

 

1.              On June 4 the School Board will honor our retirees. Two teachers and two School Board members are leaving MSAD #15 after years of service.

 

Teachers

Robert Boggs, High School Social Studies Teacher. Bob Boggs has taught at MSAD #15 for 29 years. He is a teacher who will be remembered for the special connection that he established with the Shaker Community. Bob created a yearlong Shaker Studies course and provided unique learning opportunities for students at MSAD #15. He also formed relationships with the third grade teachers and facilitated learning opportunities between the High School students and the Third Grade students. Bob will be remembered for his passion for education and his personalized approach with students.

 

Cynthia Morse, High School Art Teacher. Cynthia Morse has taught at MSAD #15 for 30 years. She is a teacher and an artist. The high school art exhibitions demonstrate Cynthia’s ability to nurture the creative spirit within her students and support them in the production of quality art.

 

School Board

Peter Pinkerton, Six years of service.

Ron Brann, Three years of service.

 

 

2.              The 08-09 Budget Meeting is scheduled for June 5^th at the Middle School. Voter check-in will be at 6:30 p.m. with the Budget Meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. A “Get Out the Vote” spaghetti supper will be held prior to the budget meeting. This fundraiser by the girl’s softball team provides the opportunity for voters to get a hot meal prior to the budget meeting. At the end of the Budget Meeting the finalized budget will be sent to the voters on June 10^th for a simple “yes” or “no” vote on the total budget. If you are unable to attend the Budget Meeting, it is important for citizens to read posted materials regarding the school budget at the polling place. I want to thank Deb Cabana, Gray Town Manager, and Barb Seaver, NG Clerk, and Rosemary Kulow, NG Town Manager for all of their help with the Budget Meeting. The current plan involves videotaping the Budget Meeting and placing it on local cable for those citizens unable to attend. Each of you was assigned a warrant article for explanation.

 

3.              June 3 is the Senior Award Night at the High School. June 7 is graduation night for our seniors. The event will be held at the Civic Center.

 

4.              Sandy MacDonald, Kathleen Potter, and I attended the May 29 Adult Education Graduation. Congratulations of the class of 2008. We are proud of your accomplishment.

 

5.              I attended poetry readings presented by Chris Petersen and Deb Vermillion’s multi-age classroom. This project was taught in partnership with Bates College. The title of their anthology is We the Poets: or Poem Palooza. The morning made me think about the joy of poetry. I need to read and share poems again. Thank you class!

 

6.              I am closely watching the kindergarten numbers for 08-09. Enclosed in your packet is a summary of my recommendations for the larger than expected kindergarten enrollment at Russell School.

 

7.              The School Board was invited on June 4^th to celebrate the award of the Voluntary Renewable Resource Fund Grant provided by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, Energy Program Division to MSAD #15. Peter Reaman, HS Science Teacher, received a $36,450 grant for the installation of solar energy system at the High School. This system is an educational opportunity for MSAD #15 students as they track and monitor the energy provided by the solar panels. I spoke with some of the students involved in Mr. Reaman’s class and was impressed with their knowledge of the solar panel system.