Community News

School News
News of SAD 15, Gray and New Gloucester Schools

Memorial School
By Donna Beeley

A bike safety program was provided by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for the second grade students. This is a free program offered to schools. At the whole school assembly on May 25th some of the support people that work at Memorial School were recognized. Rowena Dunnell has been a foster grandparent for the past twenty-five years. She was recently recognized at the Foster Grandparent annual dinner, This was an opportunity to recognize her with the students present. Additionally, several support staff teachers were recognized, Mrs. Strout, Mrs. Skilling, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Valente, Mrs., Wagner, Mrs. Chabe, Mrs. Tupper, Mrs. Nordholm and Mrs. Doughty.

Special Education Director Report
By Christina Manikas

--Christina Manikas, Director of Special Services. Recognition: 1) The sixth annual educational technician appreciation afternoon was held May 5, 2005. This event served to celebrate the work and contributions of our educational technicians. Staff members praised this work and each technician was honored with a gift prepared by the event committee. Many thanks to Lisa Millword, Eliza Eastman and Lauri Morin for their time and commitment in praise of the support staff!

-- Continued thanks to Donna Beeley, the Memorial School special education staff and Memorial's Kindergarten staff. The priority for the year was identified: increased communication with Kindergarten parents prior to the beginning of the school year and collaboratively planned and implemented an information meeting for kindergarten parents. The evening meeting was a success.

--Sathya Sundaram, middle school special education, has resigned. Subsequent to four years as a middle school teacher she will be moving out-of-state with her family. She has made significant contributions to the district's special education program and will be greatly missed. Sathya's resignation letter thanks the communities of Gray and New Gloucester for their support.

--On March 31, 2005 Gray and New Gloucester High school G/T Parent Forum was attended by four parents. The program included the following presenters: Terry Weddleton, Paul Penna, Christina Manikas. Parent suggestions are being used as the High School program is developed.

Ms. Weddleton reviewed the G/T identification process. Mr. Penna reviewed program options at Gray and New Gloucester High School.

Ms. Manikas led a discussion regarding the components of an ideal G/T program. The child's program should include: 1). A creative writing program. 2) Multiple forms of writing. 3) an outlet for writing. 4) An opportunity for students and parents to be informed about program options, i.e. what is available 5) An opportunity for everyone to know about program options. 6) A designated g/t person at Gray and New Gloucester High School. 7) A match of student gifts to available options.8) Challenging opportunities for upper levels students. 9) The benefit of off-site student learning. Participation in off-campus learning opportunities. 10) Truly challenging experiences for upper level students. 1) Teachers providing student motivation for project completion above and beyond what is expected. Example: Perhaps more that one version of a textbook. 12) More options once all graduation requirements are fulfilled. 13>) the provision of guest speakers. 14). A variety of experiences and opportunities to "broaden student horizons." Example: cultural expansion. 15). The option of a seminar class. 16). Higher expectations from teachers. 17). Differentiated instruction for electives such as health. Provide clustered instruction for there elective. 18) Student input.

Russell Elementary School Report
By Principal Dan Joseph.

--Mr. Joseph would like to recognize the staff and students and say they have worked very hard with our local assessments to gain insight into student achievement and the viability of the E.L.A. and Math curricula. Students have participated in the District Reading Assessment, Writing prompt and the Animal research projects. The staff is currently looking at these assessments and entering the data into the appropriate locations given our Local assessment system (LAS).

--Mr. Joseph also recognizes the efforts of Jen Reeber, Nancy Moriba and Jean Bennett for the wonderful kindergarten presentation of the "Share Bears," on Monday May 23rd. The staff and students worked very hard and the presentation was well done.

--Russell Readers and Character Education programs were very successful this past month. The students are reading and keeping track of their minutes. During the month of March the students combined times for reading were 74,738 minutes. The total for this year is 557,712 minutes read. Also, 38 more students were given recognition for their citizenship in the area of Perseverance. The assembly to recognize these students and their hard work was very exciting and rewarding for all.

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Gray Public Library notes
Read With Oprah this summer.

Oprah has announced her summer reading books. As many of you know she is devoting her book club to classic authors and titles. This years' summer program is entitled "A Summer of Faulkner." She is listing three of William Faulkner's novels. They are; As I lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, and Light in August. There is also a special Reader's guide which will be available at the library along with the books. We will also have the unabridged audio for The Sound and the Fury and Light in August. So perk up your summer reading with these excellent choices.

Summer Reading For Children

The school year is winding down and it is time to think about keeping your children reading over the summer. The Gray Public Library will again offer an excellent summer reading program for children through grade 8. The theme this year is Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds. Kathy George will offer the program for younger children and will have stories, crafts and special appearances by some people from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Tracie Lammers will offer a program for children grades 5-8 which include book discussions and special activities! We have purchased many new books to go along with the theme. Sign up for summer reading will take place June 28, 29, 30, 2005. If you can't make it to the library on those days we can make special arrangements for folks to sign up at another time.

Priscilla Payne, Library Director
Gray Public Library, 5 Hancock Street
Gray, Maine 04039, 207-657-4110
ppayne@gray.lib.me.us

Pineland YMCA Cycling Club
Introducing a cycling club for the novice to the expert.

Informational Meeting, Monday, June 13th at Pineland YMCA, New Gloucester. At 7 p.m. First Ride: Wednesday, June 15th at Pineland YMCA Parking Lot. At 6:15 p.m.Length of Ride: 15 - 20 Miles
You do not need to be member of the YMCA to ride. FMI: www.cumberlandcountyymca.org/pineland.htm

Annual Tractor Fest