School
News
WELCOME
BACK!
From SAD 15 (Gray and New Gloucester Superintendent)
Victoria Burns:
Dear Parents, Guardians, Community Members,
MSAD
#15 welcomes you to the 2005-2006 school year! The
first student day is Tuesday, September 6. A letter
with bus information should have arrived at all students'
homes. If you have not received that letter or if
you have questions regarding transportation, please
call the transportation office. Please review the
school handbook that will arrive home with your child.
The handbook will have necessary information related
to school policies and procedures including emergency
dismissals and no school announcements. Bus routes,
the school calendar and district policies are posted
on MSAD #15's web page (www.msad15.org).
SCHOOL
HOURS AND PHONE NUMBERS
Building Office Hours Student Arrival & Dismissal
Phone Number
Russell School 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-3:00
p.m. 657-4929
Memorial School 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-3:00
p.m. 926-4322
Dunn School 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
657-5050
Middle School 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m.-1:51 p.m.
657-4994
High School 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m.-1:50 p.m.
657-3323
Transportation 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 657-2181
Central Office 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 657-3335
Special Education 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 657-2066
NEW
STAFF
DISTRICT
· James Kilbride, Director of Special Services,
M.S. fromUMO
· Douglas Driesen, Manager of Transportation
& Facilities,
· Elizabeth Sheehan, Ed Tech 111, Gifted &
Talented, M.A. from Univ. of CT
· Pamela Snow, Ed Tech 111, English Second
Language, B.A. from UMO
· Amanda Duff, Ed Tech III, Speech & Language
Aide, B.A. from UMO
HIGH SCHOOL
· John Springer, Assistant Principal, B.A.
from Bates College
· Gary Miers, Science, B.S. from Lafayette
College
· Deirdre Dupree, Librarian, Masters of Library
Science from the University of South Carolina
· Kelly Stokes, Special Education, M.S. from
USM
· Elizabeth Cornwell, Special Education, Bachelor
of Music from Lowell State College
· Alice Norton, Special Education, M.A. from
University of New Hampshire
· Laura Errickson, English Teacher, M.A. from
University of New Hampshire
· Benjamin Braasch, Special Education, C.A.G.S.
from Boston College
· Victoria Thompson, Special Education, B.A.
from University of West Florida
· Carol Clark, Music Teacher, Bachelor of Music
Education from UMO
· Stephanie Brooks, Guidance, Master of Education
in Counseling from University of New Hampshire
· Staci Hawley, HS English Teacher, B.A. in
English from St. Mary's College and a Masters in Education
Leadership from Troy State University
· Dan Maguire, Ed Tech 11, Special Education,
attended USM
· Elizabeth Gaughan, Ed Tech 111, Special Education,
B.A. from Massachusetts College of Art
MIDDLE SCHOOL
· Mike Fullerton, Health Teacher, B.S. from
University of Maine in Farmington
· Teresa Seavey, Special Education, B.S. University
of Maine at Orono
· Sharon Gentry, Social Worker, Special Education,
Masters of Social Work from University of Alabama
· Jane McGonagle, Foreign Language Teacher,
B.A. from Assumption College
· Nathan Harnden, Grade 6 Teacher, B.S. from
University of Maine Farmington
· Felicia Dyer, Ed Tech 11, Special Education,
Associates from University of New Hampshire
· Anthony Weed, Ed Tech II, Special Education,
B.A. from Gordon College
DUNN
· Margo Fowler, Ed Tech 111, Special Education,
B.S. from University of Vermont
· Mandy Lavallee, Ed Tech II, Special Education,
B.A. from University of New England
RUSSELL
· Mary Noyes, Kindergarten Teacher, M.A. from
Lesley University
· Kelly Thornhill, Grade 1 Teacher, B.S. from
USM
· Torri-Marie Pappas, Special Education, B.S.
from University of Maine Farmington
MEMORIAL
· Margaret Hannigan, Ed Tech 111, Library,
B.S. from UMO
SUCCESSES
AND CHALLENGES
Thanks to you, the staff and our students at MSAD
#15 had a successful 04-05 school year, and we will
build on those positive outcomes to continuously improve.
You provided us with the resources to do our work.
Our school budget passed and all-day kindergarten
will be implemented this school year. Class size has
remained appropriate. The resources will help us meet
our mission "preparing students for the next
step through a challenging academic environment".
MSAD
#15 worked to build support systems for our students
in hope that they will engage in school. Partnerships
have been formed with community resources to fund
before, after school and summer opportunities for
our students. Approximately one-half of our Middle
School and High School students participate in co-curricular
activities.
MSAD #15 staff has worked to update and align the
curriculum with Maine's Learning Results. They have
planned and implemented a strong beginning for our
Local Assessment System. The high school expanded
its Advanced Placement courses, and received its accreditation
from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
MSAD
#15 built more efficient and effective programs to
support the work of teaching and learning. The Food
Service program was self-sufficient last year. Local
funds are not subsidizing the program. Our buildings
are clean and ready for the start of the school year.
A software system was purchased to implement an improved
maintenance plan for the facilities. The School Board
started a Capital Reserve Account in 2004-2005 and
has placed another $150,000 in reserve through the
adoption of the 2005-2006 budget. As a result, there
will be $300,000 in the Capital Reserve Account to
fund future capital needs.
The
School Board authorized the creation of a Facilities
Upgrade and Renovations Committee to plan for needed
repairs and renovations of the five school buildings.
This Committee will recommend to the School Board
on September 7th what projects will be part of an
application for state funding and what projects will
be planned for a local bond. The bond is planned for
voter approval in November, 2005.
Although
we are off to a productive start, MSAD #15 continues
to face challenges and we need the communities' support.
We need to improve our students' attendance, drop
out rate and student achievement scores, especially
in reading and math. We need to ensure that students
come to school every day and on time. When they are
at school, we need to provide instruction that is
engaging, rigorous and applied in real world situations.
We need to improve and maintain our buildings so that
our students understand the value that we place on
education. We need to expect that all students will
go to a post secondary academic placement or training
program when they graduate from Gray-New Gloucester
High School.
I
am confident that this is not a dream but a goal.
Goals can be accomplished through teamwork: continue
to help with homework; continue to come to school
informational sessions and conferences; continue to
ask questions and provide feedback to the school regarding
your children. The schools will continue to focus
on improving our communication with you and making
our schools welcoming places where your partnership
is valued.
Sincerely,
Victoria
Burns
Superintendent
SAD15
lunch menu Sept 5-9
Memorial
Mon: Labor Day, no school
Tue: ham, cheese & pickle sandwich, fries, cuke
slices, pears
Wed: chicken patty sandwich, rice, vegetable, fruit
Thu: tuna roll, potato rounds, celery sticks, fruit,
animal crackers
Fri: pizza, pretzels, carrot coins, sherbet
Russell
Mon: Labor Day, no school
Tue: ham, cheese & pickle sandwich, fries, cuke
slices, pears
Wed: chicken patty sandwich, rice, vegetable, fruit
Thu: tuna roll, potato rounds, celery sticks, fruit,
animal crackers
Fri: pizza, pretzels, carrot coins, sherbet
Dunn
Mon: Labor Day, no school
Tue: hot dog, fries, carrots, fruit
Wed: beef ravioli or ham, cheese & pickle sandwich,
hash brows, corn, peaches
Thu: chicken nuggets or tuna roll, fries, vegetable,
fruit
Fri: pizza or egg salad sandwich, tossed salad, chips,
sherbet cup
Middle School
Mon: Labor Day, no school
Tue: chicken patty sandwich or BBQ rib sandwich, fries,
vegetable, peaches
Wed: chicken nuggets or ham salad sandwich, rice,
corn, applesauce
Thu: American chop suey or chicken salad sandwich,
peas, garlic bread, mixed fruit
Fri: ham, cheese, bacon or pepperoni pizza, chips,
fruit, ice cream
School's
Opening, watch those kids!
Spokesman Steve McCausland
From The Maine Department of Public Safety
With schools opening for another year, State Police
are urging motorists to use caution in areas when
school children are present.
The department said many schools are opening this
week and all Maine schools will be open Tuesday, September
6. The Chief of the State Police, Colonel Craig A.
Poulin said, "students are not always paying
attention to pedestrian safety, so drivers have to
make a special effort to watch for them." Poulin
urged parents to teach their children safety procedures
while walking to and from school and waiting for buses.
The chief said Maine law mandates that drivers stop
when a school buses' red lights are flashing.
"Passing a stopped school bus is dangerous and
expensive, with a minimum fine of $311", Poulin
said.
Lauren Stewart of the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety
urged drivers and passengers to use their seat belts.
Stewart said, "It takes only a few seconds to
make sure all occupants are buckled up on the way
to and from school."
Additional
back to school safety tips:
*The speed limit in school zones is 15 m. p h.
*Bicyclists riding to school should wear helmets.
*Drivers should be extra alert in neighborhoods and
school zones where
children are present and around bus stops.
*Parents driving their children to school should make
sure their passengers are using seat belts or proper
child safety seats.
Happy
Days Are Here Again
By Rep. Susan Austin
In June we graduated the seniors of 2005. By this
date, most of their years of planning for their future
are in action! Now on September 6th we prepare to
welcome a new class, the Class of 2018 to its educational
career. This is a nostalgic time of year. The hay
has been bailed, camps are closing, school shopping
is done, and we're thinking about Labor Day, our end
of season holiday as we savor the ending to this glorious
Maine summer the way it should be!
Although there won't be any Austins waiting for the
ole' Yeller Bus on Yarmouth Road, nor flights or cross
country junkets to college campuses away, I will be
ever mindful of all of our students and their families
who embark on a new experience this Fall. A new school
year speaks of hope through new courses, teachers,
friends, competitors and fresh new opportunities to
challenge one's capabilities!
Maine's high school graduation rate is exemplary in
the nation but we are striving as a state with focused
attention through "College for ME" to reach
new heights in preparing and encouraging our students
to attain associate and bachelor degrees. Presently
our state average is 37% and the push is to reach
upwards to 50% in the near future. We are embracing
an attitude of life long learning for all our people.
The agenda has been set and it all continues with
each student of "every age" with this new
academic year.
Charles Colgan, Professor of Public Policy and Management,
Muskie School of Public Service at the University
of Southern Maine stated at a forum on the Bates College
Campus this month that education must be #1 and the
economy is #2. Why I ask? Because our standard of
living goes right back to the level of education our
people have. Yesterday's question for guidance personnel
was who could go to college and be successful. Today
and tomorrow's question is how to raise the bar of
expectation that all people need to be educated and
reach toward attaining that goal.
Our Governor in speaking to our forum at Bates College
said we need talent, technology and tolerance and
that we are not entitled to be first. We have to work
to earn that position. This new school year presents
just such a challenge to students age 5 to 65.
I share my sincerest hopes for a positive year for
all our students, parents, teachers, administrators,
school board members, coaches, our ambassadors who
safely transport our treasured cargo and all personnel
who impact the learning day of our students and their
future.
Rep. Austin (R-Gray), Representing: District 109
- Part of Gray, part of North Yarmouth and part of
Pownal
By
the Numbers : SAD 15 salaries
Source: MSAD 15 Office of the Superintendent
High
School Principal $81,200 Paul Penna, length of service-
2 years
High School Assistant Principal $65,800, Tim Richards,
14 yrs. as a teacher, 01/02 as Ass't Principal, 02/03
Interim Principal, 03/04, 04/05 Assistant Principal.
Athletic Director $62,255 Geoff Robbins, 3 years as
Athletic Director, 6 years prior to that as a teacher
*Middle School Principal $76,200
*Middle School Assistant Principal $64,700
*Sherry Levesque and Peter Cook act as Co-principals
at the Middle School. The budgeted salary of the Principal
and the Assistant Principal are added together and
then split evenly between the two. The SAD keeps the
listing of each position and its salary separate for
budgeting purposes.
Sherry Levesque, 14 yrs as a teacher, 4 yrs as Co
Principal.
Peter Cook, 4 yrs as a teacher (actually more, but
he was hired, left and rehired), 4 yrs as Co Principal.
Elementary 3-5 School Principal, $75,100, Bruce Beasley,
hired 1999 as Middle School Asst' Principal for 1
year, then 5 years as Principal at Memorial and Dunn.
Primary School K-2 Principal $73,338, Donna Beeley,
hired 2000 as Middle School Asst. Principal, 01/02
as Interim Dunn Principal, 02/03 as HS Guidance, and
past 2 years as Memorial Principal.
Director of Finance & Operations $73,670, Terry
Towle, 1.25 yrs as Director.
Director of Adult Education $50,478 Joan Tremberth,
6 yrs as Director of Adult Education.
Director of Teaching & Learning $76,500, Karen
Caprio, 2 yrs as Dir. of
Teaching & Learning, hired in 1986 as teacher,
then became Middle School Ass't Principal around 1993,
and Memorial Principal around 1995, returned to teaching
for 1 year around 2001, then 02/03 worked for Dept.
of Ed, and then back here as Director.
Superintendent $93,057, Victoria Burns, 2 yrs as Supt.,
2 yrs as Dir. of Teaching & Learning, 2 years
as Middle School Principal.
Other Supervisors recently hired and/or salaries determined:
Director of Special Services: $73,000
Technology Supervisor: $60,356
Maint. Supervisor: $45,320
Food Service Supervisor: $38,848
Transportation Supervisor: $47,000
