MSAD #49

On Saturday, January 20th, Lawrence Junior High School 7th & 8th grade cheerleaders competed in the KVAC Cheer Competition held at the Augusta Civic Center. Hard work and determination paid off for this team! They placed 5th out of 11 teams in the competition while competing with much larger cheering squads from across the region. They performed their routine with zero deductions which is an amazing accomplishment. We are proud of our Bulldog Cheerleaders and wish them the best of luck at their next competition. Well done!

At Lawrence High School the second semester has started this week which means that the Add/Drop period has begun. Students can be added to a class or Drop a class for the first five days of the quarter for quarter classes or the first ten days for semester classes. If a student is added to a new class after the first day of the quarter or semester, they will probably have to do some catch-up work, so it behooves them to make their moves early. Students should schedule times to meet with their School Counselor if they desire a schedule change. With the start of the new semester and coming off a week of midterms and finals, we do not have any pictures of cool happenings. We will look to get some for next week’s report. This past Monday, on our Teacher In-service day, we, along with other teachers in the district, worked on creating teacher clarity when thinking about lesson planning and writing learning targets (what they want the students to learn from the lesson). Identifying what it is we want our students to know and be able to do as a result of our lesson. We want students to be able to answer the question, “What is it that you are learning?” and have them indicate the learning target that the teacher has identified for them. We’ll also be working on identifying what the success criteria are for students to show that they’ve learned the material. What that looks like for the students and the teachers: it may be a test, or it may be a student teaching the content to another student to prove understanding of the content. All things that we do within the profession, whether it’s given a new name or terminology, it’s about teaching and learning and refining our work as educators. It may not be glamorous but it is essential to revisit and reflect on and be deliberate about our practice. On February 8, 2024, we will have some Seniors who have been randomly selected to participate in the NAEP Assessment. NAEP stands for National Assessment of Educational Progress and is a common measure of achievement across the country. It is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics and results will be reported in The Nation’s Report Card, which provides information about student achievement to policymakers, parents, educators, and the public. Our students will not need to study for it; just put forth their best effort should they be one of the selected student participants. A letter will be sent home to the parents/guardians of those randomly selected students. If you have questions regarding your student’s schedule or with a particular class, or activity please reach out to their teacher, coach/advisor, school counselor, or school administrator. Finally, to involve parents and guardians, I have included a link to a short Google survey form for those interested and ask you to please fill it out. Thanks and have a great week. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1McjUisJqv90rhAHP2IrZwfHzCZ1wQ6znSqMESRCeWzs/viewform?edit_requested=true

After Thanksgiving at Fairfield Primary School, one of our 6 kindergarten classrooms (12 students) started a 100 mile club with their students. The students had a 10-15 minute break each day where they could go to the gym to walk or run laps. The students were motivated- they completed their work in a timely manner to make sure there was time left in the day to go to the gym! While in the gym, the students were happy and enjoyed their time. At first, several students were taking many breaks between laps. As time went on, they became stronger and motivated to walk more laps than they had the day before! To keep track of laps, the students grab a bracelet at the end of each lap. At the end of every session they count their bracelets (incorporating math in the activity, too) and their teacher records the number of laps on a chart. After sharing our success and how much fun we’ve been having, 4 other classes have joined in trying to walk 100 laps! As of January 10, the students in the 5 classes have walked a total of 153 miles.

Last week the Maine Fiddler's Camp came to Albion. They held a brief concert in the morning and held Contra dance lessons throughout the day. They wrapped up the day with a family event/dance in the evening. We had an amazing turnout. The PTA sponsored the event. The Fiddler's Camp presenters were: Douglas Protsik Eric Rolfson (from Albion!) Louise Strong

Students in second grade at Clinton Elementary engage in balanced literacy through stations. While small groups of students are with the teacher for targeted reading instruction, other second graders are working in stations focused on phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and sight words, and comprehension. These literacy stations enable learners to develop social, writing, language, and literacy skills.

Benton Elementary fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade band and chorus students recently spent a day immersed in music at the Williamson Performing Arts Center. Students rehearsed on the stage to prepare for their evening concert. In addition, students met with LJHS and LHS music teachers and students, learned a song with the junior high band, and were treated to a performance by the LJHS and LHS chorus. Music continued into the evening with our annual Benton Elementary winter concert. Students performed wonderfully and they’re excited to continue making music into the second half of the school year. Many thanks to our dedicated music teachers - Josh Lund, David Hoagland, and Gerald York - and to all who attended this concert in support of our talented musicians!

On Wednesday, January 17th the 8th grade students attended a Career Expo hosted by the Mid-Maine Technical Center in Waterville. Students had the opportunity to gain a quick introduction to some of the programs that will be available to them in their high school offerings.

The high school is in the middle of Semester 1 Finals. Friday is the last day of the semester and is a makeup day for Finals. Congratulations to our early completers who have successfully finished their graduation requirements and will start moving on with their lives after high school: some are taking classes at a community college or starting work, or in one instance, pursuing their goal of becoming a Farrier and heading, right off, to Montana! Monday, January 22nd, is an In-Service day for Teachers, so no students. The 3rd Quarter and second semester will start on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Students will receive their schedules in their Homerooms, which we will hold first thing in the morning on Tuesday. Looking ahead, we are preparing our Program of Studies for course sign ups which will be held later next month - we usually look to have current students sign up after February Break. We will be getting notifications out to the parents of our incoming Freshmen for our 8th Grade Parent’s Night at which we will go over the high school programming and preview the Program of Studies to help with their course sign-ups. This date is still being set but we’re looking to hold it the week before February break. A letter will be sent home informing parents of that meeting. We would encourage you to bring your son or daughter to that evening meeting, even though we will have held an informational meeting with the 8th graders, beforehand. Where we are in the midst of our winter season, storms could potentially impact our days with early releases or late arrivals or cancellations altogether. I’ve included a copy of our bell schedule that includes schedules for anticipated early releases and late arrivals. While there may still be some slight alterations, these have held pretty consistently.

The 7th & 8th grade chorus students did an amazing job with their winter concert held on Wednesday, January 10th. The hard work and commitment of our students, our choral director, and our pianist made for an evening of fine entertainment.

At Clinton Elementary School Miss Petrie's class is working hard in their new first grade writing offices. This week they were able to free write and work on stretching out their letter sounds and really trying their best! They did a great job and are falling more in love with writing everyday!

At Albion Elementary School Mrs. Wastella's fourth-grade class is currently delving into the fascinating realm of Continents and Oceans. This educational journey holds significant importance as it enables students to expand their geographic knowledge and global awareness. Through engaging lessons and interactive activities, the students not only grasp the essential concepts of continents and oceans but also develop a broader perspective of the world around them. Mrs. Wastella's approach fosters curiosity and understanding, laying the foundation for a well-rounded and informed education.

At Fairfield Primary School in Mrs. LaBrance and Miss Newcomb's Pre-K class, students are engaged in a variety of centers to enhance their learning experience. One particularly significant center involves designing stable structures resilient to simulated wind (using a hairdryer). This activity not only sparks creativity but also teaches the importance of stability and problem-solving. Additionally, students are engaged in coloring exercises, interactive games, and activities focused on caring for animals. These diverse centers cater to various aspects of a child's development, fostering essential skills such as teamwork, creativity, and responsibility.

Benton Elementary fifth graders in Katherine Goodrich's class enjoyed a special treat after reading the novel Poppy, written by Avi. Students had the opportunity to extend their learning by dissecting owl pellets and sorting bones into different categories to discover what their owls had eaten for lunch.

Lawrence High School’s EMPOWER group made a presentation to the School Board on January 4th informing them of their work with the elementary schools in the district and their mission of empowering students to find their passion and abstain from substance use. They present a themed puppet show and conduct a Q & A session when they visit the schools. Below is a picture of the students speaking to the Board members on the 4th, along with their two advisors: Mr. Firmage and Mr. Spears. In other news, on Wednesday evening the Winter Concert for the Choral groups took place in the Williamson Center. This was a concert of the Junior High and High School Chorus groups. It was a nice show to see and listen to. We have some wonderful singing voices and talent throughout the program. Below are two pictures: the first one is of the High School Jazz Choir and the second one is the High School Chorus. We are looking forward to the spring concert series from our Music Department later in the year. Lastly, a reminder to folks that next week the high school will have their finals and midterms. Tuesday will be a regular day, but starting Wednesday, there will be morning finals and dismissal at 10:45 AM each day. Friday is only for students who need to take a make-up exam. The new semester starts on Tuesday, January 23rd. (Monday, January 22nd is a Teacher In-service day - no school for students). Have a good week.

At Albion Elementary School each student selected a book focused on science or history, delving into its content and articulating the significance of their newfound knowledge. This activity not only promotes independent learning but also encourages critical thinking as students reflect on the importance of the information they've gathered.

Before Christmas break the Clinton Elementary Student council sponsored a special afternoon of holiday activities. Students were paired up oldest and youngest and moved through stations which included the following; Holiday Crafts, Reindeer Games in the gym, Christmas Trivia in teams using Kahoot as well as a snack. Here are some pictures from our photo booth station.

At Fairfield Primary Mrs. Sweatt's class engaged in an exciting owl adventure after reading Owl Moon, fostering a hands-on learning experience that is particularly impactful for young students.

Benton Elementary students and staff were happy to return to school after the infamous Grinch Storm…and lucky for us, it was PJ Day! First grade teacher Annie Jewel ended up twinning with one of her students, and Melissa Patterson’s first graders tried on their new holiday socks (a special delivery from the North Pole). All first graders received a gift of hats and mittens, made and donated by first-grade teacher Kristen Skehan’s grandma. Second graders listened to The Polar Express, read by assistant principal Kellie Paisley-Hopper, and enjoyed ringing bells of their own while eating cookies. Stephanie Walston’s second graders and Bridget West’s third graders, along with many other students and staff members, were comfy all day in their holiday pajamas. Fourth grade students in Kori Whited’s class learned about acids, bases, and the PH scale by putting candy canes in different liquids. They made predictions and then wrote about the results. Fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade classes wrapped up the day enjoying holiday movies. All in all we had a great day spending time together in the comfort of our school.

The Lawrence Junior High School 2023/2024 yearbook team has been working hard gathering pictures, and articles, covering school events, and planning for this year's school yearbook. It should be amazing!

Lawrence High School is back from vacation. Classroom work is picking up again. The combined Jr. High and High School Choral Holiday Concert is on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Williamson Performing Arts Center. Work is being done to wrap up the second quarter and prepare for midterms and finals which will occur the week of January 15, 2024. (There is no school on 1/15/24 to celebrate and reflect upon the work of Dr. Martin Luther King.) The schedule for that week are as follows: Midterm/Final EXAM SCHEDULE- January 16, 17, 18, 19 - 2024 All students in grades 9-12 will follow the time schedule listed below for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, January 16 - 18, 2024. The Exam Make-up Day is scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2024. Scheduled exams are mandatory for students. Any student wishing to take any exam(s) at a time other than what is on the regular schedule must have prior approval by Administration and the Teacher. Students with a Study Hall assigned in their schedule do not have to be in school for the Study Hall. If, however, you are in school, the assigned Study Hall will be in the Cafe and Library. Buses will depart from the high school at 10:45 AM. If students are scheduling make-up exams, they must arrange for a ride home after their make-up exam. Students reliant upon bus transportation home after a make-up exam, must wait in the cafeteria or Library until the regular release time at 2:00PM to catch their regular bus home. (Jr. High buses will run at the regular time) Tuesday, January 16, 2024 REGULAR DAY AFTER BLOCK 1 - AM-MMTC Students attend MMTC (regular time) Block 1 Exam 7:35 - 8:41 AM Advisory 8:46 - 9:14 AM Blocks 2, 3, 4, 5 Regular schedule for students (including PM-MMTC students). Wednesday, January 17, 2024 AM-MMTC Students attend MMTC and will return early for lunch. No PM-MMTC Block 2 Exam 7:35 - 8:40 AM BREAK 8:45 - 9:05 AM Block 3 Exam 9:10 - 10:15 AM Lunch 10:15 - 10:40 AM Buses depart at 10:45 AM Make-Up Exam Time: 10:45 - 11:50 AM Thursday, January 18, 2024 No AM-MMTC and No PM-MMTC Block 4 Exam 7:35 - 8:40 AM BREAK 8:45 - 9:05 AM Block 5 Exam 9:10 - 10:15 AM Lunch 10:15 - 10:40 AM Buses depart at 10:45 AM Make-up Exam Time 10:45 - 11:50 AM Friday, January 19, 2024 No MMTC for our students today. *Only students who have to take an exam need to come into school today. Make-up Exam 7:35 - 8:40 AM / Break 8:40 - 9:00 AM Make-up Exam 9:05 - 10:10 AM Lunch 10:15 - 10:40 AM Bus Departure Time 10:45 AM