The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University, in Jersey City, New Jersey. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.
Marsha Polley, of Chelsea, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.
Kit Potelle, of Winslow, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Teachers College.
Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)
VASSALBORO, ME — Vassalboro School Board members got quite a lot of good news at their April 13 meeting.
Assistant Principal Greg Hughes shared the first item, in his administrator’s report: extracurricular programs are being scheduled again, after two years of pandemic-induced hiatus.
He said one field trip has already been held and two more are planned before the term ends. In-school programs like the book fair and group discussions of shared problems are back, too.
“It feels really good,” Hughes said. He thanked members of the Vassalboro Community School (VCS) Parent-Teacher Organization for their help.
Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer joined Hughes in thanking PTO volunteers. He added another piece of good news: enough four-year-old students have enrolled so next year’s pre-kindergarten will have two sections.
State funds will pay almost all the costs, Pfeiffer said, including a teacher aide for the second class and furniture and supplies for the additional classroom. The local school budget will fund a second pre-kindergarten teacher.
Previously and this year, the superintendent said, after the single pre-kindergarten class was full VCS administrators helped parents enroll their children in out-of-town programs.
Finance Director Paula Pooler had yet more good news.
The audit for the prior fiscal year, 2020-21, showed the food service program was in the black, for the first time in several years; and this year, so far, it still is, she reported. For the current year, overall spending is on target; there is no indication the total 2021-22 budget will fall short.
Next year’s budget, approved unanimously on a first (preliminary) reading by school board members, totals $8,722,176.29. That figure is an increase of more than $400,000 over the current year.
However, state revenue is also up, with the result that if $80,000 is taken from the school’s surplus account (deliberately increased in previous years, Pfeiffer said, so that it could be a revenue source), the school will ask for a little over $77,000 less from Vassalboro taxpayers next year than this year.
Budget committee and school board members were scheduled to review the proposed budget at an April 19 meeting. Vassalboro voters will make final decisions on 2022-23 school spending at their open town meeting June 6 and will reaffirm or reject the budget by written ballot June 14 (the so-called school budget referendum).
Pooler emphasized that higher federal funding due to the pandemic is a big contributor to this year’s and next year’s budgets. When federal funds decline, local spending will need to increase again. Meanwhile, she said, Vassalboro (and its former partners in AOS [Alternative Organizational Structure] #92, Waterville and Winslow) are making sure they get everything they’re entitled to.
In other business April 15, school board members accepted several resignations, including that of assistant principal Hughes.
Principal Megan Allen resigned earlier this spring. Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur opened the meeting by denying a rumor that she and Hughes had been fired. Only the school board could fire them, and the board did not do so; they resigned, for their individual reasons, he said.
Allen wrote in the March 27 school newsletter that she resigned because her experience as principal showed her that “I am a teacher at heart and belong in a classroom.” She plans to work at the college level “to teach future teachers” and to return to middle-school teaching.
A 13-person committee, including school personnel and members of the public, was scheduled to start reviewing resumes of applicants for Allen’s and Hughes’ positions on April 14. This committee, Levasseur told audience members, cannot accept additional volunteers; because it deals with personnel, deliberations are by law confidential.
However, he and Pfeiffer said, volunteers are welcome for other tasks at VCS, including playground and cafeteria monitoring and assisting with a planned library reorganization. There are plans to post volunteer opportunities on the website, vcsvikings.org.
Board member Jessica Clark added that librarian and media specialist Melora Norman is choosy about her volunteers: she wants people who will follow her instructions, not try to tell her how things should be done. Board and audience members smiled understandingly.
Clark asked Pfeiffer what he and other administrators are doing to reduce the number of remote days, when too few staff are available to cover all classes.
“We need people,” Pfeiffer replied. He thanked VCS personnel who have filled in when colleagues are out sick.
The problem is not just local, he added, citing the state-wide shortage of teachers and especially substitute teachers and the difficulty many schools have retaining staff. In an April 12 letter posted on the website, Pfeiffer wrote that during this school year 21 Maine principals have “left their positions” and there have been “22 changes in superintendencies,” including 15 retirements.
After the April 19 budget meeting (and follow-up meetings if needed), the next regular Vassalboro school board meeting is currently scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17.
Seniors of the Trimester, from left to right, Aidan Larrabee, Samuel Worthley, Mackenzie Roderick, and Autumn Boody. (contributed photo)
On Friday, April 8, Erskine Academy held a Renaissance assembly to recognize second trimester award recipients.
Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Parker Studholme, Andrew Shaw, David McCaig, Lauren Tyler, Balquis Hutami, and Damon Wilson.
In addition, four seniors received Senior of the Trimester Awards: Autumn Boody, daughter of Jessica and Lance Boody, of Washington; Samuel Worthley, son of Nancy and Peter Worthley, of Vassalboro; Mackenzie Roderick, daughter of Mike Roderick, of China, and Melissa Vail, of Augusta; and Aidan Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.
In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were also presented to Colleen Doucette, bus driver, and food service staff; and Marc Cote, guidance counselor.
Faculty of the Trimester, Marc Cote, left, and Colleen Doucette. (contributed photo)
Faculty at China Primary School enjoy their redecorated staff room. (photo courtesy of Melissa Robbie)
As most people are already aware, teaching young children is already an exhausting profession – but with quarantines, masking, and social distancing, the last couple of “Covid” years have brought teachers to a new level of exhaustion! Our China Schools Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) noticed this and wanted to show their love and support in a way that would be useful to our staff every day.
They noticed our staff room was dated, plain, and downright gloomy – so a team of parents set out to revitalize our break space – as a surprise! They worked tirelessly gathering donations from area businesses and set to work over Christmas break to transform our break room into a truly magical and relaxing environment. They painted all the walls and cabinetry (including mailboxes!) in coordinating bright aqua and tranquil grays with a splash of sunshine yellow.
The newly-renovated staff room at the China Primary School, through the hard work of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. (photo courtesy of Melissa Robbie)
They equipped the room with:
Specific PTO members and their families who dedicated hours into planning and the physical transformation of our staff room:
Megan Randazza, Bobbie and Ben Weymouth, Rebecca & Tim DeWitt, Raigan and Curtis York, and Percy O’Clair.
Lakeview Lumber – Monetary donation;
Bry-Ann Mattingly – a parent and local artist who painted and donated the gorgeous ocean painting;
Bruce & Kathy Plaisted – bar stools;
Central Church — 2 microwaves and new Keurig coffee maker;
China Schools PTO – money, time, ideas, and effort;
Home Depot – Gift card;
Lowe’s – 5 gallons of paint.
(photo courtesy of Melissa Robbie)
The school staff had many positive feedbacks for the project:
“Every single teacher who walked into that room this morning instantly felt the love! We are so incredibly lucky to have parents and a community like ours who make us feel so appreciated in these crazy times. I’m looking forward to many lunches and laughs with my coworkers in the beautiful space you all created for us!” – Alyssa Bentley, Fourth Grade Teacher, at China Primary School.
“Everyone is so blown away at seeing this wonderful expression of appreciation from our PTO and community! Thank you to all who contributed to this project. We appreciate your generosity, time, and efforts. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” – Linda Bengtson, administrative assistant at China Primary School.
“This beautiful makeover was just the morale booster we needed. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and creativity that you all put into this project!” – Lori Maxim, fourth grade teacher, at China Primary School.
“What an amazing transformation! Thank you so much for creating such a peaceful, warm, and inviting space for us to enjoy. Every detail was completed with such love!” – Melissa Robie Calouro, pre-K teacher, at China Primary School.
“It was so wonderful to walk into this beautiful surprise! Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. We are so fortunate to have you.” – Kathy Jacobs, special education teacher, at China Primary School.
“Just incredible! My mouth seriously dropped when I walked in. Such a wonderful present. Thank you all so much for all of your hard work!” – Brittany Dunn, kindergarten teacher, at China Primary School.
“I don’t even have words for it! It felt like a whole different place. I’m still emotional thinking about it. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!” – Jennifer Gledhill, third grade teacher, at China Primary School.
Brooke Welch
Brooke Welch, daughter of Dereck and Aaron Welch of North Anson, a senior at Carrabec High School, has been selected to receive the 2022 Principal’s Award, according to Principal Timothy Richards. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement, citizenship and leadership.
According to Richards, Ms. Welch has distinguished herself as a leader for her class, a role model for her peers, and an athlete on the court and on the field. She always has a smile on her face and has a positive attitude. Brooke is hard-working, kind, and humble, all of which will ensure her future success. She is also very involved in her community, volunteering for many events, always willing to lend a hand.
Strong and focused, Brooke has not only thrived in the sports world, but has taken honors courses, as well as, AP and Dual Enrollment classes, and was March 2022 Student of the Month.
For all of these reasons, Richards is proud to announce that Brooke Welch is the Carrabec High School MPA Award recipient for 2022. Brooke can attend a LIVE Virtual Event on April 1, 2022, where she will be eligible to be selected for one of ten scholarships.
Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachusetts, the first college in the U.S. to require internships of its students, is pleased to announce its Fall 2021 dean’s list students. In order to qualify for the dean’s list, a student must obtain a minimum grade point average of 3.5, receive no letter grade below “C,” have no withdrawal grades, and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for the semester.
The following students have met these requirements:
Alana York, of Palermo, majoring in business management, is the daughter of Cheryl York and Andrew York.
Kristen Dube, of Sidney, majoring in nursing, is the daughter of Sarah Dube and Robert Dube.
Referee Shawn Guest, from Bath, presenting State Champion Sam Schmitt with his award. (photo by Jason Gendron)
Winslow High School Senior, Sam Schmitt, captured Maine’s Class B State Wrestling Championship at 138 pounds on Saturday, February 19, at Morse High School, in Bath, continuing a family tradition of state champion titles.
Schmitt overcame a very tough finals opponent from Wells with an impressive eight takedowns to finish at 17-10 for the win, a highlight contest that also earned him the coveted Wally LaFountain and John Smith Outstanding Wrestler Award for the State Championship meet. Several weeks prior, he won the KVAC Championship at 138 pounds and celebrated his 100th high school career win earlier this season.
Sam comes from a long line of wrestling family members with uncles, cousins and even two sisters that have all competed in the sport for Winslow. He is the fourth of the clan to win a Maine State Championship, joining his grandfather Randall Fredette (1961), cousin Ryan Fredette (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and cousin Alex Demers (2020) as a title holder. This is Sam’s 12th year of wrestling, having started in the Pee Wee program as a kindergartner and later winning the Maine State Pee Wee Championship as a second grader. He was no stranger to the high school state finals, having placed fourth his freshman year at 106 pounds, third his sophomore year at 120 pounds, and like many other Maine school athletes, did not have a junior season due to COVID restrictions.
In addition to excelling as a student-athlete, Schmitt is a member of the National Honor Society and was recently chosen as Winslow High School’s Student of the Month by faculty and staff. He plans to pursue a degree in business marketing, has been accepted at several colleges already. Sam is the son of Tara and Mike Fredericks, of Winslow, and Rob and Lisa Schmitt, of Waterville.
Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)
High honors: Emily Almeida, Ava Lemelin and Alexandria O’Hara. Honors: Anna Deaborn, William Ellsey, Jacob Lavallee, Paige Littlefield, Emily Piecewicz, Leahna Rocque and Addison Witham. Honorable mention: Saunders Chase, Madison Estabrook, Kaiden Morin, Lilian Piecewicz and Leah Targett.
High honors: Henry Olson and Bryson Stratton. Honors: Madison Burns, Owen Couture, Ryley Desmond, Eilah Dillaway, Peyton Dowe, Alora Esquibel, Madison Field, Adalyn Glidden, Bailey Goforth, Kaitlyn Maberry, Jack Malcolm, Josslyn Ouellette, Natalie Rancourt and Mackullen Tolentino. Honorable mention: Emma Charleston, Tyler Clark, Wyatt Ellis, Xavier Foss, Kylie Grant, Caspar Hooper, Mason Lagasse, Olivia Leonard, Sawyer Livingstone, Alexis Mitton, Ayden Norton, Noah Pooler,Taiya Rankins and Kaleb Tolentino.
High honors: Drew Lindquist, Caleb Marden, Paige Perry, Judson Smith and Reid Willett. Honors: Benjamin Allen, Juliet Boivin, Trustyn Brown, Gariella Brundage, Zoey DeMerchant, Jennah Dumont, Ryleigh French, Drake Goodie, Cooper Lajoie, Bentley Pooler, Abigail Prickett, Brooke Reny, Hannah Tobey and Alana Wade. Honorable mention: Dominick Bickford, Dylan Dodge, Zachary Kinrade, Trinity Pooler, William Trainor and Jade Travers.
High honors: Samuel Bechard, Keegan Clark, Allyson Gilman, Jack LaPierre, Keighton LeBlanc, Cheyenne Lizzotte, Agatha Meyer, Grace Tobey and Ava Woods. Honors: Bryleigh Burns, Emily Clark, Basil Dillaway, Ariyah Doyen, Fury Frappier, Baylee Fuchswanz, Zoe Gaffney, Lillyana Krastev, Kaitlyn Lavallee, Mia McLean, Elliot McQuarrie, Mackenzy Monroe, Weston Pappas, Kassidy Proctor and Emma Robbins. Honorable mention: Peyton Bishop, Olivia Dumas, Tess Foster, Bayleigh Gorman, Aiden McIntyre, Jaelyn Moore and Kaylee Moulton.
High honors: Twila Cloutier, Mariah Estabrook, Dawson Frazer, Lucian Kinrade, Sarina LaCroix, Olivia Perry, Cassidy Rumba, Haven Trainor and Cameron Willett. Honors: Zander Austin, Lukas Blais, Jayson Booker, Sophia Brazier, Xainte Cloutier, Kaylee Colfer, Samantha Craig, Riley Fletcher, Brandon Fortin, Peter Giampietro, Aubrey Goforth, Isaac Leonard, Jade Lopez, Juliahna Rocque, Isaiah Smith and Meadow Varney. Honorable mention: Aliyah Anthony, Kiara Apollo, Grace Clark, Wyatt Devoe, Dekan Dumont, Camden Foster and Landon Lagasse.
High honors: Hunter Brown, Addison Dodge, Simon Olson, Alexis Reed, Jackson Robichaud and Robert Wade. Honors: Ryder Austin, Alexander Bailey, Rylee Boucher, Kamdyn Couture, Braiden Crommott, Mikkah-Isabella Grant, Cooper Grant, Tanner Hughes, Kendall Karlsson, Brooklyn Leach, Landon Quint, Willa Rafuse, Christopher Santiago, Asher Smith and William Vincent. Honorable mention: Maverick Brewer, Reese Chechowitz, Levi DeMerchant, Liam Dowe, Hunter Green, Aubrie Hill, Sophia-Lynn Howard, Jase Kimball, Aria Lathrop, Landon Lindquist, Elliot Stratton and Mason York-Baker.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
The Diocese of Portland has notified school communities that it is planning to eliminate the mask mandate in place at Catholic elementary and high schools starting on Monday, March 7.
“Though masks will no longer be required, teachers and students who wish to continue to mask will certainly be allowed to do so,” said Marianne Pelletier, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools. “We chose March 7 to ensure that there isn’t another outbreak or rise in cases upon return to class from the February break that would necessitate the continued use of masks.”
The masking policies and safety protocols in place at the diocesan schools have allowed for continuous, in-person education at Catholic schools since September of 2020.
“We believe students are best served when learning in school,” said Pelletier. “Thanks to the understanding, cooperation, and generosity of our school families, faculty, and staff, we were able to continue to provide a safe and healthy school environment for our students. It was a partnership that worked diligently to protect each other and the wider community.”
As always, if the number of positive cases surges in a specific town, city, or school, mitigation measures, including mandatory masking, could be reinstated.
The schools overseen by the Office of Maine Catholic Schools includes St. Michael School, in Augusta.
Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)
At their Feb. 15 meeting, Vassalboro School Board members again heard from half a dozen mothers who do not want their children to wear masks in school. Board members corrected two pieces of misinformation the parents had heard, and Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said he is “incredibly hopeful” that if Maine’s covid cases continue to decline, requirements will ease.
Mothers said their children “hate masks” and are therefore unenthusiastic about school, and masks worsen the health of children with asthma and other conditions that affect their breathing.
Some parents had heard that students are forbidden to talk in the cafeteria while they are eating with their masks off. Assistant Principal Greg Hughes said talking is allowed, although lunchroom monitors prefer conversations after students finish eating and put their masks on again.
Some teachers are stricter than others about silencing students, one parent commented.
The other incorrect information the group quoted was that Maine schools get extra state funds if they require masks. Absolutely untrue, Pfeiffer, board chairman Kevin Levasseur and Finance Director Paula Pooler all said.
Pfeiffer said he and other superintendents have been meeting with half a dozen Maine education and health groups and government officials to talk about the masking requirement. Depending on what the pandemic does, new state guidance might be issued in a month or so, he said. The parents were audibly displeased at the prospect of no action for a month.
In other business, Pfeiffer reported that 19 students have registered to attend pre-kindergarten at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) in the 2022-23 school year. To take advantage of offered state funding for a second pre-k class, 30 or more students are needed. He encouraged board and audience members to spread the word.
He further reported that the shortage of substitute teachers continues.
Food Service Director John Hersey is working on a survey to be sent to students and parents about the school lunch menu, Pfeiffer said. The goal is to increase participation in the free school lunch program by making menus more appealing.
The VCS Vikings website is being redone, with the new version scheduled to be ready Feb. 27, Pfeiffer said. He expects it will help people find what they want “with fewer clicks.”
Board members’ next big project is development of the 2022-23 school budget request. They scheduled a preliminary discussion for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, in the VCS gymnasium.
At Pfeiffer’s request, to give him more time to draft a budget, they postponed their regular March meeting by one week, to Tuesday, March 22 “from 6 p.m. to midnight,” Pfeiffer threatened.
School board budget meetings, like regular meetings, are open to the public to watch and listen.