RSU 16 Community Connection

We are thrilled to carry forward this positive momentum from the recent Poland Players musical, "All Shook Up." The electrifying performances, infectious energy, and the undeniable talent displayed by our cast and crew left a mark on all who attended.

The musical, like the spirit of Thanksgiving, brought people together in a celebration of music, dance, and joy. It served as a reminder of the power of creativity to uplift and inspire, leaving the audience with a lasting sense of happiness and fulfillment.

As we move from Thanksgiving into the holiday season, let's keep that good energy flowing. Take a cue from "All Shook Up" – let the music play, dance like nobody's watching, and soak in those good vibes.

Sincerely,

Todd and Amy

We will highlight the accomplishments and milestones achieved by our staff and students over the past month. From academic achievements to artistic endeavors and athletic successes, we take immense pride in the diverse talents of our students.

The District II Honors Music Ensembles are groups that are determined based on the audition scores of participants. Over 25 participating schools from the area send students to audition each October for band, chorus, and orchestra ensembles at the middle school and high school level.

This year, over 900 students gathered in Yarmouth to audition, and the RSU 16 students represented our district well, with 42 students from BWMS and PRHS showing up to challenge themselves and demonstrate courage and the results of their hard work.

The following students were accepted in the honors ensembles, which will meet at the end of January for two day-long rehearsals culminating in a Saturday afternoon performance that is open to the public. For more information and updates about these concerts, folks can check the District II website.

The All State Jazz Music Ensembles are high school groups that are determined based on the audition scores of participants. Students audition from all over the state of Maine, and the groups are highly selective. Since jazz exists in many forms, the ensembles do as well. Selected instrumentalists can participate in big-band style ensembles, smaller jazz combos, or sometimes as the rhythm section for the jazz choirs. Selected vocalists participate in either the SSAA (upper voices) jazz choir or the SATB (mixed voices) jazz choir.

This year, PRHS is sending one instrumentalist, Oscar Horowitz, grade 9, piano. Congratulations, Oscar!

Whittier recognized top finishers in the Great Pumpkin Mile. The top two overall were 7th graders Jackson Garcia and Josh Varney (not pictured). The top two 8th grade boys were Jacob Jamo and Tyler Ricker. Alyssa Mason and Leksi Langevin were the top two finishing 8th grade girls, and Isabella Comeau and Bella D'Auteuil finished 1-2 amongst 7th grade girls. Mrs. Gilbert's Roundtable had the best participation in 7th grade, while 100% of Mrs. Frazier's 8th grade Roundtable beat the Great Pumpkin.

On October 24th, we were so fortunate to have PRHS students in our building volunteering for the day at PCS! They worked with students, and participated in classroom activities, helped with lunch service and joined students in their specials and at recess as well. It was wonderful for our students to see older siblings and students lending a hand, and hopefully we inspired some of them to possibly pursue careers in education!

We had a great turnout for the Fall Student Led Conferences! We had 97% participation from families! Staff was able to use the data from their BARR meetings to guide the conversations with families. The BARR spreadsheets that teachers use to organize student data always begin with students strengths, interests, and further include information on academics, social emotional learning and individual goals. It’s a wonderful tool for highlighting the WHOLE child. It served as a great guide and template for conference conversations, and left families feeling like their children are truly KNOWN in their classroom communities!

On November 4th, after 2 rescheduling, our PTA hosted another successful Trunk or Treat event at the PRHS parking lot. There were over 30 themed trunks, and 100’s of trunk or treaters. The costumes were great, and we even spotted some dopplegangers in the crowd!

Linda Chaisson, Technology Director

Electronic Testing

Testing allows schools to determine what our students know and how they are growing and progressing academically, and informs our teachers where focus and/or changes can be made in curriculum development to meet the academic needs of all students.

The IT Dept plays a crucial role in the success of electronic testing in our schools. It is our job to make sure the devices are in tip top condition, properly configured and network needs are met for each different type of test. The different types of testing that occur using computers are, NWEA, NAEP, PSAT, WIDA, Maine Science Test, multiple AP tests and beginning in 2024 the SAT test.

Some of these tests require secure apps and/or lockdown browsers to be installed. All of these tests require IT support. A successful testing day for us is if we aren't needed but we are always ready to assist at any time.

We are working on our annual food drive for the Mannafed program and the Tri-Town Food Bank.