RSU 16 Community Connection

Greetings,

As is apparent from the view outside our windows, at least at the time of writing, winter has made its arrival to our communities. With this time of year comes the opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward, with hope and enthusiasm, to the year about to commence. The timing couldn’t be better to give thanks to our staff, students, and families.

To our bright and eager students:

As you enjoy the upcoming winter break, may you relax and recharge your batteries for the start of a great second half to the school year. Think about everything that you have accomplished and reflect on things that you might have been able to do better. Learn as much from the things you could have done better as you do the things you excelled at. Accept every challenge you are presented with and always give your best effort.

To our family members and other stakeholders:

The role you play to support the success of our students and create a positive and strong school community cannot be stated enough. Your ongoing support of our students, staff, and schools help to create a positive place to teach and learn. I hope you get a chance to spend time with family and friends over the upcoming winter break and the start of the year is a good one for you all.

To our esteemed teachers, administrators/supervisors, and support staff:

Your unwavering commitment and dedication, even during times of uncertainty, as well as your concern for the well-being of our students is truly commendable. Thank you for the hard work, creativity and numerous hours that you commit to make our district the best it can be. The impact you make today will be felt by your students for many years to come.

As we see the close of one calendar year and the beginning of a new one, may you reflect on the positive aspects of the current year and look forward, with enthusiasm, to all the new one could hold in store. May the new year be full of good health and happiness for you, your family and friends.

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.

Fifth grade students from PCS had an incredible opportunity to visit the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for their LabVenture! field trip. Students worked in teams to gather evidence about the Gulf of Maine through hands on and high tech research. Students examined plankton under a microscope, measured live lobsters, analyzed data displayed on cutting-edge digital technology platforms and other activities. Thank you GMRI LabVenture! for this amazing opportunity!

The Tri-Town Optimist Club of Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland is proud to announce its latest RSU 16 Student of the Month recipient. Sixth grader, Bryce Simpson, from Minot Consolidated School was recognized today as our Optimist Student of the Month for November. Bryce is described by his teacher and principal as a happy, enthusiastic learner who embodies every characteristic a teacher would want to see in a student. He is a hard worker who is always smiling and genuinely kind to his peers. Bryce is a model student who is a prime example of everything the Optimist Creed represents, from his 'cheerful countenance' to his 'enthusiasm for the success of others' and more. Congratulations Bryce!

Watch for our Winter/Spring 2024 brochure in Tri-Town mailboxes and community locations after the New Year! In addition to the many ways we help students to finish high school and meet future goals, we are currently in the process of finalizing lots of personal enrichment classes open to everyone - from exercise and safety to sewing and real estate! The second half of the 20 page booklet is dedicated to sharing updates and news from all of our RSU 16 schools. Please don’t miss reading this important information to stay informed on what is happening in the district.

To date this year, we have enrolled 31 students of various ages in our adult education programming. These students are working on finishing high school, preparing for college, and exploring training or career paths. If you have questions about our programming or are looking for something specific, please don’t hesitate to call us at 345-3217, email rsu16adulted@rsu16.org - or stop in! You can also find us on Facebook or visit our website at mechanicfalls.maineadulted.org.

Maine’s County and State Teacher of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) in partnership with the Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) Association have announced their second annual student writing contest. The prompt is “share about a teacher who made a positive difference in your day, week, year, or life.”

To learn more about the writing prompts and rules for this contest, visit https://www.mainecela.org/student-writing-contest.html at MCELA’s website. The contest closes on December 22, 2023.

This month I am pleased to announce I have three vacant routes now covered!

First I have the two vacant bus route now filled, the vacant route in Minot will be filled by Elizabeth Davis, the vacant Mechanic Falls route will be filled by Vicki Morgan, and last but not least I have the vacant van route now covered by Roxanne "Roxie" Pearl. All three of the drivers filling the vacant routes have four plus years of experience.

I am also excited to announce Vicki will be starting her new route with a new school bus we have just recently taken delivery on.

I am also excited that Roxie will be starting her new route in a new 2020 Chrysler Pacifica just purchased by the district.