District Newsletter 2/10
Micah Depper wins Milken Family Foundation Award
"All I know is something very important is going on if there are this many cameras here," PE teacher Brent Luchies whispered to his 6th grade students as they filed into the Bath Middle School gymnasium on Wednesday. The assembly was billed as a visit from Maine's Commissioner of Education, Pender Makin, but the details were vague. Teachers, students and administrators were kept mostly in the dark about the true purpose of the assembly. It quickly became clear, however, when seventh-grade science teacher Micah Depper was recognized with a national honor—the Milken Educator Award.
Known as the 'Oscars of teaching' the award includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to California to collaborate with other award-winning educators and share strategies to advance education nationwide. “The Milken Award says in a very public way that greatness in education should be celebrated, too. The quality of teachers in the classroom is the most essential educational element in determining how much kids learn each year,” said Milken Family Foundation Senior Program Director Greg Gallagher as he addressed the crowd.
There's no doubt Mr. Depper’s passion for teaching is contagious throughout the halls of Bath Middle School, inspiring students to explore science through an inquiry-based approach. Drawing from his collegiate experiences in biology and environmental studies, Depper makes complex topics like biological evolution, metabolism, genetics, and ecosystems come to life in his classroom. Beyond science, Depper creates spaces for students to connect and thrive. He established a student union gathering space at BMS, forged partnerships with a local youth center, and introduced students to electronic music production. His popular “BMS Rock Band” club provided a creative, welcoming environment where students with little or no musical experience could learn to play instruments and perform at school assemblies.
Depper’s influence extends to the broader school community. As a former instructional coach, he supported his fellow educators by collaborating on effective instructional strategies. He helped implement a pilot program under Maine’s Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) grant to increase student connectedness through BMS Connections Classes. Depper’s leadership also extends to the district level, where he chairs the climate resilience committee, developing an eco-action plan to improve energy efficiency across all RSU 1 schools.
"Mr. Depper is an exemplary educator who consistently demonstrates dedication to his student's growth and success. He utilizes a variety of instructional strategies to engage and inspire students while fostering meaningful relationships with them. Micah is a highly respected educator among students, colleagues, and the community because of his passion for teaching and caring approach," said RSU1 Superintendent Patrick Manuel.
Congratulations to Micah Depper on this incredible achievement!
Photo Credit: Milken Family Foundation
Morse High School Counselor Finds Creative Way to Connect with Students Through Outdoor Hikes
Leslie Trundy is in her 20th year as a school counselor, and she says she still loves her job at Morse High School as much as ever.
“I am so grateful to be a consistent adult in the lives of young people and to support them and their families through goal attainment and the challenges they face growing up,” Trundy shared. “One of the things I enjoy most about my work is connecting students with enrichment activities that foster their growth and passion.”
Outside of work, Trundy is an avid hiker. Her love for outdoor recreation started early, but it truly deepened in the summer of 1996, when she spent six and a half months hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.
“I knew in my bones that walking could be an incredible form of meditation and mental clarity,” Trundy explained. “It was on that trail that I decided to become a school counselor.”
Trundy recently participated in the Teens to Trails Fall Leadership Conference, attending a workshop called “Mindfulness Outdoors: Whole Body Health Benefits.” There, she learned about guiding youth in outdoor settings and the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. This experience inspired her to explore how outdoor walks could benefit students at Morse High School.
In October, Trundy introduced an innovative new option for students serving detention: a hike in the woods. While most students still choose traditional detention, Trundy began offering hikes as a voluntary alternative. Her goal? To provide a mindset shift through walking and a chance for students to connect with her as a supportive, trusted adult.
“Students don’t benefit from more time indoors,” Trundy said. “I wanted to offer them an opportunity to reset and reflect outdoors, with the option to talk if they wanted to.”
With full support from her school’s administration, Trundy led her first hike on October 3, and she’s been taking students on regular walks ever since. Groups have ranged in size from three to 13 students, covering 34 miles so far. Some students join for the company of friends, while others simply enjoy the chance to be outside.
Each hike has left Trundy with memorable moments, but a few stand out:
- Three boys once sang a cappella version of “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys as the group crossed the bridge back to campus.
- On December 5, during the first snowfall of the season, Trundy outfitted the group in ponchos and took them on a hike despite the weather. The familiar trail had been transformed by snow, creating a magical experience filled with laughter and a few slips along the way.
- One student commented on how Trundy waited until the group paused for a snack before sharing her “why” for leading these hikes—reading a poem by Wendell Berry or Mary Oliver to help students reflect quietly.
“I’m planting acorns,” Trundy explained metaphorically. “The soil, sun, and water need to be just right for growth.”
With winter weather approaching, Trundy is determined to keep the hikes going. Thanks to Morse Outing Club’s membership with Maine GearShare, she plans to borrow crampons and warming gear to ensure students can safely navigate icy trails. She’s even considering using a school van to take students to explore new trail sections.
“I hope to see if these walks make a difference,” Trundy said. “It often takes time to know for sure. Some of the students hiking now are ninth graders, and I’m curious what they’ll think when they’re seniors.”
No matter the outcome, Trundy knows one thing for certain: “This time outdoors matters to me, and I’m grateful to share it with them. Just last week, an older student thanked me and said, ‘That was awesome.’ Moments like that remind me why this is so important.”
RSU 1 Third Graders Continue the Legacy of Free Swim Lessons at the YMCA
If you ask any third grader in RSU 1 about swimming, they’ll likely tell you about their swim lessons at the Bath Area Family YMCA. This January, third-grade students from Fisher-Mitchell School, Phippsburg Elementary, and Woolwich Central School will begin their six-week swim unit at the Bath Area Family YMCA, thanks to the Frazier Metcalf Memorial Swim for Health Program. Students are bussed from their schools to the Y and back, ensuring that every child can take part, regardless of financial or transportation barriers.
The Frazier Metcalf Memorial Swim for Health Program enables all third-grade students in RSU 1 to receive free swim instruction as part of their physical education curriculum. Children who have never had swim lessons before learn basic water safety rules, while those with more experience receive lessons in stroke mechanics. Regardless of their skill level, every student leaves the program with increased water confidence, an understanding of water safety, and an introduction to the lifelong sport of swimming.
Given Midcoast Maine’s proximity to rivers, ponds, and the ocean, this program plays an essential role in promoting water safety for all students. The lessons take place during the school day, eliminating the need for parents to arrange transportation or schedule additional activities after school.
This program is a testament to the dedication of the Metcalf family and the community members who have supported it for more than a decade. Special thanks go to the Bath Area Family YMCA, RSU 1 staff, and the Frazier Metcalf Memorial Fund for continuing to make this important program possible.
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RSU 1 Partners with BusRight
RSU 1 is pleased to announce our partnership with BusRight. BusRight allows you to view your child's route and track their bus in real time. Download the app today!