Whittier Wire

May 11, 2024

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Upcoming Events:

May 14-15: Grade 8 State Science Test
May 24: Wellness Day
June 3: Grade 8 Step-Up Day
June 5: Band & Chorus Concert
June 12: Grade 8 Field Trip
June 12: Grade 7 Community Day
June 13: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony 6:00pm
June 14: Last Day

RSU 16 Calendar

Finish Strong

We try to stay focused on the present, but we have all been caught counting down the school year as we watch the days on the calendar fall off. It's easy to miss the joy of the moment and maximize our time in school when our center of attention is the last day. I have been the worst offender at times.

As we move into these last several weeks, there is a lot going on inside and outside of Whittier and throughout the district. The distractions are there, and the end is in sight. It's important for students to be consistent with turning in work, attending school when they are well enough to do so, and seeking help when they need it.

Our Excel program continues to meet Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. We have a Wednesday Intervention Standards Recovery scheduled this Wednesday 1:15-3:30 for students to get extra help, complete missing work, and retake assessments.

Teachers have some very exciting units planned to wrap up the school year and build engagement with their students. Encourage your students to keep their focus, take advantage of opportunities, and finish strong. Let's look forward to the weeks ahead and make the most of each day along the way.

JENGA!

Mrs. Martin: From the Counselor's Corner

Happy May! May is Mental Health Awareness month. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act: it is directly related to how we interact with others, how we handle stress, and the choices we make. The theme for 2024 mental health awareness month is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. When we MOVE, we reduce levels of our body's stress hormones, and we stimulate the production of endorphins: chemicals in the brain that are the body's mood elevators and natural pain killers. Get up and move, you will give yourself a positive mental shift!

We Need Your Help!

The Midknight FireSlayers are pairing up with our two National History Day Winners to host a couple of fundraisers over the next few weeks! Students in the Midknight FireSlayer Program are seeking to raise $736.00 to get an AED for Whittier Middle School. They have worked in conjunction with our nursing staff, particularly Dotty Bagley and Jessica Bosse as well as our SRO, Berni Westleigh, and staff at the PRFD to get an AED device for our school. They also are looking to secure additional devices for other schools in our district. Through their work at the department they have learned about the importance of early intervention during a cardiac event and how beneficial an AED can be.

Our two NHD winners are also seeking to raise money for their national contest in Washington DC, where they will represent not only Whittier Middle School, but also Maine!

How can you help? Participate in one of the fundraising events listed on the flyer! All proceeds will be split between our two groups! If you would like to make a donation or have additional information, please reach out to Shannon Shanning at sshanning@rsu16.org.

BARR Survey

At Whittier, we use the BARR program (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) as a way to best support students. Students have been participating in I-Times to better know themselves and their classmates. Teachers meet weekly to connect and make sure we are meeting student needs. BARR would like students at our school to complete a short survey about the support they have at school and overall school climate. They will not be collecting any personal information about your child. If you want to have your child OPT OUT of this survey, please email our school BARR Coordinator, Nicole Fox at nfox@rsu16.org.

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Ms Adler: Writing Class

Ms Adler's 8th grade Writing classes went outside on Tuesday to enjoy the nice weather and write backyard Haikus. The students did well maintaining expectations outside the classroom.

Outside is the best

I hate the heat of the sun

Help me outside please

(Lucas L.)

I saw a flower

The flower shines in the sun

It looks just like you

(Kailyn M.)

It grows on the trees

Farmed by people in orchards

Made into cider

(Logan S.)

The turtle swims far

Away from its mom it swims

To live a new life

(Ali S.)

Flowers soak up sun.

Outside, flowers are blooming.

I love the flowers.

(Avria Y.)

Ms. Carmody: Stitch Club

Our stitchers are starting to make animals! Here is Carson and his first creation- an octopus.

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Mr. King: Whittier Athletics

Monday 5/13

Practice-usual times

Tuesday 5/14

8th BB/SB @ Brunswick JH (games at Edwards Fields) 4:00 depart 2:20

7th BB/SB practice 2:30-4:00

Track Practice 2:30-4:00

Wednesday 5/15

Outdoor Track- Home meet 3:30

7th BB @ Harrison MS 3:45. depart 2:00

BB/SB Wednesday practice times

Thursday 5/16

8th BB & SB Home vs Harrison MS (Yarmouth) 3:45

Outdoor Track Practice

7th BB/SB Practice

Friday 5/17

Outdoor Track -No Practice

BB/SB regular practice

Parents: Please help us teach kids what it means to be good fans. That means supporting our athletes with encouragement. It does not mean taunting and name calling of opponents.

Also-As our kids move up the levels and progress to a more competitive level of play, we want kids to stay focused on coaching and team during game time. Please resist the temptation to stand in the dugout area or have them run out of the dugout to check in.

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Join Team Whittier at the Triple Crown 5K Series

Looking for a great way to get active this summer? Join the Whittier Middle School team at the Greater L-A Triple Crown 5K Series. The first event is June 2nd at Festival Plaza in Auburn. Students 14 and under receive FREE registration! All are welcome on Team Whittier.

Visit the Triple Crown 5K website for more information about the series.