Whittier Wire
February 23, 2023
Whittier History Day
Whittier History Day 2023 was a great success! Students were prepared and invested in their research, and their work reflected the effort they put into the project. As always, it was interesting to see the topics students selected and the connections they made to the National History Day theme.
Big thanks to all of you who volunteered your time to judge for us. You made the day special, and we couldn't have done it without you!
Students may have been nervous about Whittier on History Day, but they overcame the nerves and did a nice job sharing their work and meeting with judges. The History Day experience helps students improve their research skills and the practice of meeting deadlines and expectations. The project also provides opportunity for student choice, control of their learning, and a chance for students to let their creativity shine.
We are proud of our students, and I am equally proud of our staff. It takes a full-staff investment to make this project and Whittier History Day happen. Their effort in teaching the critical research skills, supporting the students, and organizing and facilitating the event go above and beyond all expectations. Sean Galipeau-Eldridge and Nicole Fox provided
outstanding leadership on this project. Chris Frazier, Julie Brown, Ell Fanus, Kim Caron, Shannon Shanning, Christy Carmody, Sarah McNabb, Serrene Gagnon, Tami Wight, and Julie Rioux provided instruction and support in the social studies classrooms and beyond to help students reach the finish line. Librarian Julie Purdy and Jill Olson taught students lessons about research tools and connected students with important resources. All teachers pitched in by giving additional work time in their classes or providing feedback during academic support.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to be part of such a great, student-focused teaching
team. Congratulations to all!
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What happens next?
Soon after we return to school, we will hold an awards assembly to recognize top projects in each category. The students who created these projects will be eligible to participate in the state competition at the University of Maine Orono on April 29, 2023.
Androscoggin County Spelling Bee
Payton Rose Wins Essay Contest
"She's always there even though I'm not in her class anymore and what I want to do when I grow up is based on what she taught me in second grade," Peyton said.
Optimist Club Student of the Month
In talking with her teachers, they share that she is focused, eager to do well, and will readily work with anyone in her class, which in middle school can be hard at times. Kaiah is an avid reader and as one teacher noted, quite worldly for her age. Kaiah includes and advocates for others through her role as a student council representative. She is very involved at Whittier and has become an outstanding leader. Congratulations to Kaiah!
Mrs. Yorkey: Grade 8 Wellness Students
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am writing to inform you of an upcoming unit that is going to be taught in 8th grade wellness within the next few weeks. The unit is called “Best Practices in STD/HIV and Pregnancy Prevention”, with the main emphasis on abstinence.The curriculum was co-authored by Maine Family Planning and the Maine Department of Education. This curriculum has been used in hundreds of classes across Maine to teach teens about healthy sexuality. This unit contains a variety of interactive methods that give teens the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to make sexually responsible decisions.
The unit will focus on helping each student gain the knowledge and communication skills to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STIs and HIV/AIDS. Abstinence will be given as the safest and 100% most effective choice for the student, but accurate information about other protection methods will also be provided. There will also be lessons on “red flags” of unhealthy relationships, as well as the importance of consent in sexual situations.
If you do NOT want your child to participate in any or all of this unit, please let me know as soon as possible.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kimberly D. Yorkey
998-3426, ex.t 329
Grade 7 Career Fair
We are looking for some help.
The Androscoggin County Grade 7 Career Fair is March 14 at Central Maine Community College. We are still looking for presenters in the following areas: Business Management, CDL, cosmetology, culinary arts, dental careers, electrician, engineering, fire science, game warden, journalism, legal careers, military/JROTC, linesman, performing arts, physical therapy, social media/marketing, renewable energy, and veterinary careers.
If you know someone who would be willing to present or you would be willing to help, send me an email (svincent@rsu16.org). You could also reach out directly to our contact at CMCC, Maria D'Auria (mdauria@cmcc.edu).
Middle School Dance
Old School Wins Again!
Mr. King: Whittier Athletics
Indoor Track this week:
Monday: Practice 2:30 to 3:45
Tuesday: Practice 2:30 to 3:45
Wednesday: No practice
Thursday: Practice 2:30 to 3:45
Friday: Meet @ Portland Expo, 4:00
- Athletes leave at 2:30.
We plan to have a t-shirt for Whittier Track kids to wear. This is their uniform and has a number on it. It will be theirs to keep. We will issue navy blue shorts that will be collected at the end of the season. There will be no practices on Wednesdays from now on. Indoor meets are held at the Portland Expo.
Meet Schedule
Friday, March 3, 4:00 PM Depart 2:30
Saturday, March 11, 6:00 PM Depart 4:30
Saturday, March 18, 6:00 PM Depart 4:30
Saturday, March 25, 6:30 PM Depart 5:00
Friday, March 31, 4:00 PM Girls Individual Festival 4:00 PM Depart 2:30
Saturday, April 1, 5:00 PM Boys Individual Festival Depart 3:30
FamilyID is open for spring sports. We offer baseball, softball and outdoor track and field at Whittier. We also have the opportunity for our kids to participate in a boys or girls cooperative team for lacrosse with Gray New Gloucester Middle School. We do not have transportation to get to GNG however. It is the responsibility of the family to get their child to practices, home games and the bus for away games.
We are currently looking for an Outdoor Track and Field Coach for Whittier. Coach Kennison has moved to the high school for outdoor track.
Bruce M. Whittier Middle School
Email: svincent@rsu16.org
Website: https://www.rsu16.org/bwms
Location: 1457 Maine Street, Poland, ME, USA
Phone: (207) 998-3462
Facebook: facebook.com/WhittierMidknights