Explorer Newsletter

January

What is your One Little Word?

What is your One Little Word?

Have you really ever kept a New Year's Resolution? How about trying One Little Word, it is a simple twist to setting new goals. Pick one word that will reset your priorities and help you achieve new goals. Last year, my one little word was "become" this year my one little word is "joy"


Middle School Students in the Explorer Program selected one little word for 2018, here are some of the words they chose: Encapsulate, release, dawn, commit, effort, focus, perform, time, light, choice, cherish, explore, courage, reality, and believe...to just name a few


Check out Ali Edwards and the Two Writing Teachers to learn more about One Little Word


Here's an idea! Pick your word for the year and then attend the RSU 22 Adult Education Watercolor Sign Making Paint Night to create a visual representation of your word! A visual reminder to last the entire year!
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Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Student Contest Winners


Yahoo! It's time to celebrate our winners and all of our students who participated in the 2017 Ocean Awareness Student Contest. In the Spring of 2017 students learned about Marine debris, oil spills, and other forms of ocean pollution. From over 900 Middle School entries (WORLDWIDE), we had two students awarded an honorable mention and one student, awarded a notable submission. All three awards came with a cash prize!


See all the middle school winners here

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DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose

We hit it BIG with DonorsChoose! I like to always have a project on DonorsChoose because there are unique funding sources out there. One project; STEM comes Alive was active over #GivingTuesday and each donation made on that day put us in the running to win $5,000 in additional DonorsChoose funding and WE WON! That additional $5,000 has purchased 10 iPads and lots of fun other robotics equipment. Thank you so much for your support!

GT PSA Created by Wagner Students

What have we been doing in 8th grade you ask? At the beginning of the year, we spent quite a bit of time talking about mindset and what it means to be a gifted learner. There are MANY stereotypes regarding this population. The girls decided they wanted to write and film a series of scenes that show some of these misconceptions. They created scenes involving a student & parents, student & teacher, student & principal, and student & peers - exaggerated and with drama! They expressed feelings of sometimes being mis-understood, having unrealistic expectations put upon them, and sadly, even bullying. This video captures THEIR ideas and feelings - they wrote it, directed it, and did all the acting. They tried to incorporate different genres of film too - We hope you enjoy it, and hope it sparks conversations with these and other kids who have exceptional gifts.

Watch it here

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Family Discovery Series at Fields Pond: Snowshoe Tour

Saturday, Jan. 20th, 1pm

216 Fields Pond Road

Holden, ME

Join a guided ramble through the meadows and woods of Fields Pond Audubon Center. We will search for tracks and stories in the snow. Gentle pace; all ages welcome. Snowshoes available in limited quantities. Please bring your own if you have them. Cost $20 per family. Click here for more information
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Perfectionism Parent Discussion led by Ms. Richardson

Wednesday, Jan. 24th, 6:30pm

269 Main Road North

Hampden, ME

  • Is your child prone to frustration when he/she can’t do something the first time?

  • Do they spend an enormous amount of time erasing and re-doing their work?

  • Do they worry incessantly about their grades?

  • Are they fearful to take risks and try new things that they perceive as “too hard”?

Perfectionism is a common characteristic of gifted children. Join Ms. Richardson for a parent discussion. Learn how to identify perfectionism, develop strategies to support your gifted learner at home, and meet other parents who share your experience!


Childcare will be provided by the Hampden Academy Key Club in the Children’s Room.

Please RSVP BELOW or to Tricia Richardson @ trichardson@rsu22.us by Friday, January 19th
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RSVPs are enabled for this event.

Dr. Nicole Rausch and The Science of Wellness: Why Your Doctor Continues to Insist You Sleep, Exercise, and Be Well

Thursday, Feb. 1st, 7pm

167 Rangeley Road

Orono, ME

Sleep and exercise are vital parts of what allows us to function and thrive. We rely on sleep to generate growth, form new memories, and promote healing. Exercise promotes strength, muscle development, balance and makes us feel good. Without these, our productivity suffers, our immunity wanes, and our minds dull. Join us as we explore how sleep and exercise achieve these things and why they are so important. We will be looking at the physiology of sleep and exercise, focusing on the sleep cycle, the effects of cortisol and endorphins on various organ systems, and how these organ systems work together to promote wellness. For more information, click here
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Great Maine Outdoor Weekend: Winter Family Day of Play at Fields Pond

Saturday, Feb. 17th, 10am

216 Fields Pond Road

Holden, ME

Attention all families! Join in on a fun FREE day of outdoor exploration and hands-on activities for all ages. Learn how you can become a citizen scientist and help protect wildlife and habitat in Maine while having some old-fashioned wintertime fun.

• Outdoor activities: sledding, fort building, and more

• Snowshoe rentals

• Indoor arts & crafts

• Refreshments available

Click here for more information
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Let's get real about Gifted Kids consider this for 2018

Let's stop wasting time debating whether giftedness is real. An interesting blog post written by Gail Post, Ph.D.

Ten Tips for Parents of a Smart Child

What can parents do to help raise a gifted child?

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