RSU 16 Community Connection
March 8, 2024
March Newsletter:
Music In Our Schools Month®
For nearly 40 years, March has been designated as Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). Music has a lasting positive impact in our lives. The positive impact on music in the lives of our students lasts a lifetime. Therefore, the education and cultivation of music in our youngest members of society, our students, is paramount.
Every day, in classrooms and rehearsal rooms across our school district, music educators dedicate themselves to reaching all students with life-changing musical experiences. Parents, administrators, and the wider community often only see the wonderful results of music performances; however, we miss the months of practice and rehearsals and more importantly the learning process that takes place to make it all happen.
We encourage members in our community to acknowledge and celebrate music education as an essential part of every student’s educational journey.
Sincerely,
Todd and Amy
"Music is important to me for countless reasons, but one reason is its ability to build a strong bridge between many people with varying cultures, lifestyles, and even languages. Along those lines, I find music is an especially powerful tool to not only connect with my students, but have them connect with each other as well. I often enjoy asking them about their favorite music, and I love playing some of the songs that they mentioned in class and seeing those connections and smiles form!" -
Breahna Jenkins, MCS and ESS Music Teacher
"Music is important to me in so many ways. It is the ambiance of our lives. It gives motion to the moments and experiences of our day-to-day. Imagine there being no music at events, the movies or just driving in your car. We need music more than most realize. It is a universal language that can unite us across the globe, bringing hope and inspiration to all. Music education is among the most important topics to be taught. It has been proven with scientific research to enhance auditory, motor, and reading skills, as well as improve social emotional skills in children and adults. Personally, I love to study while listening to heavy metal! And I love to read while listening to ambient music.
Peace and Metal"
Tony Orlando, PCS Music Teacher
"It would be all too easy to write an entire book about why music is important to me. I think the most prominent reason is that it seems to pull the entire world together— and not just in a people sense. Yes, I love that it allows my students to form a connection with people and places they may never meet or see, but beyond that, it brings together science, math, literature, history, psychology, philosophy, geography, health, and so many other fundamental elements of our world and humanity all in one place.
I also love that live music will never be repeated exactly the same ever again— we have one opportunity to make a human connection together, and there is an exchange of that humanity between performer and listener alike.
I love that concerts pull community together in the most positive way— folks of all generations, folks of different experiences and abilities and influences— and that it facilitates some of the fastest and strongest bonds I’ve ever known.
Music is in everything, and everything is in music. It saves lives, and it makes life worth living. I can’t imagine spending my days doing anything other than sharing the most meaningful thing in my life with the growing generations in the hope that it might bring them a fraction of the joy and awe that it as created in me."
Julia Edwards, PRHS and WMS Choral Music Teacher
District Highlights 📚
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.
Class of '24 Valedictorian Audrey Fryda and Salutatorian JR Tibbetts
Lack of snow doesn't stop our PCS kids from hitting the trails for some cross-country skiing fun! ❄️
NATIONAL SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER DAY was FEBRUARY 15
Meet the RSU 16 School Resource Officer:
Deputy Berni Westleigh, Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department. I am a 20 year veteran law enforcement officer. I am a certified School Resource Officer for RSU#16. I am passionate about school safety, safe learning environments, and emotional wellness. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with this exceptional community of educators, parents and staff. It really rings true, that it takes a village to raise children. I believe that being and finding kindness starts with me. I truly try to model behavior I wish to see. I am proud to serve RSU 16 and I thank you for this opportunity!
Spanish Honor Society Induction
Our girls wrapped up an incredible season finishing 13-7.
👏 Join RSU 16 in giving a thunderous round of applause to each member of our Unified basketball team. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion for the game are truly inspiring! 🙌💙 Let's celebrate their victories, big or small.
🌟 Special shoutout to the coaches, volunteers, and supporters who have been there every step of the way. Your commitment to creating an inclusive sports community is making a lasting impact, and we're grateful for your dedication.
SPEECH & DEBATE SUCCESS
The Poland Regional High School celebrates their Qualifying spots they earned at the District Qualifying Tournament on Feb. 10th. Cheyenne Toth and Braiden Stickney qualified in Duo Interpretation, Ian Eugley and Breanna Bartlett qualified in Public Forum Debate and Ben Fuller and David Crump have the option to be on the Maine World Debate Team.
CONGRATULATIONS CHEYENNE!
Cheyenne Toth received Maine Outstanding Speech Student of the Year Award at the National Speech and Debate Association National Qualifying Tournament on Saturday Feb. 10th!
JMG Update
JMG High School Specialist, Tyler McInnis shares, "This is Chris Boyd who has finished his 40 hours of job shadowing experience and has received his $500 check thanks to the Maine Career Exploration Badge. Chris gained knowledge in the field of HVAC servicing through his shadow. This is Chris's dream field and he was able to gain knowledge that will directly serve him in his future." Well done, Chris!
All students recognized have the opportunity to participate in Maine National History Day on April 27, 2024 at the University of Maine Orono. Between now and then, these students may work on their projects to improve them and get them ready for the state competition.
Individual Websites
1st: Ella Jacobs; 2nd: Alicia Starbird; 3rd: Ethan Sewell; Honorable Mention: Vivian Colon and Grayson Noyes
Group Websites
1st: Carly Jarvis and Bella Pelletier; 2nd: Eli Carmody and Elliot Colon; 3rd: Eddie Johnston and Jaxon Luce
Papers
1st: Isabella Lizotte, 2nd: Bella Hartman, 3rd: Kaitlyn Harlow; Honorable Mention: Payton Campbell
Documentaries
1st: Maddison Bosse; 2nd: Emily Bustamante; 3rd: Wyatt Scribner
Individual Exhibits
1st: Alyssa Mason; 2nd: Leksi Langevin; 3rd: Sophia Souza; Honorable Mention: Adalyn Martin, Scarlett Quimi, Hailey Caron, Anna Winslow
Group Exhibits
1st: Avria Yerxa and Arabella Smith; 2nd: Lillian McAlister and Lila Martin; 3rd: Meghan Komanetsky and Ava Banaitis; Honorable Mention: Catalina Andrades and Baylee Coon, Gracelyn Kimball and Emily Stanford
On early release Wednesday, Instructional Coach Jill Mathieu, led a session on using our learning targets to create interactive presentations for students using Curipod.
“How to Change the World with Optimism”
The Tri-Town Optimist Club, which serves the towns of Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls, held their annual Oratorical Contest on February 13. The topic was “How to Change the World with Optimism”. Teachers Bronson Stinnett and Ell Fanus helped students prepare a 4 to 5 minute speech that was presented to a packed audience of family, friends and teachers.
First place was Elyse Haslip, second place was Ava Carrier and third place was Henry Noonan. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance and improve communication skills.
Back Row (L to R): Mr. Bronson Stinnett, Junia Trussoni, Calliope Valliere, Max Kanamugire, Emma Starbird, Henry Noonan, Ava Carrier, Brenna Bergman, Mallory White, Avaya Smith, Mrs. Ell Fanus
Front Row (L to R): Evan Cote, Nolan Davis, Marley Simpson, Mac Hill, Ellie Arsenault, Elyse Haslip, Kristyn Purdy, Brycen Woodbury
The Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association, in partnership with the Maine Council of English Language Arts, is excited to announce the winners of the second annual Student Writing Contest that showcased the outstanding talent of students and the incredible impact of teachers in Maine. After careful consideration, the judges have selected the following students as the winners:
Second Place: Arianna Brooks, Grade 8, Bruce M Whittier Middle School,
2nd Place: Avery Barnett, Grade 2, Elm Street School,
Honorable Mentions: Brenden Onyon, Kindergarten, Poland Community School
Avery is pictured here with her first grade teacher, Mrs. Lacombe. Her winning essay was about Mrs. Lacombe and she wrote "She always has a smile on her face. She changed my life and made me think smarter. She is the best teacher ever. I love her!"
Your voice matters, and we want to hear your thoughts on shaping the path ahead.
Take 5-minutes to participate in our Strategic Planning survey!