Biddeford Schools
January 29, 2020
BPS Third Graders Beat to Their Own Drum
For two exciting and heart-pounding years, Biddeford Primary School (BPS) students enjoy Drumtastic, a music program utilizing drumsticks to play rhythms on yoga balls. As music teacher Jennifer Solari turns on the music, third graders’ faces light up with excitement as they practice and gain comfort moving to the beat and playing rhythms--all while enjoying physical activity. Through practice and performance, students cover many core music standards while working toward the ultimate goal of performing for their families at the third-grade Celebration of Learning night on February 5th.
“The third-grade year is really the beginning of building a foundation for our instrumental program,” said Solari. “When students have the opportunity to join the band in fourth grade, they have already been exposed to Drumtastic and playing the recorder, building skills that prepare them for success in band and chorus.”
During their weekly music class, the students learn basic music reading skills, matching pitch with their best singing voice, identifying instrument families, and learning to play, sing, and write simple melodies and rhythms for voice, xylophones, handbells, boom whackers, and other classroom instruments. Third graders also play recorders, a primary pre-band instrument in most schools. The skills learned by playing recorder--including note and rhythm reading, posture, hand placement, and playing in an ensemble--all directly carry over to a band instrument in fourth grade.
"For as long as there have been people, there has been percussive music in all manner of instruments. The Smithsonian Museum even has a collection dedicated to the art form's storied anthropology," explains Assistant Superintendent Chris Indorf. "This program allows for kinesthetic-learning and has even shown to increase student attendance."
Solari adds, “It is great to hear a student say to me, ‘I can’t wait until tomorrow; I just love coming to school on music days!’ We invite all parents and their families to come out and enjoy the Drumtastic shows put on by the third graders on February 5th at 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. They are very excited to showcase their talent and hard work.”
Meet School Committee Member Randy Forcier '00
Randy Forcier grew up in Biddeford and graduated from BHS in 2000. He continued his education at St. Anselm College earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Economics. During the last decade, Forcier has assisted families in turning their dreams of homeownership into reality as a mortgage lender. Currently, he is a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer with Norcom Mortgage in Saco. In addition to serving on the Biddeford School Committee, Forcier also serves as Vice President of Biddeford Little League Softball; President and Founder of BNI Rising Tide; Scholarship Auction Committee Member of the York County Council of Realtors; and Former Treasurer of the Biddeford/Saco Rotary Club.
“As someone new to the School Committee, and one of the younger members, I’m hoping to bring a fresh perspective to decisions that we have to make and the issues that we face as a committee,” said Forcier. “I believe the strength of any community begins in the School Department and as a father of three young children, this was a great opportunity to serve in a way that would have a positive impact on them along with all of the children in Biddeford. Although it’s only been six months, I’ve learned that we really have a solid group of members on the School Committee, and I’m excited about all that we’ll accomplish in the next couple of years.”
Forcier and his wife of 13 years, Tara, are raising three daughters: Aubrey (7), Ellie (5), and Nora (2). In fact, in 2018, Aubrey and Ellie hosted a lemonade stand outside their home to raise money for the Waterhouse Field Renovation. In one day, they donated $60 to the effort!
BMS Student Artwork to be Featured on Main Street Thanks to Biddeford Education Foundation Grant
In early September, BMS Art Teacher Liz Ames submitted a teacher mini-grant to the Biddeford Education Foundation in which her students would produce artwork of local landmarks in Biddeford. The Top 10 would be chosen via public vote and featured on the pole banners along downtown Main Street this Spring. With over 7,740 votes from the community, the following students from the Class of 2024 were among the Top 10 (in no particular order):
BHS Students Win McArthur Public Library's 6-Word Story Contest
This year, the McArthur Public Library's Library hosted a 6-word short story contest that challenged participants to write a whole story in only six words. Inspired by Hemingway’s six-word "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." story, the contest challenged students to write their best 6-word story. While many entered the contest, only four winners were chosen--of which, half were BHS students-- Senior Max Goodwin and Sophomore Melandi Martel (who preferred not to be photographed).
“Lonely, wheelchair-bound, captive to kindness.” - Max Goodwin
Max was “very surprised” about his win. His 6-word story tells an anecdote of a disabled person who wants nothing more than to be treated like everyone else. Max feels very strongly about this and asks the question, “If you were disabled, would you want everyone to feel bad for you all the time?” The story tells the truth that most of us overlook--that we all just want to be treated like everyone else.
“Dad hits hard, scared boy packs.”- Melandi Martel
Melandi’s 6-word story tells the sad tale of a young boy who is abused by his father. Because of his abuse, he runs away. Melandi says that “it is a sad story, but an important look on how some kids have a very tough go.” Melandi was very surprised about her win; noting that she had a lot of competition, with her whole writing class also entering.
"I offered the opportunity to enter this contest to all of my classes and was excited that many of my students submitted an entry,” said BHS english teacher Veronica Foster. “The challenge of telling a full story in such a short format encouraged them to think about the essential elements of narratives and inspired conversations about plot structure and conflict. I thought Max and Melandi did a great job, and I'm glad the judges agreed!"
Now Hiring!
Substitute Teacher Pay Increases!
The Biddeford School Committee recently changed the wage for substitutes. Substitutes now start at $100 per day. Retired teachers can substitute for $120 per day. These are substantial increases and have already proven to be effective in attracting substitutes. Apply at the link below or contact Cathy Fecteau at 282-8281.
Now Hiring Students for Part-time Custodial Positions
Students 14-17 years old are now being hired to assist in filling custodial positions. Starting pay is $12.25 per hour with certified academic standing (a valid work permit). Apply at the link below or call Kerrie Edgerton at 282-8280.
Current Maine Labor Laws:
- 14 or 15-year olds (School day: max of 3 hours; Non-School day: max of 8 hours)
- 16 or 17-year olds (School day: max of 6 hours; Non-School day: max of 10 hours)
York County Junior High Honors Music Festival
Students will perform in concert band and choir representing the Top 15% of 7th and 8th-grade musicians in York County. This concert is open to the general public and will be held in the BMS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are sold at the door--Adults $5 and Students/Children $2. Proceeds will benefit the music festival and the Biddeford Middle School Music Program.