Whittier Wire
January 15, 2023
Workshop Day
What do teachers do without students?
We had a very productive day on Friday. The morning was focused on curriculum. Assistant Superintendent Amy Hediger facilitated a session with middle school and high school teachers to engage in a process for reviewing units and the content and skills students should master while participating in those units.
After meeting with Amy, teachers broke into their learning area groups to start reviewing their units. Even with Wednesday release time, teachers struggle to find enough time to work with colleagues; this was a great opportunity to collaborate and move the curriculum forward. The next step was for individuals to meet with teachers outside their learning areas to receive feedback on the units they had reviewed with their teams. This feedback led to edits and important conversation when teachers reconvened with their learning area teams.
Our district goal is to publish the curriculum, so it can be available to all parts of our school community. This has been a lengthy process, but the work is important and it is exciting to see the progress.
In the afternoon, the middle school staff met, and Theresa Sampson led us in a team-building activity that teachers can bring back to their Roundtable groups. We wrapped up the day discussing the second chapter of the book Teach Like a Champion 3.0 and watching a video of a teacher in action, using techniques highlighted in the book.
November through February always seems very broken up by holidays and vacation time, but the opportunity for teachers to meet and work together is extremely valuable. It was a great way to end the week and will help us continue to become better educators for your children.
Nurses Office: COVID-19 Tests Available
We are still receiving reports of positive COVID-19 cases within our school. Please remember to report all positive cases to the nurse’s office. We have COVID-19 home tests available if you would like them, please reach out to us. If your student has a COVID-19 test permission form signed and is symptomatic while at school, we will provide a test for your student at school.
Lisa Storer RN, BSN
Pamela Tracy LPN
Shoutouts from Band & Chorus
Mr. Williams: Some shout outs to our MMEA District II Honors Musicians - Cameron Cunningham, Eli Cullerton and Kaleb Christner. They will attend the MMEA District II Instrumental Honors Music Festival on February 3-4, 2023 at Deering High School, Portland.
Mrs. Edwards: District II Honors Chorus students from WMS are Olivia Snowman, Scarlett Quimi, and Bella Hartman. They will head to Windham HS for the Vocal Festival on January 27-28. The concert is open to the public and the middle schoolers will be performing at 2:30 in the Windham HS auditorium.
Mrs. Adams: PBIS
Our Whittier Mid-Knights continue to do a nice job meeting the school expectations of Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each Other, and Take Care of this Place. This week, students were recognized for their efforts with a whole school reward of a snack sprinkle. To earn the whole school reward, students needed to cash in a total of 800 Valor Points. We are well on our way to the next whole school reward of a movie. If students continue to earn Valor Points at the rate they have, they should meet this next goal by mid-February!
Our next raffle will happen next week. The prizes students can win include a game of volleyball in the gym with Mr. Rose, a delivery of hot chocolate and a treat during class, or a chance to pick something out of the prize box.
Maine Teacher of the Year
You are welcome to nominate a teacher at any level. Use this link and make someone's day who has made a difference for your child.
Grade 8 Wellness Class
Student Council
Mrs. Fox: NHD Request
On February 15, Whittier will make history with National History Day! This year, projects will be judged in person. We need your help, because approximately 90 judges will be at Whittier and we would like to provide them with snacks and coffee. How can you help? We are looking for donations of disposable coffee cups and lids, creamer and sweetener for NHD judges. Donations can be brought in to Mrs. Fox. For more information, please email nfox@rsu16.org. Thank you!
Ms. Fanus: Whittier Writers
The Whittier Writers meet weekly to work on their creative writing pieces. Whittier Writer, Cole Gagnon, shares an excerpt of his original, time-travel story:
Richard shook the crystal. It opened a mysterious blue portal in front of us. “If you step through this portal, you will travel to this same place fifteen years ago,” Richard informed me.
“Let’s go then, we need to learn more,” I told Richard. I felt more comfortable learning about this place now, after seeing it was safe and being with Richard.
“Good idea,” he responded.
Richard stepped through the portal, and I followed cautiously. Richard walked towards the wall. There was a man there. The man turned around. “It can’t be…” After a pause, the man revealed, “Nobody was supposed to see this…”
Mr. King: Middle School Athletics
Monday 1/16
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No school or practice
Tuesday 1/17
Girls Hm vs Lake Region
Boys @ Lake Region
Wednesday 1/18
8th girls - No practice
7th girls 2:45-4:00
8th boys 4:00-5:15
7th boys 1:30-2:45
Thursday 1/19
Girls @ GNG
Boys Hm vs GNG
Friday 1/20
8th girls 2:15-3:30
7th girls 4:45-6:00
8th boys 6:00-7:15
7th boys 3:30-4:45
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