Welcome Back to School

Explorers: Gifted Education and Talent Development

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Welcome!

The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to highlight some great things happening in the Explorers Program, share exciting local opportunities, and spread relevant articles of interest.

Meet Ms. Richardson!

Ms. Richardson will be the Explorers Teacher for Weatherbee, Smith, and Wagner.


Ms. Richardson is originally from Carmel, ME, she has been teaching for 10 years, half in Norfolk, Virginia and the other half within RSU 22 at McGraw and Weatherbee Schools. Ms. Richardson has taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. As a mother of two gifted and talented identified teenage boys, working with exceptional children has always been her passion! Ms. Richardson has the Maine State GT Education Endorsement and she is three classes from receiving a Masters in Gifted Education.


I am so excited to have her on board!

Five Ways to Engage Your Gifted Child in Reading By Kate Strausbaugh

"Gifted students who read regularly develop strong comprehension and fluency skills and a strong vocabulary. These skills are valuable to students throughout schooling, especially higher education. However, gifted students must continue to read regularly in order to maintain their strong reading skills. Think of reading as weightlifting: if you want to build strong muscles, you have to keep lifting weights regularly, with increasing difficulty. Likewise, to become a stronger reader, students must continually challenge themselves with various reading experiences. There are several ways to keep your gifted children engaged in reading to provide them with a lifetime of benefits."

LAUNCH 22

Did you know that RSU 22 has an online digital literary blog? We do! LAUNCH 22 is the student run multi-media literary magazine of RSU 22. Writers and illustrators submit creative work to our student run editorial board where it is then peer reviewed and workshopped before being published.

Events happening in YOUR BACKYARD!

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The To-Night Show

Friday, Sep. 8th, 7pm

167 Rangeley Road

Orono, ME

In this all-live late night talk show styled planetarium program, your host will bring you the latest and greatest in astronomy news including NASA missions, new discoveries, and plenty of (bad) jokes. Starring 4-time Emmy watching host Scott Mitchell, the legally and creatively distinct To-night Show offers fun and entertainment, while definitely not infringing on the copyright of NBC. It's just like real TV, except not. EVERY FRIDAY in September; September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Mini Maker Faire

Saturday, Sep. 9th, 11am-3pm

55 Main Street

Camden, ME

The Midcoast Mini Maker Faire is a gathering of not only innovators and tinkerers, but also artists, do-it-yourselfers, craftspeople, and more, in short, any and all “makers” of all ages. Attendees of this hands-on workshop will explore computer science and coding careers. They will be able to practice coding skills using Code.org’s curriculum. Learn how to use App Lab and test out Circuit Playground boards. An explanation of the types of in-demand technology jobs in Maine as well as information about Project>Login will also be presented.

Hirundo Open House

Saturday, Sep. 9th, 10pm to Sunday, Sep. 10th, 3pm

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Old Town, ME, United States

Old Town, ME

Family Weekend on Hurricane Island

Friday, Sep. 15th, 8am to Sunday, Sep. 17th, 5pm

18 Commercial Street

Rockland, ME

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership is excited to be hosting its second Family Weekend in fall 2017! The summer weekend was such a big hit we decided to offer another opportunity for families to join us on the island. This weekend is for families to unplug and experience our off-shore and off-the-grid island together as they explore, learn, and connect with each other and other families. Science programming options will be offered each day and families will also have time to play along the shore line, hike our trails, and even jump off our pier to take a quick swim in the ocean. Come join our island community and make memories that will last a lifetime. $200/person; all ages; children under 3 FREE!!

Make your own Tufa – Rustic Garden Planters

Saturday, Sep. 16th, 10am-3pm

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Old Town, ME, United States

Old Town, ME

This workshop combines a inspirational nature walk with creating your personalized garden containers. No experience necessary. Materials provided. Reserve your space by registering by Thursday, September 14, 2017

What to bring: A vessel with the shape you would like to make. Ideal forms are stainless steel bowls, plastic salad green container, plastic plant pots, with smooth walls. Your form should be large enough to allow for a 2 inch thick wall, leaving enough space for the plants. Be sure form has sidewalls without undercuts. We will have some forms on hand. Bring your lunch and water. Suggested age 8 and up. Price: Members $15, Non-members $20

Fall Family Fesitval

Saturday, Sep. 16th, 10am

1664 Union Street

Bangor, ME

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S.T.E.A.M. at the Bangor Public Library

Monday, Sep. 18th, 4-4:45pm

145 Harlow Street

Bangor, ME

A story time for K-3 learners that explores the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math through books. Whether we are experimenting with magnets or dissecting owl pellets, this club explores it all! This event occurs on Mondays at 4:00 PM starting September 18, 2017.

Acadia Night Sky Festival

Wednesday, Sep. 20th, 6pm to Sunday, Sep. 24th, 10pm

9 Atterbury Circle

Winter Harbor, ME

Acadia Night Sky Festival encourages families as well as serious amateur astronomers to explore the night sky of Acadia National Park and Downeast Maine. Acadia National Park has some of last pristine, star-filled skies in the eastern US.

Friends and Family Weekend at UMaine

Saturday, Sep. 23rd, 10am to Sunday, Sep. 24th, 1pm

167 Rangeley Road

Orono, ME

The planetarium hosts a variety of special public planetarium shows on September 23 and 24! Please join us as we celebrate friends and family members here at Emera Astronomy Center!

Saturday, September 23

10:00 am - Dynamic Earth
11: 30 am - Dream to Fly
1:00 pm - Dawn of the Space Age
2:30 pm - Black Holes

Sunday, September 24
11:30 am - From Earth to the Universe
1:00 pm - Asteroid: Mission Extreme

Learn LATIN with your child!

Thursday, Sep. 28th, 6pm

89 Western Avenue

Hampden, ME

Join William Beck's ‘Introduction to Latin’ class which are scheduled for Thursday evenings (6 -8 PM) commencing on Sept. 28th and running for six consecutive weeks. Classes are open to all adults as well as high and middle-school students. Any student who accompanies a paying adult can enroll in the classes without any cost. Please see the Adult Ed Offerings to register! This is linked at the bottom of the newsletter. If you have questions about this, please feel free to contact Mr. Beck directly at bbbuns@roadrunner.com

Family Discovery Series: Fall Festival at Fields Pond

Saturday, Oct. 28th, 10am-2pm

216 Fields Pond Road

Holden, ME

Come learn and play as a family with tricks and treats at our first ever Fall Festival. Costume construction and parade, crafts, learning activities and healthy refreshments will add to the fun. Morning family programs will be followed by family friendly activities throughout the day to enjoy. Bring a picnic and spend the day at Fields Pond Audubon Center or drop in as your schedule allows.

  • Members: $FREE - Non-members: $7

Fall Owl Show with Birdsacre

Saturday, Nov. 11th, 11am

216 Fields Pond Road

Holden, ME

Join Grayson from Birdsacre for a live owl show. Get a close-up look at different owl species and learn about behavior, habitat and more through story. People of all ages love this program! Shows at 11am or 12pm

  • Adult Members: $10.00 Child Members: $10.00
    Adult Non-members: $15.00 Child Non-members: $10.00
  • Student discount with ID: $8.00

Be sure to also check out RSU 22's Adult Ed Offerings...there are some great creative classes for families!