Carrabec Community School

Anson – Embden – New Portland – Solon

September 25, 2024

Dear RSU 74 Board,

I am pleased to share with you the activities and learning experiences that took place at Carrabec Community School throughout September. Our focus remains on providing students with the best educational opportunities and engaging them through community events and hands-on learning. Below is a summary of key events and updates from the past month:

Beginning of Year Assessments: Our students took their beginning-of-year assessments, which included the NWEA, DIBELs, and easyCBM. These assessments provide our teachers with critical data on students’ strengths and areas for improvement. With this information, teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs of each student, ensuring effective instruction, intervention, and support throughout the school year.

Scholastic Book Fair: The Scholastic Book Fair ran from September 9-13, with Family Night taking place on September 12. This event was a wonderful opportunity for students and families to explore a variety of books and build their personal libraries. A highlight of the evening was our special guest, community member Carroll Chapman, also known as “Conjuring Carroll,” who entertained K-4 students with a literacy-themed magic show. The event was a great success, and we look forward to hosting more opportunities for family engagement throughout the school year.

Grade 8 Overnight Trip to Flagstaff Hut: On September 18 and 19, our 8th-grade students embarked on an overnight trip to the Maine Huts and Trails Flagstaff Hut. During their time there, students engaged in a variety of activities, including hiking, canoeing, and learning about the environment. This trip was a fantastic opportunity for students to work on team-building skills as well as serve as a real-life extension of their Maine history unit. The hands-on experiences connected directly with topics they had been studying in class, enriching their understanding of the state’s history and environment.

K-5 Field Trip to Lakewood Theater: On Friday, September 20, our K-5 students had the pleasure of attending a live theater performance at Lakewood Theater. The students saw the production of Snow White, The Evil Queen, and the Three Slops. The trip provided an excellent cultural experience for our students.

First Grade Apple Farm Field Trip: On Monday, September 30, our first-grade students took a field trip to the Apple Farm. Students toured the orchard, learned about apple harvesting, and had the chance to pick their own apples. This trip provided a fun and interactive way to explore local farming.

Staff Professional Development: September was also a month of professional growth for our staff. On September 18, during our early release day, K-5 staff participated in unit planning sessions with Title I teachers. These sessions allowed staff to focus on preparing targeted content for students requiring additional academic support in areas of need.

At the same time, our 6-8 staff worked with Barbara Jordan to explore best practices in Response to Intervention (RTI) planning. Teachers identified valuable resources to help ensure that students receiving Title I supports or needing additional interventions have access to the most effective instruction and support.

Overall, September was a vibrant month of learning, growth, and community engagement. I look forward to continuing these efforts as we work towards achieving our academic goals and fostering a positive school culture.

Thank you for your continued support, and I will keep you updated on the progress of our initiatives throughout the school year.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Case

Honesty – Respect – Tolerance – Compassion – Responsibility