Carrabec Community School

February 26, 2024

Dear RSU 74 Board,

As we transition into March, I am pleased to share highlights from the past month, which included exciting student opportunities, celebrations of academic achievement, and continued efforts to foster a positive and engaged school community.

One of the most anticipated events for our sixth-grade students was their field trip to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. This hands-on science experience, known as a "LabVenture," provided students with an interactive learning opportunity where they engaged in multi-sensory experiments, analyzed digital data, and applied scientific inquiry skills. Using digital notebooks, students recorded hypotheses and shared their conclusions, reinforcing their understanding of marine science and real-world data analysis. We are excited that they were able to take part in this enriching educational experience.

In the spirit of student leadership and school climate improvement, I am thrilled to announce the launch of a new Student Leadership Team at CCS. Just before the holidays, a seventh-grade student approached me with the idea of starting a Kindness Club to help promote kindness and positivity within the school. After discussions with the school leadership team and collaboration with staff, I am happy to share that Mrs. Pease, Mrs. Day, Ms. McGlashing, Mrs. Cates, and Mrs. Sales have taken the lead in organizing this initiative. The first official meeting of the CCS Student Leadership Team will take place on Monday, March 3, and we are eager to see how student-led initiatives will help foster a more positive school climate.

We also took time to celebrate student achievement during our Quarter 2 Awards Assembly. Students who earned honor roll and high honor roll were recognized for their academic excellence, and Mrs. Mellows presented "Book-It" awards to K-5 students who achieved their library reading goals. In addition, students who demonstrated strong attendance were honored with certificates for good or improved attendance. Beyond the awards assembly, we wanted to acknowledge the effort and growth students demonstrated on the winter NWEA assessments. Students who showed measurable growth or who completed the assessment with 0% rapid guessing were invited to take part in a reward event. K-5 students celebrated with an afternoon dance party, while 6-8 students enjoyed a scoop of ice cream and had the chance to win door prizes, ranging from disc golf sets to CCS Cobra T-Shirts. These celebrations provided a well-earned moment of recognition for our hardworking students.

Another highlight of the month was the winter concert, which showcased the dedication and talent of our student musicians. Mrs. Burke and the staff did an outstanding job coordinating efforts to ensure that students from not only CCS but also Solon and Garret Schenck could rehearse and perform together. On Tuesday, the 25th, students had the opportunity to rehearse for their peers, and their performance was nothing short of fantastic. This practice run undoubtedly helped them prepare for the evening concert on Thursday, the 26th, where they had the chance to impress families and community members. The concert was a wonderful display of student achievement and musical growth, and we are grateful for the hard work of Mrs. Burke and all the staff who supported this event.

Our PTO continues to play an active role in bringing fun and engaging activities to CCS. At the beginning of February, they organized a Valentine's Day carnation sale, allowing students and staff to send flowers to friends, classmates, and colleagues. The event was a great success, and the students enjoyed both giving and receiving carnations as a small but meaningful way to spread kindness and appreciation. We are grateful for our PTO’s continued efforts in fostering community involvement and school spirit.

As always, I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and families in making CCS a place where learning, leadership, and kindness thrive. I look forward to the great things we will accomplish together in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Case