Carrabec Community School

Anson – Embden – New Portland – Solon

March 26, 2024

Dear RSU 74 Board,

As we move into April, I am pleased to share highlights from the past month, showcasing the meaningful learning experiences and community engagement taking place at Carrabec Community School.

March began with our K-5 students celebrating reading and Dr. Seuss’ birthday through their "Dr. Seuss is on the Loose in K-5" event. Themed dress-up days and engaging literacy activities encouraged students to develop a love for reading in a fun and interactive way.

On March 6, our fifth-grade students took part in their annual ski trip to Sugarloaf. Bundled up against the cold and brisk winds, students embraced the opportunity to develop their skiing skills while enjoying a day of outdoor recreation. This trip continues to be a favorite tradition that fosters resilience, teamwork, and an appreciation for the outdoors.

The fun for fifth-grade students didn’t end on the slopes, later in March students engaged in an exciting and creative science project, where they designed their own invertebrates by combining three or more real-life invertebrates. They wrote a one-page description of their newly created species, developed a scientific name, and constructed a 3D model using materials from home. This hands-on project encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and scientific exploration, and we appreciate the involvement of families in supporting their children along the way.

Outdoor learning extended to our fourth-grade students as well, who participated in a Survival Race event led by former CCS students Grace and Kate Kiernan. Through this hands-on relay challenge, students tested their knowledge of wilderness survival, answering questions on topics such as tree identification and knot tying. As they raced to collect essential outdoor gear, they strengthened their problem-solving skills and learned the importance of preparation and teamwork.

For our younger students, safety education remained a priority. Mrs. Bedard led Personal Body Safety lessons for K-5 students on March 11 and 13, covering key areas such as personal safety, appropriate and inappropriate touch, and standing up for oneself. These lessons provided students with valuable tools to recognize unsafe situations, seek support, and advocate for their well-being.

In our middle school, eighth grade students worked on developing their public speaking skills in Mrs. Pease’s class. Through practice and constructive feedback, students refined their ability to communicate clearly and confidently. Public speaking can be a challenge, the students shared with me that the fear of public speaking is known as glossophobia, but these exercises helped students build self-assurance before presenting to their peers. Additionally, the high school counselor visited to introduce students to the high school experience and guide them through selecting their freshman-year courses, ensuring they feel prepared for the next step in their academic journey.

We also included a bit of fun for our staff this month, who celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a leprechaun coin game. Five "gold" coins were distributed at the start of the day, and staff members had to strategically ask one another for a coin to collect as many as possible before the day’s end. The lighthearted competition fostered camaraderie and school spirit, with a prize awarded to staff members who ended the day with a coin.

March was a month filled with hands-on learning, skill-building, and community engagement. From literacy celebrations to outdoor education and leadership development, CCS continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to grow. Thank you for your ongoing support in creating a dynamic and enriching environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Case

Principal