October 30, 2024
Dear RSU 74 Board,
October has been a month filled with valuable learning experiences, community involvement, and a continued focus on safety and well-being. Here’s a look at some of the activities, accomplishments, and support that have impacted both our students and staff:
Student Activities and Learning:
Community Support Donation: We are grateful to the Elks Lodge for their generous donation, aimed at supporting families and students in need. This contribution allows us to extend additional resources to our school community.
Safety Drills: In keeping with our commitment to safety, students participated in multiple safety drills, including fire drills and a lock-in drill. These drills ensure that students and staff are well-prepared and familiar with safety protocols.
Fall Walking School Bus: All students in K-8 participated in the fall Walking School Bus event. The children enjoyed a walk through nature trails to the high school and returned to CCS along the sidewalk, promoting fitness and community spirit.
Bicycle Safety Course: We partnered with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, who collaborated with Mrs. Day to teach students about bicycle safety. The event included a bicycle course designed by the coalition, allowing students to practice safe riding techniques in a fun and engaging way.
Nature Walk: Mrs. Holden took some of her students on a field trip to the Weston Woods and Waters Nature Preserve, where they enjoyed a nature walk.
Fall-Themed Learning in Kindergarten: Mrs. Fournier’s kindergarten class celebrated fall by making applesauce. The activity supported their learning about the season and the life cycle of apples, creating a memorable experience for young students.
Fire Safety Presentation: Fireman Rick visited CCS on October 23 to give a fire safety presentation for K-4 students. His engaging talk provided students with important knowledge about fire prevention and safety.
Dental Health Support: The Smiles Patrol Dental Clinic visited from October 22-25, offering dental care to over 50 students. We are thankful for this program, which makes preventive care accessible to our students.
Pumpkin Carving: On October 23, Mrs. Holden and her special education students carved pumpkins to take home. This activity fostered creativity and seasonal fun while giving students a hands-on sensory experience.
Halloween Parade: To celebrate Halloween, students from Kindergarten through Grade 5 dressed up in costumes and participated in a Halloween parade. The students enjoyed walking down to the fire station and back to CCS, bringing some Halloween cheer to the community.
Staff Development and Safety Training:
Data Review for Academic Grouping: Staff met with Mrs. Jordan, Mr. Case, and Title 1 techs to review beginning-of-the-year data from NWEA and other assessments. Together, they used this data to create academic groupings for Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions in math and reading, targeting support to help all students succeed.
ALICE Training Scenarios: Staff took part in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training scenarios led by Mr. Dostie and an officer from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department. This training strengthens our school’s preparedness for emergency situations, enhancing the safety and security of our school environment.
These experiences reflect our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for our students. As we move into the winter months, we look forward to building on these foundations and keeping our focus on academic achievement, student well-being, and community partnership.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Case