CHS Report

April Board Report
To: School Board
From: Bruce Dostie
Date: April 2026
Subject: Career Readiness, Postsecondary Opportunities & Program Highlights

As we move into April, our focus continues to expand beyond the classroom to include meaningful college and career readiness opportunities for our students. These experiences, along with engaging program-based learning, help students make informed decisions about their futures while strengthening real-world skills.

Career Fair

On Wednesday, March 25, we hosted a Career Fair. This event included 32 different businesses, recruiters, and colleges, providing students with a wide range of exposure to career pathways and postsecondary options.

Students had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals, learn about career expectations and training pathways, explore employment opportunities, and begin building connections that may support their future plans. A big thank you to all that helped support this event!

College Visits & Postsecondary Exposure

On April 2nd, our juniors and seniors will visit the University of Maine (UMO). This experience provides students with a firsthand look at a college campus, including academic programs, admissions expectations, and student life.

Additionally, on April 16th, students will have the opportunity to visit Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) and Thomas College. These visits expose students to both community college and private college options, helping them better understand the range of postsecondary pathways available.

Together, these experiences allow students to compare institutions, ask meaningful questions, and better envision their next steps after graduation.

Program Highlights

Math Team
Our Math Team continues to demonstrate exceptional achievement, earning the title of Conference Champions once again. This marks another consecutive championship and highlights the sustained excellence of the program.

Notably, all of the top four scorers in the East-West League are from our school—an impressive accomplishment that reflects both individual talent and strong team preparation. In addition, Owen McDonald was recognized as the Top Freshman in Central Maine across all divisions, an outstanding achievement that speaks to the strength of our underclassmen and the future of the program.

Alternative Education
Our Alternative Education program continues to provide hands-on, engaging learning opportunities:

Somerset Outdoors worked with students on the art of fly tying, with each student creating two flies to take home.
Students began tapping maple trees on campus and have collected approximately 12 gallons of sap, learning firsthand about environmental impacts on production due to this year’s inconsistent temperatures.
The Space unit concluded with a rocket launch on the soccer field. Students navigated challenges with limited supplies, demonstrating problem-solving and perseverance in a fun, engaging setting.

Culinary Arts
Students explored the concept of homemade “take-out,” focusing on healthier and more affordable alternatives. Menu items included baked crab rangoons, spring rolls, and stir fry, providing practical life skills alongside culinary techniques.

Visual Arts

Intro to Art: Students created self-portraits in the style of Chuck Close, using the grid system to scale and replicate images.
Painting, Drawing & Design: Students are working on “Multiples,” where a single image or landscape spans multiple canvases using acrylic paint.
3D Art: Students are designing and constructing Pop-Art inspired paper mâché food sculptures, combining creativity with three-dimensional techniques.

Spring Athletics

Spring sports officially begin this week, with pitchers and catchers reporting as the first step in the start of the season. This marks an exciting transition into the spring athletic schedule and provides student-athletes with new opportunities to compete, grow, and represent our school community.

We look forward to a successful season and continued strong participation across all spring sports programs.

Assessment Update

The ADAMS Science Test will be administered beginning April 9th, providing an additional measure of student understanding in science.

The NWEA testing window will open on April 13th and run through May 29th. Staff will continue to focus on targeted instruction and “filling the gaps” to support student growth. These assessments will provide valuable data to measure progress and guide instructional decisions moving forward.

Looking Ahead

We will continue to prioritize opportunities that connect students to their future goals, whether through college exploration, career exposure, or hands-on learning experiences. These efforts remain essential in preparing all students for success beyond high school.

Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Dostie

GO COBRAS!!!