CHS Report

March Board Report
To: School Board
From: Bruce Dostie - Principal
Date: March 2026
Subject: Academic Focus, Student Achievement & Activities Update

As we move through March, our instructional focus continues to center on “filling the gaps” in student learning as we prepare for the upcoming NWEA assessment window. This work remains grounded in our commitment to using data to drive instruction and ensure measurable growth for all students.

Academic Update – “Filling the Gaps”

Following our winter NWEA data review, teachers identified specific skill gaps at the individual, classroom, and grade levels. Instructional adjustments have included:

• Targeted mini-lessons aligned to priority standards
  
  

• Small group interventions based on RIT band performance
  
  

• Strategic review of prerequisite skills in math and literacy
  
  

• Frequent formative assessments to monitor progress
  
  

Departments continue collaborating to identify high-leverage standards and essential skills that most impact student growth. Our focus remains on strengthening foundational skills while reinforcing grade-level expectations.

Student Achievement & Activities

In addition to strong academic focus, our students continue to excel in co-curricular and extracurricular areas:

Math Team
Our Math Team remains undefeated in the E-W League after four meets and is hoping to capture its fifth consecutive conference championship. This sustained success reflects strong student commitment and excellent coaching.

Visual Arts
On February 3rd, a group of Art and Alternative Education students traveled to the Colby College Museum of Art to participate in the Wabanaki: Lineage and Legacy program. During the visit, students learned about the origins of the Wabanaki people, their culture and history, and were introduced to several Wabanaki artists.

As part of the program, students created a “mark” basket featuring etchings and symbols historically used by Indigenous communities, along with their own personal, nature-based designs. Several students made connections between these traditional markings and the petroglyphs found at the Hodgdon Site in Embden, demonstrating meaningful engagement and cross-disciplinary thinking.

Overall, students described the trip as both fun and educational. Many expressed interest in returning to explore additional exhibits and continue learning through firsthand experiences.

Performing Arts
We are proud to share that Aaron Soosman will represent our school at the State Poetry Out Loud Competition on March 2nd at the Waterville Opera House. This is a significant accomplishment, and we wish him the very best at the state level.

Additionally, our One Act Plays will perform on Thursday, March 5th, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. and the performance beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

Students will then compete on March 6th and 7th, traveling to Skowhegan High School for the competition. This continues to provide valuable performance experience and opportunities for growth.

Athletics
Both boys and girls basketball teams represented our school exceptionally well during the Civic Center playoff games. Their sportsmanship, effort, and pride in our school community were evident throughout the tournament. We commend all players and coaches for their dedication.

School Climate & Student Appreciation

On the last day before vacation, Mr. Dostie and Ms. Creamer distributed cookies to students in celebration of reaching 103 school days this year. This small gesture was intended to recognize students’ hard work and show our appreciation for their continued effort and commitment.

The students were extremely grateful and pleasantly surprised by the recognition. Moments like these help reinforce the positive culture within our school and remind students that their dedication and growth do not go unnoticed.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the spring assessment window and the final stretch of the school year, we will continue to:

• Provide targeted academic support
  
  

• Monitor student progress closely
  
  

• Celebrate student achievement across all programs
  
  

• Maintain strong communication with families
  
  

Our students continue to demonstrate resilience, talent, and dedication both inside and outside the classroom. We are proud of their accomplishments and remain focused on supporting their continued growth.

Go Cobras!!!

Bruce