RSU #34 Student Spotlight--May, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting OTES 5th grader Ren S. on this VERY hot and steamy Friday. I think I kind of spooked Ren when I called her out of class and didn't immediately let her know she had been selected for a student spotlight interview! After calming her fears and assuring her she wasn't in any sort of trouble, Ren shared that her favorite place to be in OTES was the music room. We tried to use that space for the interview, but Mrs. Marquis was busy teaching a class, so we ended up in the nearby staff resource book room.
Me: Tell me about yourself, Ren.
Ren: I'm 11 and have 3 siblings. I play saxophone and I really like music.
Me: Which saxophone do you play?
Ren: I play Alto. I also play the ukulele. When I get to middle school I want to learn flute, guitar and maybe percussion. So band, chorus, and the play/musical are my favorite things.
Me: Tell me more.
Ren: In the 5th grade musical this year, I was a character named Gertrude and I sang a song by myself. That was a ton of fun, and I really liked being in the musical. I've been in chorus since the 4th grade and I really like it. It's fun. I really like singing.
Me: I came to one of the matinee performances of Seussical: The Musical. I remember you performing. You have a beautiful voice.
Ren: Thank you (blushing)
Me: What else do you like about your OTES experiences?
Ren: I love all the teachers. They are really nice. I like reading. Reading is one of my favorite classes.
Me: What books have you read recently?
Ren: 'Brown Girl Dreaming' and 'Hidden Figures.' Right now I'm working on a passion project.
Me: What's that?
Ren: It's a project about something I'm passionate about. I'm doing my project on jewelry making. I'm actually wearing a ring that I made, but I also make earrings and necklaces. (she showed me a very impressive ring made of twisted copper wire)
Me: So, you are a 5th grader. What are your thoughts about leaving OTES?
Ren: Nooooooo!!!! I don't want to leave. I'm sad. I'm going to cry a lot. I cry over everything.
Me: That's OK. Crying means you care. What are your favorite memories of OTES?
Ren: Definitely the musical. Also chorus and band. Music in general. I love doing stuff with Mrs. Harvey, and Art class.
Me: You are going to LMS next year. What are your thoughts on this transition?
Ren: I'm nervous about everything.....mostly being new. I'm excited about getting a locker and I'm kind of excited about social nights.
Me: I taught at LMS for 6 years, and my office is there now. Trust me, it's a great place that you will love.
Ren: I think I'm going to be nervous now, but when I get there I'm going to be like "oh, there was nothing to be worried about." That's what my older siblings told me--that there is nothing to be worried about. Everyone has told me that it will be fine, but I'm still going to worry about leaving OTES.
Me: So, it sounds like your emotions are more about leaving OTES, and less about actually being nervous about going to a new school. I can absolutely understand that, but want you to know that you are going to a great place. You will thrive at LMS. What are your plans for summer?
Ren: Hang out with my cousins and try to help out and volunteer at the public library. Miss Cindy let's me help with the younger kids.
Me: Do you have a message for the staff at OTES?
Ren: Thank you so much for everything. I will never forget you no matter how bad my memory is. Thank you for teaching me so much. (Here are some fun facts about Ren):
Favorite Sport: Tennis; Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Marquis; Favorite School Lunch: Pizza; Favorite Book: 'The Bridge Home' ; Dream car: I never really thought about it....I don't know!
Thank you for your time with me today, Ren. You are a confident and passionate student who will blossom in middle school--I'm certain that Ms. Priest is excited to have you join her band and chorus programs! Say hello to Miss Cindy for me this summer while you are volunteering at the Old Town Public Library. You have an incredible attitude and natural talent for the performing arts. I am proud of you and look forward to observing your growth as a musician and performer over the course of middle and high school! See you in the halls of LMS next fall!
Sincerely,
Matthew Cyr, RSU #34 Superintendent
RSU #34 hosts the Eastern Maine Reading Recovery Site, providing teacher-leader services to more than 30 teachers across Eastern Maine in a fee-based partnership, including our teachers in Alton, Bradley, and Old Town. The Continuing Professional Development that Dr. Sharon Greaney provides to her teachers keeps honing their knowledge and skill so they can do best by their students who need and will benefit from this intensive literacy intervention. Today Dr. Greaney and the other teacher leaders in Maine are continuing their own development, with guest Dr. Betsy Kaye (Director of Reading Recovery at Texas Woman's University). In this picture, Viola Rand School's Reading Recovery teacher Mrs. Jen Dalessandro teaches a lesson "behind the glass" while the teacher leaders and Dr. Kaye observe and discuss strategies. After the lesson, Behind the Glass involves a debrief session with the teaching colleague to reflect on the strategies and decisions in the teaching session. It's amazing what these teachers fit into a half-hour session with a student!
OTHS Students Earn UTC Recognition
At the United Technologies Center’s annual Academic Awards Night on May 23rd, the following OTHS students will be honored:
*Zachary Anthony, Horticulture & Outdoor Recreation: Outstanding Student
*Jamey Badger, Construction Engineering Technology: Most Improved Student
*Natalie Blockburger, Culinary Arts / Hospitality: Outstanding Student
*Matthew Brawn, Electrical / Connectivity: Outstanding Student
*Danica Brown, Emergency Medical Services: Community Service Certificate
*Isaiah Buxton (pictured), Horticulture & Outdoor Recreation: Most Improved Student
*Evan Closson, Diesel Equipment: Most Improved Student
*Brendan Mahaney, Plumbing & Heating: Outstanding Student
*Noah Nickerson, Digital Arts & Software Development: Most Improved Student
*Emma Sirois, Medical Assisting: Outstanding Student
*Hunter Theriault, Video & Audio Production: Community Service Certificate
Additionally, the following OTHS students are honored by membership in the National Technical Honor Society: Zachary Anthony, Aidan Black, Natalie Blockburger, James Dumond, Alexandria McCrossin, Clay Slauenwhite.
Finally, James Dumond graduates this year with both an OTHS diploma and an Associate’s Degree!
Congratulations to all of our fantastic OTHS / UTC students!
The RSU #34 School Board will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in the LMS Cafeteria beginning at 6:30p.m.
https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/82949432123
We're proud to share the new website of the Old Town High School Achievement Hall of Fame!
https://rsu34-achievement.org/
The OTHS Achievement Hall of Fame committee reviews the accomplishments of OTHS graduates and the impact they are having on the world. The list of amazing alumni has made their mark on the world and this committee works to recognize those accomplishments and honor them with a celebration each May. Please take a minute to view the blog, share it with your friends, and be proud of our community's work to impact future Achievement Hall of Famers!!!
Think you've got game? OTES 3rd graders recycled materials to create carnival/arcade games in Mrs. Palmer's Art class and they are ready to TAKE. YOU. ON.
Our neighbors at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge have a great - and free - event scheduled for April 22nd - please see the QR code on this flyer to register!
The RSU #34 School Board will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 in the LMS Cafeteria beginning at 6:30p.m.
https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/89055373173
RSU #34 is drafting revisions to the use of funds plan for the federal ESSER III / ARP grant. Additionally, RSU #34 is conducting needs assessment and developing applications for funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Titles IA, IIA, IVA). For more information or to be involved in the application development processes please email Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jon Doty (jon.doty@rsu34.org)
RSU #34 (Alton, Bradley, Old Town) will have a 2-hour delay tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15). All scheduled bus runs and start times are delayed 2-hours. Morning 1/2-day PreK in Old Town is cancelled.
The RSU #34 School Board will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 15 2023 in the LMS Cafeteria beginning at 6:30p.m. https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/86301499304
All RSU #34 schools will be dismissing 2-hours early tomorrow (Tuesday, March 14). All end of day dismissal procedures will shift-up by 2-hours.
Today is Opening Day for Capstone Season! Sixteen Old Town High School seniors seek to earn the Honors Diploma, STEM Diploma, or Humanities Diploma. Today featured seniors Olivia Small, Gabrielle Cody, and Isabella Bouchard sharing their capstone research on The Psychology Behind Cults; Nature / Nurture Factors in Serial Killers; and Technlogies, Diagnosis, and Symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects. Each was well-prepared and gave fantastic presentations!
The RSU #34 School Board will hold a Budget Workshop on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in the LMS Cafeteria beginning at 6:30p.m.
https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/81478034201
RSU #34 schools will be closed today--2/17/23. This was not an easy decision. The forecast of ice starting between 10 and 11am prevents opportunity for a safe early release and creates a dangerous afternoon dismissal. Be safe, and enjoy your vacation next week.
The RSU #34 School Board will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 15 2023 in the LMS Cafeteria beginning at 6:30p.m.
https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/84952601708
The RSU #34 School Board will hold a Budget Workshop on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in the LMS Cafeteria beginning at 6:30p.m. https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/82572815038
RFP School Transportation Services Issued February, 2023
RSU #34 Seeks School Transportation Services for the 2023 - 2028 School years.
Details for the RFP process, including the entire bid package and RFP timeline, can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12FTVM4ANvz6tPsN5VvocvjdbMf99ovZY/view?usp=sharing
Student Spotlight: Miyah B., 2nd Grade OTES
On a warm January morning, I met a fantastic Old Town Elementary 2nd grade student named Miyah B. I was observing her class for a bit while seeking a natural break for the two of us to step away for a brief interview and was amazed by two things…one, her teacher (Mrs. O’Brien) was doing a fantastic job engaging her students in learning….and two, Miyah was completely immersed in the learning process (thank you, Mrs. O’Brien for allowing me to visit). As we left the classroom, I asked Miyah where her favorite place in the school was. After a brief moment of thought, she proudly announced, “the library”, so off we went.
We sat down in the back corner of the OTES library so as not to disturb any classes that may be stopping by. I asked Miyah a typical first interview question: ‘tell me about yourself.’. I’ll be honest in saying I sometimes see adults stumble a bit on the answer. Not Miyah. She launched right in, “I like school. I like getting books from the library. I love chapter books, they are my favorite.” Going with the flow of conversation, I asked about her favorite chapter book. “‘I like ‘The Bad Guys’ series (by Aaron Blabey). While I knew of these books, I didn't know the storyline and asked Miyah to elaborate. “There are these bad guys that turn good. In the second book they meet a tarantula. Don’t worry, it’s a good tarantula. Well (long pause) it was bad, but it changed to good.” It was refreshing to see her passion for reading! Over the next ten minutes I learned about Franklin the turtle!
“I like animals. I like learning about them. I have a pet turtle named Franklin and four cats named Zeppelin, Snickers, Peanut Butter and my Nana has one named Noble. So I actually have three cats and my Nana’s.” I could tell Miyah loved her Nana as much as her cats. I’ll be honest in saying that I’m not much of a cat person, but I was intrigued by Miyahs interest in turtles. I asked, “What do turtles like to eat?” Miyah responded, “They like dried up shrimp, pebbles and mealworms.” I really don’t know much about turtles and was curious as to how you actually feed them. Miyah very responsibly shared, “It is not very safe to feed a turtle from your hand…it could bite you. Plus, you have to immediately wash your hands after because they could give you a disease.” The more Miyah educated me….the more I realized that I am also not a turtle person. 🙂
Changing the subject, I asked Miyah if she made a New Years Resolution. She did, and it was to play more Roblox (at that point she lost me—you know you are getting old when Pearl Jam plays on the oldies rock stations, and you have no idea about Roblox). I later did some research and found out Roblox is an online gaming platform with over 164 million active users. Trying to save my pride, I changed the subject (again) and asked Miyah if she did anything fun over the holiday break. “I went ice skating. There were these red things that you used to hold yourself up. I fell a lot, but I got back up. When I got home I had blisters on my feet from the boots (skates).” Miyah’s comment about falling, but getting up really resonated with me and brought me to my last question. I prefaced the question by sharing with Miyah that the adults at Old Town Elementary all think she is a pretty special person and felt it was important that I met her. I asked if she knew why the adults at OTES felt this way. At first, Miyah couldn’t answer my question. I rephrased the question and gave her time to think. After a few seconds of she said, “I am a good friend.” I quickly asked, “What does it mean to be a good friend?” Miyah didn’t need much time on this one, and with a smile she said, “When a person falls playing tag, I help them up.” At that point I was smiling on the inside and out. What an incredible kid. I ended our conversation asking Miyah if she had a message she’d like for me to share with the people who will be reading this interview. She shared, “You guys are all so kind.”
Here are some fun facts about Miyah:
Favorite Sport: I have two—basketball and baseball (“I’m in my second year of basketball. I have a game tomorrow!”)
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. O’Brien
Favorite School Lunch: Cheese breadsticks and I like sunbutter sandwiches
Favorite book: See above!
Dream Car: Jeep
Miyah truly is a remarkable young person. The way she views the world and the way she believes the world sees her is much more mature than her age. I walked away from my interview with Miyah with a greater sense of focus on being a good friend. Miyah also taught me that if you fall down, get back up (even if it is causing you blisters on your feet). Thank you for your time, Miyah! I hope you enjoy the second half of 2nd grade!
Sincerely,
Matthew D. Cyr
RSU #34 Superintendent
RSU #34 will be closed today--Thursday, January 26.