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Here is the lunch menu for the month of September. If you have any questions please reach out to Allison Woodard: Allison.woodard@rsu34.org.
Thanks!
![Spetember Lunch Menu](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9547225/large_Screenshot_2024-08-24_7.46.20_PM.png)
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Test
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RSU 34 is proud to share the 2024 Back-to-School issue of Community Connections! Inside you'll find articles and photos from spring and summer activities, along with back-to-school information such as calendars, open house dates, and bus routes. The City of Old Town has partnered with us for this issue, so you'll also find great city info and the dates for Riverfest 2024!
Many thanks to those who contributed to this issue, and to Corina Larsen / Gossamer Design for bringing it all together.
Here's the link for Community Connections: https://5il.co/2twck
![Cover of Community Connections](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9392271/large_CC_Cover_August_2024.png)
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A suggested school supply list was included in your classroom placement letter and all lists are posted on our website. We receive donations of school supplies and a table will be set up at Open House for families to shop. As always, each student will be provided with what they need to learn! Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. https://www.rsu34.org/o/aes/documents
![School Supplies spelled in multiple colors surrounded by highlighters, paper clips, a ruler, colored pencils etc.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9386837/large_School_Supplies.jpg)
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AES Open House is coming! Take a look and mark your calendars!
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We're looking forward to the coming school year! In addition to our full-time staff, substitutes help out in a variety of ways: teachers, one-to-one support, office staff, custodial staff, and food service. If you're interested in working with awesome kids and staff on a very flexible schedule, please let us know! Here's the application: t.ly/mcbGC
![logo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9308112/large_RSU_34_Logo_2023.jpg)
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Before starting Pre-K or Kindergarten, practice eating a packed lunch, opening containers and snacks, and using a water bottle! Fostering independence is a great way to get students prepared for school!
![a young boy smilies while eating lunch from his lunch box at home](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9295335/large_ASasDm83P6rJg9G8IvvpvA.png)
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We have been having so much fun during our Kindergarten Here I Come events! This week, families visited the library, listened to a read aloud, and played together. Each student also went home with a brand new book. If you have a student entering kindergarten, come see us on August 21st at 2:00 on the playground for our final gathering.
![Young children play at stations in a school library](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9283274/large_aTV2wAuVaR3KmjGV7wjHAw.png)
![families with young children sit on a rug in the library listening to a read around](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9283275/large_xsK6C1MBFrbzwZ4u1QJCTQ.png)
![families with young children sit on a rug in the library listening to a read around](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9283276/large_3Yo1FMI6im8a_MvamGHRZg.png)
![families with young children sit on a rug in the library listening to a read around- wide angle](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9283277/large_JYEC9ONFAwBa8mlDPCZIPA.png)
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Are you struggling with how to navigate parenting in the digital arena? Are you wrestling with what the right age is for a smatphone and social media? No matter where you are on your parenting journey with technology, you may be interested in the upcoming talk by the Founder of Wait Until 8th, Brooke Shannon. She will talk about the importance of delaying smartphones and social media and will help parents already in the middle of smartphone battles with some strategic advice to rein in smartphone use.
Brooke works with parents and communities across the country to help families establish a healthy relationship with technology. She is a national speaker on how to parent in the digital arena and has given keynotes to the American Enterprise Institute, and numerous schools and churches. Brooke is also a resource to the media; she has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC national news, NPR, and CNN Headline News.
The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade and encourages parents to delay social media until 16. Learn more about the pledge at www.waituntil8th.org
(Hosted by RSU 64 at Central Community School, Corinth)
![Parenting in a Digital Age](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/9151307/large_Parenting_in_a_Digital_Age.png)
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RSU 34 is in the final stages of preparing its annual application for funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). RSU 34 receives ESEA funding allocations via Titles IA, IIA, and IV-A. The major uses of funding for IA are academic interventions in math and literacy; for IIA are professional development for educators; and for IV-A are safe & healthy schools, well-rounded education, and effective use of technology.
For more information about how to be involved in the application process, or with questions, please email Dr. Doty (contact information is on the district website).
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From a community partner:
Registrations for the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge Camp are STILL OPEN! Scholarships are available !
Join us for 1-4 exciting weeks of unforgettable adventures immersed in nature. Each week has a different focus, but every week offers opportunities to explore nature, spot wildlife, paddle, and hike at Hirundo!
Register Here: https://www.hirundomaine.org/summercamp
Week 1: July 8-12 Discover Your Inner Naturalist
Week 2: July 22-26 Blaze Your Own Trail
Week 3: August 5-9 Unearth Hidden Hirundo's Secrets
Week 4: August 19-23 Splash Into Your Next Adventure
Camps are designed for Ages 9-12, and run from 9am-4pm weekdays. We welcome you to sign up for 2, 3, or 5 days (or 4 full weeks) of fun!
Questions? Email: brianna@hirundomaine.org
![Hirundo Summer Camp](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8949066/large_HirundoSummerCampImage.jpeg)
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Shared from our community:
![Old Town coach pitch softball flier](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8561033/large_KBIEIG3NlqQ7jzReHCo53w.png)
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RSU 34 Special Education Opportunities
Elementary Special Education Teachers for Summer School 2024
RSU 34 needs 3 Special Education Teachers for summer school programming. The
program runs July 9th -August 1, 2024, Tuesday-Thursday from 7:30-2:30 each day (12
days). Additional time is provided for preparation and planning. Competitive Rate
$33.34/hour
Elementary Special Education Teacher
RSU 34 is looking for a special education teacher with experience providing specially
designed instruction for students with autism and intellectual disabilities at the
elementary level in a self-contained setting. Competitive Salary and additional stipend
provided.
Speech Language Pathologist- Three Open Positions
RSU 34 is looking for 3 qualified Speech Language Pathologists to provide speech and
language therapy, both direct and consult, to children with a variety of disabilities and
work as an integral member of an educational team to provide high quality services to
children with significant academic, behavioral, and social skills needs. Competitive
Salary and additional stipend provided.
Educational Technicians K-12 (Ed Tech I, II, & III)
RSU 34 seeks candidates that are positive, flexible, and willing to learn within a variety
of educational settings working with students with disabilities. The pay range is $16.56-
$22.34/hour.
Applications for these opportunities can be found at www.rsu34.org
(Employment). Questions should be directed to Kimm Kenniston, kimm.kenniston@rsu34.org .
Come join an amazing team!
![RSU 34 Logo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8492910/large_New_RSU__34_Logo.jpg)
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The forecast for the remainder of the week is very warm! Please make sure your student is dressed appropriately for the temperatures and brings a water bottle to school daily. Thank you!
![sunny sky, flowering trees, and dandilions in the background with a thermometer nearing 80 degrees in the forefront](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473753/large_Spring_Temps.jpg)
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On May 3rd and May 10th, the elementary schools of RSU 34 held their World of Work and Community Helpers Day events. These events are intended to immerse pre-k-5 students into the diverse world of careers and trades. Mrs. Wilcox, Mrs. Lunn and Mrs. Goodwin recruited many parents and community members for this annual event. Almost half of the presenters were parents of RSU 34 students! Alton Elementary and the Viola Rand School were welcomed to OTES to hear presentations and become more familiar with the surroundings. Some presenters included a Forest Ranger, OT Police and Fire, a local doctor from PCHC, a nutritionist, a barber, a service dog, an electrician, and many more! We are so thankful to our community members who volunteered their time for these events!
![Electrician shares his trade and tools with a group of children](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473913/large_world_of_Work_photo_5.jpg)
![Forest rangers show their helicopter to a group of students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473918/large_World_of_Work_photo_4.jpg)
![A dietician speaks to children in a classroom](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473914/large_World_of_Work_photo_3.jpg)
![Versant Power gives a tour of their truck to students wearing costume green hardhats](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473922/large_World_of_Work_photo_2.jpg)
![A physical therapist demonstrates exercises with students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473919/large_World_of_Work_photo_1.jpg)
![A barber cuts a student's hair as a demonstration to others](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473920/large_world_of_work_10.jpg)
![Old Town police officers tour a squad car with students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473921/large_world_of_work_9.jpg)
![Old Town fire fighters tour a truck with students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473917/large_world_of_work_8.jpg)
![A tree cutter shows his truck and tools to students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473916/large_world_of_work_7.jpg)
![A student holds an animal from a salt water fish tank](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8473915/large_world_of_work_6.jpg)
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Shared from our community
![Old Town's First Casting with Cops event flier](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8398163/large_Casting2.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/profile/avatar/22453/circled_cb765331-b9f1-4797-87eb-5e11370191c0.png)
Shared from our community:
![Community Supper flier](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/8304117/large_Community_Supper.jpg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/profile/avatar/22453/circled_cb765331-b9f1-4797-87eb-5e11370191c0.png)
Did you know our library has a membership to the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor? If you want to go with your family, all you need to do is email Mrs. Reesman at Michelle.reesman@rsu34.org and let her know the date you wish to visit the museum with your family and she’ll send a signed form home with your child for that date! Only one visit request per day is allowed. Let’s take advantage of this cool opportunity for our district!
![image of digital Maine Discovery Museum pass](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/7998335/large_uLWQPUpvlNadT-jyjqTHhw.png)
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This Saturday, April 27th, Hirundo is offering a free "Meet a Scientist" event to celebrate Earth Day! This will be at Binette Park in Old Town from 10 AM - 1 PM.
Join Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in celebrating Earth Day at Binette Park in Old Town!
Meet scientists from around Maine, who will showcase some of the equipment they use and what projects they are working on right now!
Peer through lenses and activate your brain by asking questions and discovering more about the world around you. Tables will be stationed around the park featuring topics ranging from golden eagles and bird banding, to DNA extraction, to archaeology! Meet A Scientist will be your one-stop shop to learn about all the local science being conducted.
Learn the basics of what scientists do and how you can become a citizen scientist! This celebration of learning will be fun for everyone, so bring the whole family or come on your own.
Pick up a stamp card at the Hirundo table, visit at least 7 tables, and get a free nature-themed poster of your choice (first come first serve)!
Directions ~ Binette Park
434 Main Street, Old Town, ME 04468 (44.937288, -68.647140)
Located on Main Street in Old Town, along the Penobscot River, between Pepper's Landing and The Rock Church.
![Hirundo Meet a Scientist](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/7911184/large_Earth_Day_Meet_a_Scientist_2024.jpg)
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The April Bikes for Books Challenge sheet will be sent with your student today, Monday, April 1st if it has not already gone home. The directions are as follows: Fill in as many spaces below with the book title you read to fulfill each challenge during the month of April. Read books of all kinds to get a chance to win a new bike! If you do not need a new bike, other prizes will be awarded. Check out your library and your librarians will give you book suggestions! Bikes and other prizes will be given out during the Reading Assembly in May for all those putting forth a great effort in this challenge!
![AES VRS Bikes for Books Reading Challenge Sheet](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rsu_%2334_ar/live_feed_image/image/7631514/large_AES_VRS_Bikes_for_Books_Sheet.jpeg)