Old Town High School

Last day to order your OT Pride Slides Gators (Crocs but remember that Crocs are a brand) Order from here: https://oldtowncoyotes.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Last chance to get yours!

Old Town High School is excited to have Kristen Thompson join our math department this year. Kristen originally hails from Vermont and found her way to Maine to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Maine. It was during her second year at UM that she realized engineering might not be the right career path. She decided to explore what other options existed and would mix well with her undergraduate TA for a chemistry course. It was through her TA experience that she realized teaching might be the way to go. She then decided to pick up a math minor and later on would have to decide if it was science or math that she truly wanted to teach. Throughout the rest of her undergraduate career there was not a semester where she was not some sort of TA for a science, engineering, or math course. She stuck it out and graduated with her engineering degree and stayed at UMaine in their Master of Science in Teaching program where she concentrated in mathematics. Kristen's time at the University of Maine made her realize that she wanted to stick around and that decision lead her to our team here at Old Town High School. When Kristen is not in the classroom you can find her hiking, crocheting/ crafting in some way, or patiently waiting for snow so she can hit the slopes skiing! Welcome to OTHS Kristen! We are thrilled to have you as part of our team!

We will never forget.

I am guessing by now you have seen our brand-new RSU 34 logo. I thought I'd take a few minutes to explain each piece of the logo, because it was created with intentionality to truly represent who we are as a school unit. The small graduation cap at the top of the U shows that we are an educational institution. The two blue swooshes at the bottom represent the Stillwater and mighty Penobscot Rivers that surround and have sustained our communities for generations. The bridge on the right depicts how our communities are physically connected and shows how our schools place great emphasis on transitions. One arm of the bridge reaches to the stars, which shows that we always have high expectations for our staff and students. There are three stars purposely, to represent our communities of Alton, Bradley and Old Town. So, the next time you see the logo take a moment to let it all sink in. It's a great logo and really speaks to how proud we are of who we are and all that we do everyday.

Dear RSU #34 Community, Thanks for helping us have a great “launch” to the school year! It’s been great to see the smiling faces in the hallways, excited to be back in school despite the hot weather. Last year we began sharing a profile of a student each month; we are excited to begin sharing the stories of our colleagues! This month we visited with David May, who joined our team as a technician in the IT Department. David very much impressed his colleagues, and this past July began serving RSU #34 as Director of Information Technologies. David was interviewed by our Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Jon Doty. Q: When you were a kid what did you think you wanted to do when you grew up? A: I was going to be a professional athlete, playing soccer for Manchester United. All the way through high school I really thought I was going to make it. My real career path was a little different. In high school I pushed shopping carts, was a lifeguard, and mowed cemetery lawns. After high school I started off doing customer service for credit card companies, then shifted to Verizon Wireless. I changed over to tech support, and then started working at a computer repair shop where I started working more with businesses and device networking. I discovered that I really love computers and solving problems, and it doesn’t feel like work to me. I was ready for a new challenge and I was excited to join the schools’ IT Department. Q: What do you like about working in RSU #34? A: I love the people...I love the challenge. Everybody has fun, too. We’re all working hard, and sometimes it can be tough, but at the end of the day it’s all about getting students what they need and we all have fun together. I love coming in to work every day. Q: How do you recharge your batteries? A: Usually it’s either an HP 65-watt adapter or USB-C, but….wait….you mean….? Q: Yep. A: Playing video games and working out. Q: At the same time? Q: What was your favorite book as a kid? A: The DragonLance series; I still love the fantasy genre! Q: What was your favorite show / movie as a kid? A: Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Return of the Jedi. Q: What do you like about our community? A: It’s the people, the sense of community, and events like RiverFest. I grew up in Old Town, and I love how close our community is. Our people are always caring and resilient….tough. We’ve been through a lot together over the years and we keep coming back. Q: What’s something that most people don’t know about you? A: I’m a pretty open book! That said, I don’t think most people know I was really into theatre at OTHS - the One Act Play and the Fall Play. Q: Who was your favorite school teacher and why? A: Mr. Marty Clark [OTHS Social Studies Teacher] - he really made learning fun! It was cool to start working alongside him before he retired. Q: Which colleague would you like by your side during a zombie apocalypse? A: Curtis Robertson. [LMS teacher] Q: Not me? A: No. Q: Wow, zero hesitation on that…OK, I would have guessed you’d go with a certain veteran of the U.S. Army Cavalry, Captain Mike May. OTHS Social Studies teacher? Your brother? A: Nope. When we were kids he broke a plate and I got blamed for it. Q: Little did he know that would someday cost him an ally in a zombie apocalypse. A: I could tell you about all the times I beat him at sports but I won’t. Q: What’s a small act of kindness you were once shown that you’ll never forget? A: That’s a tough one - there are a lot of acts of kindness I’ve been shown. People are so kind here and these acts happen every day. It’s hard to pick just one in this district. Wow….I’ll have to get back to you on that one. Thanks, David, for being part of our team and for your hard work! And thank you to Captain May and our other veterans for your service to our country! RSU #34 Community, if you’d like to suggest someone for a future staff profile please use this form: https://forms.gle/m9295zfr8xLTzNzRA

"Frank Sternberg is joining our Science department. Prior to coming to OTHS, Frank obtained his Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut. He later went on to work at Pfizer as an analytical chemist before moving to Orono, ME to pursue a Master's of Science in geology at the University of Maine. Frank discovered his passion for educating others while serving as a teaching assistant during his graduate studies. Originally from southeastern Connecticut, he has fallen in love with the Old Town area and the extensive network of trails it offers for running and cycling. He also enjoys playing music and reading science-fiction and fantasy novels. Frank is thrilled to be on staff at OTHS and looks forward to getting students excited about science and all the educational and career opportunities it can provide them in the future." Welcome to OTHS, Mr. Sternberg!

We are so excited to welcome our new staff members to Old Town High School for the 2023-2024 school year. This is the first of a few posts that I will do to introduce our new teachers to our school community. Kora Hunter is joining our English department. Kora obtained her degree in Secondary Education with a focus in English from Husson University. She is very excited to be teaching freshman English and she has a deep passion for reading, writing and storytelling. She is originally from Raymond, Maine and has enjoyed her time in Old Town so far. Kora's other passions include spending time with family and friends, seeing live music and watching movies. She looks forward to furthering the education of her students and making great connections within the community of Old Town. Kora believes that English is a way to unite ideas, minds and passion. Kora comes highly regarded to Old Town High School and we were fortunate to snag her when the position opened up. Kora, Welcome to Old Town High School!

It was a great first day at Old Town High School, but man, it was hot! I don't think our meteorologist friend from WLBZ and Orono High School alum, Steve McKay plans to turn down the heat at all this week.... Hey Steve, where was this weather in July? Drop some meteorological knowledge on us! Coyotes - Great day 1. For the rest of the week - hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Yotes young and old - tomorrow is a GREEN day. So, if you are looking at your schedule and mentally preparing, look at your GREEN day schedule. Remember, school starts at 8:30am. That's not 8:34 with a Dunkin or an Aroma Joe's in your paw, that's 8:30. And not 8:30 walking in, that's 8:30 in your classroom. We will start in Coyote Time for the first 15 minutes each day this week. Sleep well. See you in the morning!

I often tell anyone who will listen that Old Town High School has graduates that do amazing things all over the world. Zach Mason, OTHS Class of 2018, helps to prove my point. Zach joined the army at 18 years old in January of 2019 as a motor vehicle operator. His first duty station was South Korea, where he earned the rank of Sergeant at 20 years old and won "Fort Sill Soldier of the Year" in 2021. He reclassified and changed jobs in the Army to become an air defense crew member. Zach currently uses the Army's FM 92 stinger missile and other air defense weapon systems to engage air threats from the ground. He has been to Japan, South Korea (two times), Thailand, Guam, and Indonesia. Zach also earned his associates degree in general history through AMU, and he has his CDL. He is currently stationed in South Korea and is a squad leader in charge of 12 soldiers. He is awaiting promotion points to earn the rank of Staff Sergeant. Congratulations Zach! We are Proud of You!

Students who live in Alton and West Old Town - our bus contractor is making some adjustments to routes; we will share more detailed information when it is finalized. Please plan to be out waiting for the bus extra early for the first few days as the routes settle into place. Thanks in advance for your patience!

Even after the buses pulled away on our first grade 9 school day at OTHS, our staff was still learning and preparing for the upcoming school year. We spent the afternoon with Lucas Murphy of the Old Town Police Department, who talked us through the body's physiological response to acute stress. It was both fun and informative. Thank You Detective Murphy!

As the buses pull away, our opening day for grade 9 at OTHS is in the books. We had a very successful first day and I am very confident that we accomplished our goal for the day of helping our incoming grade 9 class feel comfortable and welcome in their new home! Students had a chance to meet teachers and staff, walk the halls through a mock schedule and experience a revamped Coyote Cafe. Great Day Class of 2027! Welcome to OTHS! Thanks to the entire OTHS staff and some volunteers from Student Council for making our first day go so well.

It was a GREAT opening day in RSU 34 and at Old Town High School. The day started with all staff members being greeted by members of the OTHS Student Council. After a breakfast and some social time, we got down to business. New staff members were recognized and welcomed to the RSU. We are very excited about the quality of new people joining our RSU. Staff members who have reached longevity steps in their time within the RSU were also recognized. We then shifted to OTHS for our opening staff meeting. Following lunch, there were some department meetings and other small group meetings to get ready for the upcoming school year. At this time, laptops are being distributed to students and parents. It is GO time! We look forward to meeting the Class of 2027 tomorrow!

Just a reminder! We will be distributing School-Issued Chromebooks starting (TOMORROW) - Wednesday August 30th. A Parent/Guardian will need to complete some paperwork before devices can be given out. The times are as follows: Wednesday, August 30th from 3PM to 6 PM Thursday, August 31st from 5PM to 8PM and Friday, September 1st from 9AM to 12PM We hope these are times that will work for everyone. If you are absolutely unable to come during any of these times, students may pick up their paperwork on the first day and their chromebook will be issued when the paperwork is returned.

This is the time of year when we often field the question, "what supplies does my student need to start school?" The reality is, not as much as you think. For the first day, writing utensils of their choice and then whatever organizational system works best for them. (Maybe it's one big binder with dividers or a small notebook for each class & a folder for each class). A backpack to carry a few things would be a good idea as well. If they prefer a hard copy planner, that is up to them. But remember students - you will get a Chromebook and many of your documents will be created on that device and saved to your drive. You can also organize yourself with a Google calendar. You can access all of your documents and your calendar from your Chromebook or your phone. Work smarter, not harder. So, to answer that annual question, the reality is you don't need a lot to start. We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon. Grade 9 starts on Thursday, August 31st at 8:30am. ALL students on Tuesday, September 5th at 8:30am. Have a Great Weekend! Go Coyotes!

In today's "Where Are They Now," we venture back to 2017, to check in with Joshua Chinn. Josh is a 2017 graduate and he received the "outstanding in media" award for taking extra video classes during his career at OT. As you will see, his video pursuit never stopped! He attended Husson University and enrolled as a video communications student. Then, he decided to go abroad to learn video in other places. He attended The American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Josh went in under the communications umbrella. He was the first student from Husson to go abroad in the Middle East. So he was part of a group who created ties to help other students go to the Middle East to study easier. He took part in their religious practices and traveled to 7 other countries in the process, which included Georgia, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Czech Republic, and Austria. He had an amazing time and more importantly met some amazing people. During his junior year, he decided to pursue certifications in marketing to stack on his video degree. Josh joined the PRSSA at Husson and became the Social Media Coordinator for them. Josh graduated with a bachelors in Sciences of Communications with a focus in Video Production. He also received a Certification in Social Media Marketing and Certification in Digital Media Marketing. Within a year, Josh received a great offer in the southern US, as he now serves as the Digital Media Producer for AIDT, which means he is basically the Digital Media Producer for the Alabama state government. Josh specializes in the developmental field, collaborating with large companies like Hyundai, Mercedes, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus, as well as several smaller companies. His responsibilities include creating training videos, ads and promos for each company. Josh's work takes him on national and international trips to meet with each company, which is a nice perk! He uses his free time to work on his craft, workout, and travel the United States. He travels to Maine every chance he gets. Congratulations, Josh! You have found a job that ties in with your passion! Keep up the great work! We are Proud of You!

"Whatcha reading this summer?" We often hear about the benefits of reading and especially reading for pleasure. According to some studies, pleasure reading improves writing proficiency, helps build a broader vocabulary and expands general knowledge. In addition, it can improve self-confidence, reduce stress and provide for a more positive outlook. Wow! I know that my staff "talks the talk" about the importance of reading during the school year, but I quickly learned that they "walk the walk" even over the summer! :) A big shout out to this group of OTHS staff members who poured through a ton of pages this summer.

Old Town High School's class of 2013 held their 10-year reunion this past weekend. I received text messages from a couple of them and they both reminded me that this class came in as freshmen the same year I started as Principal. I suddenly felt very old. :) I recognized many faces in the group pic that they sent & others have changed quite a bit. It is great to see so many holding children. I know this group has so many beautiful human beings who will make great parents. I am happy for all of you. Here's to continued health & abundant happiness for a class that will remain close to my heart forever. Go Coyotes. #CoyotePride

Attention Class of 2024 and Parents of Class of 2024! Please sign up for the Senior Class 2024 Remind! Our school counselors use "Remind" to send students/parents important senior information/deadlines and scholarship information. To sign up: text the message @gc36ag to the number 81010 - OR - go to this link: https://www.remind.com/join/gc36ag