Stories from Middle Schools

PCSS in Guilford Hosts a Special Student Led Conference Evening

Posted on July 6, 2016July 25, 2016 by johnkeanepcss

Pirate Led Conferences

The entire school of PCSS, Home of the Pirates, had an evening of celebration as a school community. Our “pirates” led their parents or a friend through their portfolio of learning for the year. After this student led conference, parents and advisors assisted their children in signing up for classes the following year. A pirate feast of Spaghetti and all the fixins’ was shared with all, Screen Shot 2016-07-06 at 8.17.26 PM

followed by a battle of the Pirate Ships in our Battle Balls. To cap off the night, the school board all got in the Battle Balls and solved some of the more important issues….like who has the best stamina!

Bonny Eagle Writes Their Book!

Posted on July 29, 2015July 25, 2016 by Jill Spencer

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Bonny Eagle Middle School was named an Apple Distinguished School earlier this year. As part of the application process they had to compile their qualifications in an iBook publication. Since the book was first published they have continued to refine the content, polishing it like a rosy apple until it was perfect.

The content paints a picture of a vibrant school focused on student learning. It includes information on the following topics:

Athletics
Clubs and activities
Special Olympics
Supports for student learning
PBIS program
Restorative practices
Marzano Teaching Framework
Proficiency based learning
Allied Arts
Their library
Heath and wellness
Professional development

Principal Mick Roy, now Assistant Superintendent of SAD # 6, commented that the process of writing the book was an extremely positive experience because so much reflection on their curriculum and program was involved.

The book is free and can be downloaded from iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bonny-eagle-middle-school/id1006792542?mt=11

Creating an iBook is certainly an excellent way to demonstrate to the community the strengths and culture of a school. The Bonny Eagle iBook is a model other schools might want to explore as a possible way to tell their unique story.

One Student Can Make a Difference!

Posted on May 7, 2015July 25, 2016 by Jill Spencer

Lindsay Mahoney from Messalonskee reports how one student took on the Samantha Smith Challenge:

“How can we work together with the Maine Government to reduce homelessness, hunger, and poverty in our state?” That was the essential question for our Samantha Smith challenge. Throughout the research process, we discussed existing programs in Maine such as food stamp assistance, WIC, and SNAP. The “SNAP-Ed” challenge not only fit perfectly with what we were doing, it gave learners another opportunity to take action and make a difference in our community through authentic voice and choice!

Molly is a young lady who is no stranger to volunteering and providing food to those less fortunate than herself. She also enjoys cooking and experimenting with vegetarian meals for her and her family.

The SNAP-Ed challenge was open to anyone in the state of Maine, and I could not be more proud that a middle school student accepted and won this challenge! Read more about the challenge and her recipe.

Participants in the Samantha Smith Challenge will be honored June 1, 2015 in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta. First Lady Ann LePage, Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, and Sustainable Harvest International founder Florence Reed will join in honoring the students. Over 600 middle grades students from across the state accepted the challenge. Kudos to all of them and their teachers!

Conference Sponsor

Middle School Students Explore Biodiversity in Costa Rica

Posted on January 11, 2015July 25, 2016 by Jill Spencer

This post is from Paula Vigue, a computer science/literacy teacher from Winslow

Students from Winslow Junior High School, led by Winslow teacher Mrs. Paula Vigue, spent a week in Costa Rica during the 2014 summer. Their job was to research the biodiversity of the area, the flora and animals, specifically bats, amphibians, and reptiles. In addition, students were able to see a volcano close and personal, see the black-sands beach, and spend time in the hot springs. That was only the beginning!

Costa Rica Study Group Led by Paula Vigue

Students and parents alike, zip-lined through the trees of a tropical rainforest and worked together to conquer the rapids (and their fears) before performing a biological survey and water tests on that same river. Learning the local food and dance were other experiences shared by all. It was an amazing science adventure!

“I really liked learning about the poisonous dart frogs. The Blue-jean dart frog was everywhere.” ~Ryan

“The beach had black sand! It was funny that they had beans and rice at every meal, even breakfast!” ~ Ely

“The food was delicious. There were so many interesting tropical fruits and juices. I’ve never tasted such fresh, yummy pineapple. The cows were strange looking- skinny with baggy skin. Our guide was great. He made it fun and interesting; he was very knowledgeable.” ~Lassandra