Greetings Mustangs!
What a week we just had! In addition to the normal academic daily routines, we had our National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on Monday evening (05/23). A special thanks to Ms. Arsenault and Mr. Pascarella for planning and organizing that special event. We had a fantastic spring concert by our chorus and band students, under the direction of Mr. Foulke. Job well done! The RSU 2 budget meeting took place on Thursday evening (05/26), with the Board recommended budget getting approved by the voters in attendance which will now go out to all RSU 2 communities for the vote on June 14th. Finally, the MAD Players are back and did an OUTSTANDING job putting on three performances under the direction of Ms. Littlefield and Mr. Price at Cumston Hall this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. So proud to be a Mustang!
If that wasn’t enough, our Seniors had their last academic day this past Thursday (05/26). That day included a class meeting and the initial review of how marching practice was going to work for the next week. The Seniors also received an updated informational letter about anything pertaining to the graduation week activities; as well as an informational letter, permission form, and medical information form for Project Grad. The permission form and medical information form must be returned by Friday (06/03). Seniors will be getting their graduation day tickets AFTER practice on Wednesday (06/01).
On Friday (05/27), we had a school-wide assembly. This included the yearbook dedication (congratulations Mr. Snedeker!); the distribution of graduation cords; the distribution of Senior post-secondary t-shirts; the swearing in of the new student body President; and the distribution of yearbooks. That was followed by a school-wide BBQ (with entertainment provided by our new Superintendent, Mr. Gilbert!); an ice-cream social; and afternoon outdoor activities. Overall, last week was a FULL week for sure. It was nice to see students having positive interactions with each other and with staff. Nothing beats hearing the laughter and the sounds of people having fun and just enjoying being around each other.
Students in grades 9 - 11 have 10 school days left in the 2021-22 school year as the last regular academic day for underclassmen (for those who are not on the BPL and have met all of their course requirements) will be Monday - June 13th. Underclassmen needing additional time to meet their course requirements and/or to raise the scores in any of their classes will have until 11:30am on Thursday - June 16th (the last day of school for all students and staff). Let’s keep our focus and finish up on a strong note. If you find yourself in need of any type of support, please don’t hesitate to connect with a staff member, your school counselor, or an administrator as we are here for YOU!
CATC: The last day of school at CATC for Juniors will be on Monday (06/13).
Laptop Collection: Seniors were required to return their laptop, charger, and carrying case between 05/26 and 05/27. All other MA students will need to turn their laptops in on Friday (06/10). If there is a need to keep a laptop beyond the collection date, the student must connect with Mr. Brown at kbrown@kidsrsu.org before the collection date for approval and to make those arrangements. Mr. Brown sent an email to all students two weeks ago explaining how the collection process is going to work. Please check your email and review that communication from Mr. Brown as it has all the information you need for a smooth process.
Civil Rights Team: The next Civil Rights Team meeting is scheduled for Monday (06/06) at 2:30pm in the Art Room. Our team is part of the Maine Civil Rights Team Project (CRTP) whose mission is to increase the safety of elementary, middle, and high school students by reducing bias-motivated behaviors and harassment in our schools. ALL students are invited and encouraged to be part of this team! For more information, please connect with Ms. Darrell and/or Mr. Shain.
I want to thank the members of our Civil Rights Team and our Student Government who stepped up and facilitated a conversation on what we can/should be doing at MA to make our school as safe and inclusive as it can be. These conversations took place during advisory on Wednesday, and we look forward to having more student-led conversations in the coming school year. Stay tuned!
Say NO to Bullying! Quote of the week: “United we stand….divided we fall.” If you are experiencing bullying directly or if you see it happening to someone else, please report it to a staff member and/or administrator immediately.
Dates to Note:
05/30 = No School - Memorial Day
05/31 = White Day
06/01 = Maroon Day
06/02 = White Day
06/03 = Modified Maroon Day (School wide assembly for the Senior Class Day from 12:00 - 2:15)
The schedule for Friday (06/03) will be as follows:
Period 1 (maroon; regular time)
Period 2 (maroon; regular time)
Period 3 (maroon; regular time until 10:27)
Juniors will eat lunch at 10:30 - 10:55; go to advisory from 11:00 - 11:45 and then to the gym at 11:45.
Sophomores will have advisory from 10:30 - 10:55; lunch from 11:00 - 11:25; back to advisory from 11:30- 11:50; and then to the gym at 11:50.
Freshmen will have advisory from 10:30 - 11:25; lunch from 11:30 - 11:55; and then directly to the gym at 11:55.
Assembly for the Senior Class Day (12:00 - 2:15)
For Planning Purposes:
05/30 = No School - Memorial Day
05/31 = Day 2 Marching Practice for Seniors; arrive between 8:45 - 9:00; Gym)
05/31 = FBLA Induction Ceremony & Senior Recognition Night (6:00pm - 7:00pm)
06/01 = Day 3 Marching Practice for Seniors; arrive between 8:45 - 9:00; Gym)
06/01 = Senior Reception Night (6:00pm start; Senior arrive in caps & gowns by 5:30pm)
06/02 = Day 4 Marching Practice/Dress Rehearsal/Formal Class Picture (arrive between 11:15 - 11:30)
06/03 = Day 5 Final Marching Practice (if needed) & Senior Stroll/ Senior Class Day Assembly
06/05 = Class of 2022 Graduation - tickets required (Gym; 2:00pm) & Project Grad (5:00pm - 6:00am)
06/13 = Last regular day of classes for grades 9 - 11
06/13 = 8th Grade Transition/Orientation Night (Gym; 6:00pm)
06/14 = Make-Up/Grade Improvement
06/14 = Election Day (MA Gym)
06/15 = Make-Up/Grade Improvement
06/16 = Make-Up/Grade Improvement/Last Day of School for Students & Staff (early release)
That’s it for this week’s edition of The MA Express!. I hope you all have a safe & enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend. Please remember those who gave their lives for our freedom and way of life, and for all those who have served and/or are serving, we are thankful for your service. I hope you all have a GREAT week. Take care and stay well.
Respectfully,
Mr. Ted Finn, Principal