Hawk’s Eye

By Karen Sattler
    As suggested by the column’s new name, we are hoping to give you a clear view into the happenings at Mill Pond School. Let’s “look” at the recent events. Students have just completed their NECAP testing for this fall. These standardized tests will let us see how we are doing at both learning and teaching. Our students worked very hard and gave 100 percent of their efforts to these tests, so kudos to all students and teachers.
    Can you believe it’s almost the end of the first quarter of school for this year? Nov. 4 grades will close with report cards following shortly after. Parents will be able to pick up their student’s report card when they conference with the teacher. Conferences are scheduled for Nov. 15 for K-5 students and Nov. 14 for grades 6-8. Please plan to attend and meet the people who work so diligently to teach your child.
Contributed photo
DINNER TIME — Enjoying a chicken dinner at the “School Wide Supper” Oct. 28 in SAD 70 are from left, Dustin Potter, Landan Boxwell and Samantha Boxwell.
    The “School Wide Supper” was held with approximately 75 in attendance. This yearly dinner is held to highlight the various ways special services work with students who sometimes need just a little boost. Displays of IXL Math and Lexia Reading were on computer display for families to see firsthand how these programs work. Special thanks to Rhonda Foster for putting the evening together and to Courtney Jurson, Whitney Palmer, and Ellie McGuire for providing childcare. Kitchen staff is also included in the thanks for a delicious dinner.
    Mill Pond’s 21st CCLC After School Program is off to a very consistent start. Average daily attendance is around 70 students ranging from kindergarten to grade eight. One popular program is the Outdoor Exploration with Mrs. McQuarrie. Held on alternating Mondays, she leads the students outdoors and expects them to use their senses. “What bird do you think made that noise?” and “What kind of bug is that?” are common questions. The expectation is that students will explore with their eyes, ears, noses, and hands while outside, and then take things one step further with microscopes and other scientific tools. So, if you have a student who has a keen interest in science, have them sign up for this unique offering.
    Plans are in the making for various possible field trips this year. Through some small grants awarded, we are hoping to offer a trip of some kind to each grade level. Of course, attendance to the program will be a factor in deciding who gets to go, so encourage your child to stay. The afterschool program runs daily, Monday through Thursday, from dismissal to 4:45. We are always looking for volunteers to come and share a favorite hobby or talent. And, if you happen to be into bottle/can redemption, would you consider donating the money from a load or two to the program? Five dollars here and $10 there can make so much more happen. Some places being looked at are Bangor, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, and maybe even Boston, so every dollar counts.
    Until next time, we’ll have our eyes open to what happens within these walls!