By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
During the Jan. 18 board meeting of the Eastern Aroostook RSU 39, the panel were guests at the Caribou High School where they heard from CHS students representing a broad spectrum of organizations offered at the four-year school.
Students explained not only what a specific club, team, organization does, they focused their remarks on the benefits they themselves gain by being involved with school-oriented activities. From the chess club, band, peer tutoring, NHS, FFA, and math club to the school newspaper naming only a few, the CHS students described the personal growth they experienced, how their self-confidence improved, how their level of patience and understanding regarding other students increased — the result of working closely with others — and without fail the students always remarked on the support from and their admiration toward the CHS staff members who work so closely with them.
“I have become more involved with things at school because of my work on the school newspaper,” said Kayla Cormier, a member of the junior class.
Tiffany Bishop, a member of the World Language Club remarked that the group focuses on communication and culture as well as research pertaining to French, Spanish, German and Italian cultures. “We’re learning by doing research and also learning how to communicate with each other.”
“I’ve had great coaches who have helped me not only in sports but in my life,” said Caleb Chapman, a CHS athlete and successful scholar. Chapman, who is also president of the National Honor Society added “I’ve learned that I can’t please everybody but have been taught to strive to listen to the opinions of others.”
Josh Kovach spoke of his involvement with the CHS music program. Although he joked about the marching band uniforms he stated, “We are a class act when we are all wearing our uniforms, and it makes me proud to be a part of the program. And coming from the ‘Union’ where we didn’t have much of a grasp on choral, it’s wonderful to be in a group such as the CHS chorus/jazz choir. Kovach’s remarks included sincere praise for music instructors Vicki King and Vaughn McLauglin.
As the large number of CHS students continued to confidently approach the podium and speak to the RSU board members topics included Rachel’s Challenge, which promotes awareness and seriousness of bullying, to successful testimony from those who participate in the drama club.
Following the student presentations, Caribou High School Principal Mark Jones stated, “I want to say that sitting here, I was overwhelmed with not only the number of students who volunteered to be here tonight but by how eloquently they expressed themselves.”
Jones also said that seeing students who attend classes at the Caribou Technology Center become involved in the extra-curricular programs is very positive both for the schools and the students. “As principal, I realize how fortunate we are to have the Tech Center, when I see how many of our students flourish after entering the vocational program.”
“Caribou High School/Technology Center staff provide our students with superb teaching throughout. When I walk the CHS halls at night before leaving for home, I think of how extremely proud I am of the CHS students. I thank you for letting them speak to you this evening.”
Dale Gordon, chairwoman of the RSU 39 board stated, “There is something for each student here (CHS), how fortunate to be able to provide them with this diversity.” Gordon also thanked the teachers and advisors who work with the students in the respective organizations.
“It was really impressive to hear from all of the students and it’s nice to hear all the accolades given to the teachers by these students,” commented Mary White, who also said that as a parent who will have a child at the high school in the near future, she was very encouraged by the wide variety of programs available.
“I too was impressed with the students,” said Cliff Rhone, “it’s amazing how many students are involved in these programs.”
In other agenda business, the board was informed by RSU 39 Superintendent Frank McElwain that the finance committee had met with the auditors to review the 2010-2011 audit report, stating that their report resulted in a clean audit with no recommendations. McElwain also reviewed the second quarter financial report noting that revenues and expenditures have occurred as budgeted.
The RSU 39 panel was also informed that the new woodchip boiler at the Limestone Community School had arrived and the target date for having it in operation is the first part of this month.
The next meeting of the RSU 39 Board of Education is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Caribou Technology Center.
