Hawk’s Eye

By Karen Sattler
    October has been a month of highs and lows here at Mill Pond School. On Oct. 2, our community lost one of its brave soldiers. SFC Aaron Henderson, a Hodgdon alum, was killed while serving as a Green Beret in Afghanistan. Many faculty and staff remembered Aaron and were shocked and dismayed to hear of his passing. Students in the Afterschool program made a huge poster with notes and pictures that was given to Aaron’s family as an expression of sympathy and caring.
    Thanks to area superintendents, our schools were dismissed early on the day of his funeral to allow staff and students to participate in a very special tribute. We thank all service men and women who are doing their best to keep us safe, and we will continue to support them in any way we can. Look for information coming soon as we prepare to celebrate Veteran’s Day. We will do our best to honor all who have served and who are currently serving.
Contributed photo
PEACE — Students at Mill Pond School form a peace sign as part of a segment on anti-bullying at the school.
    Middle school students enjoyed a visit to the “Let Freedom Ring” corn maze at Goughan’s Farm. Searching for clues and answering questions about our country’s history made our twists and turns throughout the maze an even bigger challenge! Students and accompanying staff enjoyed lunch and some homemade ice cream, and returned to school with their own little pumpkin as a souvenir of this “a-MAZE-ing” day.
    We have completed our NECAP testing for this year and were informed that our school had met AYP for last year! Way to go, students! Two thumbs up to the teachers and support staff who pour so much in to their students to assure everyone is prepared to meet and exceed expectations, not just for these standardized tests, but for their daily life of academics!
    The middle school boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have begun their conditioning and practicing for the upcoming season just as our soccer teams have washed their uniforms for the last time and said goodbye to another soccer season. Congratulations on your achievements and thank you for representing the school in fine manner!
    Our school wide supper was held recently to highlight the staff and the programs used with designated Title I students. A delicious meal of lasagna and tossed salad was followed up with ice cream and homemade cookies. Families had the opportunity to view displays and to receive free books. Thanks to Mrs. Rhonda Foster for another successful supper!
    Our middle school staff and students were encouraged to wear blue and white on Friday, Oct. 26, to raise awareness and support for anti-bullying efforts in our school. Bullying in schools has always been around, but efforts to stop it and to inform us all of the lasting effects of words and deeds done to harm and/or intimidate are gaining momentum. Students are encouraged to report any bullying to an adult they trust, and, working together, maybe we can make a difference!
    With this reminder to turn back your clocks on Nov. 3, we say goodbye to October and welcome the coming winter season. (Did I really just say that?)