To the editor:
As I listened to principals and educational directors share stories about their schools and students at the board meeting the other night, I was struck by the passion they hold for their kids, for education and for their mission of supporting success for all. But, another theme came to the surface for me as well. Many of their stories held a component that spoke to the ever-present and unflagging support they receive from our communities. As I began to make a mental list of all the ways that individuals, organizations, clubs and communities contribute to our schools, I was moved to express our thanks and great appreciation for all that is done for schools, students and scholarships in RSU 39!
When I later spoke with school leaders for details regarding the support they receive, they were only too happy to report. Mrs. McCall talked about the Masons and the Bike Giveaway at Hilltop as well as the Rotary and the Bike Helmets for Safety that they sponsor for all second graders. On the surface, it’s all about bikes, but if you dig deeper, those children learned that their community cares for them and wants them to have fun and be safe. If you talk to Mr. Austin at Teague Park School for more than a minute, he will be only too happy to tell you about the amazing generosity of people in this community who gave so generously to support the Jump Rope for Heart Campaign this spring. The kids raised over $10,000 and donated it to the American Heart Association. Think of the immeasurable lessons about teamwork, dedication and community service these students learned because their community stepped up to support them.
Hilltop, Teague Park and Limestone Community School students benefit immeasurably throughout the school year from supportive partnerships with the local Recreation Departments where the staff are always ready to support skiing, winter fun days, rope jumping, swimming — any and all fitness activities to ensure that students grow up healthy and safe in their communities.
At Caribou Middle School, Mr. Caron couldn’t say enough about the Junior Achievement activities for his students that were sponsored by several local businesses — all volunteers! They brought lessons about work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. They inspire kids to consider their future and how to plan for success. They do this because they believe in kids, believe in the future and believe that community involvement in our schools makes a difference. I believe they are right.
At Limestone Community School, the local Masons have supported all second grade students for years, providing bikes for all kids who meet academic reading goals. For years, all second graders have received a bike on the big day — setting personal goals and reaching them — what a great lesson for our students. The Limestone Rotary Club partnered with the student council this year to sponsor a very successful food drive, instilling in our students the value of giving back. Three Destination Imagination teams from LCS qualified to participate in the Global event in Tennessee this year and the fundraising to support this trip has been incredible! According to Ms. White, there has been no stone unturned in Limestone to help support these students and the community has met the challenge. The teams are close to their goals and are so excited about matching their skills, talents and creativity against competitors from around the world. It would not have been possible without the community.
Caribou High School is known for their vast array of sports and variety of athletic activities and events. Maybe you didn’t know that so much of what can be offered is due to the huge numbers of volunteers that turn out every season to freely donate time, energy, skills and talents to ensure that students can learn, practice and compete in sports they love. Through participation in sports, students also learn incredible lessons about effort and practice, hard work and good sportsmanship, listening and learning, and how to respectfully deal with winning and sometimes losing. These are life lessons that our students take away with them because volunteers from their community choose to share their passion and to support our youth.
Another event that Mr. Jones and Ms. White love to highlight is the Financial Fitness Fair held each year for high school students. This incredible day is sponsored by local credit unions and is a highly engaging event designed to help students think mindfully about their future financial decisions. Building responsible future citizens for Caribou, Limestone and Stockholm — what a gift!
Mr. Conroy is the director of our Regional Vocational Center and he cannot say enough about the support he receives in the way of supplies and equipment that are donated from local businesses. From paint to ink to cars and trucks, there are always people, organizations and clubs that think of the Voc. Center when they have items that can be utilized by our students interested in learning the trades. Perhaps the greatest gift that the Center receives is the gift of time from the dedicated cadre of tradespeople who donate their personal time on Advisory Teams that support Mr. Conroy’s programs. Without their knowledgeable input, support and guidance, we would not be able to run the successful programs that we do. They invest their energy to support students who will be future trades people and business owners in our communities — it’s an incalculable donation.
At The Learning Center, Mr. MacDonald oversees multiple programs and he has a strong belief in the power of community partnerships. He recently had the pleasure of hosting mock interviews for adult education students who were eager to learn about how to present themselves favorably in a tough economic market. Who did he get to help out? Volunteers from the community, of course! Later when he needed a panel to advise these same students on how to navigate the work world and how to present oneself in the most positive light, whom did he call upon? Business people, tradespeople, and community service providers all came to help — working people who made time in their day to help others on their journey to success.
Our schools are full of students who are full of energy, talent and hope — hope for a successful future. Our communities show us every day by what they give and what they do that they want our kids to have the best opportunities available. On behalf of RSU 39, I would like to say thank you for this often unheralded but huge gift of support. It is appreciated.
Frank McElwain
Superintendent
RSU 39
