From the Hawk’s Nest

By Loreen Wiley
    The Hodgdon High School gym was filled to capacity as family and friends paid their last respects to Robert Armstrong who was tragically taken from us last Friday in an auto accident. Once again, the small caring community we live in rose to the occasion by consoling family and friends. Even people who did not know this young man offered to help in any way possible.
    We would like to thank the students’ parents and staff members who provided refreshments for the reception that followed the memorial service. We appreciate the area counselors and clergy who were present to talk with staff, students and family members this past Friday and Monday. Please keep family members and friends in your thoughts and prayers during the upcoming days and weeks.
    In light of the changes that the memorial service brought to our school community, we would like to remind parents and guardians that it is of utmost importance that we have updated phone numbers and contact information for all of our students. We would ask that if your phone number changes that you make the office aware of the change.
     Tomorrow night we will have a reading night for students in grades Pre-K through five. This will be held at 6:40 p.m. in the library at Mill Pond School. The theme for the evening will be fire safety. The guest reader will be Linneus Fire Chief Bruce Williams. Students will have the opportunity to make a craft and enjoy a snack.
    Our after-school program continues to grow with attendance reaching into the seventies. The program follows a similar format as in years past with academic time being held for the first hour followed by various activities such as aerobics, crafts, physical activities, games and Lego Robotics.
    This Saturday is Make a Difference Day and our Middle School Civil Rights Team will sponsor a bake sale this Friday, October 24 at the Court Yard Café and the following day at Marden’s. All money raised from the bake sale will go to the Salvation Army fuel fund.
    Next Wednesday, October 30 is a scheduled release day. School will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Staff members will focus their professional development on integrating new literacy strategies in all content areas.