After-school program going strong at Mill Pond

To the editor:
    As another year of after-school programming comes to a close at Mill Pond School, I just feel the need to thank so many parents, staff and community members for their continuing support. We have been so fortunate to have received eight years of grant funding to allow us to offer this to our students and their families. We were recently notified that we have been chosen to receive another five-year cycle of grant funding from the state, and I am so excited at the opportunities we will be able to offer our students over the next five years.
    Thank you to those who wrote letters or called their representatives on our behalf. Thank you to those who signed Community Matters ballots which enabled us to receive a grant for $1,000 again this year from Bangor Savings Bank. Thank you also to the Wal-Mart Corporation for another grant. These two grants, along with a donation of 24 tickets and a signed picture of Red Sox pitcher Papelbon, helped make a two-year dream come true. On June 16, some of our after-school students and staff got to sit in the Dunkin Dugout during the Red Sox game against the Marlins.
    Special thanks to the staff involved in our program, whether you volunteered just one day or were here every day for the past eight years. I am humbled by your dedication and love of the students who stay each day. I can not do it without any of you! Parents, let me thank you for trusting us with your kids and allowing us to love on them, and play games with them and just enjoy them. What a treasure!
    Of course, we’re always looking for volunteers to read, to share a hobby, to listen, to play and to mentor. If you find yourself in one of these categories, please give me a call at the school. The kids love special guests … and we’ll work around whatever free time you have!
    So, be encouraged, people of Maine. In these difficult times, great things are happening in your schools. And to the Pioneer Times, thanks for reporting and promoting what we’re trying to do here.
Karen Sattler
Mill Pond After-School Program