May 16, 2008
The emerging partnership between the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust and Kennebunkport Consolidated School, entitled Trust In Our Children, moved to an even more exciting level on Wednesday as the staff toured the six KCT properties that will be incorporated into our curriculum...science, social studies, and more…next year. A small group of volunteers, including parents Lou Miller, Joy Mahoney and Pam Morgan and multiage teacher Nancy Naimey along with Eleanor Saboski and Tom Bradbury, have been working non-stop to look at the Maine Learning Results, the areas of our curricula and the many possibilities the Trust properties have to offer which will expand and enrich our Kindergarten through five students learning experiences. We have been seeing all this work on paper, but now it is becoming real, and it’s very exhilarating!! Each grade level will have a connection with a specific property, chosen because it lends itself to the activities which support that grade level curriculum. On the June ERW, teachers will actually spend time at their sites to consider specific activities to develop there. One June 19th and 20th there will be two all day workshops to provide staff time and support as they begin collecting information which will be used to create teacher/student workbooks which will accompany the teaching units. This is the most exciting project we have been involved with as long as I have been principal here. We all love the fact that it is so community based, which fits well with our mission statement, and we are learning so much in the process. You will be hearing more as time goes on, but for right now, a huge thank you to Tom Bradbury and the members of the KCT Trust In Our Children committee…we are so grateful for all that you have done and the possibilities that you are providing for Kennebunkport Consolidated School.
The last week in May author Lynn Plourde will be visiting the district as part of our literacy month, which is sponsored by Kennebunk Saving Bank. Lynn will spend the day here on May 30th. Her books (Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud, and more) will be available for purchase…an order form has been sent home and needs to be returned to the classroom teachers by May 13th if you wish to purchase one of Lynn’s books. Because Lynn is on a very tight schedule, there will be no FMM on May 30th.
This year, because of legislative changes, our budget will be passed in two phases. It is critically important that all citizens be aware of the changes and be involved in both aspects. The first was a public meeting, which was held Thursday, May 15th, and which passed the proposed budget. The second phase is a “yes or no” vote, done by ballot, on Tuesday, May 20th, which essentially asks if you support the budget passed at the town meeting. Polls will be open 8 to 8, at the North St. Fire Station. It is extremely important that everyone make every effort to be involved in the budget process.
Congratulations to grades 1, 1/2 multiage, two, and three for a spectacular concert!! The children were wonderful…not only vocally but also using the instruments! Many thanks to Mrs. Cherry for her all her hard work, time and patience with the students, our wonderful Ann Doe for accompanying them, and Mrs. Tushin, Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. Naimey, Mrs. Morse, and Mrs. Boyd for their assistance. It was a very entertaining experience!
Congratulations to Jack Graydon, who won first place in the regional fifth grade speech contest and represented KCS at the States in Augusta on Thursday! The topic was Great American Landmarks, and Jack spoke about the Lincoln Memorial. He did a terrific job competing with fifth through eighth graders! Quite an accomplishment! We are very proud of Jack!
Thanks to all who attended and participated!! in the rescheduled performance featuring Michael Wingfield and our fourth and fifth grade students…and a special thank you to Michael for his flexibility! It was a great evening and the kids did a terrific job after a week long time lag and reduced numbers due to other activities. The parents were great…what dancers! and everyone had a wonderful time! My prediction is that Michael Wingfield will return to KCS…
We want to thank Sea Road School for their invitation to have our fourth and fifth graders join them for the upcoming art experience at Heartwood College of Art. Last year students from Sea Road spent time at Heartwood College of Art as part of a grant that they received from the Education Foundation of the Kennebunks. This year our fourth and fifth grade students will be joining them for what promises to be an exciting experience! All students went on May 15th, and this coming week grade 4 classes will go on the 20th and grades 4/5 and 5 on the 22nd. Mrs. Wendle is attending with them along with the classroom teachers. A special thank you to SRS art teacher, Darlene Nein, Vickie Cherry and Kevin Crowley for their organization of this event!
Plan Ahead! Especially at this busy time of year!
Week of May 19th: Teacher Appreciation Week, sponsored by the (wonderful) KCPTA
May 19: Bike Safety in grades 4 and 5…7:00 Board Meeting
May 20: 11:15-2:30 grade 4 to Heartwood…BUDGET VOTE, 8-8, North Street Fire Station
May 21: 1:00-2:00 Dr. Burgess and friends here for fifth grade presentation
My 22: 11:15-2:30 grades 4/5 and 5 to Heartwood
May 23 8:30 FMM…“Dress Up As Your Teacher Day”…12:45 MSK visitors for fifth grade presentation
May 26: NO SCHOOL: Memorial Day
May 29: 8:30-4:00 grade 4 to Augusta…10:00-10:45 Jazz band concert for the school (Thanks, Mr. Saunders and the KCPTA!!)
May 30: NO FRIDAY MORNING MEETING TODAY…Lynn Plourde in K-5 classrooms