Middle School Selected as Test School

This year Bonny Eagle Middle School was chosen to participate in a physical education study conducted by the University of Maine at Orono.

The PACER Program measures fitness in children who participate in aerobic exercise at least twice a week. PACER stands for Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run, and is a test designed to measure student’s abilities in walking and running successive lengths on the gym floor.

The pace is increased gradually at regular intervals. The longer a student can keep pace with the test, the higher their score. The purpose of the study is to see how students benefit from aerobic exercise, but it has also turned into more of a teaching aid.

“We are starting to see the PACER Program as a learning tool instead of a test,” said University of Maine Professor Stephen Butterfield. “We believe Physical Education teachers participating in this program are learning to use their time in class to their advantage.”

Students are tested five times during the school year and scores are reported to the university with a number instead of a name to ensure privacy. However, parents interested in knowing their child’s scores and developments can contact their child’s physical education teacher.

“The goal is to see the students improve their scores,” said Butterfield. “So far the program seems to be working.”

Aerobic capacity has been linked to reduced incidence of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. According to Butterfield, Bonny Eagle was chosen on three main criteria, “Good staff, good school, and good after-school activities for kids.”

Veterans Remembered

On Friday, Nov. 9, the Bonny Eagle High School Student Council conducted a ceremony to honor veterans. The ceremony began at 12:45 p.m. in the front circle of the school.

The school’s Junior ROTC program members held a flag-folding ceremony and member Kai Good described to the crowd what each fold meant. After the ceremony, the entire student body tied yellow ribbons to the fence connecting the path from the high school to the middle school. Students were encouraged to write the name of a veteran they wanted to honor on the ribbon.

“I wrote my brother’s name, Tom Minton, on my ribbon,” said Student Council President Jessica Minton. “He is in the Air Force and has served in both Afghanistan and Iraq.”

American Legion Honors Veterans

American Legion Post 128 of Standish also honored veterans this weekend with a wreath-laying ceremony. The wreath was placed at the foot of the veteran’s memorial in front of the Standish Municipal Building while post members said a prayer and gave a speech honoring our nation’s veterans.

“It was a nice memorial,” said Legion member Peter Hassapelis. “I think it honored our veterans very well.”

Run for the Turkey

The town of Buxton invites all Bonny Eagle community members to participate in the annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 17. Registration for the 2-mile run starts at 9 a.m. at the Hanson Elementary School cafeteria.

The cost for entering the run is one non-perishable food item to be donated to the local food pantry. Frozen turkeys will be awarded to the first girl and boy finisher in each grade from K-8. For more information on the Trot visit www.sad6.k12.me.us/turkey_trot.

The Standish Scene

Friday

• Schoolhouse Arts Center presents Lyrics, Limericks and Rhymes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Schoolhouse Arts Center. The Schoolhouse is located on Route 114 just north of the intersection of Route 114 and Route 35 in Sebago Lake Village. Tickets are $3 each. Call 642-3743 for more information.

• Memory Lane Music Hall welcomes the Jenny Woodman Band.

Saturday

• Roast Beef Supper at Sebago Lake Congregational Church, Route 35 on Saturday, Nov. 17. Two seatings at 5 and 6 p.m. $7.50 adults/$4.50 children. All you can eat. Roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, Italian bread, and assorted desserts. For more information call 642-4911

• Don’t miss the undefeated Bonny Eagle Scots compete for the state football championship at 1 p.m. Saturday. The game is being held at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Don’t forget your pom-poms!

• Memory Lane Music Hall welcomes Stairway to Hell an AC/DC and Led Zepplin tribute band. Cover charge is $5 and doors open at 8 p.m.

Ongoing Events

Steep Falls Public Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. Story hour for the toddler and preschool age child is held Wednesday at 10 a.m. Story hour is free and open to the public. Story hour consists of circle time singing, an interactive storytelling, craft and a snack.