The turning of the calendar begs for New Year’s resolutions, even though, as adults, we know – whether it’s giving up ice cream or promising to hit the gym at least five days a week – the best of intentions might well be a distant memory by March. As students head back into the classrooms […]
Superintendent’s Notebook
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Outreach class gets students engaged in their communities
“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give,” is often attributed to Winston Churchill. However, a search of over 2.5 million words by and about Churchill in the Churchill Centre’s research database fails to show that he ever spoke or wrote those words. Nonetheless, it’s at the […]
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Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Five-year goals in the works amid a busy month
While I want to jump right into an update on our strategic planning process, my head and heart are still processing the devastation of the shootings in Lewiston. I hope everyone in our community has had the opportunity to check in on their loved ones, hug their kids and take a breath. The Portland Public […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Supporting our students in the aftermath of a tragedy
“Caregivers and school personnel have a responsibility to help children and youth feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security, reinforcing their natural resilience, and talking to them about their fears,” according to the National Association of School Psychologists. I am a proud lifelong resident of the beautiful state of Maine. In the […]
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Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: When does learning not feel like learning?
Mary Poppins had the right idea. A spoonful of sugar does make the medicine go down, and the Brunswick School Department has found a way to sweeten the learning experience in our science-based programs. Brunswick schools have been working with the Cathance River Education Alliance to bring kids outdoors to learn in a hands-on environment, […]
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Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Our schools have many strengths to build on
When I first transitioned into the district in July, I committed to spending the first three months listening and learning in the community. In that time, I’ve met with more than 500 students, parents, staff, business leaders and community partners face to face, and we’ve gathered additional information through a survey that over 925 people […]
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RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Staffing shortage is impacting our district
While driving in communities in our region you will see “help wanted” or “we’re hiring” printed on signs on the doors of businesses or on banners draped across buildings. You may have also had the experience of arriving at your favorite eatery or coffee shop only to find it closed due to a lack of […]
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Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: School Department unveils transformative five-year strategic plan
In a significant leap forward for the local education landscape, the Brunswick School Department is proud to announce the launch of its comprehensive five-year strategic plan “Brunswick Believes.” The newly unveiled strategic plan is more than just a document; it’s a roadmap to transform the educational journey for students within Brunswick. Developed over months of […]
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Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Strategic planning underway at Portland Public Schools
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing our schools go from summer quiet to the sounds of classroom setup and now the buzz of students and teachers involved in engaging, joyful and rigorous learning. Thank you to everyone at Portland Public Schools – our food service, IT, transportation, facilities, school […]
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RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Dedicated ‘village’ ensures great start of new school year
It has often been said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Although it is not entirely certain where the proverb originated, it speaks to the power of community collaboration. It was this shared effort by members of the RSU 5 staff, “the village,” that prepared our six schools to welcome over 2,100 students […]