EASTON SCHOOLS’ FALL NEWSLETTER

SUPERINTENDENT FRANK KEENAN – The Easton School system has had another successful start of the year. The faculty, staff and students are all working hard and doing wonderful things academically and in all extra-curricular activities. The enrollment is remaining stable for the third year in a row. There have been several staff changes this year. Leaving the district for employment elsewhere were Ralph Conroy, Principal of the Easton Jr/Sr High School; Lena Tingley, K-12 Art Teacher; and Mary Burch, K-12 Ed. Tech.

Mr. Conroy will be missed. During his tenure as our Jr/Sr High math teacher he did an excellent job in teaching as well as creating interest in mathematics. His math teams consistently won at the Aroostook League in their division. At almost every meet Easton was the smallest school represented, and usually had the largest number of competitors. Mr. Conroy served admirably as our Jr/Sr High School Principal for two years. He was tireless in his commitment to the students and the school. His leadership was greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Tingley was a faculty member in the Easton School District for the last six years. She created our K-12 Art program, designed the curriculum, and led the development of the program. She has instilled a strong interest and awareness for art students at every grade level. Watching the progress as the students went from a beginning experience to very accomplished art students was very enjoyable. Mrs. Tingley was responsible for helping many students unlock their potential and talents as an artist. She should be very proud of the progress and development in the K-12 Art under her guidance.

Mrs. Burch has served the students in the Easton schools as an Ed. Tech and supporter for many years. Her commitment to the best interest in all the students was consistent and strong each year. Mrs. Burch is an outstanding educator, who always set high standards for herself and all of the students. She worked tirelessly with the faculty to help the students who needed support. Her energy and enthusiasm for learning was infectious and enabled her to build a very strong relationship with both faculty and students. Mrs. Burch will be missed.

New to the faculty and staff are Georgette Ireland, Jr/Sr High School Principal; Jane Hutchison, K-12 Art Teacher and Ashley Hull, K-12 Ed. Tech. Mrs. Ireland comes to us from MSAD #1. Mrs. Ireland has served as the head of the Math Department and math teacher for a number of years. She has been an outstanding teacher and leader in MSAD #1 since joining their faculty. I am very pleased to have Mrs. Ireland on our staff and look forward to working with her. Mrs. Hutchison has taught in the Auburn and Lisbon school systems and was an Ed. Tech for several years in the Oak Hill schools. She has an impressive academic background in art and brings great energy, enthusiasm and a very positive attitude to her position. Ashley Hull is a recent graduate of UMPI with a degree in elementary education. Ashley did her student teaching for our school last year and was excellent in that experience. Ashley has a goal to be a teacher and will make an excellent one. We are very pleased to add her to our staff.

This year will be a very challenging year for the Easton schools and the Easton community. The consolidation/regionalization law must be implemented during the next thirteen months. During that time the Easton Regional Planning Committee made up of Mike Corey, Tom Osgood and Norman Trask, will be meeting with the committees from neighboring communities. The process is required by law and the intent of the law is to develop a plan that will consolidate schools into 2500+ student districts. If a plan is successfully negotiated by our committee working with committees from neighboring districts, then this plan will be presented to the citizens in each community for a vote. If the communities (including Easton) all vote to consolidate as described in the plan, then the Easton schools would become part of this new district. If any community votes not to consolidate then they remain as they were but would be subject to financial penalties from the state. The Easton School Board must approve any plan submitted to the citizens for a vote. As this process unfolds, information will be disseminated through mailings, email and public meetings.

As always, the Easton School Board, faculty and staff are committed to making this the best year possible. It is our goal and our commitment to provide every student the opportunity for an excellent education. Thank you for your continued support and for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent.

MRS. GEORGETTE IRELAND – PRINCIPAL - I am pleased to be writing my first newsletter as Easton Jr./Sr. High School’s Principal. My transition to Easton has been an easy one thanks to the entire school community. I feel fortunate to be working with such a talented and caring staff and all of the wonderful families in Easton. Education is a partnership that requires the work and support of the entire community. Though some parents may believe that their involvement in school matters should diminish now that their child is in Junior or Senior High, nothing can be further from the truth. Junior and Senior High are times of great change and challenge for students. Your involvement will help them meet those challenges and continue to succeed in all aspects of their lives. When parents are involved in the school community, it sends a clear message to children that education is valued and should be a priority.

While every family has their own unique way of communicating and being involved in one another’s lives, I offer the following avenues for involvement in your child’s education. Have conversations with your son or daughter about school. Ask your child what he/she did at school, ask what work is due, and provide a quiet place to study and do homework. Stay involved at school by coming to an activity or event at EJSHS with your child AND encourage him/her to join a club, activity, or team. Plan on attending Parent/Teacher conferences on November 20 and monitor your student’s progress. Call your son’s/daughter’s teachers, counselor, or principal when you have questions or concerns.

We all must enthusiastically encourage our students to study and work in order to propel them up the ladder of success. Remember that we are all working toward the same goal of helping students discover and develop their abilities and we will achieve maximum results when we work together with open lines of communication. I am looking forward to working with everyone throughout the year.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Each month the professional staff selects one deserving junior high and one senior high student. Students of the month must exhibit a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and good school citizenship. In addition to being recognized by their peers in a school assembly, students of the month also receive a $15.00 Aroostook Centre Mall gift certificate on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Easton for this honor. I am delighted to present our newest members of this honored group:

JUNIOR HIGH – Jolene Guerette

SENIOR HIGH – Molly White

Student of the month pictures are on display in the hall and represent students selected each month throughout the school year. Congratulations to all students of the month and their parents!

Athletics

Our regular soccer games have all been completed and all teams worked hard this season. I am pleased to see so many students taking advantage of our athletic program. Coach Jessica Miller had a great season with our junior high girls and Coach Travis Carter worked with our junior high boys to win their division in soccer this year. Our Varsity Girls played as a team and had some close games under the direction of Coach Evan Graves. Our Varsity Boys and their coach, Greg Miller are getting ready for their playoff game on October 16. Congratulations to all players and coaches and good luck to the Varsity Boys!

Upcoming Events

October 16 – HS Boys Soccer Prelim Game 1:30 PM – Easton – 1-0

October 17 – PSATs for 10^th and 11^th grade students

October 19 – HS Boys Soccer Quarter Finals – Easton @ Machias

October 21 – 27 National FFA Convention

October 22 – 26 Red Ribbon Week (Drug Awareness and Prevention)

October 23 – HS Boys Soccer Semi Finals TBA

October 26 – HS Boys Soccer Regional Finals TBA
November 3 – HS Boys Soccer State Finals TBA

November 9 – End of 1^st Quarter

November 10 – All Aroostook in Houlton

November 15 – Regional FFA Workshop UMPI

November 16 – Junior Exhibition

November 20 - Early Release and Parent/teacher conferences

November 21 – 23 Thanksgiving Break

November 29 – Meet the Coaches Night 7pm

MRS. LYNDA FOREN-TURNER - Greetings from the Guidance Office. Before harvest break I met with seniors to discuss options and future plans. Since then, students have been busy registering for the SAT or ACT and making sure paperwork is completed on time. Currently seniors are working on college applications, hopefully to be completed by Thanksgiving. After completing the application process we will work on financial aid and scholarships. I have scheduled our financial aid workshop for parents and students November 29, 2007 at 6:00pm. More information will be mailed later regarding this workshop. I still intend to meet with parents for about 20 minutes before the first scheduled Project Graduation meeting to share my timeline for seniors.

It is never too early to talk to our students about future plans. One such experience was held on October 11, 2007 for all 7^th and 8^th graders. Students had the opportunity to participate in a mini- workshop at the University of Maine at Presque Isle where students were exposed to a post-secondary college experience. Students met with Director of Admissions, Erin Benson, who talked with them about future plans, why continuing your education is important in today’s world and what colleges expect from students when they apply. Mrs. Benson also shared with students information they need to know “now” in order to help them be more prepared for a successful college experience. She challenged our students to start thinking about future plans because before they realized it, they would be making important decisions about their futures. Our freshmen will also have the opportunity to participate in a college aspirations program scheduled for November 15, 2007. Students will be involved in a highly interactive 1-hour college aspirations program where students decide, “Who Gets In!” Students will review actual college applications, transcripts and performance data and will then make decisions about students’ potential for college success. This interesting exercise is an introduction to the college application and selection process that will assist students in their academic and social planning at an early stage of high school.

At the elementary school I continue to work one on one and in small groups with students. I am also available as a resource person for staff and parents. I enjoy my experiences very much at the elementary school and look forward to each Tuesday and Thursday when I am in the building. If you have any social/emotional concerns about you son/daughter please contact me at any time.

The PSAT will be administered Wednesday October 17, 2007 for all sophomores and juniors. The Maine Department of Education is providing funding to all publicly funded high schools for 10^th graders to take the PSAT. This initiative provides an early means of showing every student that college is an opportunity, helps to identify strengths and weaknesses of all students, increases communication between colleges and students and helps identify curriculum strengths and weaknesses. The PSAT measures verbal, math and writing skills and is a practice test that helps students prepare for the SAT, the test that many colleges require as part of the admissions process. The PSAT serves as a valuable tool to assist students, parents and schools with early college preparation and planning. For juniors, the PSAT also qualifies students to compete for National Merit Scholarships. The school will cover all fees for juniors.

TAMC’s Healthcare Careers Exploration Program continues to offer workshops for grade 9-12 students who are interested in exploring careers in healthcare and wanting to gain experience in a hospital setting. The first workshop is scheduled for October 18, 2007 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Highlighted careers will include laboratory technologist, materials/print shop and dietary/central supply.

Again this year Easton High School juniors and seniors have been invited to attend the Post-Secondary Workshops at Fort Fairfield Middle/High School on November 2, 2007. Students will have the opportunity to attend four mini-workshops that will help in the college decision-making process. Other workshops offered include military and on the job training presentations.

Juniors are scheduled to take the ASVAB October 23, 2007. The ASVAB, a multi-aptitude test battery, helps students to identify skills and competencies. As a follow-up activity to this inventory, students will be involved in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Students will discuss results and explore careers using the Interest – Finder, a self administered interest inventory that is helpful at the beginning of the career planning process. This program is designed to help students explore the world of work and gain confidence in making career decisions.

PRINCIPAL JANE SINCERBEAUX - We are off to a great start. Before our Harvest Break we honored our “Local Heroes” with a breakfast and a short program. Our heroes included local police officers, firemen, border patrol and game wardens. Plans are now underway for our annual Veteran’s Day celebration. More information will be sent out later in the month.

Red Ribbon eek will take place October 22^rd through the 26^th. We will have different themes for each day. The Elementary themes are:

MONDAY, 22^nd Wear Red Day

TUESDAY, 23^th Join the Fight Against Drugs/ Wear Camouflage

WEDNESDAY 24^th Drug Free the Healthy Way to Be/ Bring in healthy snacks

THURSDAY 25^th Team Up Against Drugs/ Wear athletic or team apparel

FRIDAY 26^th Being Drug Free is No Sweat/ Wear sweat shirts/pants

MR. BRYAN WRIGHT – OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE -

Check out our school website at “eastonschooldistrict.org”. It has information about our sports schedules and teams, co-curricular activities, breakfast & lunch menus, monthly & yearly school calendars, school policies, curriculum information, job openings, e-mail addresses, personnel & websites, school news & newsletters, SAT & MEA information, and assorted important links. The website will be updated frequently to keep you informed. Bookmarking the website eastonschooldisrict.org

will make for easier navigation.

MRS. SUE CARTIER-BARRETT – SCHOOL NURSE - The Dental Health Program for grades K-6 is underway for the 2007-08 school year. We have started the weekly fluoride swish and the students have received their first tooth brush to help them continue with their dental health efforts. If your child does not currently participate in this program and you would like more information I can be reached Monday through Friday from 8AM to 3PM at 488-7701.

Flu shots are available for any student with a chronic health condition, for example: asthma, diabetes or heart disease. If you have any questions, please call 488-7701.

Immunization updates are also available for all students. I will be reviewing school health records to determine the required updates and notify parents/guardians. If you have any updated immunization information please let me know.

MRS. TAMMEY WHITE – ECP - Things have gotten off to a wonderful start with this years ECP class. We have twelve new friends that are all anxious and eager to learn! Our ratio of boys to girls is 9 to 3 currently. Students have been doing a great job with learning the bus routine and coming into the classroom quietly. This is a very difficult task when you are so young and have so much that you want to share! Once in the room, they are settling in nicely and really progressing well through opening exercises and daily routines. Students are enjoying meeting the Letter People and all the wonderful activities that they bring with them. Rug time has become more and more structured as time goes on. They are picking up on songs and finger plays very quickly and repeating them again on their own during center times. They did an outstanding job on their first official fire drill with the rest of the school.

This can be a very stressful time for some but they all handled the event very well. We have practiced a few “Lock Down” drills in our room and have toured the building for other places that would be safe for us to lock down in the event of an emergency. Again, this can be a very stressful, but a needed part of the program.

They are doing very well.

Our field trip to the Stewart Farms was terrific. The weather cleared nicely and we had a great time learning about all the farm had to offer! Farmer Dan even dug us a few rows of potatoes so that we could experience potato picking at it’s best! Mrs. Barnes was a terrific instructor and Miss Leslie was our bus driver for the event. What memories we all had of days gone by!

On Mondays we will be attending Art classes with our new Art Teacher Ms. Hutchison. We attend a Library time on Wednesdays with Mrs. Carlow. Madam Hull is teaching us some songs in French.

MRS. TAMMEY WHITE – KINDERGARTEN - Students in the morning Kindergarten class have been working very hard at learning their new routines. We have added a few new students to our class since last spring! This puts our class size at 17 now! What great additions they have been. We have discovered that the work load has increased daily and we are beginning to identify the basic sight words during our Language Arts Lessons. Many students are beginning to associate the sounds of the letters and are able to begin crashing through the sounds of the unknown words! What an exciting time for all involved! We are learning good book habits and enjoying our new independence. Our mornings are very busy and we are glad that our Extended Days have begun. We have been working hard for Mr. Graves in Physical Education class. We have just begun our time with Mrs. Kinsey for Music and Ms. Hutchison for Art but are looking forward to our time with them in the afternoons after Harvest Break. We are beginning to understand the routines of the cafeteria and noon recess. This all takes time to get adjusted. Our time spent with Mrs. Condon and Mrs. Theriault in the afternoon is going well. So many new things to get used to!

We are continuing to work along at practicing correct letter formation and our fluency in letter writing is improving. We will begin writing skills making use of those all important sight words.

We are enjoying our new math work. Our listening skills are improving and we are learning to work along with greater focus and for longer bits of time.

We are sharing information about individual students weekly during our Star Of the Week program. We love our Weekly Reader time on Fridays and of course, the all important Show and Tell!

Our field trip to the Science Center with Mr. Martin was wonderful as we learned about different seeds and how they travel. We always learn so much there. We attended a wonderful field trip to Goughan’s Farm for Pumpkin Harvesting just before our vacation! It was very breezy but the homemade ice cream was certainly a treat!

Reminder to parents, the seasonal temperature is dropping quickly and outside recess times require heavier clothing. Please remember to label all these items.

MRS. JANE JAMES – GRADE ONE – Grade one is off to a busy start with fourteen children in the room. Before harvest, we spent a lot of time getting into a routine. It is so important to get off to an organized start so that students can use their time wisely. Each day, we spend time working on our own at our seats, working with Mrs. James and Mrs. Theriault, taking turns at the computers and listening centers, learning puzzles, and reading or drawing on our own. We can’t all do the same things at once, so it is very important that we are very organized. The first graders are doing a great job being responsible and organized.

We are all working hard to help each other with our reading, writing, and math skills. We are working at many different stages of reading, math, and other skills, so we help each other often. We have reviewed all of the letters and their sounds that we learned in Kindergarten and are now working hard with short vowels. We have reviewed our numbers and have started addition work. Before harvest, we also worked in our math journals each day to connect our math with writing skills. Most of our math stories were about the students in the class. Math journal is much more fun when it is actually about us!

We did several fun craft projects to improve our small motor skills. Our vegetable people were a lot of fun to make. We also took a field trip to the Presque Isle School Farm and enjoyed a lesson on corn with Chris Finnimore and a farm tour with Mr. Buzza. That was lots of fun too!

Over the summer, Mrs. James found some new chapter books for first graders and we have been enjoying the “Mercy Watson” books for story time. If anyone has not read a Mercy Watson book, grade one highly recommends them! They were written by Kate DiCamillo, the same author who wrote “Because of Winn Dixie” for big kids!

GRADE 2 – MRS. VONDA LAVWAY AND MRS. KAREN IRELAND - Hello! Hope you all had a wonderful harvest break! Grade Two has had a great beginning to the year so far! With 21 students each day has been a very busy but rewarding one! We have been learning about many types of maps – from department store maps to world maps and globes. We spent a lot of time learning the compass rose as well as map keys, and upon completion of this unit we were able to construct complete maps using only words! Also, at the end of this unit we visited Mr. Martin at the science center for a review lesson on maps and learned a new lesson on compasses as well. During this fieldtrip we had the privilege of going on a scavenger hunt using our newly found compass skills. The hunt eventually lead us to some tasty “gold”!

This year we also have completed our very first cursive letter group – the “Clock Climbers”! We learned directionality with these letters using the numbers on an imaginary clock to guide us. We are now learning the “Kite String” group where all letters possess long curved upward strokes. The students are doing a wonderful job!

Also, this year we are very excited to have a brand new Houghton Mifflin reading series. We have been enjoying the new materials, stories and activities!

Very soon we will be attending another science fieldtrip – “Native American Sky Legends”. This fieldtrip will reinforce the concepts that are upcoming very soon as we start our Native American Unit. We are also looking forward to making many Native American crafts that represent an important heritage for each region studied.

Parents – please watch for upcoming details on our next exciting project – pen pals from another country!

GRADE 2 READING – MRS. MARY CONDON - My group of grade 2 readers has been reviewing phonics, sharpening their listening skills and are being introduced to a variety of genres. On Tuesdays, they are learning about the Bangor Daily Newspaper. The literature is too hard for them but they are learning the format of the paper. They can read the weather AND, on Tuesdays, we have the Mini Page. We read it together and also work on the puzzles together.

GRADES 4, 5 AND 6 HEALTH - MRS. MARY CONDON - Before harvest, all three grade levels completed a unit on bullying. The Office of Substance Abuse, in Augusta, makes available a library of literature and videos that I take advantage of throughout the year. They had some new Bullying videos this year that I borrowed. We, both students and teacher, learned a lot from the unit. We are just starting a Self Esteem Unit and will soon be beginning the KIDS PREPARE AMERICA curriculum. This is a free educational program from the Home Safety Council designed to teach children and their families in a positive, non threatening manner how to talk about and prepare for severe weather, power outages, or other unusual events. Students learn how to make a family plan so that everyone knows whom to call and where to meet in time of emergency, and how to create kits so that they have the supplies they will need.

GRADE 6 ANCIENT HISTORY – MRS. MARY CONDON - I am the grade 6 home room teacher in the morning. Mrs. McKinney is teaching at the high school at that time. Once the attendance, lunch count, daily messages and flag salute have been completed, we have Ancient History class. Some of the topics we have been learning about so far are: people of the stone age, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Nubia. Above and beyond learning this new information, it is mandatory that each student take notes as we study the text book. Each student has a notebook. This quarter, I am teaching them about “finding” the important information when writing notes, rather that trying to rewrite the text book. They have had three major exams so far. They were not allowed to use their textbooks for the exam BUT, they were allowed to use any notes that they had taken. The first exam was a real eye opener. Several of the students didn’t do well at all. They couldn’t read their own writing J. Penmanship improved drastically for the next exam. They are mature enough now to be incorporating life skills.

EXTENDED KINDERGARTEN – MRS. MARY CONDON - Mrs. White has the kindergarten students in the AM. I have them after lunch until 1:00. Most of the academics are done in the morning. My goal is to work on social skills. The class is divided into two groups for art and music: “group 1” and “group 2” how original is that? On Tuesdays, group one has music w/ Mrs. Kinsey and group 2 has art w/ Mrs. Hutchison. On Thursdays, group 2 has music and on Friday group 1 has art. Wednesday we have reading buddies w/ Mrs. Lavway’s grade 2 students. Each class has 18 students, so, as you see, this works out perfectly. What about Mondays? Monday is our surprise day. Unlike the other days, there’s not a mandatory schedule. Monday afternoons are difficult for the kindergarten students. In general, they are very tired and their ambition level is low. We do a variety of things. We learn about rules, getting along w/one another, we might have a visitor, sometimes we go to the gym and learn new skills and/or games, and sometimes we watch a movie and eat popcorn.

BUT the one thing that we do EVERY afternoon when we can is READ, READ, READ, and discuss as we read.

GRADE THREE – MRS. REBECCA ALLEN - Third grade is off to a great start this year. We have a fabulous classroom full of hard working students. Once again we have the opportunity to be pen pals with a third grade class from Kennebunk, Maine. This has always been a favorite activity with my students because they get a chance to meet new people and learn about a coastal community, as well as practice their writing skills. Students made “trading cards” which will be used to introduce themselves to their new pen pal. We also sent along a bag of potatoes and a potato recipe booklet full of our favorite potato recipes. Thank you to all the parents who took the time to send in a recipe.

In science we began the year with a unit on food chains and food webs. Students went on a field trip to see Mr. Martin at the Science Center, as well as spent time exploring our local woods to see what producers, consumers, and decomposers they could find. The class also enjoyed a trip to our local pond to study the pond habitat and to find out a little about the plants and animals that can be found in the pond. After harvest we will begin taking a closer look at the different biomes found around the world.

In Social Studies we have been reviewing some of the mapping skills studied last year as well as learning a few more! We will be going to the Science Center to finish up our mapping unit with an activity called Map and Compass. After harvest break, we will begin a unit covering the seven continents and the four oceans. Students will be using their mapping skills to locate each continent, as well as researching information on each continent.

MRS. AMY GOULET – GRADE 4 - In 4^th grade science, students have been learning about weather. We have studied the reasons we have different weather around the world, some of the tools used to measure our weather conditions and we have taken a close look at the water cycle. We are looking forward to start working with microscopes soon.

5^th grade scientists have become experts at classifying living things. They have learned how to use taxonomic keys to find the scientific names for everything from the plants in our classroom to their pet cats. Our next study is the human body.

The 6^th graders had a successful 3-day trip to the coast of Maine where they participated in a science camp. During the course of the 3 days, students learned about contour maps, tide pools, hand-held GPS units, different soils, tree identification and participated in an archeological dig. Later this month, the 6^th graders will be going to Portland to participate in the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s program called “Mystery of the X-Fish”.

MRS. LORI MCQUADE AND MRS. PAT NEVERS GRADES 4 & 5 AND TITLE I

Another school year is underway and I am happy to say that I am again “rooming” with a great group of kids. This is my third year with this particularly large class and, as they get older, they inspire me to change my teaching making me appreciate that they are still with me. I really am grateful for such wonderful students here at our school.

MRS. LORI MCQUADE AND MRS. PAT NEVERS - GRADE 4 SOCIAL STUDIES, WRITING AND SPELLING - Our upcoming events include: learning the 50 United States of America, studying U.S. regions similarities and differences, writing a final “research paper” on all five regions of the U.S., and, in spelling, continuing to work on spelling rules in order to improve carry-over to everyday writing. I am also looking forward to moving into Maine studies soon. This is always an interesting topic which the fourth grade students greatly enjoy.

MRS. LORI MCQUADE AND MRS. PAT NEVERS – READING, WRITING, SPELLING Fifth graders are beginning the Book It program this month, which will run through March 2008. In exchange for reading for pleasure at home students are given a certificate for a free Pizza Hut pizza. Students actually have the potential to receive one pizza per month.

Also, in reading we are beginning a novel as we have recently finished one unit in our reading book. Novels seem to be a great change of pace and the students really get into the text. This is mainly due to the fact that novels progress over many weeks as opposed to one story per week in the traditional reading book.

English skills are being reviewed and refined. However, there are more expectations of these skills being carried over into everyday writing at the fifth grade level. These high expectations also hold true for the spelling of high-frequency words and following the various spelling rules.

Writing class is also becoming more difficult because I am looking for numerous components within one writing piece. Fifth grade MEAs (Maine Educational Assessments) include a writing component that we are steadily preparing for. It is an overwhelming task, but one that truly pays off in our state scores. We definitely have some great writers in our midst.

Again, I am pleased to say that all classes are doing well, we have some interesting activities ahead of us, and we are still having fun.

ELA CLASSES – MRS. POLLY BURNETT - This year is off to a productive start!

Seventh and eighth graders are working hard at grammar. I firmly believe that a deep understanding of grammar helps to make students more effective writers and readers. Our classes also work hard at the skill of diagramming. Writing on the board is still fun!

By now, reading classes have covered quite a few short stories and poems. Identifying the theme of a piece of literature is a skill we practice a lot. The theme does not incorporate the particular characters or setting or plot of the piece of literature. Rather, the theme is a purpose for the piece. It is a lesson or moral. The theme is what gives the piece meaning to the reader. Some standardized tests might ask for the main idea. Students must become good at this!

The ninth grade writing students have been creating their own autobiographies. They write very interesting compositions about themselves and their families. Hopefully, some students will keep these and fondly re-read them in a few years. When I’m reading their compositions, I sometimes create a “blooper sheet” which groups common problems with writing (sentence fragments, subject/verb disagreement, wrong too/to, etc.). These bloopers create an opportunity to apply grammar rules.

Grade 11/12 English class is reading American literature. We started with some works by Puritans and worked up to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson (“We hold these truths to be self-evident . . .”). Do you remember who said, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”? Ask your child. Hopefully, he or she will remember the author from our text!

MRS. ESTHER RICHARDSON -Grade 7 Science – Students are just finishing a unit on the cell. Your child should be able to explain to you why cells are small after the next lab. Afterwards we will be studying heredity and the students will be bringing PTC paper home for all family members to taste. Then students will analyze how this trait is inherited.

MRS. ESTHER RICHARDSON - Grade 8 Science - We are doing a short unit on ecology before we begin physical science. One activity we do is to observe fields in Easton that have been dormant for differing numbers of years to see succession. At the end of the year we go to the coast to observe ecosystems that are very different from our own.

MR. STEVE HAYES – SPECIAL EDUCATION - Child Find Notice: In compliance with Maine Special Education Regulations the Easton School Department would like to ensure that all students between the ages of 3 and 20 years including state wards, state agency clients, students attending private schools, students attending home schools, and institutional residents who reside within the Easton geographic jurisdiction, who may be in need of special education and or supportive services, are located, identified, and evaluated. If you believe your child is in need of an evaluation or services please call the Special Services Administrator in the Easton School District at 488-7701.

MRS. PAULA GILES – MATH – KEY CLUB ADVISOR Another year is under way here at the Junior/Senior High School! The seventh graders are adjusting to new teacher, new schedules and more expectations. Please encourage your seventh graders to see me if they need extra help in math! They should, also, re-do papers that they have the opportunity to re-correct. We are continuing to do daily math drills for them to improve their knowing facts for efficiently.

I would like to invite any grade 9-12 students to join the Key Club! Key Club is a service organization that helps out our local Kiwanis whenever a need arises. We are usually very busy during the basketball season selling at the concession stand for some of the ball games. I could use some extra hands for sureJ The only fee involved is a $10 fee that goes totally to Key Club International. Key Club International yearly helps out organizations in need such as: Burn Trauma Units, Shriner’s Hospital, etc. With the money that our Key Club organization earns at the ball games we give 75% of it back to Key Club International unless there is a local need. This past year we donated $250 to the new bear mascot costume, $250 to the Maine MS Society along with $500 to Key Club International. I would say that is very impressive from our small group here in Easton!

MR. PAUL SUTHERLAND – MATH AND PHYSICS – The Math Team attended the first math meet of the year on September 12^th hosted at Presque Isle. The team did very well. Easton took first place in the small school division. Easton had the second highest scoring senior, the first and second highest scoring juniors, the second and third highest scoring sophomores and the highest scoring freshman. Great job Math Team! The students are looking forward to meet two in Caribou on November 7^th.

In Physics, we are having our annual bridge breaking event on November 5^th starting around 11:15. It’s always a fun time. All are welcome to attend.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MR. DARREN WEST - Another year is well under way, and the students are hard at work. Have you ever read the Wizard of Oz? What many people assume is a children’s story is actually a very clever political allegory about the Populist Era in American history. The juniors are reading the book now and identifying the allegories as part of our study on this fascinating period in American history. The sophomores I teach are currently studying the American Revolution which has inspired the rest of the world for over two hundred years.

In psychology students are currently studying the nervous system and how biology impacts how we interact with society. Our next unit is called “Altered States”.

We will be studying how substance abuse can alter a person mentally. It has been a

very successful start to the 2007-2008 school year, and I am sure the year will continue to go well.

As student council advisor I am pleased to announce that our new mascot has

arrived! The Bear (yet to be named) arrived last week. Its debut will be at the first

round of the playoffs on Tuesday, October 16. On behalf of the student council I

would like to thank everyone who helped a new mascot for our school become a reality.

MR. PAUL DUDLEY – JUNIOR JOTTINGS – The Junior Class of “09 will be presenting its Junior Exhibition on November 16^th at 7 PM in the high school gym. Please mark your calendars and support this year’s speakers.

The Junior Class will also be doing the Little Caesar’s Pizza sales during the week of November 19^th through the 30^th. Items are expected to arrive by December 17^th, plenty of time before the holidays.

MR. PAUL DUDLEY – FIELD TRIPS – The combined classes of Mr. West and Mr. Dudley took a field trip to King’s Landing in September. This 19^th century village provides a great educational look into everyday life of the period. The U.S. History classes will be taking another field trip in October to tour Fort Knox, and go p the tower on the new Prospect Bridge, then on to Augusta to visit Fort Western, the Maine State Museum to do two programs and the State House. From there the class will visit Fort Halifax in Winslow and then begin the long trek home.

MISS PAMELA MURCHISON - NHS - EASTONIA

MOLLY WHITE, NHS NORTHERN REGIONAL PRESIDENT

Congratulations to Molly White on successfully conducting her first meeting as Regional President at the Northern Region Officer’s supper meeting on September 6 in Caribou. Molly’s next meeting will be November 5 when the NHS members travel to Van Buren to attend the Fall Conference.

National Honor Society

The following NHS members were elected for 2007-2008:

Kristen Boxwell President

Amanda Weeder Vice President

Megan Bradley Secretary

Molly White Treasurer

NHS members are:

Seniors—Kristen Boxwell, Amanda Weeder, and Molly White

Juniors—Sam Bacon, Kilynne Beaulieu, Megan Bradley, and Bradley Trask

ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIOR CLASS MEMBERS

Senior portraits are due Friday, December 7. Photographs should be either 2 ½” x 3 ½” or 4” x 6” and should be of good quality for reproduction. Also, since the seniors will be using baby pictures in the senior section of the yearbook, baby pictures will be due on December 7. All pictures should be sent to Miss Murchison.

MRS. MARY RUTH NICHOLS – FRENCH CLUB - The French Club is off to a great start this year with many new members and plans for a spring ski day in Edmundston, N.B. The Co-Presidents, Molly White and Kristen Boxwell, will offer several cultural day celebrations so that students may learn how these special days are celebrated in France. In November, we will have the Cathrinette Hat Day when students will compete in a contest of three categories: The Most Creative Hat, The Funniest Hat and the Most Beautiful Hat. In France, on this day there is a parade for all girls age 25 or older that are not married. They are hoping that their hat may cause some young man to notice and admire them.

Some other plans for the year are: a Christmas Reveillon, French Movie Nights, and a Mardi Gras Dance.

In the next couple of weeks, the French Club members will be calling around to take your annual order for Christmas wreaths. This has been a successful fundraising project thanks to your support. We look forward to your continued support as these funds allow students to enjoy several cultural and enriching out of class experiences.

MS. JANE HUTCHISON – ART TEACHER - I am very happy to be the new art teacher in the Easton School System. Let me tell you a little bit about myself: I am a certify kindergarten to high school art teacher. I graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts; the concentration was in design and illustration. Since childhood, I have always loved to draw and create artworks. Later in life, my passion and enjoyment in working with children motivated me to enter into the art education field. I hope to share my appreciation of art and give each of my students a foundation in art education.

I am originally from Monmouth; Monmouth is a middle size town between Augusta and Lewiston in Central Maine. I moved from Monmouth to Easton in the beginning of August of 2007 and I am very happy to be here. Easton is a beautiful country town and the people here are warm and hospitable. I find country living an adjustment, but country living is peaceful compare to city life.

In the year 2007-2008, I plan to implement an overall art education foundation in the Easton School System. If time permits me, I would like to cover calligraphy, drawing, painting, architecture, collage, 2D design, 3D design, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking in all the class levels.

At the elementary level, the curriculum will be created to fit the appropriate age. At the high school, the lesson plans will demand more technical skills depending on the level of the class. For example, in art I, we cover the basics in art, covering all the mediums. In Art II, students work on more complex projects. In Art III, students will work on more difficult artworks and study art history. All curriculums will be design age appropriate and it will be progressively more challenging from each grade level.

In Art Education, students should have the opportunity and experience to work with as many different mediums and be exposed to art history. Overall, I strive to make the experience of making art making fulfilling, fun, and personally satisfying for my students.

MRS. EVAN GRAVES – PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH - We got off to a great start this year in Physical Education. The weather cooperated with us for most of the fall and that allowed our P.E class to get outside of the gymnasium. Grades K-2 worked on spatial awareness and exploring the many different ways that our bodies move. We tried some basic games including one of the favorites on sunny days, shadow tag! Grades 3-6 worked on soccer skills and built up to small sided games. In grades 5-8 we took a look at some basic fitness activities and spent some time trying out the many ways we can throw a frisbee. We worked on our accuracy with different frisbee contests which the students improved immensely.

At the high school level we honed our frisbee skills into fast passed games of ultimate frisbee and explored with on campus frisbee golf. We learned the game of bocce ball which we also were also able to get some good walking in around campus. Finally, before harvest we dove into some flag football type games where we were focusing on our catching skills and we were able to learn some different pass patterns that we could apply into our games. We also worked on some defensive strategies where students worked very hard to prevent scoring! For the older students involved in Life Time Sports we mostly stayed on campus for some different activities to get to know the group. We ended our session before harvest with a climb up to the top of Big Rock.

I look forward to a year filled with fitness and gaining skills in many different activities. I challenge the students and open this to anyone willing to accept the challenge for getting out and being active. Get active with your family. Go for family walks, take advantage of good weather and take advantage of what our area has to offer with fitness opportunities. May your fall be filled with joy and fitness.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT – MRS. PAMELA KINSEY - Welcome back to school after a beautiful harvest!

The High School Music Department has been busy preparing for auditions and our first students will travel to Augusta on Friday, October 12 to audition for the All State Jazz Groups. The second weekend of November will be the All Aroostook and All State auditions and they will be held in Houlton. Please look ahead and consider chaperoning for me if your junior or senior High School aged music student will be attending auditions. As we look into the busy season of basketball in December the band will be active and the Jr. Sr. High School will host their annual Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 20 at 7:00. Mark your calendars now for the All Aroostook Music Festival to be held in Presque Isle on January 18 and 19, 2008.

In the Elementary Music Department the younger students are busy learning about steady beat, melody, rhythm and how to use their singing voice. Ask your student to tell you what these things are! The older students are busy with their recorders in the fourth grade and their band instruments and Chorus in the fifth and sixth grades. Encourage your young musician to continue practicing at home, as this is their music homework. In all grades we are working on our listening skills and our ability to discuss and compare similar and contrasting types of music. Look for more information about our Holiday Musical to be coming soon and plan to attend this festive performance, which will most likely be scheduled during the last week of school in December.

If you have any questions about happenings in the Music Department please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Kinsey at school.

EASTON FFA – MR. KEVIN MARQUIS - WOW !! How did summer go by so fast? Someone older and wiser once told me the older you get, the faster time goes by. They weren’t kidding.

Our chapter had a very successful state convention. Our teams placed first in dairy and farm business management. Kristen Boxwell placed first in the job interview competition. Winning these competitions sets the wheels in motion for trips to The Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts and FFA national convention in Indianapolis Indiana. These trips require a considerable amount of funds, thus our summer was spent raising money.

I would like to thank all the members, parents and volunteers who worked at our ice cream booth at Easton Field Day, the Northern Maine Fair and the Westfield Jubilee. Without the efforts of the dedicated folks, we would not have been able to raise the money needed. To reward our members and volunteers a chicken barbeque and golf outing were held before school started again.

September 14^th - 16^th our chapter along with members from the Ashland and Mars Hill chapters, traveled to The Big E In Springfield, Mass.. While there we competed in the dairy and job interview competitions.

Our teams will be leaving for Indianapolis October 21. Those attending will be:

Dairy Farm Business Management

Caleb Bomar Molly White

Chris Flewelling Matt Blodget

Sadie Romano

Luke Budreau

Job Interview

Kristen Boxwell

Our chapter has numerous activities planned for the remaining fall and winter months. We will be working around other school and sports schedules to accomplish as many of these activities as possible. Activities planned:

Member leadership workshop @ UMPI, 7^th & 8^th grade outing, Christmas light parade, Christmas lighting contest, Career fair and various tours.

VARSITY CLUB – MRS. LESLIE CARLOW (2007-08)

My newly elected officers for this year are as follows:

Tri-Presidents: Matt Blodget

Ana Rae Holmes

Jeremy Brock

Co-Vice Presidents: Starla Gadaire

Brittany Lafrance

Secretary: Amanda Weeder

Treasurer: Kristen Boxwell

Media Personnel: Molly White

Casey Baston

We have not met to completely confirm our goals for the upcoming year but we are planning on Homecoming Week and Dance as in the past to be held the last week of Basketball Season.

Soccer season is now nearing an end and we have had a very successful season. Congratulations to all of our teams and to the Boys Varsity for making playoffs. Good Luck to you all.

We look forward to seeing you all at our athletic events throughout the year.

MRS. CYNDI KIMBALL – EPCO -The Easton Parent Community Organization has kicked off another busy school year while planning the annual Harvest Party to be held on October 27^th, from 2-4 pm. This event is loads of fun for children up to grade 6. If you would like to make a donation of candy or prizes, they can be left at the elementary school office or at Mike’s Family Market. If you would like to help with this event, please call the school.

The General Mills Box Tops For Education program earned $307.00 last year!! Again, EPCO is holding a contest for students who bring in the most box tops. The community is encouraged to save tops for a favorite student or they can be dropped off at the checkout at Mike’s family Market. You can learn more about the program at www.boxtops4education.com.

Once again the Easton Schools are participating in the Hannaford helps Schools program. Receipts from Hannaford stores can be turned into the school, or placed in the Easton box at Grave’s Shop N’ Save. More information is available at http://www.hannaford.com/hhs

Used ink cartridges and cell phones can be left in a box in the elementary school office. We are able to recycle them for cash!

A Scholastic Book Fair will be held after Thanksgiving. Please be on the lookout for updates on times and dates for our Book Fair Blizzard. As in the past few years, we hope to earn enough money to purchase a book for each child before the Christmas break.

The EPCO provides funding for special programs at both schools, such as cultural field trips and special events at the school. PTO also awards a $300.00 scholarship to a member of Easton High School’s graduating class, as well as scholarships to UMPI’s Project Explore program for grades 2-7.

EPCO meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in the Easton Elementary School library. Childcare is provided