Update October 19, 2020

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Thank You, Rangers

Thank you to all of our students, staff, and parents for a smooth transition to the 2020-21 school year with your support, can-do spirit, and adherence to the procedures that will keep all of us safe during this challenging time. From our students who wear their masks every day without complaint, to our staff members who work tirelessly to plan for both in-person and at-home learning experiences, to our parents who selflessly accept requests to sit out of athletic events and volunteer opportunities, you make a difference--all for the sake of a healthy campus and the greater good.

As President Kennedy once observed, "The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word crisis. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis be aware of danger but recognize the opportunity." Thank you to all for your support of a healthy school community.


Japanese Art Tour

Students are able to enjoy Hashi, a show of prints created by elementary students in Aomori Japan, on display in the GMS Art Gallery. GMS 4-5 Art teacher Lynda McCann-Olson visited Japan in 2019 as part of the Maine Friends of Amori and worked with Japanese students, continuing an annual exchange of student prints between Maine and its sister state of Amori, Japan.

STEM Engineering Design

4th grade STEM students were testing their loop planes as part of learning about the engineering design process.

Rangers are State Golf Champs

Congrats to the Rangers Golf Team for winning the state Class A Golf title!

Listening Forums: Major Themes

MSAD #51 held four listening forums, three with parents and one with staff, to gain a better understanding of those areas that are working and those areas that need improvement with regards to the hybrid (YELLOW zone) model. Below are major themes shared during the parent forums:

Areas that are working well:
  • Attention to safety
  • Communication with families from district and schools
  • Smooth transition to school year despite pandemic conditions
  • Prioritizing in-person learning
  • Technology access/devices
  • Free meals for students
Areas that could use more consideration:
  • Incrementally consider moving closer to GREEN
  • Open up playgrounds
  • Support for parents/training when students are at home learning
  • Livestreaming should be a tool for kids when learning at home
  • Student connections when learning at home
  • Articulation of standards and learning targets more apparent
  • Consider the amount of "busy work" kids do at home-use more livestream capability
  • More consistent outdoor learning time, even in winter
  • Clarify learning v. homework: which is which?
  • Clarify Remote School goals, more regular check-ins with students
  • Be careful with possible "e-addiction" (screen fatigue)
  • More rigor on days when students learning at home
  • Issues with Edgenuity, other online platforms
  • Mental health and wellness more of a focus
  • RTI support-what does this look like?
  • Lack of materials for Remote School
Madrigals Commercial Debut
The GHS Madrigals Virtual Choir hit the big time and can be seen on all three local TV stations WCSH, WMTW, and WGME singing a commercial for Reny's Department Stores. Check out the link below.
https://vimeo.com/468322798