By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

For now, SAD 67 students and staff will not need to spend an extra hour at school to make up for lost time due to cancellations caused by bad weather.

Superintendent of Schools Al Smith informed the School Board Monday night that the district will gain credit for remote days used. Last week’s snowstorm forced the switch from in-person to remote.

“It’s not off the board,” said Smith regarding the possibility of extending some days by an hour as a make-up option. “At this point, if we use remote days we won’t have to do it.”

One issue SAD 61 will need to tackle is if a remote day is expected, the district is required to provide lunch. So, parents interested in receiving lunch for the kids are being asked to fill out a form for Food Service, and lunches will be sent home the day before the expected in-person education school day. Smith plans to send out a memo to parents explaining the situation and process, and encouraged a call to the Central Office if clarification is needed.

Despite the news, March 17 will remain a regular education day. Originally, this date was scheduled to be a teacher workshop.

In other School Board news:

Opt out — When a school system reaches the 50% level of students receiving free or reduced lunch, it qualifies for LD577 — an act to increase access to nutritious foods in schools.

Andy Madura, director of Transportation, Facilities and Food Service, explained during a public hearing that Crooked River Elementary had reached that mark, thus making SAD 61 eligible for the program.

There is a catch. While the program would make dinner available to those under the age of 18 as well as those disabled in the community, SAD 61 would be required to offer an enrichment program. Madura said a food service worker would be needed, and transportation “could be a big issue.”

Later in the regular meeting, directors voted unanimously to “opt out” of this program.

Laker Pride Awards — For the first time since Covid-19 raised its ugly head, SAD 61 principals and School Board were able to publicly applaud the efforts of students and staff selected to receive Laker Pride awards.

Since the pandemic, awards were given to students and staff at their respective schools, but on Monday night, parents saw their youngsters presented certificates and t-shirts by principals and SAD 61 Superintendent Al Smith during the School Board meeting held in the Great Room at Lake Region Vocational Center.

Laker Pride Awards are presented to students based on the following characteristics: positive role model, reliable, trustworthy, respectful, conscientious, consistently helpful to staff and fellow students and selfless. Staff members are honored for promoting, creating and enhancing a positive school community.

Honorees included:

Crooked River Elementary School:

Jaxson Brill, Grade 3, nominated by Anne McNair, “Jaxson is kind to others, helps others, greets everyone with a smile, shows perseverance in all he does, has a positive attitude and shows responsibility following his daily schedule.”

Mathew McDonald, Grade 4, nominated by Kimberly Bright, “Matthew has worked really hard to become and engaged and responsible student. He has focused on making wise choices and is building positive relationships with peers and staff.”

Jackson Doyle, Grade 5, nominated by Betsy Mayo, “Jackson is a top student who continually challenges himself to be better. He is curious, energetic, helpful in class, and good to his classmates. He is always trying to help others and teachers and staff. He is a great kid!”

Kate Thibault, Grade 4 teacher, nominated by Elizabeth Shane and Steve Gagne, “Kate creates genuine relationships with her students; she is focused on helping students learn and grow. She sets growth goals for herself and her students. Kate works well with her grade-level peers to support all students. She is dependable and approachable.”

Songo Locks Elementary:

Lorelai Brown, Pre-K, nominated by Mrs. Zeba and Mrs. Gieser, “She is always kind and a great friend. She goes out of her way to include friends in activities and centers. She is a role model in our classroom community.”

Cooper Kilmartin, Kindergarten, nominated by Miss Alyssa, “Cooper is always working hard and helping out friends! He always has a positive attitude!

Alexas Rizza, Grade 1, nominated by Mrs. McKenney, “Alexas shows kindness discreetly. Recently, a peer was upset because Alexas picked a book that he wanted. He was pretty upset about it. Alexas quietly went to her mailbox, got the book, and handed it to him with a smile. This sort of thoughtfulness and kindness makes for an awesome LAKER. Alexas is silly and fun, but focuses on her work, always giving the teacher 100% of her attention. She’s a friend to everyone in our class. I’m proud to have her in our classroom!”

Jayden Merrifield, Grade 2, nominated by Miss Makela, “Jayden is always a trustworthy, reliable and helpful friend. He models excellent behavior for others. He can be trusted to be a helper to others and is focused on being a rockstar student!”

Tim Bell, Staff, nominated by SLS Staff, “Tim is always supporting our students in a positive way. He is there to clean up any mess and/or provide support when an issue arises.”

Stevens Brook Elementary:

Masie Arsenault, Pre-K, nominated by Mrs. Janelle Foster, “Maisie is a shining star in Pre-K! She is a curious, kind, and bright young girl who is a joy to have as a student and friend. I am confident she will do amazing things in the years to come! Way to go Maisie!”

Atticus Edwards, Kindergarten, nominated by Mrs. Melissa Warren, “Atticus is a hard-working and enthusiastic learner who always does his best. He is a kind friend to others and never hesitates to lend a helping hand when needed.”

Deanna Ezekial, Grade 1, nominated by Mrs. LeeAnn Van-Atta, “Deanna is a first-grade student that is always doing her best work with both her peers and adults throughout the school day. Keep up the great work!”

Zoe Meisner, Grade 2, nominated by Mrs. Deb Roy, “Zoe is a dedicated student who works hard every day. Not only is she dedicated to her learning but she is a role model in our class and school community. Zoe is kind, trustworthy, and compassionate to others. She spreads joy wherever she goes.”

Briggs O’Connell, Grade 3, nominated by Mrs. Karen Lepage, “Briggs is a great role model for other students in the building. He is a conscientious worker, a helpful classmate and respectful to everyone. We are lucky to have Briggs in our class.”

Mia Allen, Grade 4, nominated by Mrs. Fox, “Mia is a wonderful role model. She is a hard worker with a positive attitude whose always kind and considerate. She’s always looking for ways to help out her classmates and teachers.”

Emmalyn Miller, Grade 5, nominated by Mrs. Laura Varney, “Emma is an all-around fantastic student. Helpful, honest, hard-working, she is such a pleasure.”

Tracy Mushrow, Staff, nominated by Mrs. Riley Boutilier, “This school year has been full of change. Tracy has every change with a positive attitude. She always knows that when they go to her, she will respond with a positive attitude and simply say ‘we will make it work.’ Her trust in her team and eagerness to make everything work with a smile on her face has encouraged the team every day.”

Victoria Haines, Staff, nominated by Ms. Heather Stewart, “Victoria goes above and beyond to advocate and provide strategies for students who need them. She listens to all and offers excellent advice.”

Lake Region Middle School:

Hadley Spekke, Grade 6, nominated by Team Cadillac.

Melissa Almeida, Grade 6, nominated by Team Kibby.

Stephen Anderson, Grade 7, nominated by Team Tumbledown.

Daisy Murphy, Grade 7, nominated by Team Acadia.

Gabriel Francis, Grade 8, nominated by Team Sugarloaf.

Brooke Randall, Grade 8, nominated by Team Kineo.

Rachel Hubka, Staff, nominated by Team Cadillac.

Brigitte Morse, Staff, nominated by Team Tumbledown.

Lake Region High School:

Giavanna Reilly, Grade 9, nominated by Mrs. Toohey.

Titus Benton, Grade 10, nominated by Mr. Custeau.

Taylor Wright, Grade 10, nominated by Mr. Smith.

Rianna Reynolds, Grade 11, nominated by Ms. Shorty.

Peyton Klein, Grade 12, nominated by Ms. Theriault.

Joe Dorner, Staff, nominated by Mrs. Snow.

Lake Region Vocational Center:

Walter Ridlon, Staff, nominated by LRVC staff.

Transportation/Facilities/Maintenance:

Jason Brooker, Staff, nominated by Transportation, Facilities, Food Service staff.

Personnel — Directors approved Alice Cash as a long-term substitute at Lake Region High School. Cash holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, both from the University of Southern Maine. There were four applicants, one was interviewed.

Rick Lange has retired as Network Manager.

Donations — The following donations were officially accepted: art paper, watercolor paint, crayons, craft packs and highlighters (approximate value of $1,000) from Crayola to Crooked River Elementary; fasteners ($150) from Paris Farmers’ Union to the Lake Region Vocational Center Construction Program.

Principals’ reports — Stevens Brook Elementary School Principal Courtney Smith reported:

• As part of a spirit week (Feb. 13-17), an emphasis on placed on kindness and ways to show it.

• Some students dressed as their favorite book characters as part of Read Across America Day.

• Report cards are sent out digitally, but paper copies can be had upon request. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held March 21 and March 23 either in-person, virtually or by telephone.

Songo Locks Elementary Principal Bridget DelPrete reported:

• The school has launched a recognition program entitled Principal Stars.

• The first Parent Involvement Night will be Thursday, March 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. which will include a pizza dinner along with Camp Learn-a-Lot (a variety of hands-on activities).

• Students used several means (buttons and macaroni) to recognize the school’s 100th Day, while some also dressed as 100-year-olds.

• Middle Schoolers have buddied with students in reading sessions.

• Parent-Teacher Conferences are March 21 and March 23.

• Four St. Joseph College sophomores are working with special ed staff to gain field experience. The college students spend an hour each week at SLS over a 10-week period. Two weeks ago, the SJC students toured the school. SJC students are also at Crooked River Elementary.

• Crooked River Elementary Steve Gagne reported:

• Middle School reading buddies are working with third graders.

• A Family Night is set for March 14.

• A potluck supper for staff will be held during Parent-Teacher Conferences (March 21 and March 23).

Next meeting is set for Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Great Room at Lake Region Vocational Center.