From the principal’s desk
By Julia Levensaler
I know some people wonder why the school has early release and workshop days and what teachers could possibly being doing with all that time away from students. Early release days and workshop days provide valuable time for staff to meet together and work on important educational topics.
One of the most important topics we are working on this year is continuing a long-term project developing curriculum. Recently, we continued that curriculum work at each grade level and special area to make sure students all over the district have access to the same content standards. Our goal to have a solid, written, “guaranteed” curriculum with standards for each content area that we can give to families and students could take 3-5 years.
We have undertaken this in part because it is required by the state and federal government, but more importantly because it will help improve teaching and learning. Education experts Mike Schmoker and Robert Marzano have said that every teacher (and student) “deserves a clear, manageable, grade-by-grade set of standards and learning benchmarks that make sense and allow a reasonable measure of autonomy. Anything less is frustrating, inhumane, and counterproductive.”
Those with questions about early-release days or the school’s curriculum work should feel free to contact a teacher, or me at 832-2103.
Important dates
Wednesday, Feb. 8: Early release day — dismissal at 1 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 9, 4-6 p.m.: “Young Hearts” art show at Tidemark Gallery
Monday-Friday, Feb. 20-24: No school — winter break
Wednesday, March 8: Early release day — dismissal at 1 p.m.
Students being helpful
Congratulations to all of our students who were helpful last month! The following helpful students have earned Schooner Pride coupons: Kaleigh, Zachary, Justin, Cadence, David, and Chris.
Call to artists
Artists are invited to submit work for the upcoming “Young Hearts” art show. The Tidemark Gallery in Waldoboro is seeking submissions in any media, made by pre-K through sixth-grade Miller School students. Work can be submitted to Nathan Fogg in the art room. All submissions are due by Monday, Feb. 6. The “Young Hearts” show will be on display at the Tidemark Gallery from 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 9 (snow date is Monday, Feb. 13).
Twin Day
Friday, Jan. 20 is Twin Day! Students are encouraged to find a friend and pick a “twin” outfit to wear. It can be as simple as wearing the same colors. It is OK to pick more than one friend to be twins with.
