Our school year began as busily as ever and it hasn't slowed down yet! I am continually amazed at the teamwork that makes things happen at the Guilford Primary School and the Carroll McKusick Elementary School. Although teaching and learning take up the majority of our time, there is so much more to our days at school. We are fortunate to have a staff of people who work tirelessly to provide children with positive experiences both within and outside of individual classrooms.

We are in our third year of the Reading First Grant and our teaching staff members have put great effort into staying current with the research on effective teaching. Several teachers are enrolled in literacy graduate-level courses that take place on-site, others travel to Dexter or Orono for coursework. As participants in the Reading First/Maine Literacy Partnership, we have been able to offer additional professional development for teachers and support staff. This often includes attendance at high quality workshops throughout the state.

Last year we identified a school-wide goal of improving writing instruction for children. This year we continue to work toward this goal. A workshop model where children are guided through the stages of the writing process and given time to work on authentic writing projects has been implemented in all classrooms. We are seeing children develop a love for writing that is due in part to the prominence that we give writing in our curriculum.

In the present climate where accountability and attainment of learning standards is stressed, we try to maintain a healthy balance between academics and the social and emotional needs of children. We believe in the importance of knowing our students and we realize that all students come to us with individual strengths and needs. It is our mission to accept children as they are and help move them forward to become engaged learners who take pride in their own accomplishments.

HUGS, our local parent teacher organization, continues to support us in a variety of ways. Several enrichment activities have been planned for the upcoming year. Visits from the Chewonki Outreach Program, a presentation by a local bluegrass band, a Planetarium show for the third grade, and a spring visit from a Maine author are some of the highlights of the coming year. These enrichment opportunities add so much to our curriculum.

Volunteers in our schools provide services that also enhance the curriculum. Activities that range from reading to children, listening to children read, presentations on specific educational topics, and preparation of materials for teachers are greatly appreciated by both staff and students.

Our schools are very much a part of the community and we welcome visitors. There are wonderful things happening at McKusick Elementary School and Guilford Primary School and we would love to share the good news!