MSAD #4

August 2009 

        We want to welcome you and your child to a new and exciting year in MSAD #4. Piscataquis Community Middle School houses students in grades four through eight.

         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. 

      Our successful Advisor/Advisee program, which was established last year, will continue this year.  During Advisor/Advisee time, small groups of students of mixed ages meet with an adult to participate in a variety of activities.  This daily time helps build positive relationships among students and staff and results in a sense of community. 

        On the technology side, our students are fortunate to participate in the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), which allows for all 7^th and 8^th grade students to have individual laptops.  In addition, our district has been able to provide all students in grades four through six with individual laptops.  Teaching and learning are definitely enhanced through the district commitment to technology in education. 

        The Parent-Teacher group at our school continues to support us in a variety of ways.  Members have already begun fundraising efforts and several enrichment activities have been planned for the upcoming year. 

        The intramural sports program will continue during the upcoming school year.  This program allows many more students to participate in sports beyond the organized teams. 

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

          In the present climate, where accountability and attainment of learning standards are 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.

      Our schools are very much a part of the community and we welcome visitors. There are wonderful things happening at Piscataquis Community Middle School, and we would love to share the good news!

Sincerely,

Julie Orton