Departments

July 1, 2009

Dear Folks,

July 1st marked the first anniversary of RSU #1. Just recently, the Times Record published an editorial commending our efforts, underscoring the selflessness of our community for the benefit of our children and putting education before money as the primary reasons for our success. It has been quite a year. We are proud of RSU #1 and the great schools that provide terrific education to all students. In the first year, some of the accomplishments that make us most proud are:

• Jobs for Maine Graduates, supported by a grant from Bath Iron Works, provided quality education for over 30 at risk students at Morse High School.

• Tools of the Mind curriculum piloted at Phippsburg Elementary School. Recently hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the preeminent early education program, we believe this program will serve as a model for all of our schools in the future.

• We have substantially reduced our high school drop out rate through the active leadership of our principal, Peter Kahl and the attention by the guidance counselors, assistant principals, the 9th grade team and the collective commitment from a faculty that truly cares.

• Expeditionary Learning model expanded to Woolwich Central School and will go full force next year. This nationally heralded model, the primary learning platform at Bath Middle School, will take Woolwich to the next level.

• More foreign language for elementary children, increased art and music for students, knowing that the arts and world language are equal to all other content areas.

• Literacy as our number one goal and the work in all of our schools to support literacy has been simply staggering.

• Bath Regional Vocational Center puts a house together in 48 hours at Topsham Crossing. We are so lucky to have a quality vocational center as part of our educational network.

• Boat built by 8th graders at Woolwich with a grant at Maine Maritime Museum.

• Over 60 children attended school in schools of their choice within our district, a key aspect of RSU #1.

• And, we did capture the Eastern Maine Class A Football Championship this year.

I could go on and on. We are so appreciative of the communities that support our schools, the board of directors that gives so much time and attention and to the unified collective goodwill manifested throughout all communities on behalf of our children. We are excited about our school system, passionate to become the best in New England, and will go any distance to insure that all students are successful. Take a good look, visit one of our schools, and we hope you become part of our educational community.

Sincerely,