April Vacation - Camp Chelsea info:
There is no school on Friday, March 26th. It is a teacher workshop day.
A pre-packed breakfast and lunch for Friday will be going home on the bus for all student on Thursday.
We are now accepting Pre-K applications and Kindergarten registrations for next year. If you or anyone you know has a child they would like to enroll in one of these classes for the 2021/2022 school year, please call the school at 207-549-7691 or email aperkins@svrsu.org
Children must be 4 yrs old by October 15, 2021 to be eligible for Pre-K and 5 yrs old by October 15, 2021 to be eligible for kindergarten.
If your Whitefield student participates in Camp Chelsea also known as Community Learning Center, then please note there will be no after school sessions for the rest of this week.
Maine DOE Child Nutrition Kicks off Virtual Farm to School Cook-off
The Maine Department of Education is following in the footsteps of many schools and going with a hybrid model for this year's 2021 Farm to School Cook Off.
Celebrating its 6th annual competition, the Maine Farm to School Cook-off is a statewide culinary competition for teams of school nutrition professionals and students to promote local foods in school meals. The 6th annual competition is organized by the Maine Department of Education, Child Nutrition team.
On March 22nd the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition team is kicking off the virtual competition. Four teams are participating in the competition this year including, RSU 12, RSU 14, RSU 54 and South Portland. Voting will take place starting today, March 22nd through April 2nd for school staff, family and friends to vote for their favorite cook-off team!
Each team was tasked to create a breakfast and lunch video, while following recipe guidelines of the competition. This criteria includes producing meals that meet the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) meal pattern and include at least three local ingredients and one USDA food. Within the videos, teams were asked to provide details on local ingredients, USDA foods that were used, techniques used, feasibility, and anything else the team would like to share.
This virtual cook-off is the first step on each team’s journey to becoming the “2021 Farm to School Cook-off Champion”. The top two finalists from the virtual competition will advance to the Farm to School Cook-off Finals Competition on May 5, 2021 in the Child Nutrition Culinary Classroom in Augusta, ME! Please note all necessary precautions will be taken, including face coverings and social distancing of teams in the culinary classroom.
To vote for your favorite cook-off team please visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/nutrition/programs/localfoods/cookoffvoting
Finalists will be announced on April 5, 2021.
For more information on Maine’s Farm and Sea to School program, visit https://www.maine.gov/doe/farmtoschool
FYI:
Please get out and vote!
Whitefield Representatives to the RSU 12 School Board
Meet the WRITE IN Candidates
Tomorrow is voting day in Whitefield. Citizens will be voting for local officials. There is no one officially on the ballot for Whitefield’s representatives to the RSU 12 School Board. However, there are FOUR candidates running as WRITE IN Candidates. Meet the candidates below.
Deborah Talacko - RSU 12 Board - 3 Year Term – WRITE IN
I am writing to introduce myself and ask that you consider me as a write-in candidate for the 3 year term on the RSU 12 Board. I was born in Maine and I have lived in Whitefield for 20 years. I am currently employed at the Togus VA Medical Center as a nurse. In addition to that I have lots of experience working in school systems, both as a volunteer, as an employee in the classroom, and most recently as a school nurse. I believe that Whitefield School is the heart of our community and I am committed to advocating for not only a solid curriculum, but also for a community for our children where they feel safe, supported, and challenged to become the best they can be. My granddaughter attends Whitefield School and I have a strong commitment to represent our school in RSU 12.
Suzanne Balbo - RSU 12 Board – 2 year term – WRITE IN
Suzanne Balbo grew up in Maine and has been living in Whitefield since 2012. She was an elementary school teacher for 12 years, operated a farm in Whitefield with her husband, Clint, for several years and is an active environmentalist. Since her term began in August, Suzanne’s focus had to be on academic practices during the pandemic, but she looks forward to putting more energy into the Curriculum Committee. She also wishes to join the Anti-Bullying Committee and will focus on climate science and social justice initiatives. She is committed to the Whitefield community and has the time and energy to advocate for the specific Whitefield School needs in the context of RSU 12 as a whole.
Bonnie Nichols - RSU 12 Board – 3 year term – WRITE IN
Bonnie Nichols is running for the three-year RSU 12 Board term. Bonnie and her five children moved to Whitefield from South Gardiner last July. Bonnie is currently a very busy mom attending UMA, working part time as a case manager and raising five children. She said she is anxious to get involved in the community and is very invested in the school as a parent and community member.
Stephen Smith, Jr. - RSU 12 Board - 2 year term – WRITE IN
Steve Smith, Jr. is the oldest of the five children of Marylou and Steve Smith, Sr. Steve, Jr. runs a law firm in Augusta focused on family law, personal injury and criminal defense. Steve points out that Whitefield School has consistently ranked low in academics and discipline. As a result of this concern, Steve felt compelled to send his children to a private school, but feels strongly that other Whitefield parents should have access to a strong Whitefield School for their children.
He wants the curriculum to be focused on core subjects while returning to normal teaching and athletic practices. He is committed to having the school achieve the highest possible quality.
Ms. Northrup and Emily are twinning today!
Happy St. Patrick's Day from PreK!
8th graders, Emma and Kennedie, are helping Miss Vicki make green pancakes for tomorrow's breakfast. Green pancakes on St. Patrick's day has been a long standing tradition at Whitefiled School thanks to our beloved and greatly missed, Mr. Cullenberg. Tomorrow's school breakfast is not only to celebrate St. Patrick's Day but also to honor Mr. Cullenberg.
Spring Fling Spirit Week Dress up Schedule
3/15 Tacky Tourist Day
3/16 Hawaiian Day
3/17 St Patricks Day
3/18 120th Day of School ( oops we missed the 100 day celebration)
3/19 Take Me Out to the Ball Game- (dress to support your favorite baseball team)
This week has been National School Social Worker Week!
Whitefield has the best school social worker! Thank you , Miss Andrea for all you do!
We are now accepting PreK applications for the 2021/2020 school year.
If you would like an application, please call the Whitefield School at 207-549-7691.
FYI for 8th grade students and parents:
Spring school pictures will be on Monday, March 29th. 8th graders will be having their picture taken on this day for their end of the year promotion certificate. There is no charge to 8th grade parents for this unless you buy a package.
Other than 8th graders, only students who are buying pictures will have them taken and there are no retakes for spring pictures. Information and order forms will be sent home soon.
Today we hosted our 8th grade pickleball championship games.
Winners: Mariam DeLisle and Kennedie Anderson
Runners up: Landen Hayden and Olivia Brann
March breakfast and lunch menus.
FYI:
Gifted and Talented Notice
Spring referrals for the Gifted and Talented Program are being accepted from March 1st to March 22nd. Please note that the window closes on March 22nd. If you feel your child excels or has the potential to excel beyond his/her age level peers in academics or art/music (VPA) you can make a referral for the Gifted and Talented Program. A referral can be made by a teacher, staff member, or parent. We do recommend, however, you consult with your child's teacher before making a referral. Please contact Hollie Hilton, the GT Coordinator, at hhilton@svrsu.og for a referral form for either academics or visual art/music (VPA).
Hollie A. Hilton BFA, MAEd
GT Teacher/Coordinator
hhilton@svrsu.org
Don't forget to order your yearbook! Orders can be placed on line or extra order forms can be picked up at the school office. All orders are due by April 14th
All RSU 12 after school activities are cancelled this afternoon due to the predicted snow. Community Learning Center is also cancelled.
Due to the snowstorm tomorrow, Tuesday, February 16th, food deliveries for Whitefield will take place on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Chelsea food will be delivered Thursday. There is no Community Learning Center tomorrow. Thank you.