Staff Writer
“We’re still waiting, still watching,” announced Caribou Superintendent of Schools, Frank McElwain, regarding the state’s position on school consolidation. “We’re still waiting for legislative action, they must have a two-thirds majority vote in order for things to happen.” McElwain commented on this ongoing topic during a recent meeting of the Caribou School Committee. In other agenda items the board heard from Caribou High School Principal Mark Jones who requested approval from the board to offer AP4ALL courses during the 2008-2009 school year. Although some of the advanced placement courses in calculus, history and biology are already offered at the school, others are not available.
Through this program, students may take courses in specialty course study such as art and photography among others. Students planning to enter college in these fields will find this program to their advantage when it comes to college acceptance.
Jones noted that AP courses are offered at no cost to the student or the school as CHS is 100 percent qualified to use this program. A statewide pilot program, there are limitations on the number of students per course. The class limit is to be 15 students and it is strictly available on a first come, first serve basis to qualified students.
The high school principal informed committee members that this type of course study can be flexible as far as when and where the work is completed by the students. It is possible for the enrolled student to work at home but in actuality a dedicated time at school is preferred. When the studies are done at school there will be a mentor or supervisor in the classroom during the course time.
Jones said the totally computer-based courses will be considered elective credits, not used in place of any other high school completion requirements.
The school board committee approved the AP4ALL proposal.
Curriculum leaders Wanda Theriault and Cindy Albert gave board members an overview and update on the World Languages Program. This program involves students in grades 1-12 learning the French language. The curriculum leaders informed the group that the very first students participating in this program who were in the second grade (the program now includes first grade) at the time are currently freshmen at the high school level and are merging more easily into the more advanced French course. Theriault said there is still a level of intimidation when students enter total French speaking classrooms but overall the comfort level becomes more obvious. French language students achieve comprehension of the language first then become able to read then write, with speaking being the last phase.
The teachers stated that students take the national French exam in high school while grades 1-4 are tested for comprehension.
In discussion of the state education cuts McElwain said that the preliminary budget increase may be 1 percent, leaving a half a $500,000 gap between revenues and expenses. Again, this is a preliminary amount with no actual figures being available at the current time.
School principals attending the regular committee board meeting had a chance to promote their individual schools by informing others of special events that had recently takem place.
Jane Kilcollins from Hilltop Elementary spoke of the very successful Spring into Science Night, held March 27, in the school’s gymnasium. “We had great participation and the gym was chaotic,” said Kilcollins, “We had help with the event from middle school and high school staff and students, even a local physician.”
Lois Brewer, principal of Teague Park Elementary promoted her school’s wrestling team made up of grades 3-4 coached by Steve Austin. “We had about 40 girls and boys involved in this sport,” said Brewer, “It’s a great hook for a lot of kids and we hope to keep the connection going.”
Sue White, representing the Caribou Middle School, spoke of the success of the schools’ Show Choir, the wrestling team and the ski team.
At the high school, Jones advised the group of the work done by various class groups including an $1,100 donation to the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen to aid the facility in continuing to be available to those in need of its services.
