Hawk’s Nest

by Nannette M. Mills
    Hodgdon High School students and staff are looking for trouble this quarter, the novel, “Trouble,” that is, written by Gary D. Schmidt. Hodgdon High School is committed to supporting a community of readers and is introducing the inaugural “One School, One Book” reading program.
    Over the next six weeks, staff and students will be reading the novel together and participating in various school-wide activities and challenges. Reading a common book will spark lively discussion about literature and the important issues brought to life in this novel. Check out the following excerpt:
    “Henry Smith’s father always told him that if you build your house far enough away from Trouble, then Trouble will never find you.  But Trouble does find Henry.  It smashes in the door, taking his brother, destroying his family, and leaving Henry with nothing but a mangy black dog to take care of.  So Henry does the only thing he can.  He takes off.  Heads for Mount Katahdin, the mountain he wanted to climb with his brother when his brother was still strong and healthy and said Henry could never do it.  Henry’s going to do it.  He’s going to cross the Knife Edge and reach the peak, show Trouble and everyone else what he’s made of…”
    As you can see, this novel is of particular interest to us as the setting takes place in our own back yard; the magnificent state of Maine and our very own Mount Katahdin.  Will you take this challenge along with your student?  Each student and staff member will receive a copy of Trouble, for his/her own safe keeping and reading.  You can find the book at www.hmhbooks.com , www.amazon.com , or any local bookstore.  Happy Reading!
    Congratulations to the Hodgdon High School Class of 2011 who have received $500 for prom expenses for participating in the Melanoma Foundation of New England’s “Your Skin Is In” program.  Hodgdon High School was chosen as one of the top ten schools in Maine for creating awareness about the dangers of tanning. 
    Juniors will be taking the SAT on Saturday, May 7 at 7:45 a.m. at Hodgdon High School. The Project Graduation Yard Sale is also on this date from 8-12 in the gymnasium. Please go to our webpage at www.msad70.org for many more upcoming dates and activities for this busy fourth quarter at HHS.