HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Belfast and Telstar are wrapping up their semester and MFC projects this month.
Telstar worked on an inland flooding awareness project working on draft one of an inland flooding data sheet to be put into use through GMRI, a protocol for local businesses to put up flood signs to help get the word out about flooding potential, and dove deep into data highlighting flood plains and gaps evident in the Bethel area for weather and flood preparedness. Students presented to the 7th grade team, and a host of community partners who came out including Superintendent Mark Kenney, Roberta Hill of CEBE, Sarah Southam of the Bethel Selectboard, Robin Nesbeda WEMT & WMAI Instructor, Will Chapman of the Bethel Historical Society, and Alex Kearney and Sheba Brown of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Students from last year's EP class also attended along with one student in next semester's class. The community response was amazing and students did an incredible job of articulating the need for disaster preparedness and proposing a realistic solution.
Check out the recording of their final presentation here! (The presentation itself ends around 16:30, but extends past that with discussion from the audience, feedback and questions) Here is a link to the slidedeck as well.
Belfast worked on ecological restoration of their campus, removing invasive species (multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, and glossy buckthorn), planting native seeds to increase biodiversity, staking out spaces for apple trees and building picnic tables. They are finishing up their presentations next week!
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle schoolers are working on their presentations of Understanding the Challenge with Bass Harbor focusing on sea level rise and Greenville focusing on invasive species. They are working on a virtual presentation sharing their understanding of the challenge, which will be finished soon!
In the News
Wood panel mill moving forward in Jay
John Godfrey, owner of Godfrey Forest Products, plans to build a 617,000-square-foot mill on a portion of the former Androscoggin Mill on Riley Road in Jay.
Maine receives $15 million for climate smart forestry
Maine is set to receive about $15 million to conserve woodlands and encourage climate friendly forestry, including money to preserve old growth forest in the north woods.
A remarkable discovery in Maine's wilderness sparks a debate over the risks and rewards of mining
The lithium deposit in Newry would feed the demand for the mineral used in batteries and computer screens. But at what cost?->>> Full article
For Students
Financial Literacy Microcredential
Learners complete training in basic financial concepts and practices including budgeting, credit and debt, savings and net worth and apply their learning in an action plan based on their individual financial goals. This micro-credential was developed by New Ventures Maine (NVME) using the Institute for Financial Literacy’s National Standards for Adult Financial Literacy Education. Learners demonstrate competency in the skills needed to understand basic financial management concepts and manage their own finances. Earning this micro-credential acknowledges that learners met benchmarks in:
Money Management
Credit
Debt Management
Learners construct a financial action plan and take action to meet the personalized goals set. Register here!
Maine Research Institute for Students and Teachers Paid Internship
Do you have students who are interested in interning at a Maine STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) research institution or company for six weeks during the summer of 2025?The Maine Space Grant Consortium is pleased to announce paid internship opportunities for highly motivated juniors under our Maine Research Internships for Teachers and Students (MERITS) Program provides summer (six weeks) research opportunities to Maine high school juniors in host institutions across the state. Students who are interested in STEM fields and would like to experience “real-time” applications of STEM in a research-focused work world conducting research and technology development should apply.For more information and to download the program guidelines, application form and FAQ, visit our website at https://www.msgc.org/students/internships/highschool/ Applications due January 31, 2025
For Teachers
Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute Applications Open!
The Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute is a year-long professional program for school food system change. Learn more about the institute here and apply while applications are open!
Flying Wild Workshop!
Come join Sara & Dawna for a Flying WILD Workshop: An Educator's Guide to Celebrating Birds workshopTuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pmPiscataquis Community Elementary School (PCES), in Guilford(Snow date: Wednesday, Feb. 12 same time, same place)At this workshop you will receive:
Flying Wild Guide
An overview for educators
Flying WILD Conceptual Framework and Correlations to the NGSS Standards
Seven fun, hands-on, minds-on activities
"Copy Me" student pages and additional resources
"In Step with Science Standards" boxes
Questions for reflection
Service-Learning Connection section
Cost of this training is the $23.10 - the cost of the the Flying Wild Guide only which can be paid at the workshop.
Limit of 10 participants - please sign-up before Feb. 7th
To register or for more information, contact Dawna Blackstone, dawna@ruralaspirations.org or 207-280-0226
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