Principal’s Report
August, 2008
Enrollment for September 2: We are certain of opening school with 56
kids; we could have as many as 59, once we learn about a few
possibilities who have not yet submitted enrollment paperwork. (These
multi-team trades can take time once the agents get
involved…particularly with marquee- and so-called “franchise” players.)
Funding time increase for Elaine Bertrand (Ed Tech): I propose that we
commit the necessary $4,400 from our “tuition reimbursement for
teachers” (1000-2510) line towards funding Elaine’s increased hours.
I’ve checked with the faculty and we will have enough money to fund any
of the courses needed as well as this new, unanticipated use of the
money. The line had $9,918.00 in it for 07-08 and we spent $2570.14. In
our 08-09 budget we have $7,206.00.
Building work and prep for school: Gary’s has finished the heating
system controls work and tested it. Denny will give us an in-service on
the controls when it gets closer to heating season. We have purchased a
new small shed for storage of gas tools and outdoor equipment ($400
under budget). The new washer/dryer is on site and we await plumber
installation of water supply and drain…then we’ll have a washing center
for custodial and kitchen needs. Denny has paid special attention to
first floor interior painting and floor refinishing…things are looking
brighter. Thorough cleaning to follow.
Art Camp: Our first summer with the Castine Arts Association art camp
has worked well. Sessions have been full and have worked well in the
space provided.
Good Fences: The new owner of the Blackwood house has seen fit to
install a solid cedar fence alongside our new chain link fence.
Handsome! Free to us!
MMA Volunteers: In the week before school starts we will once again
benefit from MMA football team community service. My plan is to use the
free muscle to continue attic clean-out and thoroughly rid the grounds
of excess lumber/branches, stumps…thorough clean-up. We really
appreciate this free work force. Nice tradition to perpetuate.
New LA Curriculum: The Union LA Curriculum Committee met at the end of
June and produced a new K-8 language arts skills scheme. I would not
call it a curriculum, as such, since it is not so much content-specific
as grade structure- and skill-oriented. This allows us plenty of
flexibility and leeway in matching content to our school’s vertical
alignment and inter-disciplinary content.
School Handbook: I propose no substantive changes for this year, aside
from the customary updates. By next year, I would like to have the
handbook on our web site in order to cut down on the paper publishing.
Stipend Appointments: Please re-appoint the following: Deletra Schamle
for readers theater and drama coach; Dale Sweeney for Athletic
Director; Jen Henderson for cheering coach; Zach Martin for soccer
coach; Todd Nelson for 8th grade advisor.
French Visitor: Madeleine Deboe and her daughter Celine will visit
Castine on Monday. Madeleine is a Maine native, but lives in Pau and is
a member of the historical association there. We met her in St. Castin
in April. She’ll be here for the afternoon and we’ll take her to lunch
and give her the tour. She will be the first person from the French
side to visit here in the era of our exchange program…not counting
Monsieur du Jardin.
Todd R. Nelson
Principal