Principal's Note:
Dear MDES Families,
As we move further into the winter season, I am struck by the incredible depth of the learning experiences happening across all grade levels. Our students are not just consuming information; they are engaging in "High-Impact" learning that connects them to our local environment and the needs of our broader community.
Learning in Action
From our youngest learners to our middle schoolers, the past few weeks have been filled with exploration and skill-building:
Kindergarten: Part of our tech lab is being transformed during the Roxaboxen unit, where students used their imagination and collaboration skills to build their own community, reflecting our focus on play-based learning that fosters social competency.
3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade: Students are currently engaged in the Empty Bowls service-learning project. This initiative helps them understand the complexities of food insecurity while using their creativity to support others. On a related note, please remember that the MDES Food Pantry is a resource available to our school community—please reach out if your family could benefit from this support.
6th Grade: Building on the success of our Thanksgiving food drive, 6th graders recently visited the Bar Harbor Food Pantry to engage in community service, reinforcing the importance of being thoughtful, empowered citizens.
7th & 8th Grade: Students took their science and outdoor leadership skills to Somes Pond. Their field work included water quality testing, ice fishing, studying winter wildlife adaptations, and engineering survival structures.
Safety Certifications: I am incredibly proud to announce that our 7th graders are now Heart Saver and Stop the Bleed certified for adults, children, and infants. These are vital life skills that embody our school value of responsibility.
Student-Led Conferences
We are looking forward to Student-Led Conferences during the week of March 23rd. These conferences are a cornerstone of our belief in "Visible Learning," providing a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their work and for parents to celebrate their child's growth and perseverance. The link to schedule your conference will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
A Note on Our Flagpole
Please know that our flagpole is in need of repair, and we are unable to raise or lower the flag until a specific part is replaced. The repair process is complicated by the frozen, snow-covered ground, which prevents us from accessing the mechanism safely. Please know that flag etiquette is deeply important to us and aligns with our core value of Respect. While it may appear we are disregarding orders for half-staff that may be put in place, it is simply a mechanical limitation. We appreciate your patience as we wait for the ground to thaw so we can complete these repairs.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child's education.
Thank you,
Heather Dorr, M.Ed.
She/Her
Principal,
Mount Desert Elementary School
