Julie Logan and Stephanie Robison’s students in the fully remote learning model share inspiring messages weekly. We thank these students and their teachers for their kind and encouraging words!
November 13, 2020
Dear HMS Families,
Time is moving so quickly this fall despite the challenges and changes in routine that we continue to navigate together. It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away!
Our students' health and safety and the safety of our community continue to be a priority for all. With that in mind, I want to share a reminder of the expectations from our state regarding travel, hosting family and friends from other states, and the need to quarantine and/or test depending on your plans. The following is an excerpt from Governor Mills’ Executive Order, which Dr. Dolloff sent to us several weeks ago:
"Effective Wednesday, November 4, 2020, people traveling from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are no longer exempt from Maine’s quarantine or negative test requirement. People coming here from these states must either quarantine for 14 days or receive a negative COVID-19 test with a sample taken less than 72 hours from arrival in Maine, quarantining while awaiting test results.”
The quarantine/testing protocol includes Maine residents returning from any of the non-exempt states, and travelers visiting Maine from non-exempt states. Please reach out to us if you have questions about your travel plans and/or your plans to host folks from other states.
We can make this a safe and healthy holiday season 
Thanks very much,
Joan Adler and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team
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Gratitude For Our Veterans
Our students spent time learning about the significance of Veteran’s Day through the Draw a V for Veteran's Day project. Marti-Jo Shaw and Liz Greely’s students participated in this project to show their appreciation and respect for our veterans. You can see their efforts here.
Dr. Dolloff named Maine's Superintendent of the Year
We are delighted to share this special news, announced earlier this week: We are pleased and proud to announce that Dr. Andrew Dolloff has been named Maine Superintendent of the Year by the Maine State Superintendents Association. A committee of peers from across the state selected Dr. Dolloff for this honor. It is an impressive recognition in any given year, but to be honored by Maine educators during this challenging time is extraordinary. You can read the full story here.
HMS Civil Rights Team Update
We are excited to share the following update on this year’s Civil Rights Team provided to us by CRT co- advisors Charlotte Agell and Stephanie Hill:
In this unprecedented time, our Harrison Middle School Civil Rights Team has grown to 37 students in grades 6-8. The co-advisors are Ms. Hill and Ms. Agell, with much support from Ms. Burrows and Ms. Mike. Ms. Laberge and Mr. Heckler have just joined the CRT, too!
Our mission is the mission of the Maine Civil Rights Team Project: A civil rights team meets regularly and initiates projects that engage their school community in thinking and talking about issues related to race and skin color, national origin and ancestry, religion, disabilities, gender (including gender identity and expression), and sexual orientation in an age-appropriate manner. Recent and current projects include the schoolwide (and statewide!) Day of Welcome, an exploration of our names and identities, a focus on bias-based language, as well as helping to celebrate our recognition as a National Unified Champion School.
A huge shout out to our newly retired librarian, Ms. Stuhr, and her amazing volunteer, Mrs. Castonia, for collaborating on HMS CRT rainbow striped masks for all current team members. Our work is filled with positive energy, as we seek to help make HMS a welcoming place for all.
HMS Receives National Recognition as a National Unified Champion School
Congratulations and appreciation to all of our students who made this honor possible - we are thrilled for our students, staff, parents, and learning community! Heartfelt thanks to Meredith Hawkins who brought this initiative to life during her 7th grade year at HMS, Denise Condon and Mikaela Gillis who worked tirelessly to achieve this recognition for our students and community, Lisa Bird and Special Olympics for their ongoing, inspiring work, and Tom McDowell for acting as Master of Ceremonies! The beautiful ceremony to honor this achievement was held at HMS last Thursday. The celebration included the presentation of our banner:
Maya Advani, Meredith Hawkins, Crosby Ney, Lisa Bird
Congratulations to Katie Bauer!
Katie Bauer, member of the 6th grade team, ran the New York City Marathon in Yarmouth! Katie ran in honor of her late husband, Charlie. Katie’s training and determination is inspiring to all who know her!
Kelly Conley and her students hard at work!
Dates to Remember
- Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27 - No School