As you read on, you will discover some interesting things that have taken place in 2005 as shared with the town in my annual report letter. I thank the students, the staff, and the community for the tremendous amount of support I have been given in my two years as Wisdom's principal!
2005..... A Year in Review
Early in November, we were notified that we had a State Finalist in the 2004 Wendy's High School Heisman Award program. He was also chosen Wisdom's Principal Award Recipient for 2004-5. My congratulations go out to Chris Pelletier who was recognized throughout the year for these awards!
Every year, the National Association of Secondary School Principals asks for nominations of a student who has positive leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience, and academic record. This year, I congratulated Bradley Michaud for his nomination.
Wisdom was fortunate to have a student teacher this year in two settings, middle and high school. From UMFK, we welcomed Charles Collin in Mrs. Lisa Bernier's room and in Mrs. Louise Cyr's room. Charles also coached middle school sports.
After a long search last summer, the District hired a new music teacher, Mr. Jon Spear, who has added much excitement to our music department. In addition, Mr. Spear coaches our varsity boys' basketball team.
A good-bye goes out to Mr. John Clark who is leaving us as art teacher to move back to his home town. We wish him the very best and thank him for his two years of service!
Wisdom's Youth and Government students attended the annual Model State Legislature Program this year. Several students held leadership positions. The students particularly enjoyed meeting with Governor Baldacci who spoke to students on the topic of human rights prior to their return to St. Agatha on Sunday.
Rejoicing in the culture of the French, Wisdom students participated in the Concours Oratoire Français. The winners in the debutant were Chelsea Paradis and Ashley Ayotte, in the intermédiaire, Melanie Nadeau and Kenny Chamberlain, and in the supérieur, Kayla Daigle and Nicole St. Pierre. In the regionals, congratulations went out to Ashley Ayotte ($50 winner) and Chelsea Paradis ($75 winner) for Beginner's level and Kenny Chamberlain ($100 winner) for Intermediate level.
With Mrs. Louise Cyr as sponsor, NHS was busy again this year by participating in a variety of activities to include: Tour de la Vallee, Toys for Tots, Tsunami Relief Fund, and Special Olympics. They also hosted the annual regional convention last fall and attended the state convention in Orono. A fun-filled evening was had by all at this year's annual Mr. Wisdom show!
The year did not go by without many struggles with numbers and weather challenges in our athletic department. Again this year, I commend our athletic director, Mim Gagnon for all her hard work. I truly could not do her job!
The safety committee was busy this year working on a crisis management plan, an emergency plan, and delegating responsibilities for our chemical hygiene plan. Having this committee forces us to keep a close eye on the grounds, inside and out, thus providing students and staff with a safe environment.
Mr. Lester Michaud has had a busy year working with teachers in the area of curriculum and the development of our Local Assessment System. He has also spent two evenings meeting with parents of freshmen and eighth graders regarding the New Diploma Requirements. We thank him for all his hard work!
Congratulations to our honor parts, Salutatorian, Lydia D. Plourde, Honor Essayist, Sarah M. Desjardins, and Valedictorian, Christopher R. Pelletier and to all the other seniors who won awards and thousands of dollars in scholarship monies.
As we end this year's journey and close the year, we are proud of all our seniors, our eighth graders, our teachers, our students, and our parents who supported all of us to this the year's end.
