BLACK BEAR BULLETIN - Maranacook Community High School

Principal’s Message by Dr. Carol Fritz
Our year focused on insuring
a healthy learning
environment for all students
and included many activities
with students and staff
members to help us address
this challenge. Our climate
committee participated in
several meetings and
planned action steps to
make certain our school was
becoming a safer place.
Great conversations are
happening with students
and staff members, helping
us to improve our environment.
There will be a session
during “Teen Issues”
called controversial dialogues
inviting more students
to join in the discussions
about the difficult
problems faced by students
each day.
Three years ago our students
participated in a survey
created by Main Street
Academix; the collected
data was used by the climate
committee and staff
members. On Friday, May
2, 2008 a follow-up survey
will be administered. There
is a letter included with this
newsletter; please return it
to us if you do not want
your student to participate
MCHS Website: HS.MARANACOOK.ORG
BLACK BEAR
BULLETIN
in the survey. We will use
the results to plan our next
steps; safe, healthy schools
need constant attention.
We are approaching prom
season and graduation, a
time when there are many
parties. You will also find
information this month
about things parents can do
to keep their students safe.
A committee of staff and students
are part of a county
wide project to address the
issue of drinking and drugging
among our students.
We ask that you support our
efforts and talk with your
students. We thank you in
advance. The school year is
rapidly coming to an end
and there will be many projects
and writing assignments
due before June 20,
2008. We appreciate your
continued support and hope
that someday all students
will earn honor roll status.
The work is hard, but together
we can help all students
end the year on a successful
note.
Volume 2, Issue 7
M AY - JUNE 200 8
Inside this issue:
Guidance 2
Health Center News 4
Art Accolades
Adult Ed
Calendar 7
Reminders for Parents
• When contacting teachers, either
by e-mail or phone, please
include your student’s name
and grade.
• Academic progress can be followed
by periodically checking
PowerSchool. Families who do
not have internet access are encouraged
to visit their local library
or the high school to log
on to PowerSchool. If you need
to receive written progress reports,
contact your student’s advisor.
• Teachers are expected to update
PowerSchool regularly. If PowerSchool
is not up-to-date,
please contact the teacher, your
student’s advisor, or the principal.
PLEASE JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL
HUMANITIES NIGHT
MAY 29, 2008
Student art exhibits on display in the student center at
6:00 p.m. Spring Concert in the gymnasium at 6:30 p.m.
5
6

Page 2
College Fair
Guidance News
Volume 2, Issue 6
Anne Schmidt—gr 9/10
anne_schmidt@maranacook.org—685-4923, ext. 327
Shannon Bergeron—gr 11/12
shannon_bergeron@maranacook.org—685-4923, ext. 326
The University of Maine at Augusta, in coordination with the New England Association of
College Admission Counselors, has invited our students to attend a college fair on Thursday,
May 15 at the Augusta Civic Center. MCS will take all juniors. All students must return
their permission slips by May 14. This is a great time to talk with admissions representatives
from colleges and universities and to get on the mailing lists of schools that may
be of interest.
May 3 rd SAT for Juniors
All juniors will be taking the SAT on Saturday, May 3 rd. We will serve a
complimentary continental breakfast from 7:15–7:45 a.m. Students must
arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to check in. Students who arrive after testing
has started will be turned away. This is a required school day and juniors
who are present on the 3 rd will have Monday, May 5 th off. If your student
needs transportation to and from school on May 3 rd, please notify his/her
advisor by April 17 th. Students should bring their admission ticket, a calculator, and two
number 2 pencils. Cell phones ARE NOT allowed in the testing room—they will be collected
at the door. Please contact Shannon Bergeron with any questions.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY NEWS
This winter Maranacook students engaged in a heated Penny Wars, an annual competition
put on by the National Honor Society. Each of the four classes brought in pennies
for positive points and then put silver change or bills in other class containers for negative
points. The scores went up and down for the week but at the end, the sophomores
came out ahead, winning for the second year in a row. The winning class was treated
to an ice cream and pizza party as a reward for their accomplishments. The event was a
great success and raised about $400 for the local food banks.
The night of April 16 th, brought many students, parents, teachers and community members together
to hear about the work of teacher, Dolfine Gumba Dawa Oliech, of the Ripple Effect organization.
This event was hosted by the National Honor Society. Dolfine is a Kenyan woman who has dedicated
much of her life to helping AIDS widows and orphans in a school run by her and her husband.
In that school, almost 300 children receive an education and good food and many also take shelter
there. Guests at the presentation heard her moving lecture and viewed a slideshow of the difficulties
facing Kenyans today. To learn more or to make a donation towards Dolfine’s cause visit
www.rippleeffectproject.org or purchase handmade African goods and crafts from
www.aardvarkalley.net.

Page 3
SUGGESTIONS FOR HELPING TEENS TO BE ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE
Tip 1: Limit Access To Alcoholic Beverages
Volume 2, Issue 7
GOOD - If you have alcohol in your home, keep track of it - know what and how much you have, and keep it where
it is not accessible to teens.
BETTER - Thank store clerks when you see them card someone who is buying alcohol
BEST - Alert the police if you have information about where/how teens are getting alcohol/drugs in your community.
Tip 2: Network with Other Parents
GOOD - Get to know your teens' friends.
BETTER - Get to know the parents of your teens' friends. Know their rules so you don't have to just accept the argument
"everybody else is allowed to..."
BEST - Let the parents of your teen’s friends know your rules, and where you stand on underage alcohol use - no furnishing,
ever.
Tip 3: Reinforce and Enforce Guidelines/Rules
GOOD - Discuss and reinforce the rules and consequences of underage drinking before your teen goes out.
BETTER - Frequently explain the reasons behind the rules so your teen understands the rules are a protective measure,
not just a restriction on their freedom.
BEST - Enforce your rules consistently. Don't look the other way if your teen violates the rules - they need to know
that you are serious about the rules and that you will hold them accountable for violating them.
Tip 4: Check In With Your Teen Often
GOOD - Before your teen goes to a party or out with friends, ask if adults will be present and if alcohol will be present.
BETTER - Ask your teen to call you from the party or gathering; if you have caller ID, you can ask them to use a landline,
not a cell phone so that you can tell where they actually are when they call.
BEST - Trust but verify - check in with other parents about your teens' activities – call ahead to confirm the plan and
affirm that adults will home and that no alcohol or other drugs will be present.
Tip 5: Be Up and Be Ready When Your Teen Arrives Home
GOOD - Wait up, or set the alarm for curfew time - talk with your teen about their night.
BETTER -When your teen arrives home, look for signs of use. Teens who believe their parents would catch them are
less likely to drink.
BEST - Be prepared in advance for what you would do the FIRST time you discover that your teen has been drinking.
Think ahead of time about how you want to react, who you would talk to, and how you would enforce the consequences.

Page 4 Volume 2, Issue 7
HEALTH CENTER NEWS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Illness is a medical condition that causes changes in a person’s thinking, mood and
behavior. It is very common. Mental Health and Mental Illness can be pictured at two
points on a continuum with a range of conditions in between. When these conditions are
more serious, they are referred to as mental illness and may include depression, anxiety, bi
-polar disorder and others which may require treatment and support. These illnesses are
widely misunderstood. People with mental illness are often stigmatized by others who
think it is an uncommon condition. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health
found that approximately 1 in 5 (20%) of the children and adolescents in this country experience
the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem over the course of a year. The
truth is mental illness can happen to anyone regardless of age, culture, race, gender, economic
status or location. Arm yourself with the facts, and then use your knowledge to
educate others and reach out to those around you with mental illness. Understanding and
support are powerful, and they can make a real difference in the life of a person who has a
mental illness
Resource: What a Difference a Friend Makes, www.whatadifference.org.
Things you can do as a parent:
• Refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under 21.
• Be at home whenever your teen has a gathering.
• Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home or property by your teen’s
friends.
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your child will be
attending.
• Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens feel welcome.
• Report underage drinking to your local law enforcement.
Check out www.maineparents.net.

Page 5 Volume 2, Issue 7
PAINTING TO BE ON DISPLAY
IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Max Pistner's mixed-media painting, "WAR", was selected
by a panel of art professionals to represent Maine's 1st
Congressional District for the 2008 Congressional Art
Competition. This competition began in 1982 as a way for
the House of Representatives to honor high school students
across the country whose original work demonstrates
artistic excellence. Max's painting was selected from
the Youth Art Month Exhibit at the Portland Museum of
Art in March. Winning students from each U.S. congressional
district will have their work on display in the U.S.
Capitol for one year. The Blaine House will be hosting a
celebratory event on May 17 at 3 p.m. for all students
whose work was selected. On June 25, 2008, there will be a
reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony in Washington
D.C. to honor this year's winners from all states. In addition,
the offices of Congressman, Tom Allen and Congressman
Mike Michaud will be holding a press conference and
award presentation.
ART COMPETITION
The Maine Federation of
Women's Clubs is once
again sponsoring a High
School Art competition. The
jurying will take place on
April 26. And the exhibit
will be on May 10 at Madison
High School as part of
the Spring Fest celebration
sponsored by the Kiwanis.
Work by the following students
will represent Maranacook
in this exhibit.
LIN-Z WATTS - Senior
"Revolution"- Mixed Media
HANNAH DeANGELIS - Senior
"Waterworld" -Mixed Media
CLAIRE MARVINNEY - Senior
“Self-Portraits" - Colored Pencil
ALYSSA NEPTUNE - Senior
"Noise" -Acrylic
HANNAH DUNN - Junior
"Birches" -Watercolor
MORGAN WICK - Junior
"Birch Trees" -Watercolor
SPENCER HAZZARD - Senior
"Tower" -Pastel
ART ACCOLADES
Max Pistner, Class of 2008, mixed media painting
“WAR”
GILLIAN BRYANT - Junior
"Gray Sunset" -Watercolor
LAUREN BERGERON - Junior
"Self-Portrait" -Graphite Pencils
CHELSEA WATTS -Sophomore
"Gourds" -Pen & Ink
MIKE SIROIS -Sophomore
"Hamsa" -Acrylic Paint
JOANN CUNDIFF -Junior
"Parasol" -Graphite and Pastel
MAGGIE DITRE - Sophomore
"Self Portrait" -Graphite
TONYA SANTOS - Senior
"Self Portrait" -Block Print
JILLIAN BLOUIN - Junior
"Gourds" -Pen & Ink
CONGRATULATIONS MS. CHASTAIN
Corliss Chastain was awarded the Quimbly Family Foundation Fellowship to attend a
two-week session at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Corliss will attend the June 29-
July 11 workshop in Mixed-media painting. Haystack is an internationally recognized Art
and Crafts school located on the coast of Deer Isle, Maine.

Page 6
Maranacook/Hall-Dale Adult Education
Call 685-4923 x303 for prices and to register.
Gymnastics May 2
Biscuit making May 7
Basic Dog Obedience May 5
Dream Journey May 7
Driver Education May 13
Spring Wild Edibles May 17
Nordic Pole Walking May 19
Bus Driver Training May, TBD
Silver Jewelry Extra class added,
May TBD
CPR May, TBD
Career Counseling On-going
Plato learning lab On-going
GED testing On-going
Driver Education at Maranacook HS.
On site and after school
Must be at least 15 on the first day of class.
Classes start monthly T-Th
Cost $475-payment plans available.
For more information contact
www.areadrivingschool.com
1-877-917-5158
Volume 2, Issue 7

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Home Games &
Activities are listed on
this calendar
4
11
18
25
Page 7
5
4:15 B JV BB & GJV
SB vs Medomak
Valley
12
4:00 GV Tennis vs
Camden Hills
4:15 BV BB & GV SB
vs Belfast
7:00 Annual CSD
Mtg.
19
4:00 BV Tennis vs
MCI
4:15 BV BB & GV SB
vs Gardiner Area
26
4:15 B JV BB vs
Waterville
6
AP Spanish Exam
13
Eligibility check
3:30 HS Track vs
Skowhegan
Powers Writing
Award
20
27
FINALS SCHEDULES: Senior finals are
scheduled during regular class periods;
all seniors are expected to be in attendance.
SENIORS:
May 30 (Black Periods 1 & 3)
June 2 (Gold Periods 1 & 3)
June 3 (Black Periods 2 & 4)
June 4 (Gold Periods 2 & 4)
MARCHING PRACTICE:
June 2, period 2
June 3, period 1
June 5, period 3
CLASS DAY & CLASS NIGHT June 6
GRADUATION June 8
7
AP Calculus Exam
4:15 BV BB & GV
SB vs Lincoln
14
4:00 BV Tennis vs
Waterville
4:15 B JV BB vs
Oakhill
21
4:00 GV Tennis vs
Oak Hill
4:15 B JV BB vs
Erskine
28
Eligibility Check
4:15 BV BB & GV SB
vs Oak Hill
1
3:30 Track vs Erskine
8
AP German Exam
4:00 BV Tennis vs
Winslow
15
AP World History
Exam
22
29
Humanities Night &
Concert
END OF YEAR SCHEDULES FOR SENIORS AND UNDERCLASSMEN
2
4:00 GV Tennis vs
MCI
4:15 BV BB & GV SB
vs Rockland
9
AP US History Exam
4:00 GV Tennis vs
Lincoln
16
4:00 GV Tennis vs
Belfast
23
4:00 B V Tennis vs
Rockland
30
7:15 am Senior Breakfast
4:15 BV BB & GV SB
vs Erskine
UNDERCLASSMEN: There are two exams
each day, (8:10-9:40 and 10:00-11:30) and
dismissal at 11:30. With permission from
parents, students may arrive late or leave
early if they do not have an exam. No late
bus available on exam days.
June 16 (Black Periods 3 & 4)
June 17 (Gold Periods 3 & 4)
June 18 (Black Periods 1 & 2)
June 19 (Gold Periods 1 & 2)
June 20— Awards Assembly & Locker
Cleanout—dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
Volume 2, Issue 7
3
SATs for all juniors
10
Prom
11:00 B JV BB & G JV
SB vs Camden Hills
17
24
11:00 B JV BB & G JV
SB vs Winslow
31