BLACK BEAR BULLETIN - Maranacook Community High School

Principal’s Message by Dr. Carol Fritz
Greetings,
The week after vacation
is our time to build
school spirit and enhance
class identity. Our students
decorate the hallways,
play in a wide
range of games from monopoly
to basketball and
they create snow sculptures.
The activities promote
a positive climate in
the school and our students
participate enthusiastically.
The afternoon
events include friendly
volleyball competitions
with the staff members.
Spring conferences for
students and family
members can be scheduled.
We encourage you
to join us so we can share
all the positive accom-
PLC ONE-HOUR
DELAYED START
DATES
HIGH SCHOOL ONLY
March 23
April 27
May 25
Busses run at the regular
times. Students who have
transportation should arrive
at school by 8: 50 a..m.
MCHS WEBSITE: HS.MARANACOOK.ORG
BLACK BEAR
BULLETIN
plishments of your student.
The first progress
reports for second semester
will be available. Registration
for conferences is
completed through our
WEB site, a quick process
for families. If you have
any difficulties, please
contact the main office.
We ask that seniors stop
by the guidance office and
share decisions for after
high school. Many students
have been accepted
at several schools and now
must make a decision. We
publish the selected colleges
in our school profile
so please help. It is also
time to complete scholarship
applications. If you
need assistance, see your
counselor.
CLASS OF 2011
TOP TEN SENIORS
Ben Barnes
Emily Clark
Sean Daigle
Ryan Fish, Valedictorian
Courtney Gilman
Harry Lanphear
Christopher Morris, Salutatorian
Madeline Nazar
Mary Taylor
Kara Witherill
In spite of the huge
piles of snow, spring is
very close. After the
long winter it will be a
challenge for all of us to
stay focused on our
work. We ask your
support to help keep
our students’ attention
on their academics.
Parent Teacher
Conferences
March 17 & 22, 3-7 p.m.
On-line scheduling
available starting
March 1st.
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 6
MARCH 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Guidance 2
Health Center News 3
Student News 4-5
Adult Ed Classes 6
Conferences 7
2011-2012
BUDGET MEETINGS
at MCHS
6:30 p.m.
March 16
March 23
March 30
April 13
April 27
ANNUAL MEETING
May 25 at MCHS
7:00 p.m.
Finalists in the 2011 Competition
for
National Merit Scholarships
Benjamin Barnes
Emily Clark
Christopher Morris
Congratulations!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
CLASS OF 2011 PROJECT GRADUATION
DINNER & AUCTION
March 19 at 5:00 p.m.
SPRING MUSICAL: The Wiz
Performances at 7:00 p.m. on March 23, 24, 25, 26
Performances at 2:00 p.m. on March 26, 27
Call 685-4923 ext. 1014 to reserve tickets

PAGE 2
SAT and State Assessment for
juniors
Juniors will be taking the Maine
State Augmentation Testing for
science in late March.. The testing
will take approximately 2
hours and will be done during
the regular school day. All juniors
will also participate in the
SAT on Saturday, May 7. Every
junior in the state of Maine is
required by law to take this assessment.
Juniors will be excused
from school on the Monday
after SAT’s. If you have any
questions about the SAT for juniors,
please contact Kristen
Levesque or Ellie Duley in the
guidance department.
Course Registration Update
Students registered for 2011-
2012 classes in their advisee
groups. If you have not already
signed a colored request form
for your student, please do so
ASAP. The master schedule for
next year is developed based on
these requests. Please check
your student’s selections carefully
to see that they have at
least six classes (including seniors)
and are meeting their requirements.
If you have questions,
please call your student’s
counselor.
GUIDANCE NEWS
Eighth Grade Parents
Informational Night
It’s that time of year when
eighth grade students and their
parents begin to think more
about transitioning to the high
school. An informational evening
for these students and
their parents was held on
March 1st. This is the annual
evening meeting when the
guidance department and academic
deans walk families
through the registration process
for 9 th grade classes. We
want to thank all those who
attended. If you were unable
to attend or have any questions,
please contact the guidance
department.
Important Scholarship
Information for Seniors
Seniors, it’s time to work on
scholarship applications. You
can visit the guidance page of
the Maranacook website for a
copy of the Scholarship Newsletter,
which lists available
awards, criteria, and deadlines.
A hard copy is also available in
the guidance office.
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 6
FASFA
Q. When do we apply for financial
aid?
A. Believe it or not, some college financial
aid deadlines have already passed.
Most haven't. Check the college's web
site to find out what their financial aid
deadlines are. Most deadlines are between
February and August.
Q. If we missed the deadline, should
we still apply?
A. Yes, absolutely. You can receive
financial aid through the college from
the federal government until July after
the school year you want aid for. If you
miss the college's deadline, you may
miss out on money the college awards
from its own coffers.
Q. How do I file for financial aid?
A. Complete the FAFSA. You may also
need to complete the CSS Profile form.
See what forms the college requires.
Q. Does the parent fill out the FAFSA
or the student?
A. If the student is a typical, 18-yearold,
high school senior, the answer is
very likely to be the parent, even
though the "You" on the FAFSA is for
the student.
Q. How hard are these forms to fill
out?
A. They are easier than doing your
taxes, usually much easier. If your
taxes are hard, the FAFSA is likely to
be somewhat hard. They say you
should be able to complete the FAFSA
in about an hour.
Q. Do I need to have completed my
taxes before I fill out the FAFSA?
A. No, but it sure does make it easier.
Q. Should I complete the FAFSA
online?
A. Completing the FAFSA online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov gives you access to
some pretty good instructions and advice,
and you will get an estimate of
how much the federal government
thinks you should be able to spend on
college almost immediately . . . you get
the estimate almost immediately, you
get to spend the money a little later!
Q. How can I get help filling out the
FAFSA?
A. Your best sources for help are the
FAFSA web site, the college financial
aid office, Financial aid Authority of
Maine (FAME), and your guidance
counselor. If you really get stuck on
what to put on a certain line, call the
college.
Q. I was told I need a PIN to complete
the FAFSA. How do I get that?
A. You do that at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

PAGE 3
HEALTH CENTER NEWS
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 6
Health Center Student Advisors Visit State House
The Maranacook Health Center Student Advisory Committee attended a Hall of Flags event on February
8th advocating for the protection of the Fund for a Healthy Maine (FHM). The FHM helps
support school based health centers (SBHC) in Maine including the Maranacook Student Health
Center. The students met with Senator Saviello, Representative Keschl, Senator McCormick and
Representative Flood to highlight the benefits of school-based health centers which include improving
access to health care for young people, providing quality care that is cost effective and promoting
school success. Also in attendance was Dr. Thomas Leeson, the SBHC medical provider for Cony
High School and Middle School students in Augusta. Dr. Leeson joined the Maranacook students in
educating policy makers about the importance of protecting the Fund for a Healthy Maine.
SBHCs provide critical services without concern for students’ ability to pay in a location that meets
young people where they are: at school. Because of a lack of sustainable funding, these students
could lose access to vital health and mental health services, affecting their ability to excel physically,
emotionally, and academically. After the students met with the senators and representatives they
were introduced as guests in the House and Senate during the opening sessions. The student advisors
are planning a breakfast for the Maranacook Area Legislators on March 23 rd to meet the health
center staff and provide a tour of the facility.
With Senator McCormick: Courtney Gilman, Victoria
Colette, Levi Smith, Grace Kavanaugh, Jackson Pineau and
Senator McCormick
With Representative Flood: Courtney
Gilman, Rep Flood, Ben Barnes
With Rep Keschl & Senator Saviello: Rep Keschl, Kini Tinkham, Zach Greenham, Jackson
Pineau, Ben Barnes, Addie Bayreuther, Courtney Gilman, Levi Smith, Chris Wick, Grace Kavanaugh,
Victoria Nolette, Cindy Flye, Alyson Root, and Senator Saviello.

Page 4 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 6
MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
On February 15 th the Jazz Band did an afternoon session with Steve Grover and the UMA Tour Band at
Jewett Hall. Our band played for them and got some great direction and teaching from Mr. Grover. We
also had a chance to listen to the Tour Band perform a standard Latin tune, “How Insensitive”. Several
Maranacook players joined the Tour Band to practice jazz improvisation on another standard tune,
“United Blues.” This was the second of three sessions that the groups have scheduled for this year. The
final session will be on Friday, May 6 th at Maranacook when the bands will join together to present a
concert in an assembly for the high school student body.
Teen Issues: The UMA Tour Band will be presenting a session on jazz improvisation as a part of our
Teen Issues program on Friday, April 8 th.
Upcoming events:
Friday, March 4 th – Jazz Band performs for the First Friday Lunch concert in the student center
Wednesday, March 9 th, 7:00- PM – Concert Band and Concert Chorus performance in the HS gym
Friday, March 11 th – Show Chorus and Jazz Band perform at the Middle School
Monday, March 14 th, 7:00 PM – Jazz Band and Show Chorus perform their annual program in the
PAC, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Broadway tunes, a Sixties folk/rock medley and more!
Tuesday, March 29 th – MCHS hosts a concert for the bands from all RSU 38 schools, grades 4-12 in
the gym. The program starts at 6:30 PM
National Honor Society News
The National Honor Society group at Maranacook has been very active this year. In December we
sponsored the Academic Awards. Each student with a 3.2 gpa for each semester last year was recognized,
and students received certificates and either an academic letter or pin for their accomplishments.
Our inspirational speaker was Dr. Rick Morand, with appearances by Rep. Tom Saviello and Rep.
Keschl. Parents and family members on hand to celebrate this night filled the student center.
NHS students must also complete a minimum of 15 hours of individual community service. Our
students have been active in many events in the Maranacook community, such as volunteering at the
Manchester Family Festival, the Children’s Discovery Museum in Augusta, the art auction for the Children’s
Museum, high school Open House night, reading buddies at the Middle School, and helping at the
Manchester Elementary School Winter Carnival.
Students with a 3.2 cumulative gpa at the end of first semester will be invited to go through the
NHS selection process. Freshmen are not eligible. Please contact Paula Weisberger with any questions.
SPEECH & DEBATE
Christian Wick was undefeated in 7 rounds of competition and
placed first in the Lincoln Douglas Debate at the state speech
and debate competition. Chris will be representing Maine at
the national tournament in Dallas in June. Lyndsay Canwell
and Adrienne Nel qualified in Public Forum debate to represent
Maine at the CFL National Tournament in Washington,
D.C. next Memorial Day weekend.
CATC
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
FOR
JANUARY 2011
KRISTA POULIN
CONGRATULATIONS!!

Page 5 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 6
INFO ON YOUTH ART MONTH AT THE HARLOW GALLERY
This month there is an exhibit called Higher Forms of Art at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell. The art
work of many talented, local high school students will be on view March 2-12. MCS art teachers,
Linda Phillips and Jeremy Smith chose the work of 20 students for this year’s exhibit at the Harlow,
our local Youth Art Month event host. Youth Art Month is meant give young artists an opportunity
to show their work in a professional space, and to get a taste of what goes into organizing a professional
art exhibit. The students will participate in hanging the exhibition and planning and organizing
the opening night and provide food and entertainment for the opening. Students of Maranacook
as well as students from Cony, Winthrop, Kents Hill School, Richmond and Hall Dale participate.
The opening is Friday, March 4, 5:00-8:00 p.m. The exhibit will be open from March 2-12,
2011 on Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m. Student work from Kent’s Hill School is
featured on the show postcard. The Kennebec Valley Art Association invites the public to come and
cheer their efforts. This event is made possible in part by our season sponsor Kennebec Savings.
By Luke Wenzel By Aliza Hentschel By Morgan Birtwell
DIRECTIONS TO THE HARLOW GALLERY:
From north of Augusta take 95 South to Exit 109A; from south of Augusta take 95 North to Exit 109. From either north
or south, bear Right off exit towards Augusta, merge onto Western Ave. Continue straight on Western Ave. for 1.4 miles
to rotary. Stay in right lane approaching rotary and take first right exit off rotary (towards Hallowell). Continue straight
past State House (on Right) for 1.8 miles. The Harlow Gallery will be on your left at 160 Water Street.
MARANACOOK SOPHOMORE NICK NEUHAUS, is a member
of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Nick is pictured
here (fifth from the right wearing sunglasses) aboard the USS Jason
Dunham. The Sea Cadets had just finished assisting the ship’s
crew in giving the entire ship a fresh water washdown. The vessel
was built at Bath Iron Works. Nick’s unit, the USS Jason Dunham
DDG-109 Division, participated in a mini-deployment from February
25 through March 1. It was a unique experience for Nick to see
what the day in the life of US Navy sailors entails and what they
may encounter doing their jobs while at sea. The Cadets joined
the ship in Jacksonville, Florida and cruised with them to Norfolk,
Virginia. It was a full-uniform, working event during which they
worked side-by-side with the sailors doing military training.

PAGE 6
Going Places travelogue series
Runs on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m., drop in, $5 each.
Spain, Gibraltar & Morocco, March 8; Germany, March 15;
Alaska, March 29: Brazil, April 5.
Exercise
Hula Hoop Twists Again - Afternoons, 6 Mondays,
4-5 p.m., begins March 7.
Zumba Manchester, 6 Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., begins
March 9, drop in for $7 per class.
Yoga & Spring, 6 Mondays, 4:30-5:45 and 6:15-7:30 p.m.,
begins March 28.
Health & Wellness
Adult CPR/AED, Wednesday, March 16, 6-9:30 p.m.
First Aid, Wednesday, March 30, 6-9:30 p.m.
Numerology & Your Life, Wednesday, March 30,
6-8 p.m.
Meeting Your Spirit Guide, Thursday, April 7,
6-8 p.m.
Vocational
Small Engine Repair, 6 Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., begins March
8.
Basic Computer Skills for the Novice, 4 Wednesdays, 6-8
p.m., begins March 16.
Food & Crafts
Braided Tote Bag, 3 Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., begins
March 1.
Round Field Basket, 2 Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., begins
March 2.
Unique Eats, Thursday, March 10, 6-8 p.m.
Flora & Foodies Unite, flower show, brewery tour & more,
Saturday, March 12.
Designing with Silk Flowers, 2 Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., be-
Maranacook RSU 38 Adult Education
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 6
Helping Your Children Grow Up Strong and Staying Safe
Please Join Us!!
APRIL 6, 2011, 5:00 – 7:45 pm
Youth across the Maranacook School District grow up strong and stay safe because their parents, their
schools and their community teach them how to make healthy choices. Parents and other adults, who support
and care about our youth, are invited to an evening of celebration and sharing of ideas and experience.
Join the RSU #38 Substance Abuse Prevention Committee for a FREE spaghetti dinner and celebration of our
communities’ efforts to help youth make healthy choices. There will be discussion about what we are accomplishing
and how we are making it happen. Following dinner there will also be an opportunity to attend informational
sessions related to teen issues including topics such as cyber bullying and internet safety, establishing
and maintaining positive communication with your adolescent, and preventing prescription drug
misuse. Child care and a monitored study area will be provided for students who join us for dinner.
gins March 16.
Biscuit making, Wednesday, March 23, 6:30-8 p.m.
Stair Step Basket or Welcome Spring Tote, 2 Wednesdays, 6
-8:30 p.m., begins March 30.
Perfect Pie Crust, Wednesday, April 6, 6:30-8 p.m.
Decorate a Grapevine Wreath with Silk, Wednesday, April
6, 6-8 p.m.
Youth
Gymnastics for Children, 6 Fridays, 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.,
begins March 4.
Babysitter Training, for ages 11-15, 3 Tuesdays, 2:45-5:45
p.m., begins March 15.
Driver Education, 4 weeks, Tuesday-Thursday,
6-9 p.m., begins March 29.
SAT Prep, English & Math, 3 Mondays & 3 Wednesdays, 6-
9 p.m., begins April 11.
Languages
Conversational Spanish, German or French, 8 Tuesdays, 6-
7:30 p.m., beginning March 1.
Other
Fast Track GED, begins March 7, call 685-4923, ext 1009 for
information & registration.
AARP Tax Aide, free help with tax returns, by appointment,
Wednesday, March 23.
For information and online registration please visit http://
maranacook.maineadulted.org; email us:
adulted@maranacook.org; or call 685-4923, ext 1065.

PAGE 7 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 6
Dear Family Members,
SCHEDULING PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
You will be using an internet-based scheduling program to set up parent/teacher conferences at the
high school year. Please follow the directions below to schedule your spring conferences. Conference
dates are: March 17 and March 22, 2011, 3:00-7:00 pm.
Go to the high school website: http//:hs.maranacook.org
Click on “Schedule Spring Conferences”
To Register:
1. Enter your email address and click “Login/Create Account”
2. Fill in the required fields to register.
3. For each child, enter their student ID number, and their security value (see explanation below),
and click “ADD”
-Student ID number is the same number used to log into PowerSchool. If you don’t know the ID
number, please ask your student or contact the school.
-Security Value is your child’s birthdate. Example: April 4, 1990 must be entered 4/4/1990 (Do not
enter as 04/04/1990.)
Scheduling:
1. Pick the date you want to schedule your appointments: March 17 or March 22.
2. Each colored square represents an available meeting time. Each teacher will be represented by a
different color. You will be able to schedule appointments with the teachers that your children have
classes with as well as the advisor and guidance counselor.
3. Click on a time to schedule an appointment. You will be asked to set when you want the reminder
email to be sent to you, then click “Create Appointment”.
4. Repeat these steps until you have a time with each teacher you’d like to meet with.
Viewing, Changing and Printing your schedule:
1. Click on the blue circle to the left of your name at the top of the screen to show your appointments.
There will be links to change the time or cancel the appointment.
2. If you want to make changes to your schedule, you can log in at anytime with your email and
password.
3. At any time you can click on “printable schedule” and print the resulting page to get a hard copy
of your schedule.
.
What to do if a teacher is not available:
Parents always have the option to contact a teacher through email or by telephone for an update of
their child’s progress.
What to do if you do not have internet access available or have difficulty in scheduling appointments:
Contact Carol Labbe at the high school (685-4923 ext. 1038) for assistance.