SALEM TOWNSHIP — Students, teachers and community members have gathered nearly 400 signatures to support naming a Mt. Abram High School soccer field for retired teacher and coach Art Potter.
Potter taught physical education and team sports in SAD 58 for 30 years, and many of his former students are eager to see the soccer field become “Potter’s Park.”
“Coach Potter dedicated his life to helping kids,” organizer Rod Hanson told directors at the SAD 58 board’s Thursday meeting. “I just can’t say enough about what he did. Our soccer program is competitive because of Potter’s efforts.”
An online petition at www.petitiononline.com/potter1/petition.html reflects similar warm sentiments from Potter’s admirers.
“This is not only overdue, it is a must,” wrote Chad Henderson. “Art Potter impacted the lives of almost every student for over two decades. His mentorship of students and athletes at Mt Abram is unmatched.”
Supporters can also write to the SAD 58 School Board, Superintendent’s Office, 1401 Rangeley Road, Phillips, ME, 04966.
In other news, Superintendent Brenda Stevens told the board the district has 31 fewer students this fall, compared to last year at this time. The decline is split evenly between the elementary and high school levels.
At last month’s meeting, Stevens explained the history of student assessment and various testing methods. At the Thursday night meeting, she said Response to Intervention, a federal and state program designed to identify and support students who are struggling academically, can determine if and how students respond to specific changes in instruction.
Early screening determines which students are at risk for not meeting grade-level standards. Some may have behavioral or emotional problems that interfere with learning. Students whose test scores or screening results fall below a certain cut-off may require more specialized academic or behavioral interventions, according to the Maine Department of Education.
Frequent progress monitoring evaluates each student’s academic performance and modifies instruction as required. Several district teachers have learned RTI monitoring and evaluation methods, Stevens said.
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