ORANGE -- The seventh grade staff at Ralph C. Mahar Middle School recently welcomed seventh graders and their families with a cookout.
Teachers and aides from the Lincoln and Jefferson houses recently served over 300 burgers and hot dogs, along with beverages, chips, and specially decorated cakes to the families of their students. Before the meal was served, families gathered in the cafeteria for a welcome by Betsy Willis, team leader for the Lincoln House. She introduced the staff members and explained that the class will be having a fundraiser in October to facilitate field trips and activities over the next two years.
Teacher Carole Normandin indicated the colorful drawings located in the cafeteria and hallway, and explained that the students had recently completed the "glyphs" which were based on their own characteristics. Students drew large images based on calculations of how much of their time was spent in various activities such as reading, visiting with friends, listening to music, etc. The size of eyes, ears, neck, etc., in the drawings indicated the time students spent in each activity. Parents were asked to see if they could identify their child by the drawings.
Superintendent Dr. Reza Namin dropped in to wish the class well before heading to a meeting in the library. Mahar Principal Paul Goodhind also welcomed the families, and Middle School Dean of Students Jim Trill spoke of his enthusiasm for the success of the class of 2014.
Al Mexcur, adviser for the Middle School Fish 'N Game Club spoke to parents about some of the planned activities planned in the coming year, especially the upcoming trip to the "Big MOE," Massachusetts Outdoor Exposition. Club members and their families will go to the Big MOE on a club-sponsored bus this weekend.
Teachers Eric Glazier and Nick Wisniewski spent the evening manning the grills outside the cafeteria. Teacher Judy Curley helped to serve the meal to the families.
Seventh grade staff includes Willis, Normandin, Randall Stewart, Bareene Strandli, for the Lincoln House, and Glazier, Wisniewski, Claire Reilly, and Aimee Marden.
Meghan Stone, Tammy Nail and Maureen Riendeau are paraprofessionals for the class.
