Much has been written nationally about the effects of the pandemic on students’ learning and motivation. There are many articles and television documentaries with concerns about the academic losses that students have suffered and the challenges that public education is enduring at this time.

In Gorham, teachers and staff are meeting these challenges directly and head-on. Staff is committed to continuing the positive atmosphere, climate of positivity, and learning structures to support the students in their care.

The Gorham community has always been proud and supportive of their schools and teachers. Teachers work diligently to meet their students’ needs and connect with families in supportive and collegial ways. If you ride by any of the elementary schools early in the morning or late into the day or on a Sunday afternoon, you might be surprised to see ten to twelve cars in the parking lots. These are teachers planning, organizing, and creating activities for their classrooms. The teachers are incredibly committed to their students.

Each elementary principal was asked about some of the ways that teachers are supporting students right now. Following are examples from each building, knowing that there are dozens of other daily occurrences in each building. In the next several editions, we will continue to highlight examples of ways that teachers and staff are motivating and supporting their students each day.

At Great Falls, Mrs. Fortier said that the New Year’s message is, “Kindness is the way to be in 2023! Stay positive and focus on ways you can be kind each and every day throughout the new year!” The Great Falls community continues to build a positive spirit daily by working together teaching, modeling, and supporting the code of conduct, symbolized by the five characters, Ricky the Respectful Raccoon, Billy the Responsibility Bunny, Olly the Honest Octopus, Kiki the Compassionate Kangaroo and Carlos the Courageous Crocodile. The portrayal of these characters by staff members is a fun way to bring the principles of the code of conduct to life.

At Narragansett School, Mrs. Eppler reported that “Third Grade teacher Stephanie O’Donnell has gone above and beyond by creating Kids Connect Clubs for students by recruiting staff and community volunteers to donate their time and talents to host before school clubs. In this setting, students can connect with each other while enjoying fun activities of their choice.

Mrs. O’Donnell has been supporting students in and out of the classroom for years and, as a Gorham resident, is committed to working with families and the community to create unique opportunities for students at Narragansett.”

Mrs. Mezzanotti stated that “Village School started the school year by reading, “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon. “The Energy Bus” features five rules for staying positive and overcoming challenges. Ms. Mezzanotte and Mrs. Fotter have monthly assemblies highlighting the rules to help motivate students. In the book, the bus driver, Joy, encourages George, the main character, to fill his tank with positive energy throughout his school day. She teaches him to say, “I am ready for a great day. I believe in myself. I trust that I will accomplish my goals and dreams.” This positive self-talk gives George the tools to have a great day, every day, no matter what comes his way.”

The teachers and staff of the Gorham Schools are fully committed to motivating students to succeed each day and teaching students the skills necessary for life.