New members of the School Committee (SC) were welcomed at the Nov. 11 meeting. They are Nicole Yeo-Fisher, Michelle Littlefield, and Mia DeScantis. Sarah Perkins was reelected. The SC elected Perkins chair and Stewart McCallister vice-chair.

Six Narragansett students described the school’s Leadership Program. 43 5th graders were chosen to serve as role models for younger students, be helpful during the day, and make the school a welcoming place. They make kindergarteners feel comfortable, help in the cafeteria, hold up bus numbers at dismissal, and always use kind words. The students said the program teaches them the difference between being a leader and a boss, to appreciate differences, and respect boundaries.

Brian Jandreau, principal of Gorham High School (GHS), introduced the Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELO). The program lets students safely explore career opportunities while still in high school. Led by Eliza Kenigsberg and Grace Olsen, the program received a $250,000 grant from the Maine Department of Education. Olsen was hired using these funds, but the position would need local funding after this school year.

While working with students, Olsen facilitates opportunities for them to job shadow or intern with local businesses. Students get school credit for hands-on-experiences, much, but not all, in trades. Two seniors spoke. Owen Duplisea wants to be a teacher and is in his second year in the program. He has worked with two teachers and taught a class in narrative writing. Collin Page, who wants to be in aero-space engineering, has an internship at age 18 with a local company.

The program started with nine students in 2020. By 2024 there could be 53 students participating. Sixty mentors have worked with students, along with dozens of Gorham businesses and organizations offering them opportunities to, as Jandreau said,” get out of GHS in their senior year and build bridges in the community.”

The third presentation was an overview of the GHS Technology Program. The three teachers, Randy Perkins, Robert Weed and Eamon White, teach processes and knowledge related to technology. They explain to students that technology is more than just understanding computers and cell phones. We use technology to meet human needs and solve human problems. There are 484 students enrolled in technology courses that range from an introductory course to classes in digital media, graphic arts, architectural drawing, video production, and modern shop skills. One unit of technology is required for graduation.

Kia Armstrong and Julia Wareham spoke about how they benefited from their technology course work, both as introduction to potential career choices and as useful knowledge.

Superintendent Heather Perry commended Police Chief Chris Sanborn and Gorham first responders for their responses to the Lewiston shooting. She also announced that substitute pay for special education classes has been increased. There are 16 new substitutes. A third training session will begin soon.

School Committee members voiced support for Lewiston and thanked administrators for how they handled the situation. They also thanked voters for support on Election Day.

They approved (7-0) changes in the Graduation Policy. Of the 22 credits required for GHS graduation, students in classes 2024 and 2025 will need 1⁄2 in health. Beginning in 2026, they must have a full credit. Students are required to have 20 hours of community service to participate in the graduation ceremony.