Page 17 - Newsletter Spring 2021

From the HALLS

By Tim Tweedie, Principal
This is the 29th annual Model production. The best part about of the recent modifications to
Schools Conference and the this is that all family members, the state’s guidelines. While
team of Houlton High School alumni, and other viewers can we missed out on many of our
educators have been asked to do tune in to watch this event from annual activities this year, we are
four presentations. The group anywhere in the world! The back to performing and that’s
will speak on the topic of Mak- 2021 Houlton High School made for some happy students.
ing Connections and Building graduation ceremony will once Currently, we have high school
Relationships and we look for- again be held at the Houlton jazz band, high school jazz
Greetings from the halls of ward to having the opportunity International Airport. We are combo, high school modern
Houlton Middle-High School! to share some of our secrets to incredibly grateful to the Town band, middle school jazz band,
success. of Houlton and many of their and middle school modern band
It’s hard to believe that there department heads for helping all taking place. Also, in March,
are less than 30 days left in This week, we celebrate Teacher make this possible. Unlike last nearly twenty high school
this school year. While much and Staff Appreciation Week! year, we will have a prom! While students participate in the state’s
of this year has been focused As their principal, I hope it goes it will be held outdoors and One Act Play competition. This
on the challenges related to without saying how incredibly will require physical-distancing year’s performance was titled
COVID-19, we truly have had proud I am of the efforts our (along with a few other restric- Bad Auditions...On Camera,
an incredibly successful school staff members have made this tions), the students are excited to and it scored good enough for
year and I am grateful for this year. While this is not official, have this opportunity. fifth in the state. Kudos to our
opportunity to share some of it is my belief that our district’s musicians, thespians, singers,
those highlights with you. students have been in school I will close with an update on and music teachers for thinking
more than any other school some of our beloved extra-cur- outside the box this year to pro-
In October, I shared that district in the state. This has ricular activities. After a vide opportunities for everyone.
U.S. News and World Report not happened by accident. Or- successful winter sports season We can’t wait until we can once
Houlton High School had been ganization and a commitment that allowed our middle and again safely pack the building’s
named the state's eighth best to do whatever was necessary high school students to show off beautiful auditorium for live
school (out of 125) in the state to keep students in school five their skills on the cheer mats, performances.
of Maine. Well, this spring, the days per week have helped make the ice rink, and the basketball
positive news continues as we this possible for our kids and court, spring sports have kicked These are just a few of the many
were named one of the United our community. Our local off in style. Our track and field recent happenings at 7 Bird
States 16 Model Schools and educators have gone above and teams, which started up again in Street. With graduation ap-
Innovative Districts. As part beyond during this difficult 2014 under Coach Chris Rines, proaching, I find it necessary to
of this recognition, six district time to ensure that our schools are proving to be amongst the share my heartfelt gratitude for
educators have been invited remain open, so please join me very best in the region. Our all that the Alumni Association
to present in June at the 2021 in celebrating their dedication girls team, in particular, has does for our district’s students.
Model Schools Conference in in this 2020-21 school year. dominated some of their recent You continue to find ways to
Nashville, TN. The six person meets and have high aspirations give back to this amazing school
team is made up of: End of the year events are right this spring. The high school and community, even during
- Danielle Thibodeau, HS around the corner. This last softball team has great num- trying times such as those we’ve
Math Teacher (Class of month will involve final exams, bers and should be one of the all experienced in the past year.
2003) state testing, AP exams, and lots top teams in Northern Maine. I cannot thank you enough and
- Erica Tweedie, Director of of other academic traditions. Additionally, both, our boys and I hope we make you proud by
Guidance (Class of 2000) It will also involve some fun girls tennis teams have strong continuing to elevate our status
- Heather Fagnant, HS So- activities as we have once again numbers and have already had as one of the best schools in the
cial Studies Teacher (Class had to find creative ways to cele- successes in their early matches. state of Maine.
of 1993) brate. While we are happy to see Middle school sports have just
- Heather Mitchell, HS the country beginning to open recently gotten underway and Sincerely,
Science Teacher up after fifteen of the strangest there are strong participation
- Nanette Mills, HS English months we will ever experience, rates throughout. Tim Tweedie
Teacher (Class of 1990) we still have limitations on Principal
- Tim Tweedie, Principal gathering sizes. So, as it was last In the arts, our singers and Houlton Middle-High School
year, Last Chapel will be a virtual musicians are thrilled with some

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