Brewer Teacher Educator Honored Commissioner recognizes seven for their alternative education work May 21, 2009 Education Commissioner Sue Gendron, along with Governor John Baldacci and Jonathan Ross, past-chair of the Truancy, Dropout, and Alternative Education Advisory Committee presented awards to individuals who have made a significant contributions to meeting the needs of children and youth at risk in their communities at a Blaine House event Thursday. Recipients are chosen because of their impact on young people whose lives might have turned out quite differently if not for the caring and intervention of these individuals. The awardees have worked to create caring, respectful and safe learning environments for students while supporting them academically to attain the Maine Learning Results standards. Mr. David Morris, an alternative education teacher in the Alpha Program with the Brewer School Department was one of seven individuals recognized statewide. “The seven individuals being recognized today have some important qualities in common,” said Governor Baldacci. “Every day they give their time, energy and heart to the youth of Maine. They are the main reason why some youth stay in school or have re-engaged with school. And they do not accept failure in students, but collaborate with school and community members to create pathways of success and support along the way.” Gendron said all of the recipients are resourceful and do “whatever it takes” to help each student become successful. “None of these seven accepts failure in their students and they support them in being successful in their lives,” said Gendron. “Every student has a special gift, and we cannot afford to lose that.” Local school district dropout prevention committees submitted nominations to the state Advisory Committee on Truancy, Dropout and Alternative Education, which advises the Commissioner on what causes students to be truant or to drop out, and methods to address the issues. According to Dr. Daniel Lee, Superintendent of the Brewer School Department, the success and excellence emanating the ALPHA program is due to the leadership of David Morris. He has perspective and the understanding necessary to motivate these young teens. Mr. Morris is incredibly caring. Every June, graduating seniors are required to write essays reflecting on their school experience and their future plans. To a student Morris is cited as their main reason for returning to school. Two years ago one senior thanked Morris for letting him return to “alt ed” several times. The senior understood that it took time to realize the importance of a high school diploma and despite his many poor choices Mr. Morris was always there to lend a hand offering his unwavering support and encouragement.

Congratulations Erin Mills !!! Brewer High School senior Erin Mills has been selected as one of two 2009 Presidential Scholars from the state of Maine. The Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to honor our nation's most distinguished high school seniors. Each year some 3,000 candidates are identified based on the College Board SAT or ACT Assessment. Erin was notified of her candidacy during the winter and submitted application materials, including an essay. She became a state semi-finalist in April and received news of her final selection when Brewer Physical/Outdoor Education teacher Mark Savage tracked her down at a drama rehearsal. Mr. Savage had received that information because he had been named by Erin as the teacher who had influenced her the most. Along with her academic excellence, Erin is involved in several Brewer High School activities. She has been a teaching assistant in the Outdoor Education program, has performed in several Brewer Youth Theatre productions, has been a member of the Swim Team for two years, captained the Math Team, is a member of both Student Council and National Honor Society, and is active in her church. The daughter of John and Jenny Mills, Erin has been accepted at Princeton University, where she plans on studying Mechanical Engineering. Both Erin and Mr. Savage will travel to Washington, D.C. in June to participate in the program's National Recognition Week. We, here at Brewer, are very proud of your efforts!!! CONGRATULATIONS ERIN.

Brewer Youth Theatre presents "Curtains"   With the production of the spring musical "Curtains", Brewer Youth Theatre says goodbye to a number of talented seniors, including two who have been a part of the program since third grade. In their tenth year of participating in drama, Erika Cote and Jamie Bartol take their last bows on the Brewer Middle School stage that has been a home away from home. Read more about them in this feature article from the Bangor Daily News

"Brewer Elementary/Middle School Campus" Groundbreaking The Brewer High School District Trustees conducted a Groundbreaking Ceremony for Brewer’s New Pre-K to Grade 8 School. Pictured here are Lester Young, Superintendent Lee, Cal Bubar, Jason Richards, Janet McIntosh, Amanda Bost, William Leithiser, Mark Farley, and Mark Chambers.

Nutrikids On-line Lunch Payment Program debuts at the High School NUTRIKIDS SYSTEM is up and running in the High School Cafeteria. We invite parents to take advantage of the pre-pay program available on line. There is a $1.75 fee per transaction if paying on line with credit or debit cards. There is NOT a fee if paying by cash or check in the cafeteria. We will have a cash register open each morning from 7:15 to 7:45 each morning to accept prepayments, and prepayments can be made during lunch times. There will be one cash register out of three where no change will be made during lunch time; any amount paid over the purchase will be applied to the student’s account. Paying in advance will enable students to move more quickly through lunch lines allowing more time for eating and socializing. Please call Marilyn Gould at 989-8644 if you have any questions.

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