Embedded Files
Chess Program
Chess Program
Chess has often been considered to be one of the most perfect teaching and learning tools. Students learn math skills, strategy, creativity, thinking ahead, how to focus, problem-solve, and most importantly, how to win a lose graciously. Chess helps students build confidence and translates into real life skills.
Since, 2014, chess has been an important part of ELP in grades 1-12. PTGs have partnered with ELP at most RSU#71 elementary schools to help fund chess lessons and chess sets so that all interested students have an opportunity to participate.
Nearly all RSU#71 schools hosts a chess club or chess team and each year, students in grades 2-12 compete in various local and regional tournaments. The Belfast Library has partnered with our schools to provide elementary students with an additional after school opportunity for free lessons and periodic competitions.
Results of the 2020 Maine State Team Chess Championship
RSU#71 Students at the 2020 BFL Tournament:
Geography Bee
Geography Bee
Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include more geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase community and family awareness about geography. Students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge!
Since 2010, the Extended Learning Program has coordinated the RSU#71 fourth and fifth grades Geography Bee in all of our elementary schools. Participating students receive participation certificates. In addition, first and second place winners from each class go on to compete in the RSU#71 Elementary School Geography Bee Championship to determine our overall elementary school champion! The GeoBee takes place in late January or early February.
Results of the 2020 RSU#71 Elementary School GeoBee Championship
2020 RSU#71 GeoBee Champions and Finalists:
THMS Thrive Club
THMS Thrive Club
Thrive club offers opportunities to direct environmental concern and knowledge into community projects such as developing pollinator friendly gardens and educating the public about ecological best practices
CASS Ornithology Study
CASS Ornithology Study
Students observe and document bird activity on their school campuses. Independent research and projects lead students to a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Ames Garden Club
Ames Garden Club
A group of enthusiastic students have adopted raised beds to reform into a pollinator friendly garden to be enjoyed by all.
Artastics Ice Carving Team
Artastics Ice Carving Team
THMS was well represented at this year's 2020 Camden WInterfest: The Dog Days of Winter Ice carving competition by a group of enthusiastic 7th graders who call themselves The Artastics.
*2021 event canceled.
STEM Activities and Collaborations
STEM Activities and Collaborations
In grades 4 and above, ELP facilitates pairing experts within the community to work with students in areas including computer programming, natural history, math enrichment, and drone use. BAHS offers many Science and Engineering clubs and courses some of which are supported in part by the ELP program. These activities engage students in scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills to develop solutions to current problems and to collaborate on cutting edge projects.
Field Ecology Day
Field Ecology Day
Some years, ELP elementary school students come together for a site-based ecology field study tied to work done throughout the school year in ELP classes. In 2019, students captured, observed and identified macro-invertebrates, and explored bird life at THMS. They recorded their findings in their field journal.
World Oceans Day Celebration planned for Spring 2021
THMS Math Team
THMS Math Team
The THMS Math team is a collaboration between the THMS math department and ELP. Once students begin working through the 6th grade math standards, they may compete on the team. The team competes in both regional Math Competitions and the MATHCOUNTS event.
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