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Hello Medomak Middle School community! For everyone's benefit, this will be the first message for Medomak Middle School, but for maximum coverage, I have asked that it be posted to the ADG and DRG sites as well.
Because of the great number of questions about our new school, I thought I would present this message as a "frequently asked question" message with accompanying answers. I hope you all find this informative, and if need be do not hesitate to contact me personally if you have further questions. Happy Holidays to all.
Sincerely,
Ben Vail
Medomak Middle School Principal
1. How is the construction coming?
As of this second week of December, the project is still slightly ahead of schedule. All site work is completed with the exception of some finished paving and a little bit of landscaping around the building. All siding is completed except for a small section above the main entrance. The ballfields are finished and should be ready for play in the fall. Inside, the classroom wing(the left as you look at the front of the building is nearly done. Painting, wainscotting, cabinetry, lights and most of the classroom flooring is complete. Lockers will be installed soon. In the remainder of the building, sheetrocking is nearly all finished. The basketball backboards are up, and painting will begin soon in that area of the building. At present, the contractor is looking at signing off on the building in late February or March.
2. When will we move in?
The Middle School Building Committee looked at a mid year move in date if the building was to be finished in January. With the later anticipated completion, the MSBC voted unanimously to open Medomak Middle School in September, 2008.
3. What was the original completion date for MMS?
When the project was approved, final completion of the project was set for late April, 2008.
4. What will happen to sports teams at MMS when the schools consolidate?
The final answer for this question will be decided during the budget process, but at present, we will be proposing the following team offerings for MMS: Boys and girls soccer; boys and girls cross country; 7th grade boys and girls basketball, 8th grade boys and girls basketball; wrestling; cheering; 7th and 8th grade softball; 7th and 8th grade baseball; and track. We are excited about all these opportunities, but particularly for the chance to offer track for the first time.
5. What other activities will be offered at MMS?
We will plan on offering many of the same activities, such as after school art, band, chorus, drama, yearbook, student council, and mathcounts. We are also planning on involving community members and resources in an after school program that allows students the chance to expand their learning beyond the school day. Because we are going to a centrally located middle school, we are also proposing a late bus to make the after school programs more accessible to students whose parents work and may not be able to pick them up. You will see more on this later, and of course, all of these plans are pending budget approval and/or grant approval.
6. Will the 7th grade classes be regrouped at MMS?
The short answer is no. To elaborate, we will be placing the academic teams in wings with current 7th grade ADG and DRG students and staff in the same wing, and next year's 7th graders will be placed in classes with students from both sides of the district. We will also be planning activities for the current 7th graders to allow them to get to know their new school mates.
7. What will happen to AD Gray and DR Gaul?
AD Gray must be offered to the town first when we close. At that point, it is up to the town of Waldoboro. If the town chooses not to take over the building, the district would then have the opportunity to make use of the school, sell it, rent it or demolish it. DR Gaul is scheduled at this time to become the new home for the Educational Service Center and the Rivers Alternative Middle School, which serves as the middle school alternative school.
Both schools will conduct closing ceremonies at an appropriate time in May or June.
8. How will this affect the daily middle school schedule next year?
The Medomak Middle School will be on a schedule linked to Medomak Valley High School. Start time will be approximately 7:40, and the day will end at approximately 2 PM. Middle school students will ride on established high school bus routes. This will not be a change for current 7th graders at ADG, but for new 7th graders and current 7th graders at DRG, this will be an adjustment to an earlier time. Please watch for further information about exact times as we get closer to the official opening of school.
9. How was the identity of the school chosen?
During the fall of 2005, there was a ballot that was sent out both on paper and electronically that was open to all SAD 40 residents. The results of the balloting provided the school name Medomak Middle School, the mascot River Hawks, and colors blue and gold.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Vail
Because of the great number of questions about our new school, I thought I would present this message as a "frequently asked question" message with accompanying answers. I hope you all find this informative, and if need be do not hesitate to contact me personally if you have further questions. Happy Holidays to all.
Sincerely,
Ben Vail
Medomak Middle School Principal
1. How is the construction coming?
As of this second week of December, the project is still slightly ahead of schedule. All site work is completed with the exception of some finished paving and a little bit of landscaping around the building. All siding is completed except for a small section above the main entrance. The ballfields are finished and should be ready for play in the fall. Inside, the classroom wing(the left as you look at the front of the building is nearly done. Painting, wainscotting, cabinetry, lights and most of the classroom flooring is complete. Lockers will be installed soon. In the remainder of the building, sheetrocking is nearly all finished. The basketball backboards are up, and painting will begin soon in that area of the building. At present, the contractor is looking at signing off on the building in late February or March.
2. When will we move in?
The Middle School Building Committee looked at a mid year move in date if the building was to be finished in January. With the later anticipated completion, the MSBC voted unanimously to open Medomak Middle School in September, 2008.
3. What was the original completion date for MMS?
When the project was approved, final completion of the project was set for late April, 2008.
4. What will happen to sports teams at MMS when the schools consolidate?
The final answer for this question will be decided during the budget process, but at present, we will be proposing the following team offerings for MMS: Boys and girls soccer; boys and girls cross country; 7th grade boys and girls basketball, 8th grade boys and girls basketball; wrestling; cheering; 7th and 8th grade softball; 7th and 8th grade baseball; and track. We are excited about all these opportunities, but particularly for the chance to offer track for the first time.
5. What other activities will be offered at MMS?
We will plan on offering many of the same activities, such as after school art, band, chorus, drama, yearbook, student council, and mathcounts. We are also planning on involving community members and resources in an after school program that allows students the chance to expand their learning beyond the school day. Because we are going to a centrally located middle school, we are also proposing a late bus to make the after school programs more accessible to students whose parents work and may not be able to pick them up. You will see more on this later, and of course, all of these plans are pending budget approval and/or grant approval.
6. Will the 7th grade classes be regrouped at MMS?
The short answer is no. To elaborate, we will be placing the academic teams in wings with current 7th grade ADG and DRG students and staff in the same wing, and next year's 7th graders will be placed in classes with students from both sides of the district. We will also be planning activities for the current 7th graders to allow them to get to know their new school mates.
7. What will happen to AD Gray and DR Gaul?
AD Gray must be offered to the town first when we close. At that point, it is up to the town of Waldoboro. If the town chooses not to take over the building, the district would then have the opportunity to make use of the school, sell it, rent it or demolish it. DR Gaul is scheduled at this time to become the new home for the Educational Service Center and the Rivers Alternative Middle School, which serves as the middle school alternative school.
Both schools will conduct closing ceremonies at an appropriate time in May or June.
8. How will this affect the daily middle school schedule next year?
The Medomak Middle School will be on a schedule linked to Medomak Valley High School. Start time will be approximately 7:40, and the day will end at approximately 2 PM. Middle school students will ride on established high school bus routes. This will not be a change for current 7th graders at ADG, but for new 7th graders and current 7th graders at DRG, this will be an adjustment to an earlier time. Please watch for further information about exact times as we get closer to the official opening of school.
9. How was the identity of the school chosen?
During the fall of 2005, there was a ballot that was sent out both on paper and electronically that was open to all SAD 40 residents. The results of the balloting provided the school name Medomak Middle School, the mascot River Hawks, and colors blue and gold.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Vail