Editor:

During teacher professional development time Thursday, Aug. 29, I was honored to meet Ted Damon and Ann Stockbridge of the Education Foundation of the Kennebunks. As a teacher and citizen of the Kennebunks for the past 25 years, I was so excited to hear them speak of the mission of this organization. Their aim is simple: “enhancing the educational excellence for students and teachers in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport public schools.” Financial support supplements those ideas that fall out of the realm of the regular budget for teachers and schools.  Their grants particularly target innovative ideas that will have a long-lasting impact on the school community or those ideas that bring local citizens in to work with teachers and students in a collaborative manner.

Examples of projects that my school, The Middle School of the Kennebunks, has benefited from include these: Imovie project – students have access to 12 digital cameras to make their own documentaries.Videoconferencing equipment – students have communicated in real time with fellow students in Japan, Canada and various cities across America. They have also consulted with stockbrokers, authors and artists. Exchange City – students have experienced the entrepreneurial and economic nature of working in a city while also working with volunteers from their own community. International Baccalaureate Sculpture – students worked with art department teachers and local artists to create a representation of the IBO ethos.

In this era of tight dollars, the EFK is a shining star for the students and staff of MSAD 71. Thank you so much for your positive energy and commitment to the young people of our incredible community.

Mary Hebert

Teacher and resident of Kennebunk