Aspirations

Our purpose is to establish and facilitate ongoing partnerships that will advocate
and plan for higher personal expectations, improved personal and
academic performance, and a broadened sense of career, education and
life choices.  We currently achieve this mission through three
projects:  a school based mentoring program, the Martin Luther King
Day of Service and Aspirations Grants, funded and awarded by LL Bean,
for new initiatives within the schools that raise student aspirations.

May 2010

ASPIRATIONS AND JMG VOLUNTEER FOR THE 2010 UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING:  On May 20th, the Aspirations Partnership teamed up with 21 students in the JMG Program (Jobs For Maine Grads) at Freeport High School to participate in the United Way Day of Caring.  We were part of 1000 volunteers helping 90 non profit agencies in Greater Portland.  Our group volunteered at Ruth's Reusables, an organization that provides teachers from member schools with a variety of free school supplies.  We raked, mowed and pruned the front yard, and then stained the entrance steps.  The students worked hard and made a huge difference for Ruth's.

ASPIRATIONS GRANTS UPDATE:  The RSU 5 Student Aspirations Partnership received 9 grant proposals for new school based projects that address the personal and academic aspirations of students, and broaden their sense of career, life and educational choices.  The committee interviewed each applicant, and then selected 7 proposals to present to LL Bean on June 2nd.  Check back later this summer to learn more about the proposals LL Bean selects for funding.

2009-2010 Funded Grant Proposals:

Play away Project at Mast Landing: $2,000 awarded to purchase the latest in audio books.
Respect for Diversity (FHS): $1325 awarded to train students to facilitate roundtable discussions with their peers following school wide speakers at FHS.

Good Decision Making (FMS): $1475 awarded for a project modeled on Respect for Diversity at the Middle School level.             

Record This! (FHS): $300 awarded to hire a consultant to set up the recording studio.

What do all these buttons do? (FHS): $600 awarded to pay for a consultant to  train students and adult volunteers.

Freeport High School Brown Bag: $800 awarded to fund a brown bag luncheon lecture series where trades people and business leaders speak to students about the skills, education and attitudes important to becoming a good candidate for employment within their field.

Freeport Middle School Science Club: $500 awarded to generate enthusiasm for and engagement in science.

Adventure Ropes (FMS): $5,000 awarded to make repairs and updates to the current Ropes Course making it safe for use.

Freeport Family Theater:  $3,000 awarded to begin a community theater project to foster and develop an interest in the speaking stage and its allied arts.  This project serves as a feeder for Freeport Community Players and the High School Theater Program.

 MENTORING PROGRAM--VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:

The Community Connection Mentoring Program is in its tenth year of serving students in grades 3-12. We would like to call attention to the profound difference the mentors in our community are making in the lives of our youth. Kind, caring adults who volunteer their time to support, encourage and challenge young people inspire all of us to give back. Mentors help young people to build confidence, make connections in their communities and become more successful in school.

We read stories in the paper about successful businessmen, competitive athletes and inspiring teachers, and one thing they often have in common is a mentor who guided them along the way. Most of us can probably think of at least one adult we looked up to when we were young--someone who believed in us.

The need is great for more mentors for students in grades 3-12! We ask mentors to commit to mentoring an hour a week, while school is in session, for the duration of the school year.  No special skills or training are required-just the ability to be a good listener.  We thank all of the caring, committed mentors for their dedication and energy and urge more adults to get involved. For information about becoming a mentor, please contact Meredith Charest, RSU5 Student Aspirations Coordinator, at charestm@rsu5.org or 865-0928 ext. 29.  

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE:  The Aspirations Partnership sponsors a morning of service projects each year on Martin Luther King Day.  Planning for this event begins in the fall.  We welcome suggestions for projects and non profit organizations we might contact to help, as well as volunteers interested in serving on our planning committee.  To become involved, contact Meredith Charest, RSU5 Student Aspirations Coordinator, at charestm@rsu5.org or 865-0928 ext. 29.

STEERING COMMITTEE:  The Aspirations Partnership Steering Committee is comprised of parents, students, teachers, administrators, and the superintendent.  We meet 6 times a year.  We help recruit mentors, plan the Martin Luther King Day of Service and lead service projects, and review Aspirations grants.  We welcome new members and new ideas for ways we can best raise the aspirations of the students in RSU 5.  If you are interested in joining our committee or attending a meeting, or would like to share an idea, please contact Meredith Charest at charestm@rsu5.org or 865-0928 ext 29.