SeDoMoCha recognizes Student in the Spotlight honorees

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The SeDoMoCha School’s first Student in the Spotlight assembly was held on Friday, Oct. 25. One student from each grade and two from unified arts classes were recognized by their teachers for showing “respect”. Teachers spoke about each student to the student body, other staff members and invited parents/family members.

Elementary teachers described recognized students as ones who always include others, are attentive listeners, are good friends to all, are helpful, and are good role models for others.

Grade 7 social studies teacher Lance Timberlake shared with the attendees, “Respect is more than just a word.  Respect is a foundation on which we build our relationship. It means we recognize the worth of every person.  Respect starts with simple gestures like listening when someone speaks, valuing opinions, and acknowledging feelings. When we show respect, we open the door to effective communication and collaboration. Respect builds trust and fosters a positive atmosphere conducive for learning.  Respect is not just about how we treat others; it also involves how we treat ourselves. When we respect ourselves, we set standards for how we expect to be treated.”

All recognized students received certificates and gift certificates (elementary) to be used in the school store or dance tickets (middle school). 

Principal Cameron Archer recognized four staff members always providing a welcoming environment; whether it is another staff member who is looking for support or students needing extra support. The staff members recognized were RSU 68 Speech Pathologist Maria Brochu, RSU 68 Occupational Therapist COTA Jess Bell, grade 7 social studies teacher Lance Timberlake, and Title 1 Middle School Math Educational Technician III Samantha Greenlaw, with Greenlaw being the overall winner. All four nominees receive a personalized parking spot for the next month. 

Archer wrote, “It is with great appreciation that I stand up here today to acknowledge a colleague that embodies fostering belonging on a daily basis in our building. Fittingly enough, I get the privilege to not only acknowledge how this individual creates an environment of belonging for students, but for me personally as well. Seven years ago when I began teaching at SeDoMoCha, I was told I would be teaching health in a shared room with middle school Title services. Being a first-year teacher, I nodded my head and didn’t think twice of it. The first day I walked into teach seventh-grade health, I was greeted by this staff member with a warm welcome, a smile, and a ‘good morning, I’m your roommate! As days, weeks, months, years, went on … this new roommate of mine was always willing to provide an extra hand when needed, always willing to work with children to help create a better understanding for their learning, and always provide a welcoming, refreshing, and enjoyable place to foster relationships, confidence, and belonging. The work she does with students and the rapports she builds along the way is an honor to watch, and I am so thankful to have her as a positive mentor and member of our SeDoMoCha family. And, although I never did actually receive any rent money from this roommate, I can only hope I have made her feel as supported as she has made me feel over the years to establish a belonging for me, and hundreds of other students and staff at our school. With that, I would like to recognize Mrs. Sam Greenlaw for being this month’s staff in the spotlight award winner.”