SeDoMoCha recognizes students’ responsibility

DOVER-FOXCROFT — SeDoMoCha Elementary and Middle School hosted a special schoolwide assembly on Jan. 30 to recognize students in kindergarten through grade 8 who demonstrate responsibility.

A student from each grade was selected by teachers, along with another chosen by the kindergarten through grade 4 unified arts team and one selected by the grade 5-8 UA teachers. 

Teachers shared remarks about their students before calling them to the podium to receive a certificate, gift certificate to the school store and round of applause from an audience filled with students, staff and proud family members.

Honorees are kindergartener Gunnar Wooddell, first grader Ivy Irvine, second grader Isla Malay-Harmon, third grader Lily-Mae Schmick, fourth grader Garrett Robbins elementary unified arts student Grace St. Jean, fifth grader Lydia French, sixth grader Adrianna Jewell, seventh grader Libby Yeo, eighth grader Ava Pulkkinen and middle school unified arts student Lily Allen. 

Families had received notice of the event, but were asked to keep the recognition a surprise — making for a heartwarming and joyful reactions and well-deserved celebration. Each teachers’ heartfelt words described the ways their students demonstrate responsibility each day.

The event concluded with enthusiastic applause and smiles all around as the school community celebrated.

SeDoMoCha recognizes students throughout the school year for demonstrating Habits of the Mind.

Kindergarten teacher Ashley Goodine said “Responsibility means learning to take care of ourselves, our materials and the people and spaces around us. In our classroom, this student has been taking on more responsibility each day. Every morning, he takes care of his backpack and winter gear, checks for his blue folder, begins his morning jobs and offers to walk our class folder to the office. During stations, he shows responsibility by helping pass out materials and offering support and encouraging words to those around him. He understands that being responsible means listening to others, learning from our mistakes and continuing to grow as a learner. At centers, he demonstrates responsibility by taking great care of our classroom materials. He helps sort items at beautiful stuff, checks the covers on art supplies in the studio and works with peers to tidy up other spaces. Gunnar understands that our classroom belongs to all of us, and that being responsible helps everyone in our class community become their best learners. 

Grade 1 teacher Melissa Stearns said responsibility is a big word in grade 1, let alone for older students and adults. “To be responsible, you do the things you ‘are expected to do’ such as following school and classroom rules, taking care of your belongings at school, returning your Take Home Folder on a daily basis, respecting boundaries in your classroom and throughout the school, taking ownership for your actions, choosing to do the right things even when it’s hard and sometimes that can be really tough to do. You follow through with what you say you will do. You do the things that need to get done, even if you don’t feel like it — that’s responsibility.”

“She is the epitome of responsibility. She always follows directions the first time, is respectful of others and her classroom, chooses to do the right thing when others may not choose to, is super responsible for her learning and school work and is just an all-around good kid to top it off. Her parents should be awarded as well because responsibility is learned in the home when children are just toddlers and her parents have done an outstanding job.”

Grade 2 teacher Roxanne Chadwick says the honoree always follows the rules, listens carefully and tries her very best every day. She takes care of her belongings, completes her work on time and helps others when she can. Isla also consistently makes good choices, shows kindness and empathy and asks for help when she needs it. 

Grade 3 teacher Alanna Wilson said Schmick “is a reliable role model and a trusted part of our classroom community and is always encouraging others. She shows a strong sense of responsibility each and every day, caring for her work and materials, happily volunteering to help out with any task and always looking out for others. When things get difficult she’s able to openly communicate with others and is quick to figure out a solution. She’s a curious and patient participant in every lesson and often offers to help anyone who may need it after completing her own work.”

Grade 4 teacher Beth Weymouth said Robbins “comes to school ready to learn, completes his schoolwork and always tries his best. He listens to his teachers, follows classroom rules and helps keep his work organized. Being responsible is not always easy, but this student shows that with effort and a positive attitude, it can be done. We are very proud of him and the great example he sets for others. When every staff member who works with him comments on how responsible he is, and even a substitute teacher mentions he was the only one who was responsible in completing his work and was very respectful, he truly deserves this recognition.”

Grade 5 science teacher Madison Waters said the team “would like to recognize a student who shows responsibility in everything they do. Whether it’s coming to class prepared, following instructions or always giving her all. This student takes ownership of her learning and makes thoughtful choices each and every day. Outside of school, she is a dedicated athlete who stays committed and is always looking for ways to grow and improve. She is a wonderful role model.”

Grade 6 math teacher Morgan Whitten said “Responsibility goes beyond simply completing assignments; it’s about taking ownership of one’s learning, and this student consistently does exactly that. They come to class prepared, with the materials they need and a readiness to learn. This level of preparation sets a positive example for others and reflects a strong commitment to their education. What truly stands out is how this student communicates. When they have questions, they take the initiative to check in with their teachers rather than remaining confused or falling behind. If they miss a class, they follow up, ask what they missed, and take responsibility for catching up. This level of accountability demonstrates maturity and respect for the learning process.”

Grade 7 science teacher Kendrah Fisher said Yeo “truly lives out the trait of responsibility — not just when it’s easy, but every single day. Responsibility isn’t just about getting your work done. It’s about showing up prepared, managing your time, taking ownership of your choices and caring about the people around you. And this student does all of that and more. From the moment class begins, this student is ready to learn. Their work is completed on time, their materials are organized and in their binder, and they are prepared before the lesson even starts. There’s no scrambling, no excuses — just consistency and effort. But what really sets this student apart is that their responsibility doesn’t stop with themselves. They look out for others. They help peers without being asked. They check in. They offer support. They ask teachers if they can help with classroom tasks — not for recognition, but because they genuinely want to contribute. 

“Outside the classroom, this student is just as impressive. As a three-season athlete, they balance academics, athletics and commitments with maturity and determination. That kind of balance takes discipline, time management, and a strong sense of responsibility — and they handle it with grace. Most importantly, this student is a genuinely wonderful human being. Respectful. Dependable. Kind. Someone teachers can count on and classmates can look up to. Responsibility is a habit that builds success, trust and leadership — and this student demonstrates it every day in big ways and small ones.”

“It is fitting that we’re honoring a student for responsibility the same week as our eighth grade students have officially started the transition process to Foxcroft Academy,” grade 8 science teacher Jonathan Dumont said. “Mr. Pratt spoke at length about high school putting a premium on personal responsibility. At FA, students will be given the opportunity to learn new content, life skills, participate in extracurricular activities and ultimately develop into valued members of our community; if only they are responsible and take advantage of those opportunities. 

“The student we have chosen consistently shows responsibility both inside and outside the classroom. In the classroom, she is always on task, asks questions when needed, follows behavioral expectations and turns work in on time. She is on top of her studies and is set up for success at FA because of these habits. Her teachers can count on her to be doing what she is supposed to be doing.For me, however, outside of the classroom is where this student truly shines. I first met her last year when she volunteered to help out with the eighth grade science fair. I was able to give her multiple tasks with little oversight and she successfully completed them. Finally, she is a valued member of our cheerleading team, whose coach said there were ‘so many examples of her being responsible to even name.’ One example, however, was her ability to show her value to the team all season despite a mid-season injury through her leadership, positive attitude and team-first mindset.

“In music class, Grace is quiet but determined,” teacher David Murray said. “She always gives every task her absolute best effort. However, her work in our production of ‘Dot and the Kangaroo’ is where her responsibility truly took center stage. In theatre, being responsible means being prepared and working hard so that the whole cast can succeed, and Grace did just that! She stepped into the challenge of her very first musical with energy and focus. She always put 100% effort into rehearsals, learning some fairly complex dance moves and a lot of music and lyrics. From our first rehearsal to the final bow, I could see the growth that came of her hard work and responsibility. I am incredibly proud of the quiet but determined character that she has shown this year!”

Middle school art teacher Ashley Pillsbury said Allen embodies responsibility academically, socially and emotionally, “This student shows responsibility by always doing her best and producing high quality work. She shows social responsibility in our community through kindness and awareness of others, regularly offering a friendly greeting and smile to those she encounters. She is mature, reliable, and emotionally intelligent. She sets a strong example for her peers and fully engages in her learning. Besides her shining contributions in the art room, this student contributes her leadership in other school pursuits, such as art club.”

For January Staff in the Spotlight honors the category was  “Creating, Innovating & Imagining”. Nominees were grade 3 Jannifer McNaughton, elementary PE and middle school health Kasey Bevis, pre-K ed tech Sonya True and elementary art Theresa Sneed — the award recipient.

The teacher we chose for this category exemplifies creativity, innovation and imagination in every lesson they teach. Through engaging projects and thoughtful instruction, they inspire students to explore self-expression, take creative risks, and see the world through an artsy lens. Just as important, they lead with care; creating a classroom where every child feels valued, encouraged, and safe to be themselves. This wonderful elementary art teacher consistently brings creativity, innovation, and imagination to life in their classroom. Their lessons spark curiosity, invite exploration, and empower students to think creatively while developing their own unique skills. They also foster a supportive, inclusive environment where children feel seen, valued and encouraged to grow. Their passion for both art and our students leaves a lasting impact, helping young learners build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

The following students are being recognized for perfect attendance for January: Margo Cabot, Marceline Merrill, Gracelynn Hall, Laken McNaughton, Isabelle Conner, Eric Lanthier, Jace Robinson, Connor Hall and Wade Worster.

While these students may not yet have perfect attendance for the entire school year, each has missed fewer than three days of school to date. Their consistent attendance supports academic success and growth.

Attendance remains a priority at our school, as we value having each and every student present every day, engaged in learning and contributing to our school community.