One of the nation’s best public high schools holds open house this weekend
By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — Prospective students and curious community members alike are invited to visit the Maine School of Science and Mathematics this weekend to see what makes the magnet school consistently worthy of being ranked as one of the best public high schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
“Having been involved with MSSM in various capacities, I can tell you with certainty they are doing so many exciting and innovating things with their students,” said University of Maine at Presque Isle Provost and Academic Vice President Dr. Michael Sonntag, who served for a year as MSSM’s interim executive director.
On Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11, the school will open its doors for members of the public to visit classes and speak with educators and students; registration to attend the open house is as simple as visiting the website (www.mssm.org) or calling the school at 325-3303.
In keeping with the idiom “seeing is believing,” the highly-motivated learning atmosphere of the magnet school is better experienced than described. A founding MSSM board member of the magnet school, Limestone resident and co-owner of Thompson-Hammel LLC of Presque Isle Arthur Thompson has watched the school come into its own over the past 18 years.
With hundreds of successful MSSM alumnus at this point, Thompson has no shortage of stories of how students thrived at MSSM.
“I think it just boils down to the opportunity and atmosphere,” he said. “Also, the academic staff spends a ton of time with the students that need help, making sure they succeed. [The staff are] wonderful, dedicated people.”
MSSM is the only residential magnet school in all of New England — the nearest school that even comes close to the unique educational opportunities offered at MSSM is in North Carolina.
There are currently 110 students embracing MSSM’s unique curriculum, representing 80 communities and 15 of Maine’s 16 counties; their tuition is paid for by the state.
Executive Director of MSSM Luke Shorty was once an MSSM student himself back in the ‘90s and returned to the school as a math teacher before being named executive director.
He says that more than 50 percent of MSSM’s faculty reside on campus with the students, creating a learning environment not found in any other known public school.
“Our students benefit from a memorandum of understanding with the local University of Maine campus in Presque Isle, where students can receive college credit for a dozen courses such as genetics, biology, multivariable calculus, linear algebra and others,” Shorty explained. “Our graduates are prepared to take core courses in college upon arrival and possess the maturity and experience to adapt immediately to independent living required at the post-secondary level.”
As a college preparatory secondary school, students learn more than just advanced science and mathematics. Shorty and Director of Enrollment Management Alan Whittemore said that their students must meet core courses in arts and humanities, mathematics, science and foreign language.
“We offer over 55 courses to select from; in addition to meeting academic standards, the student must also complete 10 hours of community service along with physical education requirements,” they explained.
Whether the students are preparing for immersion in the Spanish language through a trip to Puerto Rico or creating a fictional character that’s historically accurate for the annual Gatsby Ball — MSSM students go above and beyond what their teachers ask of them.
“[The faculty] really sets the bar high, but the amazing part is how many of their kids clear that bar and go beyond,” Sonntag said. “That’s why I had no problem supporting the MSSM students receiving UMPI credits for some of their courses.”
Sonntag explained that once the school evaluated the rigor of courses and the qualifications of the faculty and students, it wasn’t hard to see that in many cases, these advanced high school students are very often doing college-level work.
“I know MSSM isn’t right for every kid, but for some it provides just the right mix of challenge within a supportive residential environment to support achievement at a very high level,” Sonntag added. “MSSM is a true Aroostook County gem and a source of pride for all of Maine. I’m proud of our relationship with MSSM and look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate going forward.”
While MSSM has received much positive praise over the years, Shorty and Whittemore had many positive things to say about the region.
“We have enjoyed our successes because of our unique location in Aroostook County, with its big skies and supportive communities,” they said. “The School is home to students from Fort Kent to Hodgdon and we welcome visitors to campus any time they find themselves in Limestone.”
“MSSM has been a phenomenal investment by the people of the state of Maine and we are excited to continue to offer the highest quality STEM education and professional development to both students, summer campers and educators,” Shorty added.
Every summer, MSSM offers a week of STEM Collaboration, inviting STEM teachers from around the state to share their experiences and ideas in enhancing curriculum in this field throughout the state.
Not only has MSSM hosted both math and science professional development events in Limestone, officials have traveled to schools, offering lab safety and chemistry demonstrations.
“Our next open house is Sunday, March 10 and Monday, March 11; we invite anyone interested to visit our website to register today,” Whittemore said.
Additional information regarding the magnet school can be obtained by visiting www.mssm.org or calling 325-3303.
