LIMESTONE, Maine – The new year at the community school started with a lot of excitement the night of August 22 as the annual open house was held in conjunction with a “Community Educational Fair” sponsored by Limestone Community School, the Dawn F. Barnes Elementary School in Caswell and the Limestone Rotary Club.
About 325 people, including staff from both schools, students and families, community members and presenters, gathered to add a little fun and excitement to the opening of school, which was August 26 at LCS. There was something for everyone, including a hamburger and hot dog BBQ, door prizes and giveaways, music, emergency management personnel, police, and many other presentations and displays from organizations from across Aroostook County. A local beautician even provided free haircuts to students preparing for the first day of school.
As with any open house, students and their parents had the opportunity to visit their teachers and see the classrooms throughout LCS. They also had the chance to speak with the school’s new aquatics teacher, Dianne Leavitt, as all students will have the opportunity to take swimming lessons this year in the LCS/MSSM pool, which recently reopened after being completely refurbished.
The school’s outdoor program had a display near the greenhouse and barn, including a tent, fire and marshmallows. The club’s canoes, mountain bikes and ATV were also on display.
Combining the open house and fair was the idea of LCS Superintendent William Dobbins, after seeing similar events in the Houlton area. He turned to the Limestone Rotary Club for assistance.
“It’s really a great way to start off the school year by bringing the community, students and families together for this event,” Dobbins said. “But it couldn’t have happened without the collaboration of the school staff, the Rotary Club and all the people who were willing to give up their time and present for our kids and their families.
Dobbins said the event was so successful, there will probably be discussions soon on making it even better next fall!
LCS Principal Ben Lothrop was thrilled with the turnout, and credited all the hard work done by all involved for the success of the evening. “Our LCS staff has worked hard all summer, making our building and our educational program one the community can be proud of,” he said. “Our custodial staff is amazing, and our teachers had their rooms decorated and welcoming for their new students!”
“Everyone is ready for the start of a new and exciting school year,” he said.
Many schools have already opened across Aroostook County with some opening this week and the rest opening right after Labor Day weekend.
