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Watershed Junior, Sarah Pinkham, Volunteers at the Equestrian Special Olympics

On Saturday, September 26th, the Equestrian Special Olympics were held at in Skowhegan, ME. Freedom Riders, a non-profit organization in Warren, ME, that provides Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to special needs children and adults, entered a team of 9 riders ranging in age from 8 to adult.

An organization like Freedom Riders can not function without the support of many volunteers. Some of those volunteers are teenagers, such as Sarah Pinkham, age 16, a Junior at the Watershed School. Sarah, who has been riding since she was 7 years old, wanted to use her skill with horses to make a difference in her community. Sarah studied riding at Hunter Hill Farm in Union. Over the years she competed on many horses, working her way up through Introductory Level Dressage, Training Level, First Level and finally, competing Second Level at USEF/USDF recognized horse shows. Since coming to Watershed, Sarah has given up competitive riding, as her time has shifted to academics, school activities and work. Her long range plans include obtaining a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. A therapeutic riding program like Freedom Riders, provides her with the opportunity to fulfill the volunteering requirements of her school, obtain experience related to her future career, and satisfy the need to give something positive to her community. In addition, it provided an opportunity to keep Sarah engaged with horses.

At Special Olympics, the volunteers do everything from lugging gear, and running messages, to helping keep the children and horses safe by acting as horse handlers or side-walkers, as necessary, given the skills and challenges of the young riders. Many of the volunteers are adults, but teens can play a special role in these circumstances, as young children and pre-teens, often look up to their teenaged supporters as role models and mentors, having already built a special relationship with them during the lesson season. Sarah is especially well equipped to calm the nerves of a young equestrian charge, as she well remembers the jitters and anxieties associated with competition. . Sarah was the one on one for Kylie Lane, age 8, throughout the day. She made sure that Kylie was ready for each of her classes and helped her get her horse ready. The attention she gave Kylie, helped this young equestrian gather the confidence to go on to win a 1st place in equitation and working trails.

All Freedom Riders volunteers go through a training at the beginning of the season, with the number of hours dependent on the position held by the volunteers. The position of "horse handler" required Sarah to undergo six hours of training before the start of the spring session. She volunteered every Friday after school, and during the summer, from June through September, and accompanied the team to the Equestrian Special Olympics. Her volunteering commitment for the year, ended with the Freedom Riders Horse Show on October 2nd. In all, Sarah volunteered over 20 hours of service, plus travel time, to this very special organization.

For more information about volunteering opportunities with Freedom Riders call (207) 273-2282.

Watershed School Gets Green Light for Accreditation

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges has now officially recognized Watershed School as a Candidate for Accreditation. According to the report filed by the visiting committee made up of educational leaders from around New England, “the students of Watershed are its best marketing asset. One student when asked why she was at Watershed replied, simply, ‘I like learning.’ The committee felt that this is a shared sentiment among the student body.” Other students added, “the most important thing Watershed has done is to make me a happier person who enjoys learning.”

The mission of Watershed School is to establish a high school learning community that cultivates excellence, creativity, respect, and compassion. According to the candidacy report, “The Mission at Watershed is a living document, readily evident in all aspects of the community.” The process of accreditation provides Watershed with the opportunity to reflect on what is working well and what needs to change to strengthen the program. According to the Chair of Watershed’s Board of Directors, Mary Smyth, “The timing is right and Watershed is poised to move to the next phase of its development so that it can serve a wider community of learners in midcoast Maine.”

In addition, the report emphasized “the faculty at Watershed who represent the school’s greatest and most valuable asset.” With 19 faculty members and 26 students, Watershed provides a unique student-to-faculty ratio with classes ranging in size from 4 to as many as 12 students. According to Watershed’s Director, Will Galloway, “this makes for a unique learning environment supportive of individual growth and responsive to the views of others- elements essential for success in the 21st century.” One recent graduate of Watershed reflected on their experience stating, “It was the first time that I witnessed a school where nobody was feeling left out and where everybody had courage to find his or her place in the community.”

The next phase of the Accreditation process focuses on Self-Study to identify how well the school is doing in fulfilling its mission according to the school’s constituent members. Surveys are being mailed out this week to parents, graduates, current students, faculty and community members. We appreciate you participation in this very important step towards full accreditation. Special thanks to Ralph Moore, Jude Masseur and Mary Smyth for keeping us focused and building momentum!

Watershed Students Named to All-State Orchestra

Fiona Boyd, Nora Willauer, Sophie Davis, Josie Davis and Nathan Hillman, all high school students at Watershed School in Rockland, have been selected to join the 2009 Maine All-State Orchestra. The orchestra is part of the All-State Music Festival, which brings together Maine’s finest choral, orchestral and band students for three days of intensive rehearsal culminating in a public concert. This year’s festival will take place at the University of Southern Maine on May 20, 21 and 22.

The five Watershed students are all string players who have known each other and played music together since they were very young. The two Davises and Boyd play violin, Willauer cello and Hillman viola. Josie Davis, a junior at Watershed, is joining the orchestra for her third year while Boyd, Willauer, Hillman and Sophie Davis are all freshmen and will play with the orchestra for the first time.

All particularly enjoy playing in small chamber groups. In 2006, the Davises, Hillman and Willauer formed the Calliope String Quartet, which performs throughout the midcoast. All five students are part of the Odeon Chamber Ensemble, a self-conducted, 12-member string ensemble that performs twice each year at the Rockport Opera House.

In addition to a love for the music, their technical skill comes from hours of hard work, although they don’t necessarily think of it this way. Josie Davis considers playing “always a challenge, but never a chore.” Willauer wouldn’t exactly call it play — it’s “serious, but fun,” and Sophie Davis thinks of practicing as play, “because it’s what I love to do.” Hillman considers practice work. His passion is composing. He has composed dozens of pieces ranging from solo etudes to concertos. For Boyd, it’s some of both, “scales are work but everything else is play.”

Josie and Sophie Davis live in Waldoboro, Willauer in Hope, Hillman in Monroe and Boyd in Thomaston.

Paul Sullivan Concert to Benefit Watershed

Watershed School presents an evening concert by Paul Sullivan with guest artists Sophie and Josie Davis, violins, at the Rockport Opera House on Saturday, April 4th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A reception will follow.

Paul Sullivan is a Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer who blends classical, jazz, and other styles to create a lively and upbeat sound. As a soloist, with his trio, and as a member of the Paul Winter Consort, he has played concert tours in most of the United States and Europe, as well as Croatia, Israel, Costa Rica, Japan, and Russia. Sullivan has played with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Pops and in many of New York’s finest jazz clubs.

Josie and Sophie Davis are talented classically-trained violinists who are familiar faces to Bay Chamber audiences. They are members of the Odeon Chamber Orchestra, Calliope String Quartet, and have given several duo recitals in the midcoast. Both are students at Watershed School.

Paul, Josie, and Sophie will create an unforgettable evening of beautiful music ranging from original works, including music Paul has written for this occasion, to Latin tangos, to Mozart.

This is a benefit concert for Watershed School. Proceeds are devoted to student scholarships.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students. They can be reserved by calling or emailing the contacts below, or purchased at the following outlets: Rock City Books and Coffee, Wild Rufus Records, The Market Basket, Fertile Mind Book Shop (Belfast) and Maine Coast Books and Café (Damariscotta).

For information, please call Watershed School (594-1873) or contact Janet McMahon at jmcmahon@midcoast.com

Beginning with Habitat presentation: “Taking care of our own back yard” to be held at the Watershed School in Rockland.

Did you know that on the back side of Rockland is one of the largest peat-lands in the southern half of the state? Rockland Bog, also called the Oyster River Bog, is 6,000 acres in size and is home to nearly 25% of the plant species that occur in Maine. And within a stone’s throw of Route One are the salt marshes and tidal creeks of the Weskeag, which provide foraging habitat for one of the midcoast’s richest concentrations of migrating shorebirds. These and a wealth of other habitats define the character of Rockland, Thomaston, and South Thomaston. A basic understanding of our local natural resources—forests, wetlands, deer yards, open space for recreation, working landscapes—is a critical first step in deciding how best to use the land around us. This fall, the Watershed School’s Conservation Biology class visited the Rockland Bog, paddled the St. George River, measured forest diversity in Thomaston’s Jack Baker Woods, and hiked some of the region’s many ridges along the Georges Highland Path, a trail system of the Georges River Land Trust. For the past 21 years, the Georges River Land Trust has been partnering with landowners and communities who live in and around these special places to conserve and steward them for future generations. To share some of what the students have learned with the wider community, Watershed School is partnering with the George’s River Land Trust to host a Beginning with Habitat presentation on planning with the Rockland/Thomaston area’s natural resources in mind on Thursday, December 4 at 1:00 PM at the Watershed School, Lincoln Street Center. All are welcome to attend.

The presentation will feature Steve Walker, of the Maine Natural Areas Program, who will give a slideshow on the wildlife, habitats, and other natural resources of the Rockland, Thomaston, and South Thomaston area. The presentation is intended to help people learn about the nature and importance of the region’s open space and how it is changing as the area develops. In addition, Steve will have detailed maps and data to give to each town that are designed to inform future planning efforts. Residents, town officials, and students are invited to add their own knowledge of the area to the maps.

Beginning with Habitat is a unique partnership between the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Natural Areas Program, the State Planning Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Audubon Society, and other organizations that have come together to help towns plan for open space. Molly Docherty, director of the Maine Natural Areas Program, one of the sponsors of the program says, "The goal here is to balance growth with the protection of natural resources for wildlife, recreation, sustainable forestry, and agriculture". Beginning with Habitat presentations have been given in over 180 towns to date.

For more information about this presentation, contact the Georges River Land Trust (594-5166, annette@grlt.org) or the Watershed School (594-1873, jmcmahon@midcoast.com)

Watershed Students To Host Community Performance Event

Students at the Watershed School will host their first Community Coffee House of the school year on Friday, November 7, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Lincoln Street Center in Rockland. The Coffee House will feature a variety of local acts, including student performances as well as adults. Past Coffee House events have showcased classical, folk, jazz and rock music, comedy skits and standup routines. The Coffee House, which takes place two or three times a year, is organized entirely by Watershed students and reflects the school’s commitment to community involvement, performing arts education, and student initiative.

Anyone interested in performing at the Coffee House should contact the school in advance at 207.594.1873.

Admission to the event is free but donations, which will be used to fund scholarship programs, are welcome. Refreshments and coffee will be donated by Rock City Books and Coffee.

Rev. Moore to Teach Ethics Core at Watershed

September 23, 2008 --- The Rev. Ralph Moore, who retired last year as rector of Rockland’s St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, has found a new pulpit. Starting this fall he will teach a yearlong required course in ethics at Rockland’s Watershed School. Moore, a Watershed board member and a co-founder of the six-year-old independent high school, had previously taught a one-semester elective course in ethics at Watershed.

Watershed director Will Galloway says the new course is unique for a secondary school—both in its subject and the fact that it is mandatory for all students. “The course reflects our commitment to fostering individual growth in the context of community,” he says. “Making students aware of the forces that shape the way we act is not just an academic pursuit; ethics are central to working well with each other every day.”

Moore, who holds a doctorate from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., says that understanding ethical behavior should be a high priority for students—“not as a subject matter but as an essential component of daily decision-making as well as our world view.” To that end, the course involves both classroom study and practical experience with ethical decision-making. Students will learn about core values, moral courage and accepting the consequences of personal choices.

Galloway says the students are looking forward to collaboration with the Institute for Global Ethics in Camden. Such joint educational efforts have been a hallmark of the school, which is currently applying for accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Watershed School Announces New Director

May 15, 2008 --- After a thorough and nationwide search that began last January, the Watershed School is pleased to announce Will Galloway as the school’s new Director. Having served as a founding teacher and Dean of Students at Watershed for the past five years, Galloway is enthusiastic to serve the independent, academically challenging high school in this new capacity.

Watershed’s search committee, students, parents, faculty and Board of Trustees sought an energetic, hands-on director to build further and develop the small but growing school. Watershed wanted a person committed to preparing students for a lifetime of learning and community involvement, as well as a person of integrity and compassion.

Will Galloway “fit the bill” with clear distinction. He has earned an MAT from Colgate University, an Honors Degree in British History from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and is a Bowdoin College graduate, a former Peace Corps volunteer, and a professional mediator. Galloway has worked to develop an active student body able to effect positive change in their own learning and in the larger community. As a faculty member at Watershed, he has developed and sought engaging approaches to teaching and learning that give his students the opportunity to apply their critical thinking skills.

He is responsible for numerous community connections such as the school’s relationship with the Camden Conference. Due in large part to his commitment as an innovative history teacher, Watershed now organizes an annual forum for New England high school students to deliberate on U.S. foreign policy issues.

“We are poised for growth, we have an extraordinary faculty with a highly motivated and talented student body. I couldn’t be more excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity! Midcoast Maine is very fortunate to have such a unique and innovative academic institution in its midst.

His appointment will begin July 1, 2008.

The Watershed School offers exceptional academics, strong connections to the environment and surrounding communities, close faculty relationships, and a supportive, trusting school community. Students are provided with challenging instruction within a democratic, creative and respectful learning environment.

Watershed to Graduate Six Students

May 17, 2008 ---The Watershed School is proud to announce college admissions for the 2008 senior class. The graduating class includes Sam Auciello (Rockland), Alex Brandt (Camden), Mariel Dowling (Rockport), Isaac Gerard (Thomaston), Abbie Nugent (Camden), and Vincent Coletti (St. George).

Their college options include: Agnes Scott, Bates, Colby-Sawyer, Marlboro, Maine College of Art, Oberlin, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), St. Andrews University, St. Joseph’s, Suffolk, University of Southern Maine, University of Maine -Orono, University of Vermont, Washington University, and Wheaton College. Several students were also granted substantial scholarships. Sam Auciello, of Rockland, was awarded Marlboro College’s 60th Anniversary Scholarship award; a merit scholarship based on his Watershed School transcript, his application and test scores, and his work in the community. The scholarship will provide $40,000, over four years, towards tuition.

This spring’s Watershed graduates enrolled during the five-year-old school’s early years. In addition to full academic transcripts, these students gained experience helping to create a new school known for its challenging and unique academic program and process.

Philip Gerard, the school’s director commented, “Although a key focus for us as educators is developing our students’ ability to get the most out of whatever college or post-high school experience they choose, we’re delighted with the college and university placements available to this year’s graduates. The day-to-day effort and quality of our students work, both academically and as supportive members of our learning community, is reflected in the satisfaction and competence of all of our students, not only the senior class.”

Graduation will take place June 7, 2008.

The Watershed School also supports younger students who want to expand their high school experience by enrolling in seminars, educational programs, or international exchange programs. A sampling of these opportunities includes involvement in the Center for International Education and Exchange, National Society of High School Scholars, Midcoast Forum on Foreign Affairs, Bread Loaf Writers Conference, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, New York City Model U.N. and language immersion programs in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Director Phil Gerard Looks Back on Watershed's First Five Years

March 17, 2008---Years ago I had a conversation with my friend Connie St. John, a former school director. She said, “You know Phil, schools can have great brochures, nice facilities and wonderfully stated philosophies, but, in the end, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Well then, how is the Watershed pudding... how are we doing so far?

During our 5 year history, with 40 total students, we’ve had: 12 graduates; 3 students accepted into advanced high school/college programs; 5 students have received substantial scholarships to colleges or interim programs; 9 students who, as part of their Watershed education, have attended European high schools for a full year; and 10 foreign exchange students. Students have done well on PSAT, SAT and AP exams, and two students qualified for National Merit Scholarships. College admissions as of last year: Eckerd, New School University, Dalhousie, Simon's Rock College, UMO Honors Program, UNH, University of Hawaii, McGill, College of the Atlantic, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, North Carolina School of the Arts, Central Maine Technical, Lesley, Earlham, Beloit, Boston University, Clarkson, Royal Scottish Academy of Music, St. Andrews, Northeastern.

Even more important is that Watershed students have been proud of the school they create every day, and every year. Along with our faculty, we expect students to work hard and help create a happy, excellent, and supportive learning community. Is it always happy, supportive, and excellent? No, and if it were, we’d have little to teach! Our teachers spend many hours in discussion, and in action, to teach and model effective learning and interactive behavior. We feel that Watershed students should graduate with more than a transcript detailing courses completed. Our goal is for students to leave the school truly confident in their abilities as learners; with strong and growing skills as writers, readers, analysts, and observers; as creative and effective co-workers; and as competent, positive young adults.

Watershed is in its fifth year. Like a five-year-old we've learned a lot! Like a five-year-old, we are still very much in our infancy… and like a five year-old we might bite off more than we can chew! This year we have offered 25 different courses, 3 major all-school trips, lots of flexibility for students pursuing special programs and activities, and individual tutoring and support. (All this plus 17 part- and full-time faculty, classroom and other rentals, textbooks, computers, insurance, phones, copies, classroom and office supplies, college admissions, bookkeeping, after school events, fundraising, outreach, legal advice, phys. ed., etc. on approximately $180,000… i.e. the cost, at a public school, including overhead, for hiring two experienced teachers.)

We are still very much a “start-up” (upstart?) school. It's a time full of excitement and potential, and therefore a special opportunity for pioneer students and their parents. If you choose to be involved with Watershed we request and appreciate your understanding, creativity, input, and support. Be assured that we are still fully committed to making Watershed into a stable and innovative school, widely recognized as an exceptional opportunity for high school students.

With best wishes, Philip Gerard

Workshop Week at Watershed

March 1, 2008---Following Watershed School’s February break students returned to something other than classes as usual. For the entire week, February 25 – 29, students attended workshops on a variety of subjects. According to Phil Gerard, Watershed’s director, “The idea for a workshop week came from our students responding to the question “How can we enhance the Watershed Experience?”

Not all of Watershed’s students attended the workshops. Several students accompanied Ralph Moore, Watershed’s Ethics teacher, on a trip to Costa Rica.

Workshops offered during the week included: “PSAT, SAT and other Standardized Tests: tricks and practice tips”; “Basic First Aid” ( a seven-hour certification course); “Personal finance: budgets, investments, savings”; “A Food and Nutrition Primer”; “Personal Organization Skills”; and a “Fix It” session on repairing flats, sharpening tools, and house wiring.

In addition to the workshops, students continued with their program of math studies. Students also prepared for and carried out the Watershed School/Camden Conference forum, attended by more than 40 students from high schools around the state.

They took an afternoon off at the YMCA; swimming, using the weights and playing indoor ultimate Frisbee. Friday afternoon the whole school went to the Camden Snow Bowl to ski and tube.

Third Time is the Charm for Watershed School’s Student Forum on Foreign Affairs

February 29, 2008---Beginning in 2006 the Watershed School, an independent high school based in Rockland, has offered an unusual forum for Maine students: a chance to deliberate -- with other students and with specialists from the Camden Conference -- significant topics in International Relations. This year, Watershed’s third year as the host for this high school forum, more than 50 people showed up to take part in the program.

The focus of the forum, “Islam, Terrorism, and US Policy in the Middle East” brought students and faculty from Portland’s Waynflete School, Kennebunk’s New School, Damariscotta’s Lincoln Academy, and Belfast’s River School as well as the Game Loft, also located in Belfast. According to the invitations mailed out by Watershed’s Western Civilization class, the purpose of the forum was “to provide students and other community members with the opportunity to learn more about religion in world affairs and to engage in a unique process of deliberation and discussion developed through Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Relations.”

Will Galloway, a history teacher, Dean of Students at Watershed, and the organizer, along with his students, of the Student Forum, delivered the welcome address in the school’s packed conference room. “Every year Watershed students have worked hard to plan and carry out this conference. This year’s turnout validates their hard work and indicates that high school students want a forum to discuss critical events in world affairs.”

The forum involved four components: an overview of the deliberation process, a briefing on a set of policy options, deliberation on these options, and a evaluation of group choices. The policy options discussed by the students and community members included 1- Direct an Expanded Assault on Terrorism, 2- Support UN Leadership to Fight Terrorism, 3- Defend our Homeland, and 4- Address the Underlying Causes of Terrorism.

Before participants broke into groups to develop policy responses, they were briefed on the fine points of deliberation as opposed to debate. The aim of deliberation, according to Watershed student Jay Ryan is “to share perspectives and knowledge and to build ideas, not to defend them.” In contrast, during a debate, “ideas are not built, they are contested, with the intent that you’ll win the argument.” Although Galloway and his students acknowledged that debate skills are useful, they explained that when ideas aren’t fully formed or when issues are complex with multiple needs, that deliberation is necessary. According to Galloway, “ Deliberation is a cornerstone of democracy.”

Next year, Watershed will host its Fourth Annual Forum on Foreign Relations and hopes to involve students from other schools in the midcoast. Those interested in the Forum or in the Watershed School should call 594-1873 with questions, or visit the school’s website: www.watershedcommunity.org .

Search for New Watershed Director Begins

This past fall, the Board of Trustees reluctantly accepted Phil Gerard’s letter of intent to step down from his role as director, effective June 2008. We did so with deep appreciation for his vision, tireless efforts and accomplishments at the Watershed School.

As we transition to new leadership, Watershed School is on solid ground. Enrollment for the fall of 2008 already exceeds last year’s numbers and we expect to see the school grow at a reasonable but healthy pace into the future. The outstanding leadership of Phil Gerard has guided these initial years and now we are well positioned for a new leader to build upon his legacy.

The Board of Trustees designated a search committee in late November. The committee's timetable calls for the public announcement of Phil’s departure and advertisement of the position in early March, initial review of candidates at the end of the month, and interviews in April. The committee hopes to make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding the next director by the end of May.

In the meantime, we celebrate Phil by offering him our admiration, gratitude and best wishes for adventures to come. We look forward to his involvement with the school in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Ralph Moore, who is a parent of a recent Watershed graduate, trustee, and Co-chair of the search committee.

Barbara Fiore

President

Board of Trustees

Watershed Student Receives the Marlboro College 60th Anniversary Scholarship Award

This is the season when high school seniors begin receiving some important mail in response to their college applications. Those envelopes, whether thick or thin, all contain weighty news: am I in, or am I rejected? Sam Auciello, a senior at Watershed , recently received both an acceptance letter and a surprise. Without having applied for a scholarship, Mr. Auciello was awarded the Marlboro College 60th Anniversary Scholarship award. This merit scholarship was awarded based on his Watershed School transcript, his writing skills, excellent standardized test scores and work in the community. The scholarship will provide $40,000, over four years, towards tuition at this southern Vermont college.

The Princeton Review 2007 edition of "The Best Northeastern Colleges" gives Marlboro its highest Academic rating, along with Swarthmore, Williams, Middlebury, Haverford, Wellesley and the Olin School of Engineering.  Only three schools--California Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, and Reed--turn out higher percentages of future life science PhDs. Just seventeen top it in math and computer sciences. One of the fruits of the GI Bill, Marlboro was founded in 1946 by returning veterans with the help of Robert Frost, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker, and scientist and regent of the Smithsonian Institution, Dr. Caryl P. Haskins. According to Loren Pope, in Colleges That Change Lives, Marlboro is a college where "...they turn out the essential leaven of democracy: bold, clear thinkers, people of vision and character. You will find the Marlboro adventure far more intense and intellectually demanding than Harvard, or any other Ivy or Ivy clone. There is simply no comparison. Nearly 70 percent (of graduates) go on to graduate school, and to the top ones."

The son of Shlomit and Joe Auciello of Rockland, Sam has been at Watershed for four years.   Every summer Sam worked to help pay for his own tuition at Watershed, an indication of his appreciation for the school . With four months left of high school his full schedule includes AP Calculus, AP US History, Honors Biology, Literature, Latin, and Senior Project (in his case building a 17' day sailer). What does he see himself doing in the future? "I've always liked computers and will probably work in that field, but I also like science, politics, literature and music, so I want to go to a liberal arts school rather than a technical or engineering- type of college."  Will he go to Marlboro? "The scholarship is great, and I'm grateful, but right now I'm waiting for a letter from several other schools. Luckily Marlboro gave me some time before I have to accept or decline."

Watershed School Announces New Faculty Members for 2007-2008

The Watershed School, in its fifth year of operations, announces its 2007-2008 faculty. Many Watershed teachers are former or current college professors or are professionally acclaimed in their chosen disciplines. Novelists, journalists, scientists, engineers, editors, film producers, athletes and artists enliven the Watershed curriculum. “Watershed’s high expectations, seminar style classes, all with 10 or fewer students, are made possible by the school’s remarkably qualified teachers and their enthusiastic students”, according to Barbara Fiore, Watershed Board president. “We are delighted and impressed by the qualifications, creativity, and commitment of this year’s faculty.

New additions to the 2007 faculty (and their course offering) include:
• Richard Grant –Literature. Richard is a novelist with 8 published novels. He was a contributing editor to Down East magazine, chaired the literature panel of the Maine Arts Commission, and won a New England Journalism Award for his column in The Camden Herald.
• Nancy Griffin - Journalism. Nancy is team teaching with Melissa Waterman. Nancy, a former newspaper reporter and editor, has been a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines and trade publications for more than 20 years. (Fall Semester only)
• Jessie Davis - Documentary Film. Jessie is a graduate of College of the Atlantic and Rockport College (Film). Her documentary film projects include a widely distributed film, “In Our Image,” produced by a group of MDI high school students.
• Charlotte Horovitz – French II. Charlotte grew up in Switzerland, is a graduate of Connecticut College (History) and was a teacher of French at the Dublin School in New Hampshire.
• John Krauss- Advanced Fencing. Owner/Director of Down East School of Fencing, and New England representative of the United States Fencing Association. (Fall Semester only)
• Laura McGrath – Physical Conditioning. A graduate of Northeastern University in Philosophy, Certified as a K-8 teacher, Nationally Certified Ski Instructor, and Watershed's Administrative Officer.

Other Watershed teachers include:
• Peter Chamberlain - Ceramics (sculpture) - MFA Syracuse, sculpture; BFA Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), sculpture.
• Alexandra Doan - Beginning and Intermediate Fencing. Colby-Sawyer College (Former National Championship Equestrian Team).(Fall Semester only)
• Sherry Frazer - Ceramics, Geometry, Biology Lab - Ed. M. Harvard University, B.A. Environmental Science, Earlham College.
• Will Galloway - (Dean of Students) Western Civilization, A.P. U.S. History- MAT Colgate University, Honors Degree, British History - University of St. Andrews, Scotland; B.A. History, Bowdoin College.
• Philip Gerard - Honors Biology- M.S. Biology, M.S. Environmental Policy, Tufts University, B.A. Agriculture and Natural Science, Burlington College.
• Peter L. Kalajian - Physics, Observational Science, Mathematics B.S. Electrical Engineering, Cornell University; Master, Nautical Science Faculty, Sea Education Association.
• Ralph Moore – Ethics of War - B.A., English, Stanford University; M.Div., Union Theological Seminary; D.Min., Episcopal Divinity School.
• Charles Packard – Latin - M.A. Classics, Harvard University, B.A. Classics, Bowdoin College
• Dee Peppe – Photography - MFA Savannah College of Art and Design.
• William Smith – Spanish – DELE (Diploma en Español como Lengua Extranjero), M.A. University of Toronto – English Literature; B.A. Notre Dame - English, Romance Language, and Music
• Melissa Waterman - Journalism - M.A., Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island; B.A. American History, Wesleyan University.(Fall Semester Only)

Locally regarded as an independent high school that looks and feels more like a college, the Watershed School is also known for some unconventional course offerings. Classes such as Ethics of War, Journalism, Cosmology, Environmental Chemistry, Chinese History, and Fantasy in Literature contrast with the school’s conventionally titled high school courses such as A.P. U.S. History, English Composition, Latin, Physics, and others. According to Watershed Graduate Lizzie Moore, currently enrolled in the North Carolina School for the Arts, “I can truly not imagine a better place to learn.”

Describing the growing maturity of Watershed’s program, Philip Gerard, the school’s director, is clearly upbeat. “Beginning our fifth year, the quality of our academic program is truly exceptional. Our policy of ten or fewer students per class; the experience and credentials of our faculty; student enthusiasm and involvement; the quality of student teacher discourse; the genuinely cheerful and supportive environment; the high quality course offerings; and the overall preparation of our students for college and as competent, curious learners make it very clear that we are offering an extraordinary educational opportunity not available anywhere else in this area.”

Tremuloides Garner Three Consecutive Spirit Awards In Ultimate Tournaments



Tremuloides with SOTG awards

Watershed's Ultimate Frisbee team, called Tremuloides, has won the Spirit Of The Game Award at all three tournaments in which they participated this year.

Ultimate Frisbee is a team sport played with seven players per team. Play proceeds by progressing up the field, and ultimately into an end zone to score, by passing the disc among team members. Even in the highest levels of competition, the sport does not employ the use of field officials or referees, but is instead governed by the concept of Spirit Of The Game (SOTG). Players call their own fouls and work out on-field disputes mutually. SOTG also entails a friendly, competitive, and fun attitude for all, both on-field and off.

The SOTG Award at Ultimate tournaments is awarded exclusively according to teams’ votes for the team that they feel best embodied the Sprit of the game over the course of the competition. The SOTG Award is often valued above the first-place trophy at Ultimate competitions.

Tremuloides competed at the Cumberland Invitational in Cumberland on May 6, the Maine State High School Championships, also in Cumberland, on May 13, and the St. Johnsbury Academy Invitational, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on May 19 – 20. They garnered the honor of the SOTG award at all three. The tournaments were highlighted by general good cheer, tired legs, lots of flying plastic, fun games, and good-spirited competitors. Watershed has had a competing Ultimate Frisbee team since its beginnings in 2003.

The 2007 Tremuloides are a proud 13-member-strong squad comprised of seniors Danji Buck-Moore, who also coached and captained the team, Lizzy Moore, Sam Perkins, and Lilly Whitehead, juniors Sam Auciello, Vinnie Coletti, and Nikolai Riedel, sophomores Melody Brink and Loraine Legris, and freshmen Harper Alexander, Ian Brooks, Meara Cafferata, and Zofia Lamprecht.

Pick-up games of Ultimate can be played locally in Camden behind the Mary E. Taylor Middle School, 34 Knowlton Street, at 4 pm on Sundays, and in Belfast right on the water (or rather the park next to it) on Fridays at 4 pm. All levels of play are welcomed and new players are encouraged to come! Tremuloides and the Camden Hills Ultimate Team, the Wapple Warriors, also plan on hosting a public Hat Tournament (where teams are randomly picked from a hat for the day) in mid to late June.

For more information about the sport of Ultimate, the Tremuloides, or where to play, please contact Danji Buck-Moore at danjidanji@gmail.com or 596-0421.

100% of Watershed Class of '07 are enrolled in College



Watershed Seniors

We're proud to announce 100% college placement for our 2007 senior class. This year’s college acceptances are a milestone for the school as many of our spring graduates were pioneering freshmen, starting their high school careers the same year the school opened. In addition to full academic transcripts, these students gained four years experience creating a new school and its unique academic program and process.

The 2007 graduating class includes Danji Buck-Moore (Rockland), to McGill University in Montreal after taking a year off, Katy Dodge (Rockport) to College of the Atlantic, Dora Fiske (Camden) to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Elizabeth Moore (Cushing) to North Carolina School of Music and Drama , Brian Payson (Union) to Central Maine Technical College, Sam Perkins (Thomaston) to College of the Atlantic, and Lilly Whitehead (Rockland) to Audubon Expedition Institute at Lesley College.

Philip Gerard, our Director, commented, “Although a key focus for us as educators is developing our students’ ability to get the most out of whatever college or post-high school experience they choose, we’re delighted with the college and university placements available to this year’s graduates. The day to day effort and quality of our students' work, both academically and as supportive members of our learning community, is reflected in the happiness and competence of all of our students, not only the senior class.”

Class of '08 graduation will take place June 7, 2008.

Watershed School Holds Astronomy Seminars



Meara Cafferata discussing lunar surface features

On March 7th Watershed School and the Central Maine Astronomical Society (CMAS) hosted a series of seminars at the Lincoln Street Center. Students in Watershed’s Observational Science class and visiting Bates professor Eric Wollman gave presentations.

The day began with eight freshmen delivering the results of their night sky research projects. The audience included faculty, parents and community members. Harper Alexander of South Thomaston and Callie Moore of Cushing discussed their methods and findings for determining the orbital periods of Callisto and Europa, two of Jupiter’s moons. Loraine Legris, a French exchange student living in Camden, discussed her project to determine the variations in magnitude of Algol, a variable star. Josie Davis of Waldoboro described her examination of Saturn’s orbital characteristics and her methods to determine its planetary diameter. Matt Snow of South Thomaston shared his findings on meteor frequency. A description of the orbital frequency of Titan, a moon of Saturn’s, was presented by Ian Brooks of Rockport, and Meara Cafferata of Camden shared her findings on the apparent rotational surface features of the moon. These 14- and 15-year old scientists gathered data for these presentations using direct night sky observation, with the help of telescopes loaned by CMAS. Because observation of celestial objects occurs at night and not under human-arranged schedules, these students were often compelled to work during the grip of artic temperatures and at all hours, sometimes even through the night!



Josie Davis discussing Saturn's movements

Later that evening, Bates College Professor Eric Wollman gave a presentation on "Cosmology in the 20th Century,” providing an overview of the state of cosmology to date. A lively discussion followed the lecture, much of which focused on Professor Wollman’s alternative to the Hot Big Bang theory.

Professor Wollman received his PhD in physics from the University of California Berkeley in 1976, where he worked on high-resolution infrared spectroscopy of stars and interstellar gas. In 1979, after three years as a postdoctoral research associate at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, he joined the faculty of Bates College. He is currently Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and teaches a wide variety of courses in both physics and astronomy. Since coming to Bates, his research has shifted from infrared spectroscopy to theoretical topics, including plasma physics and cosmology. His interest for many years has been the identity of the dark matter and conditions in the early universe.

The Watershed School’s Cosmology Class and the Central Maine Astronomical Society sponsored this lecture jointly.

Watershed Attends National High School Model United Nations Conference



Sparked by student interest, the United States History class traveled to New York City to participate in the National High School Model United Nations conference. Assigned to the Kingdom of Tonga, a small, south Pacific island nation, students researched key questions from the perspective of their country and submitted a lengthy position paper addressing topics including, global literacy, the morality of economic sanctions, border security, and international law.

In addition to participating in model UN committee sessions, students attended an opening ceremony held in the General Assembly room of the United Nations, visited the permanent mission and embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga to meet with the Deputy Minister, and explored highlights of New York City including the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station and Carnegie Deli!

Students were accompanied by Spanish teacher, Billy Smith, Watershed friend, Annie Bailey and US History teacher, Will Galloway. Special thanks go to Betsy Mayberry of the Camden Conference for arranging our free accommodations at the Children’s Aid Society Camp in Chappaqua, New York.

Watershed Senior Lizzy Moore Accepted to Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

Watershed School senior Lizzy Moore has been accepted to attend the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Recognized as a top European music school and considered "Julliard's U.K. equivalent," RSAMD was officially established in 1929, and originated from the Glasgow Athenaeum established in 1847.



Lizzy plans to pursue a Bachelor's degree in music, majoring in Viola. She is, however, equally excited about pursuing voice studies and drama opportunities. "If I have the time, I would love to get involved in the theater, but I know how busy I will be with my music," admits Moore. Students at the academy are expected to participate in a myriad of instructional programs including: weekly individual lessons, chamber music coaching, coaching for voice, weekly performance classes with professional accompanists, second study instrumental/vocal lessons, involvement in three opera productions per year, and a highly developed orchestral program.

A long-standing violist, violinist, singer, and youth conductor of the Odeon Orchestra, Lizzy is no stranger to performance. In addition to Watershed's required core academic courses, she studied music arrangement, composition, performance, and recording. Her audition for RSAMD included several challenging pieces by Bach, Campagnolli, and Telemann. She is looking forward to the intensity of instruction found only at this elite program level. Living in an urban environment is extremely attractive to her as well. She admits to loving Maine, but looks forward to the countless cultural opportunities found in a big city.

Lizzy has been with the Watershed School since it first opened in 2004. She spent her junior year abroad in Germany, and loved living and studying in Europe.

Mariel Dowling Accepted to Middlebury College Writer’s Program



Mariel Dowling has been accepted to Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Young Writers Conference. Bread Loaf is the oldest writers conference in the country and its Young Writer’s program is the only one of its kind in the US. Admission is highly competitive and dependent on the applicant’s writing abilities.

During the last 87 years Bread Loaf has counted among its faculty members many distinguished teachers and scholars. But no one has been identified with Bread Loaf more indelibly than Robert Frost, who first came to the School in 1921. Friend and neighbor to Bread Loaf, Frost returned to the School nearly every summer for 42 years. Other notable teachers include George K. Anderson, Carlos Baker, Harold Bloom, James Britton, Richard Brodhead, Cleanth Brooks, Reuben Brower, Donald Davidson, Elizabeth Drew, A. Bartlett Giamatti, Laurence B. Holland, Nancy Martin, Perry Miller, Martin Price, John Crowe Ransom, Donald Stauffer, and Wylie Sypher.

In 2007, the New England Young Writers Conference celebrates its 23rd year. More than 4000 promising young writers from all across New England and New York, and more than 400 high school teachers with them, have gathered together on the Bread Loaf campus of Middlebury College and spent a long weekend together in a community of like-minded poets, fiction writers, essayists, play-writers, and song lyricists. Nearly 100 distinguished writers have been involved with the program teaching at the conference and leading workshops.

Mariel is a Rockport, Maine native.

Watershed School Senior Named National Merit Scholar



Senior Danji Buck-Moore, has been named as a National Merit Scholar. National Merit Scholars receive $2500 in scholarship money. The NMSP program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Out of approximately 1.4 million high school students who qualify, only 15,000 make it to finalist status, and approximately 8200 become scholars. A student’s PSAT and SAT test scores, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service and leadership, and the host school's curricula and recommendation are all factors judged by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Danji has been a student at the Watershed School since the school’s beginning in 2003. Danji maintains a focus on both his full academic schedule and his extracurricular passion for music, Ultimate Frisbee, politics, and community service.

As a precinct leader during the 2004 election, Danji was responsible for organizing Waldo County volunteers in a get-out-the-vote drive. A student of Camden-based pianist Glenn Jenks, Danji is a keyboard player in a number of local bands. His trio, Michael Shakley and Graham, is currently performing around the midcoast. During each year’s “Project Week” – a full week at Watershed when students can pursue, with faculty support, a particular interest – Danji has developed his woodworking skills by building an electric ukulele, a 16 foot sailing dory, and this year, a stand-up electric bass. He spent his junior year abroad in Germany where he attended a German high school and performed with a local jazz big band.

Danji plans to defer his entry into McGill University in Montreal, where he's been accepted, until 2008, after a year spent in Costa Rica. Ultimately he plans to major in Music and International Relations.

Danji lives in Rockland with his parents Ralph Moore and Bridget Buck.

Watershed School Students Spearhead City Light Pollution Ordinance

Back in May, when Watershed students held their second public light pollution meeting at the Rockland Public Library, they weren’t optimistic about their effort to pass a new lighting ordinance in Rockland. The students didn’t know whether their semester of studying civil governance and policy, collecting light pollution data, researching anti-light pollution techniques and ordinances, or meetings with specialists, city officials, and the Rockland City Council, would pay off with a new city policy. "Reducing light pollution is not a cause that interests many people," explained Jocelyn Callahan, a Junior at Watershed.



On July 10th they learned that the ordinance they helped draft had been passed by the City Council and went into effect on August 9, 2006.

These students were part of an Applied Democracy course at the Watershed Community School. In February of 2006 the students began learning about how local government differs from and engages with state and national government, and how public policy is formulated and established. “ The purpose of the class was to give students direct experience with the skills necessary to effect change in their local community,” explained Will Galloway, Applied Democracy instructor and Dean of Students at Watershed. “It was our hope that, by picking a manageable project, students could be involved in the process of democratic policy-making from start to finish,” said Galloway. “We also hoped that they would have a better understanding of government, the role of informed citizens, and the effectiveness of a well-organized citizen initiative.”

For the first part of the semester students were given assignments and held discussions about the workings of state and local government. Then the class of 10th-12th grade students: Scout MacKay from Searsmont; Jocelyn Callahan from Appleton; Faith Stevens and Lilly Whitehead from Rockland; Anna Wind, Manaan Mays, Sali Amabebe, and Katy Dodge from Camden, Sam Perkins and Isaac Gerard from Thomaston, and Sam Auciello from Warren divided themselves into research, policy development, and outreach committees. Their work illustrated the challenges associated with any democratic effort. “It was difficult to coordinate our work so that everyone had something to do,” said Isaac Gerard, “and it was often difficult to come to agreement.” The class became familiar with Bismark’s admonition that people who “appreciate law and sausage should not see either being made.”

The students efforts were aided by equipment loans from several non-profit organizations in the state. The Central Maine Astronomical Society (www..maineastro.com) loaned the students a sky quality meter that was purchased specifically with this project in mind. In additon, the Maine Center for Community GIS loaned the students a handheld GPS unit in order to make a baseline map of lighting levels in the City.

The Light Pollution Ordinance, drafted by Sam Auciello of Warren, requires that outdoor lighting on new construction meet specific guidelines to avoid light shining up, or to the side, of the lighting fixture. According to Auciello, “The ordinance, although technically detailed, simply specifies that lights should illuminate just what is necessary, without wasting light and energy with scattered or undirected lighting.” "No one really loses with anti-light pollution ordinances" according to Lilly Whitehead of Rockland, because "poorly designed lighting wastes energy, can cause dangerous driving conditions, and takes away the beauty of the night sky.”

According to the International Dark Sky Association (www.darksky.org) , a world wide clearinghouse and advocacy group, light pollution in the US wastes one billion dollars of energy each year, is responsible for a significant number of traffic accidents, and may have deleterious effects on child development. It's also resulted in a whole generation of urban and suburban youth that is unfamiliar with the magic of the night sky.

The text of the Lighting Ordinance can be found here.