Brunswick School Department

Please welcome Officer Greg McCarthy as the new School Resource Officer at BJHS! Officer McCarthy began his law enforcement career in 2012 as a Reserve Police Officer with the Old Orchard Police Department. Before joining the Brunswick Police Department in 2019, he had been employed for 4 years by the Augusta Police Department. Originally from Lexington Mass, Officer McCarthy obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell. Officer McCarthy was one of 2 Officers who initiated the department’s Motorcycle Unit and can be seen riding the department’s motorcycle during the warm seasons. He is one of 2 Department Civil Rights Officers and has specialized training investigating complaints of civil rights violations. During his off-duty time, he enjoys spending time with his family and coaching 5/6 grade boys basketball. Welcome, Officer McCarthy! We are excited to have you join us at BJHS.

The BSD Jan. staff health & wellness challenge has some great ways to stay healthy! Even if you aren't a BSD Staffer, start the new year by taking care of yourself! Those BSD staff who complete the tasks are entered into a "mystery drawing." Great work, HR! #teambrunswickme

Employee Spotlight: Emma Corwin Multiage 1-2 Teacher, Kate Furbish Elementary School Emma lives with her fiance, Adam and their brindle rescue, Maize. She double majored in Music and French Studies at Wheaton College. She also just received her Masters in Integrated Learning from Antioch University New England. What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud It has been a joy getting to know my new colleagues here at BSD. They are wonderfully supportive, kind, and dedicated. It is special to be welcomed into such a great team where every teacher is able to shine! I'm writing this before meeting any of the students, but I've heard they are pretty special, too. What do you like to do outside of work for fun? I love to backpack, hike and run with my dog, find swimming holes to jump into, practice and teach yoga, craft, cook, and write letters to friends and family. Favorite line from a movie? "Inconceivable!" -Vizzini, The Princess Bride If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Emma "Grandma" Gatewood, first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail. What is something you learned in the last week? A few beginner techniques for watercoloring and the many ways I can arrange the furniture in my KFS classroom.

Employee Spotlight: Aidan Sachs 4th Grade Teacher, Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School Aidan is originally from Brunswick. She graduated from Connecticut College in 2021 where she double majored in Educational Studies and Human Development. She also minored in Psychology and graduated with a certificate in Community Action and Public Policy. Aidan is currently attending USM for her Masters in Science of Education. What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud I grew up in the Brunswick Schools and I am so excited to now teach in the community that I learned so much from. I am proud to work in Brunswick because of the incredible staff that I get to work alongside! All of my teachers, coaches, and mentors in the Brunswick Schools have guided me to a career in education! What do you like to do outside of work for fun? I love spending time outdoors. Some of my favorite activities are skiing, paddling, hiking, and white water rafting! Favorite line from a movie? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” -Ferris Bueller If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Payton Pritchard What is something you learned in the last week? I learned how to do a sea kayak "scramble" self-rescue!

A big thank-you to Phoebe Doehring, Brunswick Crossing-Guard! Phoebe is another team member that helps keep our students safe. #teambrunswickme #crossingguard #schoolsafety

Employee Spotlight: Naomi DeCourcy -Ed Tech, Kate Furbish Elementary School Naomi and her wife have been together for 25 years. They have two boys; Sutter is 9 years old and Cabot is 13 years old. They live in Brunswick and love every minute of being in this town! In December of 2021, they adopted a Springer Spaniel named Birdie and he has brought so much joy into all of their lives. Naomi grew up in Wiscasset and graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington. What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud My boys entire school career has been in the Brunswick school system and therefore I've been closely tied to the teaching community here. My boys are thriving and I wanted to be a part of that magic. I'm insanely lucky to be part of the amazing crew that guides them through their education in Brunswick #BSD What do you like to do outside of work for fun? I love to ride my bike on trails, kayaking, nordic skiing, baking, gardening and being creative. Favorite line from a movie? "2 weeks? 2 weeks? You sound like a parakeet. 2 weeks, 2 weeks" - Money Pit If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Brandi Carlile (I've met her twice) but I'd love to sit down and just talk with her. Her music is amazing and she loves gardening! What is something you learned in the last week? I seem to learn this constantly but laundry doesn't fold itself and piles up quickly.

Recently, members of the BHS Young Historians met with David Watson and Sande Updegraph, Council Members for the Town of Brunswick, as well as Fred Koerber, retired BHS History teacher, to discuss an exciting opportunity to be part of the research and production of a documentary series on the history of the Town of Brunswick! The BHS Library looks forward to supporting students in their historical investigation. Any students interested in being part of this project are encouraged to stop by the library for more info! #teambrunswickme #brunswickmaine #history #mainehistory

Another example of elevating our student's voices. Last night members of the BJHS Student Council made a presentation to the School Board advocating for the adoption of using the Dragon as the official school mascot! The students used student and staff survey data along with other key metrics as part of their presentation. The board unanimously approved the request - so both BJHS & BHS are going to be Dragons! Stay tuned for more information #teambrunswickme #studentvoice #studentcouncil #brunswickmaine

Employee Spotlight: Rachel Hatem, Special Education Teacher, Kate Furbish Elementary School Rachel and her fiance, Nate, currently live in Durham. She attended Champlain College in Burlington, VT. What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud Though I'm BRAND new to the district, the community seems AMAZING and I can't wait to get to know everyone! What do you like to do outside of work for fun? I work at a brewery in Portland, but other than that I love to be outside and by ANY body of water (ocean or lake doesn't matter to me), I've recently started playing golf as well. Favorite line from a movie? "From failure we learn, from success not so much" – Meet the Robinsons If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Julie Andrews What is something you learned in the last week? How to hit a golf ball out of a sand bunker!

Congratulations to our two Golf Coaches Award Recipients. The varsity team award was presented to Garrett Countway, and the JV award was presented to Parker Churney. Congratulations on a great season! They were both part of the 2022 State Championship Golf Team.

November 15, 2022 Good Morning: Please be aware that there have been multiple reports of violent intruders in Maine high schools this morning. Based on law enforcement investigations, no reports have been confirmed and these appear to be hoaxes. Brunswick schools have dynamic and comprehensive safety and security protocols and ALL exterior doors are locked throughout the day. We are closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates as they are warranted. Thank you. Shawn Lambert, Assistant Superintendent

Come join the DRAGONS! We're hiring coaches for a variety of positions. To see all open coaching positions, visit: https://www.brunswicksd.org/page/employment-opportunities

A Special thank you to the members of our Strategic Planning Committee. The time, energy, and positivity is inspiring. Please remember to complete the strategic planning survey - every voice is important - the survey is available in multiple languages on our website and newsletters.

Employee Spotlight: Kevin Shaw Special Ed Teacher, Brunswick High School Kevin is originally from Cape Elizabeth. He is married to his wife, Jennifer. Together they have six children - four have already graduated college, one is a senior in college and one is a sophomore in high school. They also have three golden doodles - Petey, Annie and Tatum. Kevin received his undergraduate degree from USM and then continued on to earn his Masters from the University of Southern Mississippi. What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud Academic pride and acceptance of all learners. Favorite line from a movie? "Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” ...You guess the movie! If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Tie between Larry Bird or Dan Marino. What is something you learned in the last week? Don’t throw away your son's Pokémon cards, some of the cards are really worth a lot of money!!

Employee Spotlight: Grace Gilbert First Grade Teacher, Kate Furbish Elementary School Grace is originally from North Yarmouth, Maine, and attended Denison University with a degree in Bluegrass Music and History. What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud I love how collaborative this community is! What do you like to do outside of work for fun? I love to be outside in nature, usually hiking or on the water, and I love to knit! I also love to play music and sing. Favorite line from a movie? You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore! If you would meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? I would want to meet Dolly Parton. I love her music, her commitment to children's literacy, and her amazing style! What is something you learned in the last week? I learned how to make different varieties of pickles with the cucumbers and peppers from my garden!

Employee Spotlight: Grace Gilbert First Grade Teacher, Kate Furbish Elementary School Grace is originally from North Yarmouth, Maine, and attended Denison University with a degree in Bluegrass Music and History. What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud I love how collaborative this community is! What do you like to do outside of work for fun? I love to be outside in nature, usually hiking or on the water, and I love to knit! I also love to play music and sing. Favorite line from a movie? You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore! If you would meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? I would want to meet Dolly Parton. I love her music, her commitment to children's literacy, and her amazing style! What is something you learned in the last week? I learned how to make different varieties of pickles with the cucumbers and peppers from my garden!

Strategic Planning Survey The BSD is developing a strategic plan and wants to know how students, parents, and staff perceive the district’s current performance in various areas and what they think the district should prioritize moving forward. Your responses will help BSD understand your needs so we can best serve you. The purpose of the survey will be to get feedback in order to remain committed to an inclusive, transparent strategic planning process. If you have any questions, please contact info@brunswicksd.org Visit this link to take the survey: https://hanover-research.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKuIsXL6RsFgXem