Educators have some wish es for the new year, too.

Lee Graham, curriculum director for SAD 44, wishes that all parents would make sure their children got enough sleep and a sufficient breakfast before they come to school. She often hears teachers comment on the weariness of some students, something that affects learning.

She also wishes that her school, as well as others, received enough funding to meet all the required state and federal mandates, and that teachers had enough time to put all those mandates into action.

Gloria Jenkins, curriculum coordinator for SAD 43, hopes the newly created report cards are a success during the new year. She’s also particularly excited about the new leadership team that started in the district during the beginning of the school year.

Merging SAD 21 with neighboring Peru would be a benefit to all four towns, Dirigo High School Principal Dan Hart said he believes.

He hopes people will better ensure a healthy future by balancing work and family time, and that every student at his high school will set academic and career goals during 2004. He also wishes that parents would set a goal for themselves – to attend an in-school or out-of-school event. “This does a lot for our students,” he said.

And Deb Guimont, director of the Region 9 School of Applied Technology, wishes more adults would take advantage of the help offered to obtain a high school diploma in the school’s adult education program.

“I hope we can improve our outreach. Some people need more confidence, but they will receive support from the staff,” she said.

She’d also like a new roof on the River Road school. The current one recently began leaking and has gotten worse. The school’s insurance company is checking into the damage and the school’s board will be looking into options.

Guimont is optimistic about the area school districts working together, just as some municipal leaders hope their towns will work more cooperatively.

“I feel very good about that. I feel this cooperation between area superintendents will provide better services for the kids and the communities,” she said.

[email protected]