JAY — As part of a school turnaround initiative designed to support schools receiving School Improvement Grants, (SIG funding), AmeriCorps is busy in the Spruce Mountain school district.

AmeriCorps involvement came about because of the consolidation of the Jay and SAD 36 school districts into RSU #73. The second year is nearing completion and AmeriCorps member Solomon Heiferts fully expects funding for a third year.

Currently, AmeriCorps has a lead member, three part-time members, four student members and one community volunteer assisting with various programs in the schools. The Credit Recovery Program helps students turn a failed course into a passing grade.

Site coordinator Sara Lolley said, “It all depends on the student.” The online independent study program is set up for students to do on their own. “Our members encourage and motivate students,” Lolley added. For some students, only a few weeks are needed. For others it might take an entire year or beyond.

Student members do peer tutoring and can often be found in the resource room working with those students who need help. AmeriCorps member Solomon Heifets said, “One student member assists in a biology class.”

AmeriCorps is involved with the Spruce Mountain Academic Coalition, the local parent teachers group. A similar group met at Livermore Falls but it didn’t carry over when the schools were consolidated. It’s being brought back now. A staff luncheon was held last week to show teachers how much they are appreciated. Heifets said, “It’s a way to get parents more involved.”

The Career Pathways Program was another AmeriCorps project. Professionals from the area were invited in to speak with students about their careers. These sessions gave students a more realistic view of various careers and the education and/or time commitment needed.

AmeriCorps lead member Autumn Greenleaf taught an eight week series of swing dance lessons for community members that was a lot of fun.

Members also started a community garden at the Livermore Elementary School after hearing about the school’s food pantry program. Aimee DeGroat helped with the planning and children in the afterschool program assisted with preparing and planting the garden. 

Monday to Thursday mornings, AmeriCorps volunteers will be offering a session at Livermore Elementary School where community members will learn more about gardening while maintaining the garden and harvesting crops. Participants will also learn more about the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables.

The curriculum “Food, Land and People” from the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Association will be used during the gardening sessions. These fun, hands on units teach how to grow your own food while making stronger connections with the environment. Attendees will be able to take some of the vegetables to use at home. Some produce will be donated to the Eagle food pantry and some will be used for nutritious snacks for the program.

Since the garden classes end before the start of the school year, volunteers are being sought to work in the garden then. Those who help may take produce home if they wish.

DeGroat also started a Creative Writing Club. Open to students middle school age and above, the group met two times a week at the high school.

In addition to two Parents’ Night Outs, cooking classes, and Trivia Nights already publicized and the garden project listed above, AmeriCorps will be offering several other educational opportunities this summer. A Theater Improv Group Workshop will be held Monday afternoons from 2:30-4 p.m. for those twelve years old and above. Two UMF students who are involved with theater and education at the university will be assisting. If enough interest is given, the group will write, produce, and perform a one act play whose theme is social justice. 

An Individual Study group will meet at the high school cafeteria Monday-Thursday, June 22-Aug. 13, from 1-4 p.m. Anyone interested in pursuing any educational interest is invited to participate. One never should stop learning and this is an ideal opportunity to focus on something you always wanted to know more about. 

Art Night will be held July 18 and Aug. 1 at the Jay-Niles Memorial Library from 4-7 p.m. A fee will be charged for materials provided, but participants may bring materials from home if they choose. Hor d’oeurves will be provided and painting with a class leader will be offered.

The Spruce Mountain AmeriCorps program is also busy preparing for another year and is seeking new members. The basic commitment is 5-6 hours a week or 300 hours over the course of the year. Heifets said having 30 members would be ideal and more community members are especially wanted.

Half time member positions are also being sought. These posts are similar to a part time job with a stipend and educational credits available. There is a 675 hour time commitment for the year.

Spruce Mountain AmeriCorps is also looking for a new full time member. This paid position offers health care benefits and paid vacation. The time commitment for the year is 1,700 hours.

An online application is available for those interested in becoming an AmeriCorps member. For more information about programs or becoming a member contact Sara Lolley, by telephone, at 207-712-0451. Her email is [email protected]. For more information about AmeriCorps or an application, visit the Learning Works website http://www.learningworks.me/Community-Programs/aimshigh. 

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