Apple picks AMS as distinguished school

The mega-computer company Apple has selected the Auburn Middle School as one of 56 nationwide it’s calling a 2011-12 distinguished school, Auburn Superintendent Katy Grondin has announced.

Apple’s criteria include visionary leadership, an infrastructure that supports “an Apple learning environment,” engaging teaching, and a system that collects evidence of success.

Part of the information Grondin gave to Apple included that the Auburn Middle School was among the first in Maine 10 years ago to have one-on-one computer laptops. Students are encouraged to use them for school and daily living and may keep them during the summer.

And, during the past five years the school’s daily attendance has increased from 92.18 percent in 2006-07, to 94.71 in 2010-11, Grondin said. State test data shows the school has seen growth in meeting state standards, from 59 percent in 2008-09, to 70 percent in 2009-10 in reading. In math, students meeting standards went from 59 percent in 2008-09 to 72 percent in 2009-10, Grondin said.

Apple is expected to issue a news release in the coming weeks, Grondin said.

– Bonnie Washuk

‘Is your neighbor’s house on fire?’

This is weird. On Jan. 16 I was on the phone with Jeanne Raymond, arranging to go to her home and interview the 75-year-old Lewiston woman about being the “den mother” for the Lewiston Public Works Department.

Raymond gave me directions to her Loon Lane home. I would drive there in an hour. Not long after I hung up, a dispatcher on the newsroom scanner said police and firefighters were responding to a fire on Loon Lane, which turned out to be Raymond’s next-door neighbor.

I called her back, asking, “Is your neighbor’s house on fire?’ She looked out the window, and exclaimed, ‘Yes it is! I can see flames and smoke from the roof!’”

Repeating what was said on the scanner, she was told police and firefighters were on their way. The interview was held after firefighters put out the blaze.

– Bonnie Washuk