Students in Mrs. Morse's class planted a school garden with the support of Mrs. Littlehale. Upon returning this fall, they made spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce using the tomatoes, onions, and peppers from the garden. They were able to see how water bath canning differs from pressure canning and which one to use for the item they are canning.

Here are some photos from the Spanish 3 fashion show today. They’ve been studying clothing, colors, shopping, and prices, so they had an assignment to create a fashion show where every student had to be a model and every student had to be a presenter, and they all had to meet certain criteria for number of articles/colors/prices used, correct grammar & pronunciation, and creativity.

The DHS Speech and Debate team competed in the National Speech and Debate (NSDA) National Qualifying Tournament. The following members were recognized at the competition:

• Daisy Sweatt qualified for the National Competition in the Humorous Interpretation category of Speech.

• Lilianna Salvati qualified for the National Competition in the Dramatic Interpretation category of Speech.

• Erin Pealatere won the "District Volunteer of the Year” award from NSDA.

• Our “district” is the entire State of Maine. Olaf Johnson won the “District New Coach of the Year” award from NSDA as well.

The NSDA National Tournament is 6/16-6/21 in Des Moines, Iowa. Go Cougars!

The results from the NCFL tournament last weekend (2/3/2024) are as follows:

Daisy Sweatt qualified for National Competition in Oral Interpretation of Literature in the category of Speech.

Sunny Pealatere was awarded Alternate status for National Competition in the Dramatic Interpretation category of Speech.

The NCFL National Tournament is 5/24-5/26 in Chicago, Illinois

In summary, every Dirigo Cougar (students and staff) that has stepped up to represent our humble little school has made a positive impression on our larger community and has been acknowledged by our state-wide peers for doing so. We are Cougar Proud.

On January 12th, Scot Grassette of 49 Franklin humbled us as guest speaker to both the high school and middle school Speech and Debate teams. His presentation highlighted speaking and presenting through use of body language, eye contact and voice projection. He also had the students participate in acting exercises. We were extremely thankful for his time and effort he gave to the teams.

The following pictures are from our Winter Blast Tournament in Cape Elizabeth on January 6th. Daisy Sweatt walked away with a well earned first prize in Oral Interpretation of Literature. The other two students who competed are Lili Salvati and Sunny Pealatere.

Over the months of February, March and April, all Cougar Paw advisories at Dirigo High School will design and implement a community service project of their choice, working together to have a positive impact on the greater Dirigo community, leaning into our school name - Dirigo, “I Lead”.

"Caring Cougars Day" is in its second year of implementation and is intended to be an annual event each spring. Student-lead groups are looking for opportunities to serve their community on Friday, April 12 (April 26 is our rain date).

If you have any possibilities, such as (but not limited to) yard work, flood clean up, park/ball field clean-up and prep, trail work, wood stacking, etc or simply have questions about our planned day, please reach out to: Rebecca Fletcher by emailing rfletcher@rsu56.org, or calling 562-4251.

Huge thank you to Franklin Savings Bank for the new scorer's table!

Coach Curtis and the TW Kelly Dirigo Middle School Unified Basketball players practice their skills for the upcoming season.

Mr. Long during the 3rd Annual "Pie the Principal event.

We spent a beautiful winter day in Weld at Center Hill. Snowshoeing, ice skating, and playing games in the yurt by the fireplace.

For a culminating activity to their Unit on The War of 1812, second graders measured just how big the flag was that inspired Francis Scott Key to begin writing the Star Spangled Banner!

The pictures attached are from Mrs. Johnson's class. This was an Amplify unit ending activity on Light and Sound.

Ms. Rines' class enjoying some time in the snow at DES.