Brunswick Buzz

Episode 17: Arts are Elementary

On this episode of the Brunswick Buzz, Phil speaks with Meg Whithed, Executive Director for Arts are Elementary. Arts are Elementary works in partnership with the Brunswick School Department (BSD) to provide every public pre-K-5 classroom in the BSD with professional artist residencies and has been doing so since 1980. They also provide opportunities for the broader community to engage with art. Arts Are Elementary is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization funded by donations. Editors Note: This was recorded on March 12th 2024

Episode 16- Maine State Department of Education's Director of School Finance

This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil interviews Paul Gravelle. Paula is the Maine State Department of Education's Director of School Finance. We discuss the Maine's Essential Programs and Services (EPS)  funding formula. The EPS determines both the state and local share of funding needed for each School Administrative Unit (SAU) to have Essential Programs and Services for public education. The funding formula is designed to respond to student needs based on years of research and information.

Episode 15: BHS Career Exploration and ELOs

On this episode of the Brunswick Buzz, Phil speaks with Maddie Chaput, Jonas McGrath, and Garrett Countway, seniors at Brunswick High School.  Each is exploring career exploration and extended learning opportunities with Ms. Myers and Mr. Wilson.  Listen and learn how a student engages with engineers from Wright-Pierce, Sitelines, Reed, and Reed, exploring various engineering careers.  Learn how students work with Science Department Head Andrew McCullough to see if there is a relationship between the substrate (bottom of the ocean material), the number of green crabs, and the size/sex/coloration of green crabs. 

Episode 14: Brunswick Junior High School’s Community Outreach

On this installment of the Brunswick Buzz, we talk to students and staff from the Brunswick Junior High School's Community Outreach class.  Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with diverse students, exploring their personal journeys.  Listen to get an understanding of how these students step out of their comfort zones to enhance their community.  Learn how this innovative program provides hands-on experiences, and tune in and discover how our Community Outreach class is making Brunswick Schools and Community a better place! 
If you are interested in partnering with our BJHS Community Outreach Class, please contact Bonnie Robbins at brobbins@brunswicksd.org. We are grateful to all of our community partners!

Episode 13: Cathance River Education Alliance

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Brunswick Buzz! In this installment, we're thrilled to have Sarah Rodgers from the Cathance River Education Alliance as our special guest. Join us as we dive into the vital role the alliance plays in supporting the science curriculum in Brunswick schools. Sarah shares insights into the innovative programs, hands-on experiences, and educational resources provided by the alliance, enhancing the science education of local students. If you're curious about the fascinating intersection of nature, education, and community engagement, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover how the Cathance River Education Alliance is making a difference in Brunswick schools and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. 

Episode 12: Brunswick Community Education Foundation

🎙️ This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil speaks to Brunswick Community Education Foundation members. The Brunswick Community Education Foundation is an independent non-profit organization committed to supporting students in Brunswick’s public schools. So if you are passionate about shaping the future of education in the Brunswick School Department? Look no further and learn how the Brunswick School Department benefits from its partnership with the Brunswick Community Education Foundation. 📚🌟

Episode 11: Teens to Trails

This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil speaks to Teens to Trails staff - Alicia Heyburn, Executive Director, and Samantha Andrews, Outdoor Program Manager. 🎙️Teens to Trails is an organization Brunswick High School partners with by providing extra-curricular opportunities for students to explore the great outdoors through the eyes of passionate young adventurers! Join Phil as he learns more about Teen to Trails, so whether you're an experienced hiker or new to the trail, there's something here for everyone. 🌲🏞️

Episode 10: Reinventing, Remote, Education, Venture (RREV)

On the Brunswick Buzz, we speak with Heather Blanchard, Principal, and Tracy Kinney, Teacher from Harriet Beecher Stowe School, about the Reinventing, Remote, Education, Venture (RREV) grant they received from the Maine Department of Education.

Episode 9: Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fisherman Association

This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil talks with Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fisherman Association. Maine Coast Fisherman Association partners with schools to provide fresh, locally sourced fish for school lunches. 

Episode 8: CountMeIn

This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil talks with Jess Anderson, Executive Director of CountMeIn. CountMeIn student partners with schools, businesses, families, youth, and state and community organizations are focused on reducing chronic absenteeism by improving student and family school engagement and school attendance, and academic achievement.