First Day of School Celebration for 2008-09

Our First Day of School Celebration was a huge success thanks to the efforts of Katherine Kollman-Veit and her committee. "First Day of School America is a grassroots movement that brings together schools, families, and communities in celebration of education. First Day events are a fun, practical, effective way to get parents involved in their children's education starting on Day One of each school year."

This year at LER we had lots of community business support! Local businesses donated school supplies, gift cards, food, and services. We also had an informational "Meet and Greet" for parents/guardians while students arrived and settled into their classrooms. Then, students and staff joined parents and guardians in the gym for our First Day of School Assembly. Mayor MacLean's message to students and their families was that the Gardiner community is ready and willing to support them! I have to say that this was the best opening of school that I have ever experienced!

Many thanks to:

Mayor Andrew MacLean
Maine Parent Federation
Gardiner Police Department
Gardiner Fire Department
Gardiner Main Street
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area
Gardiner Public Library
Curves of Gardiner
Anthony Anderson, MSAD 11 Health Coordinator
Allen Carey, Financial Advisor
Katherine Kollman-Veit
Tiffany Awley
GEPTA
Jim Bourque, Guidance Counselor
Justin Walton, Music Teacher
Jim Whalen, Phys Ed Teacher
Maxine Marquis, Art Teacher
Pat Fisher, School Nurse
Barb Gipson, School Librarian
Movie Gallery
YMCA
Curves of Gardiner
Shaw’s of Augusta
Hannaford of Gardiner
Wal-Mart of Augusta
Reny’s of Gardiner
Helen Wright, Bare Foot Books
Out of My Head
Blue Sky Bakery
Isamax Snacks & Wicked Whoopies
McDonald’s of Gardiner
Dunkin Donuts of Gardiner
Ainslie’s Pizza & Subs
Subway of Gardiner
Chet & Leona’s Market
Berry & Berry Floral

For more information on First Day of School Celebrations, visit
http://www.firstday.org/