A Partner That Makes a Difference

Every GSA student and parent should know the extent to which our partnership with Maine Maritime Academy helps us to be an exceptional school. We hope to continue to grow this relationship and I will work tirelessly to expand this partnership.

For the first time, four GSA students took a college level physics class taught by a MMA professor. The students found the class challenging and engaging. I drove them over to MMA several times (as did Rada Starkey and Carol Bennatti) just so I could hear their reflections and thoughts before and after class. This course allowed GSA to meet the needs of our most scientifically talented students after they have maxed out our program.

Again for the first time, MMA gave us access to their pool at a reduced rate so that our very successful and growing swim team did not have to share pool time with Ellsworth High at the Ellsworth YMCA as they have had to in past years. The team now has the entire pool for up to two hours. The wonderful thing about swimming as a high school sport is that it is something that can be picked up as a beginner in 9th grade and that same athlete can improve tremendously in a short period of time. Everything hinges on pool time. Thanks to MMA, we now have lots of it.

For many years, MMA has supported out sailing program in an inspired and phenomenal way. We receive access to their beautiful boats and waterfront as well as significant support from their sailing personnel. Simply put, we would not have the exceptional and competitive sailing program we have without MMA’s assistance.

GSA is a school that has a history of reaching out to individuals and institutions that can help our school.  We are a strong school but we are stronger when we build connections with others. We will continue to seek out educational partnerships with other entities that expand our possibilities and and increase our outcomes.

 

Inflection Points…or “I was there when THAT happened.”

Last winter, I witnessed what I like to call a point of inflection. In mathematics, an inflection point is the point on a curve that separates an arc concave downward from one concave upward and vice versa. The inflection point I observed was at a sports practice at 8:07 AM on a Saturday morning last November. Because of something the coach did (a particular message delivered, a directed change in team habits, an elevation of expectations) the team that started the practice was changed by  that practice. It was evident to all in the next six weeks of practice and play that the team played with more intention, more conviction, with more direction, and with greater effectiveness. I remember sitting in the stands as they were routing a team and thought…”I was there when everything changed.”

We witnessed another possible ‘point of inflection’ in May at GSA. Many, many people participated in it. Jen Traub, Rada Starkey, and Maggie Overton conceived and executed our first Giving Day in GSA history. The goal was to seek and attain as many alumni gifts in a single day as we possibly could. While the number of new donors was impressive, and the amount of money raised will absolutely help in our Annual Fund drive, what was most impressive was the palpable, demonstrative, and energizing spirit behind the day.

So many people served the school that day with joy and enthusiasm. So many people took the time to reach out to alums and remind them of their experiences at GSA AND then, and this is key, ask them to support the school so that future students might enjoy the same experience. What felt different about this day was that so many volunteers spoke of pride in their school and celebrated each alum as they came by to drop off a gift. The shyness and slight embarrassment that sometimes comes with asking for a gift to the school was replaced by a belief in a mission and an institution and a willing to stand up and make the ask.

Educating our school community as to the central importance of our development efforts is a key goal in our strategic plan.  There is great momentum in our development efforts. Let us all keep that momentum going all summer and into the fall.