A Partner That Makes a Difference

by gsabloggerhead

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.