A Familiar Face Takes the Lead

 

The Erskine Academy Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are excited to welcome Mr. Jamie Soule as Erskine Academy’s twenty-ninth Headmaster. 

 

Jamie joined Erskine Academy in 2000 as the Assistant Headmaster, a position he held for eight years. For the past fifteen years, Jamie has served as the Associate Headmaster, a role that had him involved in virtually every facet of the school leadership, including faculty growth and professional development, introducing new school-wide initiatives, and overseeing the academic program at Erskine. It has been Jamie's foremost priority to ensure that the program meets the needs of all learners by preserving offerings in the fine and performing arts, consumer economics, and industrial arts courses. In addition, Jamie oversaw the expansion of the dual enrollment and Advanced Placement programs, which earned Erskine Academy the distinction of being placed on the Washington Post’s list of America's Most Challenging High Schools for four consecutive years.

 

Mr. Soule's twenty-four years at Erskine Academy have afforded him a deep understanding of and desire to preserve the mission, history, and traditions of Erskine Academy. His reputation for building deeply connected relationships with students, parents, and staff, and his steadfast commitment to the student experience, have led to him being a trusted and respected presence throughout the school and community.  Moreover, his wealth of educational experience and passion for students and education has helped shape his belief that empathy, connection, and collaboration are the most significant ingredients in flourishing schools. Of being named Erskine Academy’s next Headmaster, Jamie states:

 

"It is the highest professional honor to be named the next Headmaster of Erskine         Academy. The privilege of working alongside a faculty and staff deeply committed to   every student's success is inspiring. We will continue to uphold Erskine’s longstanding   tradition of being responsive to our families and working tirelessly to take every child's   school experience personally. Attending Erskine Academy should be more than learning   inside classrooms; it should entail opportunities to develop one’s self, build memories,   and become part of a school family. Together, we will build a future where education   empowers dreams and transforms our communities."

 

Jamie resides in Fairfield with his wife Amanda and their dog Maggie. Additionally, his two children, Braden '19 and Hannah '22, are proud graduates of Erskine Academy.  

 

Please join the entire Erskine Community in welcoming Headmaster Soule and celebrating this moment in the school's history.

EA Class of 2024 Takes the Wheel

 
The Senior Entrance on the first day of school is a highly anticipated and spirited tradition that marks the beginning of the final year for the senior class. The Senior Entrance is not just a display of class unity and pride but also a symbol of the responsibilities and opportunities inherent in becoming the school's new leaders.  

 

On Thursday, August 31st, the members of the Class of 2024 did not disappoint. They gathered in the back parking lot early to decorate their vehicles and prepare for their display of class pride. With a sea of colorful balloons, posters, and other spirited decorations adorning their cars, trucks, and even a side-by-side, the Class of 2024 paraded through the front parking lot, creating a lively spectacle that set the tone for an exciting senior year. 

 

We look forward to celebrating the adventures, challenges, and accomplishments that await the Class of 2024 in their final year of high school. 

Shining Bright: The Unsung Heroes of Summer - Our Custodial Staff

 

As we kick off another school year, it's important to take a moment to express our gratitude to the custodial staff who worked tirelessly all summer to make our school shine, both literally and figuratively. Their dedication and attention to detail have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate their hard work in creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all of us.

 

Every summer, this summer included, our custodial staff goes above and beyond to ensure that our floors are clean and shiny enough to see your reflection in. The crew meticulously scrubbed, waxed, and polished every inch of the floors to perfection, and the results speak for themselves.  

 

So, the next time you walk through the front doors of our school and see those impeccably shiny floors, remember the custodial staff who made it possible. They are the unsung heroes of summer, and their commitment to our school community is truly something to admire.

 

Pictured: front row (from left to right) - Chris Safford, Sam Grady

middle row (from left to right) - Arthur Carey, Dave Atchison

back row (from left to right) - Gilberto Ortiz, Bob Scholl

Pictured: front row (from left to right) - Heather Ross, Amanda Neagle, Katy Dodge

back row (from left to right) - Lynn Hamlin, Cody Bentley, Steven Barati, Vernon Lickfeld

 

Introducing Our New Staff: A Fresh Wave of Talent

 

As the new school year kicks off, we are thrilled to introduce the new staff members who have joined the Erskine family. Each one of them brings a unique set of skills and experiences that promise to enhance our students' educational journey and contribute to the Erskine community. 

 

We are pleased to welcome the following new staff:  Lynn Hamlin, Director of Teaching and Technology; Steven Barati, Science Instructor; Vernon Lickfeld, English Instructor; Cody Bentley, English Instructor; Heather Ross, Social Studies Instructor; Katy Dodge, Librarian; and Amanda Neagle, Guidance Counselor. In addition to our academic staff, we are pleased to announce the addition of a fourth bus driver, Eddie Genthner, to complete our transportation crew. 

 

We believe that the addition of these talented educators and professionals will further enrich the educational experience at Erskine, empowering our students to achieve their full potential and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.  Here's to a successful school year filled with growth, learning, and new opportunities!

Commitment to Stewardship: Supporting the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care

 

Erskine Academy is excited to share an important update about our school's commitment to stewardship and community involvement. 

 

At Erskine Academy, we have always taken pride in our long-standing tradition of supporting charitable causes, and this year, we are embarking on an exciting new initiative: selecting a charitable cause to support throughout the entire year. By focusing our efforts on one cause, we will make an even more significant impact and deepen our connection to the community. This year, as announced by Headmaster Soule last week, our chosen cause is the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care.

 

Cancer affects most, if not all, of our families in some way. It is a disease that knows no boundaries and impacts lives across generations. For many years, Erskine has proudly supported the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care through our annual Cancer Walk in May, which has become a cherished tradition. This walk is held in honor of survivors, in memory of those we've lost, and in support of those battling this disease.

 

Thanks to the overwhelming support from our students, staff, families, and the broader community, this past Cancer Walk in May 2023 saw us exceeding our goal. Our initial goal was to raise $10,000, and we are proud to share that we raised an astonishing $11,000. This achievement reflects the Erskine Academy community's incredible dedication and generosity, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who donated.

 

While the Cancer Walk will continue this year and beyond, our commitment to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care doesn't end there. This year, we will continue to support this vital institution through various fundraising activities and awareness campaigns. We encourage all members of the EA community to get involved. Whether you volunteer your time, make a donation, or participate in one of our upcoming events, your support will make a significant impact. We are confident that our collective efforts can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.

 

At this time, the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care is preparing for its Day of Hope event on October 7th. This event is a symbol of resilience and unity, where individuals from all walks of life come together to support those facing cancer. Volunteers are still needed, and we invite students and parents from the EA community to participate. It's an excellent opportunity to contribute your time and energy to a cause that touches the lives of so many. For more information, please visit https://www.classy.org/event/day-of-hope-2023/e481848.

 

We look forward to sharing more updates on our fundraising endeavors in the coming months. Together, we can continue to make a significant impact on our community and beyond.

Important Dates for September

 

September 14 – Club & Activity Assembly; Camp EA Day for Freshmen

September 17 – Eagle Open Golf Tournament at Natanis

September 21 – Early Release (dismissal at 11:30 am)

September 25 – Class Meetings to kick off Homecoming week

September 29 - 30 – Homecoming Weekend

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309 Windsor Road, South China, Maine, 04358


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