Author: vimes

Let Them Play: Atwood Celebrates Global Play Day
February 24, 2026
On Friday, February 6, the entire Atwood Primary School community came together to celebrate Global Play Day. This worldwide initiative is dedicated to restoring, protecting, and promoting free, unstructured, screen-free play for children everywhere.

This year, students enjoyed grade-level dance parties in the gym, led by their very own DJ, Mr. C! Many shared that dancing with their friends was the highlight of their day. With warmer afternoon temperatures on their side, some classes also took advantage of the beautiful winter weather by heading out to the sledding trails for even more outdoor fun.

Throughout the day, students were creating, building, collaborating, and experiencing the true JOY of free play.

As Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers) so wisely said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Playing is a way to solve problems and to express feelings. In fact, play is the real work of childhood.” #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
Read to ME Challenge 2026
February 13, 2026

Atwood Primary participated in the Read to ME Challenge sponsored by the Maine Department of Education this week! The school was lucky enough to have LeeAnne Larsen visit to read aloud to students throughout the day! Mrs. Larsen is a proud graduate of RSU 18, who currently provides support to teachers across our state as the Director of Early Learning at the Maine DOE.

Mrs. Larsen shared a variety of books by Maine author, Chris Van Dusen, with students… and she even left a copy of the book in every classroom she visited!

In kindergarten, she shared the book Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee, which includes many comical and adventurous mishaps!

In first grade, she shared If I Built a School, which inspired students to creatively brainstorm ideas for a dream school!

In second grade, she shared Big Truck Little Island, which was inspired by an incident that actually happened in Vinalhaven, Maine!

Atwood was thrilled to have Mrs. Larsen visit the school and share her love of books with the Atwood Awesome readers!

Families can join the Read to ME challenge by reading to and/or with your child for at least 15 minutes. You can capture a photo reading with your child and share it on social media using the hashtag #ReadtoME! #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
Cards from the Heart
February 12, 2026
Hatch’s Hoppers at Atwood Primary School shared gratitude and appreciation by creating special “You Are Deer to Me” cards. Students proudly delivered their handmade cards, warming the hearts of those who received these thoughtful and cheerful gifts. #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
Snuggle Up with a Story
February 5, 2026
Recently the Atwood community revealed their 2026 School Community Read. Throughout the month, all classrooms at Atwood Primary will be reading books from the Orris and Timble series by best-selling author Kate DiCamillo. Mrs. Corson, the school’s Title I Specialist, kicked off the event by distributing books and a Timble stuffed animal to each class. As an extension of the reading celebration, Chewonki will visit Atwood in early February to present Owls of Maine to all classes. Students are also encouraged to get cozy and read at home by participating in the Bingo Reading Challenge. It’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a great book—especially Orris and Timble! #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
Principal’s Pen: February 2026
February 5, 2026
Growing Minds, One Plant at a Time
January 30, 2026
As part of their preparation for indoor winter planting, Mrs. Charest and two second-grade students from Atwood Primary visited a favorite local business, Green Luxe. This visit followed classroom learning focused on plants, their needs, and the importance of greenery for healthy minds and bodies. During a special planting session with Amanda at Green Luxe, students selected their own pots, succulent plants, and figurines to create a unique masterpiece to take home. Along with their creations came an important new responsibility—caring for their plant and helping it grow. #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
Atwood Art on Display
January 14, 2026
Mr. Clark, of Atwood Primary School, transformed the hallway into an art gallery to honor the creativity of Atwood’s young artists. Every student had a piece showcased during parent-teacher conferences, giving families a chance to admire the beautiful work and celebrate their children’s artistic accomplishments. #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
A Reel of Holiday Joy: PreK Fishing for Gifts
January 5, 2026
Mrs. Hayes’ preschool students at Atwood Primary School experienced a bit of holiday magic before break as they went “fishing” for Christmas gifts during a special seasonal activity. With bright smiles and eager excitement, each child reeled in a surprise book to take home and treasure. The joyful event blended festive fun with a meaningful purpose, celebrating the season while nurturing a growing love of reading. #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
First Grade Experts in the Making
December 22, 2025
First graders at Atwood Primary have launched an exciting project all about becoming “experts.” Students brought in favorite toys – and even special holiday foods – to explore together. Using graphic organizers, they took notes like real researchers. Their next step: transforming those notes into informational pages to teach others what they discovered. #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome
Ralph the Elf Spreads Holiday Cheer
December 11, 2025
Atwood Primary’s beloved elf, Ralph, has returned for another season of mischief and joy. Students eagerly search for his hiding spot each morning, while Fa La La Dress-Up Days—such as Cozy Day, Snow Day, and Elf Day—bring festive fun to halls and classrooms alike. #WeAreRSU18 #AtwoodAwesome

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