Why One Teacher Loves Her Small School in Machiasport: Student Voice and Enrichment!

My name is Suzanne Reynolds, and I am in my third year as the first and second-grade teacher at Fort O’Brien School in Machiasport, Maine. Our small school population gives us the opportunity to teach double-grade classrooms, make life-long connections with students, and foster healthy staff relationships. I have worked in large and small Maine public schools in different regions of the state, all having their own sparkle, but our small school has something special. Dubbed “the little school that could” by the local newspaper, Fort O’Brien is taking the resources available, adding true passion, and reaching for the stars!

In December of last year, a vision that started in July, came to life in a production titled, “The Littlest Christmas Tree.” Students of all ages, in front of their families and loved ones, sang songs and danced while bringing the message of acceptance, love, and not passing judgement. The parking lot was packed, the bleachers were overflowing, and there was an undeniable feeling of happiness in the air as students left for their long awaited holiday break.

The greatest thing to come out of the production aside from pure joy, was student involvement. Whether it be nerves or desire, it can be difficult to find willing participants. In this instance, we found just the opposite. As a welcomed change, each grade from PreK to 8th was represented giving the feeling of school community. The reluctance from students to participate in the event was not there, and all made memories to last.

Small steps in student enrichment and participation like this are what makes Fort O’Brien so

special and this is only one sample. Our population is not what drives us, but our desire to thrive and support one another. “The little school that could,” holds a special place in my heart and fully represents the best of what makes Maine public schools so great.