SAD 17 directors appoint Bickford as director of Agnes Gray
PARIS — The Maine School Administrative District 17 board of directors on Monday night approved the appointment of Cathy Bickford as principal of Agnes Gray Elementary School in western Paris.
Board vice-chairman Jared Cash of Norway, who also heads the staff committee, told the directors Bickford was their unanimous choice from a very large number of candidates for the job.
Bickford, who previously worked at Paris Elementary School as an assistant principal, has been Agnes Gray’s acting principal since last September, stepping in after an alleged physical altercation between the district superintendent and a sixth-grader. Former manager Beth Clarke took sick leave following the incident and eventually resigned in December to protest Henson’s actions.
“I felt very welcome when I walked into the building,” Bickford told the Advertiser Democrat Monday night, acknowledging that it’s been a tough year for students and staff. “The students are very resilient. And when they are surrounded by caring adults, all is well. Children sometimes tolerate change better than adults. It is an honor for the community.
Bickford knows Agnes Gray well, having taught fourth and second grades there for 10 years. She also taught fourth grade at Rowe Elementary School before becoming an assistant principal at PES.
“Cathy Bickford is an excellent choice to be Agnes Gray’s next principal,” Acting Deputy Superintendent Heather Manchester said in an emailed statement. “Cathy excels at building relationships with students and staff, communicating with parents, and supporting teachers and staff in building a culture where academics and positive behavior are at the heart of the school .
“She is excited to continue at Agnes Gray School with the aim of actively engaging students through outdoor learning. Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge and boundless energy and positivity to this position. »
Team Recognition
Members of the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams from Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School made an appearance at the start of the meeting to be recognized for their successful 2021-22 seasons.
The girls’ team made it to the playoffs after their 16-2 regular season, losing in the Class Aa North regional championship game. The Lady Vikings were Maine State Champions in 2019 and 2020. Coach Nate Pelletier was named 2022 Class AA Girls Northern Coach of the Year.
The boys’ team went 15-3 and won three playoff games before ultimately losing the state championship game to South Portland. Their coach, Scott Graffam, achieved his 400th career regular season win when the team defeated Noble on January 26.
In other cases, Principals of Oxford Elementary School and Otisfield Elementary School, Tiffany Karnes and Jessika Sheldrick, gave presentations on their school’s successes using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) .
OCHHS Principal Ted Moccia, District Council Director Erin Flynn, and Oxford Hills Tech School Student Services Coordinator Nancy McClean-Morrisette all presented honors courses, advanced placement and dual-enrollment courses that allow students to earn college credit.
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