Bowdoin donation funds new discovery classroom at KFES

A new “discovery classroom” will be built at the new Kate Furbish Elementary School in Brunswick, thanks to a $450,000 gift from Bowdoin College.

The 1,000-square-foot classroom building will provide a flexible space for a variety of uses, including science and nature experiments, visiting art and science programs, small group presentations, and other hands-on learning activities, according to college press release. The free-standing classroom will be an open concept with sinks, tables and storage space. Construction will begin this fall.

“We are very pleased to be able to fund this unique learning environment for students — a “discovery classroom” that will also have other uses for the broader Brunswick community,” said Bowdoin President Clayton Rose. “This gift by the college builds on the considerable investment the community is making in its public schools — an investment that keeps Brunswick such an attractive place to live, work and raise a family.”

“On behalf of the building committee and the School Board I want to express our gratitude for this extraordinary gift,” said Sarah Singer, a member of the Brunswick School Board. “This building will provide the opportunity for the children at Kate Furbish Elementary to experience nature-based learning, science, gross-motor movement and music in a space designed specifically for those activities. We have many education partners who work in our schools to provide enrichment to our curriculum, and this classroom gives us the space to provide that programming. We are all excited about this truly remarkable addition to the project.”

“Bowdoin and Brunswick share a proud history,” said Rose. “The college is fortunate to call Brunswick home — a place that makes our students feel welcome, that provides a wonderful home for so many of our faculty and staff and their families, and that serves as a vibrant destination for visitors. We are pleased to be able to continue our longstanding support for Brunswick.”

Mt. Ararat announces Class of 2019 Top 10

The top tier of students graduating in the Class of 2019 at Mt. Ararat High in RSU 75 in Bath was recently announced. Listed in order of rank they are: Tyler Bernier of Bowdoin and Griffin Downs of Bowdoinham (tied for first); Max Spelke of Topsham; Zoe Elizabeth Stevenson of Bowdoinham; Caitlin Chambers of Topsham; Emily Smith of Harpswell; Amber Card of Bowdoin; Jack Mathieu of Topsham;  Riley Robertson of Bowdoin; and Abby Sirois of Topsham.