AROUND THE ACADEMY TIM SMITH ’87 STEPS AWAY FROM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR POST After 17 years of overseeing athletics at Foxcroft Academy, Tim Smith has stepped away as the school’s athletic administrator. “It’s the right time to move on to another facet of my professional career, while still working at the Academy with other duties,” Tim said. “You know when the time is right to do something different, and I think the time is now while still serving the school that I love.” Upon graduation from FA, Tim attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle, graduating in 1991. Tim worked at the University of Southern Maine in various roles, including director of intramurals and as an assistant coach of the USM women’s basketball team. Smith returned to his alma mater in 2003 as the Athletic Director and Director of Student Affairs. “Mr. Smith has overseen Foxcroft Academy athletics for many years and has supported all of our athletic programs, championships, and coaches of the year,” said Arnold Shorey, Head of School. “There are few who can match Tim’s love for the Ponies, and I’m glad he will continue in his other roles serving the students of FA.” Under Smith’s tenure, his athletic teams won 14 state championships and 25 regional titles and supported several programs winning conference championships. His coaches have also been the recipients of many coaches of the year awards. “I will miss the competition and being around the coaches on a day to day basis, but I will still be there to support my kids and support the Ponies,” said Smith. “I can walk away knowing I did my best for this athletic department and the fine student-athletes we’ve produced.” Replacing Tim will be our Athletic Trainer, Jaclyn Tourtelotte.
SIXTH YEAR OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY FRESHMAN ACADEMY CONSIDERED A SUCCESS The 2020-2021 school year is underway. For a dozen incoming ninthgraders, the school year started three weeks early with the sixth year of Foxcroft Freshman Academy. Freshman Academy is a summer school offering that was an idea of administrators from both Foxcroft Academy and RSU 68. The program’s goal is to help a number of incoming freshmen get a head start on the transition to high school, with classroom instruction, social interaction, community service, and more. “We wanted to create a program that helped set these students up for future success in the classroom and beyond,” said Arnold Shorey. “Entering the sixth year of the program means that it is working for a majority of students, setting them on the path to succeed over the next four years.” COVID-19 has changed the classroom’s logistics, with students separated six feet apart, masks required, and hand sanitizer available for use. It also changed a few activities this summer as plans for field trips to inside venues were altered. Instead, outdoor ventures were added. “We visited Moxie Falls and for many of the kids, it was the first time they had ever been there,” said John Cornett, member of the Math Department and Freshman Academy teacher. “We picked up trash on the trails behind the school and had a chance to help with some projects around town. It’s a win-win situation for our incoming students.” “It’s all about establishing a routine for the students and letting them know we are here to help,” said Morgan Rublee, English Department Chair and Freshman Academy teacher. “There has to be a school aspect to what we do, but they can learn in a fun way while being creative and active. If they put effort into what they do now, they will adapt pretty quickly in September.” “If these students have their required reading finished, as well as a journal of their accomplishments, and know where a few classrooms are, we have done our job,” said Rublee.
4
FOXCROFT ACADEMY
