Read-a-thon Reward

Last week, students in Grades 2-6 English Language Arts class celebrated their month long Read-a-thon reading contest by enjoying a lunch together at Pat's Pizza in Yarmouth.  This was the first year that ALL English Language Arts classes won the competition.  

Can you believe that all students read for 20 minutes a night for one month straight?!  Kelly is so proud of her students!

Bravo and keep up the great work.

As Kelly always says, keep on reading!

Arrival Ceremony at the Whitehouse for French President Macron

April 24th at 9:00am, Willy LeBihan, Head of School, on the South Lawn of the White House, just before the beginning of the Arrival Ceremony.  

During the arrival event, the President and Mrs. Trump welcomed his Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic and Mrs. Brigitte Macron to the Whitehouse.  This event marked the beginning of the French State Visit and was attended by the cabinet members and dignitaries along with a French delegations of 100+ dignitaries and governmental officials. This was a great opportunityfor Willy LeBihan to share the accomplishments of L'Ecole Française du Maine to members of the French Delegation.

Presidents Macron and Trump reminded the audience of the long collaborative history between both nations since Marquis de Lafayette sailed for America at age 19, 241 years ago.  The powerful musical performance by the military band was followed by 21 Gun Salute and both National Anthems.

Outside the White House, Bruno Eldin (left) and Willy LeBihan (right) wave the flags given to the guests during the Arrival Ceremony. Bruno Eldin is Education Attaché / School Evaluator and supervises the 50 French accredited Schools in North America. Mr Eldin' office is at the French Embassy in Washington, DC; he is planning to visit L'Ecole Française du Maine this year.

Greely High School Students

 Again, we welcomed more Greely High School Advanced French students to read to our students.  Merci for your visit!

Spring 3D Paper Garden

We need to thank the CE1/CE2 classroom for sending spring weather our way!  After these beautiful works of art were hung, the sun began to shine and the temperatures began to rise. Don't forget to admire this beautiful garden that is on display on the CE1/CE2 bulletin board.

MLF Conference in New Orleans

This week Victorien and Elodie participated at a pedagogical conference organized by the MLF America in New Orleans. Participants from the network of French Schools in the US and Canada gathered to learn about the latest research and developments in several educational fields including bilingualism, multiculturalism and neurosciences in education. The conference allows participants to exchange about initiatives at different international schools in North America.

It was a treat for Elodie and Victorien to meet up with Elodie LeNezet, former teacher and Director at EFDM, who is currently the Interim Head of School at the North Seattle French School. Elodie and Elodie are old friends from their years working together at L'Ecole Française du Maine.

Dans la cour de l'école

Students in the Early Childhood classroom have recently started a new art project based on the book 'Dans la tour de l'école (In the Schoolyard) by Christopher Loupy.

EFDM School Store

Let's show off our EFDM school pride!

 We are thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of the EFDM Gear Store!

We currently have 4 stylish shirts for sale with 2 adult options and 2 youth options. 

Adult shirts are $20 and Children's shirts are $15.  

Inventory will be changing throughout the year. Supplies are limited so get your shirt while you can!

A heartfelt thank you to Kip and Mariah Stone, proud parents of Theo, for their generosity and expertise with the creation of the store.

International Jazz Day April 30!

Every year, EFDM is invited to participate in the celebration of International Jazz Day through the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz.  On Monday April 30, the school will attend a workshop about Jazz taught by our fabulous Suzuki music instructors Peter Dugas and Gary Wittner.  

 Merci Gary and Peter!

School Carnival June 16!

Save the date: Our annual school carnival will be on Saturday June 16th! 

Because of the 'delayed spring' forecast that is predicted for May with cool temps and plentiful rain, we have decided to air on the side of caution and move our beloved carnival to:

 Saturday June 16th 

11am-2pm.

This is a great event that will surely be fun for all ages!  And what a perfect way to celebrate after graduation!

Stay tuned for sign up sheets for volunteers at the carnival.  Your help makes this carnival a huge success! 

English Language Arts Wax Museum

We couldn't be prouder of our CM1/CM2/6ieme students who performed at the English Language Arts Wax Museum last week.  This annual event included famous Greek Gods and Goddesses as well as Revolutionary War figures. Students recited speeches and shared information to classes and guests that attended the museum.  Bravo to all students that participated in the 3rd Annual English Language Arts Wax Museum!

More Greely High School French Students

This week we continued our partnership with Greely High School students Izzy and Kylie, who came to read to our GS/CP students.  Merci Izzy and Kylie!

Welcome Jérome Train!

Left to right:

Kelly Valdmanis: EFDM School Director

Jérome Train: Pedagogical Coordinator for MLF America

Victorien Rami: EFDM Directeur des Programmes Français

Last week we welcomed Jérome Train, Pedagogical Coordinator from Dallas International School, back to L'Ecole Francaise du Maine for a 2nd visit this year.  Again, he observed teachers, classes and held afternoon professional development workshops.  Jérome offers teacher training sessions to more than 17 French Schools on the east coast of the United States for the 

Mission Laïque Française (MLF - America).  Merci Jérome!

Lobster and Fish Presentation

This week Suzannah Raber, owner of New England Fish Company and proud parent of Wyatt in CE2, came to speak to the 2nd and 3rd grade students about the lobster and fish industry in Maine.  

Currently our 3rd grade students are learning about the state of Maine in English Language Arts classes. 

Thank you Suzannah and Jess for your informative and fun presentation!

Wolf, Wolf, Are you there?

This month for our recipe day, Early Childhood made salt dough! 
After that students sculpted their first 3D project by making pigs based on the story we're reading in class, Wolf, Wolf, Are you there? 

The kids did a wonderful job! Bravo!

State of Maine Study

Students in CE2 enjoyed a trip to the Yarmouth Visitor and Information Center as part of their study of Maine in English Language Arts with Kelly.