Baxter Academy for Technology and Science

When students take classroom learning outside and turn ideas into hands-on experiences, those lessons can last a lifetime. We’re grateful to the Maine Environmental Education Association for supporting our drifter project and other outdoor learning opportunities that might not otherwise be possible.

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Field Day is always a favorite tradition at Baxter and this year was no exception. Students enjoyed a spectacular day exploring Maine’s coast, sharing their finds, and simply having fun in the sun. ☀️

Way to go, Lydia J. Ellingwood. Thanks for representing BA so well!

51 Maine Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Fifty-one students at Maine schools have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, qualifying to compete for college scholarships to be awarded next year. The students are among more than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide announced Sept. 9 by the National Merit Scholarsh...

Welcome to Baxter Academy, Lauren!
A lifelong educator, Lauren began working with students while earning her degrees in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. After teaching in Colorado, she returned to New England and spent the past five years at Oxford Hills High School. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree through the University of Maine at Farmington.

Lauren is also a certified yoga instructor with training in trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning. Outside the classroom, she enjoys practicing yoga outdoors, reading, music, video games, and spending time with her dog. We’re excited to welcome her to the Baxter Academy family!

Last week, Baxter students chose which of the five Flex Friday clusters they will work in this year. Every Friday, Baxter students step beyond the traditional classroom through Flex Friday, our signature project-based learning program. Students join clusters based on shared interests and work together to explore meaningful questions, solve problems and create something with real-world value.

In the Drone Cluster, students apply engineering and technology to design drones for search and rescue, remote water sampling and vaccine delivery. Other students are using environmental science, research and prototyping to explore ways to detect PFAS contamination in Maine’s soil and water.

Along the way, students build STEM skills while learning to collaborate, test ideas, adapt and communicate their work. It’s hands-on learning with a purpose and a powerful example of how inquiry leads learning at Baxter.

We had a fantastic week of orientation, welcoming back new and returning students last week. Hours were spent creating valuable bonds through team-building exercises, like those shown here - one was a competition with all the 10th graders, where they had to use the attached strings to draw an animal picture. Another was a field trip to Monument Square where classic games were enjoyed by all. We may be a serious, STEM-focused school, but we definitely know how to have fun!

School is in session and we’re so excited to welcome some amazing new faculty to Baxter. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe school year!

Welcome to the Baxter family, Jordan Roche!

Jordan is a Portland native who is joining the Baxter faculty this fall as a math teacher. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2021 with a degree in Mathematics, and has spent the last five years teaching at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish.

At Baxter, he looks forward to helping his students reach their full potentials and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Outside the classroom, Jordan enjoys exploring the Maine outdoors through hiking, biking, and skiing, while also pursuing his passions for tennis, Super Smash Bros., karaoke, crossword puzzles, and cheering on local sports teams.

https://mainebiz.biz/article/planned-center-would-expand-stem-education-across-southern-maine/

Planned center would expand STEM education across southern Maine Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, a tuition-free public charter high school in Portland, launched a fundraising campaign to build a Center for Innovation and Technology.

Students in last week’s Marine Biology camp had a great week studying marine life in the field, using microscopes, and documenting their findings. Understanding our marine world is so important, especially as we face rising sea water temperatures and an increase in invasive species.