SACO — The New England League of Middle Schools announced at its 42nd Annual Conference last month that Jessica Hamilton, mathematics teacher at Saco Middle School, was awarded a NELMS 2023 Master in the Middle Award.

 “Paying attention to the learning needs of young adolescents and recognizing their unique developmental stage can make a significant difference in the lives of 10-14 year-olds,” said Jeff Rodman, executive director of NELMS. “Recognizing those experienced middle-level educators is a major part of the work of the Recognitions Committee who often have a very difficult task choosing the winners.”

Saco Middle School sixth grade science teacher Lindsay Wirsing said Hamilton implemented a school-wide composting initiative.

“[Jessica] led the charge and used math to bring it to the next level. Students on her team quickly took ownership of this project, collecting and counting trash, and creating a system that brought composting to Saco Middle School,” she said. “The best part was that the students didn’t even realize they were doing math.”

The New England League of Middle Schools is a nonprofit organization. Through its vision, leadership, and programs NELMS’ mission is to promote middle-level best practices by providing collaborative learning experiences that support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, and success.