In Today’s News
March 29, 2012Music teacher, Beth Polletto
Argy, Beth Polletto, Barb Weed, Laura Whitney
In December of 2010 Catherine Ring and I traveled to Gray-New Gloucester Middle School (GNG MS) to visit with staff and take a closer look at the work they were doing on standards based education. While there we had a chance to speak with two enthusiastic young music teachers, Laura Whitney and Beth Polletto. I remember thinking how fortunate the students at GNG MS were to have these teachers! Yesterday, I learned that the music education world of Maine lost one of them in a car accident on her way to school. Beth Polletto was an instrumental teacher 3 days at GNG MS and 2 days at Georgetown. This is especially sad since Beth was only 26 years old.
Today’s Portland Press Herald said this about her:
Polletto wrote a blog on the Georgetown school department’s website. “Music Makes the World Go Round” kept parents and students informed about the “musical happenings” in her class.
Her last post was dated Feb. 13.
“We’ve done it,” Polletto said. “We’ve raised enough money for hand chimes! Thank you to each and every one of you who made this possible. I look forward to debuting them at our spring concert in May.
I am sure you’ll join me in keeping Beth’s students, colleagues, and family in your thoughts. If you’d like to read the entire article please click here.
me arts ed 
Argy,
Thank you for writing this tender blog entry. My heart goes out to these communities and to her family and boyfriend, but it is the students that I know are hurting. I didn’t know Beth, but I know many of her students. She had the privilege to work with students in grades K-6 at Georgetown and 5-8 at Gray Middle School. These kiddos haven’t usually experienced a death in their young lives, and so many of them attach appropriately to their teachers as their second family. Music does make the world go around, and I know that even in this darkest of circumstances that music will help everyone heal and honor Beth as well.
Tammy Fisher
Behavior Consultant RSU4
Will think of Beth when I hear hand chimes…….and hope that those that love her, and are saddened by this tragic loss, will be able to, someday, celebrate the joy and community that she brought through her love of children and music.
I just happened upon this-having known Beth personally for many years (college roommate/friend)I want to say thank you for your kind words about her. The world was done such a misfortune in taking her life so early, but she has been remembered in such a remarkable way.
Thank you again.