Edgecomb Eddy Guidance Teacher Haley Bezon introduced her alter-ego to the local school committee on April 27. Bezon, who has taught at the school since late February, introduced Ms. Bezon Potato Head. She uses her alter-ego to teach the students how people should interact with each other.

The Ms. Bezon Potato Head Doll has two ears, two arms, one mouth, and a large set of over-sized glasses.

“I tell the students you have two ears and one mouth so you should listen more than talk. You have two arms for high-fives and hugs. And the glasses represent a way to see things from another perspective,” Bezon said.

Bezon taught in Hallowell before joining the Edgecomb Eddy staff. Previously, she and her husband worked with at-risk teens in Alaska. The couple provided support for students with emotional and behavioral issues. The couple provided “Wilderness Therapy” by taking the students canoing and mountain climbing.

In Edgecomb, she uses a variety of videos, games, arts and crafts in teaching students how to deal with difficult situations.

“There’s a lot of tools in the tool box to show students how to deal with situations where the impulse is to raise their voice, and instead, calm oneself,” she said.

Bezon spends her days in the classroom, on the playground, and working with students one-on-one providing guidance on handling difficult issues. She complimented the school’s staff and administration for having firm grasp on guidance issues before she arrived.

“I can tell (from) how the staff interacts with students that the school already had a handle on dealing with these types of issues. It’s been a wonderful experience working here,” Bezon said.

In other action, the school committee approved two new policies clarifying ones already in effect. The committee unanimously approved the school system website, online presence and Web page policy.

This is a policy being considered by all Alternative Organization Structure 98 schools. The policy clarifies the school’s and AOS’s website, Facebook pages, and other digital content as school property. The policy establishes controls to protect the privacy of students and staff to ensure the the online presence is in compliance with applicable laws and meet the highest quality standards, according to AOS 98 officials.

The second policy clarifies the expectations of staff members’ relationships with students. The policy also includes school volunteers. The policy’s intent is to ensure interactions and relationships between staff and students are based on trust and respect. The policy reminds staff about the importance of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times, whether or not it’s in an educational setting.

“It is understood that staff members and their children may interact and have friendships with students outside of school. This policy is not intended to prohibit such interaction, provided that professional boundaries are maintained at all times,” said Shawn Carlson, AOS 98 assistant superintendent.

Edgecomb Eddy School Principal Lisa Clarke will monitor both policies.

“There hasn’t been any problems in the past. The new policies are there just to clarify the old ones,” said AOS 98 Superintendent Suzanne King.

The committee also approved a new contracted service meal agreement with the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District. The agreement increases the school lunch price by five cents. The Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor SCD prepares the lunches and transport them to other AOS 98 schools. In 2015-16, the lunches will cost $2.65 each.

The Edgecomb School Committee will meet next at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12.