2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Reflects on Enjoyable and Empowering Experience at Space Camp

Each year, the Maine Teacher of the Year attends Space Camp for Educators at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. They are joined by their National Teacher of the Year cohort, comprised of teachers from across the nation. Space Camp is a program for educators that includes simulations of astronaut training and various activities designed to deepen educators’ understanding of what it’s like to go to space. Beyond the fun and interesting activities, Space Camp allows the National Teacher of the Year cohort to connect, network, and learn from one another.

Participants at Space Camp had the opportunity to build and launch rockets, participate in an escape room, design heat shields, and rovers, learn about how origami influences the design of space vehicles, and experience two “missions” in the space station. An example of a day-long activity included a water rescue simulation where a zipline and a downed helicopter were used to simulate a pre-launch emergency escape. Then, participants had to swim out to a raft in the middle of the lake, climb said raft, fall backwards from it, swim back to shore, and climb into a sling to escape the water.

Joshua Chard, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year and teacher at East End Elementary, enjoyed Space Camp for its fun activities and bonds he created with other educators. Although he was initially nervous about the water rescue simulation due to his limited swimming skills, the support of his team helped him overcome his fears. For Chard, the experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, a lesson he plans to bring back to his classroom in the fall.

While Chard enjoyed the experience of Space Camp, he notes that some of his favorite moments were the ones where he got to speak with other accomplished educators and hear about their teaching.

“The relationships that I have built through the National Teacher of the Year program are ones that will inform my professional journey moving forward. We bonded over our love for our students and our commitment to a rigorous and equitable education for all. I have created friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Chard.

Chard also found much value in being in a student position at Space Camp and being reminded of what it feels like to be a learner. Space Camp reminded him of what it is like to be a student experiencing new material for the first time, not knowing what to do, and being nervous of judgment from others.

“Teachers are lifelong learners, but usually we have some control over what we are learning. Being out of my comfort zone was a great reminder that many of our learners find themselves outside of their comfort zone every day,” he said.

While Chard was incredibly grateful for befriending and learning from teachers from all over the country, he is grateful that he teaches in Maine.

“I am proud to work in a state where public education is valued and celebrated and where diversity is seen as an asset,” he said. “Maine is such an amazing place to work and live.”

When Chard was asked about what lessons from space camp he would share with the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year Cohort, he emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“It sounds cliche, but we are more successful together. NASA’s scientists, astronauts, and support personnel all work together in the interest of expanding our knowledge of our world and beyond. All of us who work in schools strive for the same thing, to expand the minds and lives of our students.”

The 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year will have the opportunity to attend the annual Space Camp just like Chard did. Read more about the Teacher of the Year program here.

Over 100 Maine Students and Teacher Spend a Weekend Camping with Teens to Trails

This past spring, 100+ students and teachers joined Teens to Trails for their annual Adventure Bound weekend, a free camping and white-water rafting experience at Adventure Bound, a youth and family group whitewater rafting and outdoor recreation center in Caratunk, Maine on the Kennebec River. Participants could enjoy this trip at no cost because of the Maine Department of Education (DOE), Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, a program designed to engage more Maine students with outdoor learning and make outdoor experiences more accessible. This initiative was inspired by a promise in Governor Mills’ 2022 State of the State Address to provide students with more opportunities like the Whitewater Kayaking Camp, where kids can go outside and engage with Maine’s natural beauty.

On Friday night, the first night of the trip, participants from different schools had the chance to get to know each other through campfires, dinner, and fun icebreakers. Sam Andrews, Teens to Trails’ Program Manager, led a group conga line as well as a favorite camp game called Bob the Weasel. In this game, one person stands alone. The rest form a circle and pass a banana around while singing, “Bob the Weasel, keep it going, keep it going.” It is up to the person inside the circle to guess who has the banana, and the game almost always results in good-natured laughter.

The next day, the students enjoyed a full day of activities, including volleyball, paddle boarding, canoeing, climbing, swinging on the ropes course, hiking to Moxie Falls, and whitewater rafting. The wide variety of offerings allowed students to choose activities in their comfort zone; however, many felt encouraged to try new things and learn from their experiences. Since whitewater rafting was new to many, the students learned basic paddling skills from Adventure Bound staff. After learning the basics, students took on the challenge of paddling in white water with the help of skilled guides.

“I was incredibly nervous, but I’m glad I did it,” said a 12th-grade student from Belfast High School.

While students were out enjoying activities, teachers had the opportunity to network with other colleagues who are outdoor club leaders. Many reported it was amazing for them to see their students challenge themselves, bond with others, and enjoy nature.

On the final night, Teens to Trails’ Youth Advisory Council members led the annual s’mores contest, which included some creative confections from the students. Some combinations included a toasted banana, chocolate, marshmallow, and caramel s’more, as well as a raspberry, chocolate-covered pretzel, and marshmallow s’more. One student even created an Oreo-wheeled s’mores truck.

The joy and energy of spending a weekend outdoors and unplugged are experiences many will remember fondly. Students and teachers reported feeling connected, inspired, and excited to return to Adventure Bound with their Outdoor Clubs for many years to come.

Twelve school communities were able to attend, including Mt. Abram High School, Dirigo High School, Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, Houlton High School, Ecology Learning Center, Westbrook High School, Edward Little High School, Wiscasset Middle High School, Mountain Valley High School, Marshwood High School, Belfast Area High School, and John Bapst High School.

Thanks to the Maine DOE Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, Teens to Trails, and Adventure Bound, the positive feelings, memorable adventures, and skills learned throughout the weekend will last a lifetime.

“One of my students wants to become a rafting guide now,” added Brian Davis, a Science Teacher at Westbrook High School

Registration links for future trips will be included in Teens to Trails’ school newsletters and on their Facebook, Instagram, and website.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative was created with Federal Emergency Relief Funding and is a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response. Please visit the Maine DOE Website to learn more about Whole Student Pandemic Response and the many other programs that make it up.

Maine’s Outdoor learning Initiative Inspires a Newfound Love of Nature for 90 Lisbon Students

Ninety 7th-grade Lisbon Middle School students recently took a trip to Hurricane Island. This trip was free for all students, thanks to the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, a Maine Department of Education (DOE) grant that provides funding for middle and high school students in Maine to have outdoor learning opportunities in areas such as marine biology, ecology, and exploration. The initiative also allows Maine students to explore outdoor career fields with trained professionals.

On the trip, students explored tidal pool ecosystems, dissected scallops, and completed a raft-building challenge. Additionally, almost half of the students opted to take a 5 a.m. sunrise hike on the island. Students wanted to make the most of every moment on the trip.

“I loved seeing my students actively exploring the natural world around them,” said Deb Antl, the coordinating teacher. “Their genuine excitement and curiosity about the ocean, its plants, and animals was amazing. Not once did they ask for a phone or complain about not having access to technology. They were fully enveloped by the nature around them.”

Many discussions were had on the trip about the importance of preserving the environment and the role that each individual plays in sustaining the ecosystem, including learning about sustainable methods of ocean farming and why responsible aquaculture is growing as an industry. The 7th graders are now inspired to help their school community learn to responsibly compost next year. Additionally, students are now eager to learn more about other forms of aquaculture and meet other farmers—some even are inspired to pursue a career in aquaculture/farming.

From their first time on a boat, an island, seeing the stars, and spending the night in a cabin, Lisbon students were overjoyed with the beauty and exploration opportunities on Hurricane Island. The students were truly grateful for the experience and expressed that gratitude by writing thank-you letters to the Hurricane Island staff.

The Maine DOE’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative allowed students, some of whom would otherwise not have been able, to explore and connect with the resources available in their own state.

Upcoming Data Webinars August 2024

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team has many data management and reporting webinars scheduled in preparation for fall data collection. The Maine DOE Events Calendar lists all Data Team webinars for Synergy and NEO. Filter to the area of focus, “Data.”

Webinars this week and next week for State Reporting in Synergy and NEO:

NEO Home Instruction Module Updates Webinar:
August 20th at 12pm – Register Here

Synergy State Student ID and Enrollment Uploads Webinar
August 22nd at 12pm – Register Here

NEO Transportation Webinar
August 27th at 12pm – Register Here

Synergy Personal Upload Webinar:
August 29th at 12pm – Register Here

Please contact Alexandra.Cookson@maine.gov if you have any questions about upcoming webinars.

Maine DOE Update – August 16, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Graduation Reporting for SY 2023-2024

If graduation exit codes need to be updated for graduated students after State Synergy rolls over to 2024-2025 on August 15th, please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896 | More

News & Updates

What Makes a Great School in Maine? Join a Measure What Matters Community Conversation

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to host community meetings across Maine to bring educators, parents, students, and business leaders together to discuss a shared vision for our schools. These in-person conversations will take place in August and September across the state. This week we had great conversations in Augusta, Westbrook, Topsham, and York. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Helps Students Learn to White Water Kayak

Six students, ranging from grades 8th to 12th, participated in an Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking Camp offered by the Main Street Skowhegan Organization. Thanks to the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, these students could participate in the experience at no cost to them. | More

Carrabec Students Trek the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Thanks to Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative

In June, Seven Carrabec High School students joined a Teens to Trails intern and registered Maine Guide Tammy Long on a 30-mile canoe trip along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail on Flagstaff Lake. On this three-day trip, participants navigated the waters via canoe, camped on remote islands, and prepared food over a campfire. Thanks to the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, the trip and necessary gear were free for all participants. | More

Three Western Maine Administrators Share How Maine DOE Transformational Leaders’ Network Has Improved Their Leadership Practice

An article by Ann Dooling, Maine DOE Transformational Leaders’ Network Facilitator and Maine educator/administrator. Dooling recently interviewed Jodi Ellis, Principal of Meroby Elementary and Rumford Elementary in RSU 10; Tabitha Emery, Principal of Stratton Elementary School at Eustis School Department; and Leanne Condon, Principal and Superintendent of Andover School Department, about what keeps them coming back month after month to the TLN meetings. | More

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME Professional Learning Communities Offered

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and teacher leaders from across the state are teaming up to offer monthly professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators implementing Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME in their classrooms. | More

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

What Makes a Great School in Maine? Join a Measure What Matters Community Conversation

We need your voice!

We’re interested in developing relevant ways to recognize and acknowledge what schools are doing to prepare students for success in their lives, a rapidly changing global economy, their careers, and as engaged and productive citizens of Maine. It’s time to measure what matters.

Join us at a community conversation near you to share your thoughts about what makes a great school in Maine, how we can best prepare all of our students to thrive, and how we measure the great things happening in Maine schools. Your thoughts and ideas will be used to develop a portrait of a great school in Maine based on what the people of Maine value for our schools.

Sign up here to join a community conversation near you. See the full list of remaining Measure What Matters Community Conversations below.

Monday, August 19, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Penquis Valley High School
Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Maranacook High School
Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Central Maine Community College
Thursday, August 22, 2024, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Skowhegan High School
Monday, August 26, 2024, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Lamoine Consolidated School
Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Miller School, RSU 40

Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Camden Hills Regional High School
Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
UMaine Machias
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Bangor High School
Thursday, September 12, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Caribou Community School

We look forward to seeing you at a Measure What Matters conversation soon!

Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME Professional Learning Communities Offered

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and teacher leaders from across the state are teaming up to offer monthly professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators implementing Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME in their classrooms.

These PLCs are provided to promote understanding of program design and to support successful program implementation. Program components will be explored in greater depth, and teachers will be encouraged to share practice and student work examples. Teachers, ed techs, instructional coaches, and any other staff implementing the programs are strongly encouraged to attend, whether you are new to using the programs or have been using them for a while.

This year’s PLC opportunities will be held virtually from 3:30 – 4:30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month:

October 1
November 5
December 3
January 7
February 4
March 4
April 1

Although it is highly encouraged, teachers and ed techs do not have to commit to attending every session. Details about how to access the sessions will be provided after registration is completed. Registrations for the PLCs should be received by September 20, 2024.

Register here for Pre-K for ME

Register here for K for ME and 1st Grade for ME

For additional information contact Nicole.Madore@maine.gov, or Marcy.R.Whitcomb@maine.gov.

Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Helps Students Learn to White Water Kayak

Of the students attending the Whitewater Kayaking Camp, half had participated last year, and half were entirely new to whitewater paddling. The camp was led by expert Ben Koehler, who serves as the program coordinator and has ten years of river guiding and kayak instruction experience. Wasting no time, the students took straight to the water, spending most of their trip in the river. A typical day of camp consisted of driving to the Kennebec River, putting on gear, getting into boats, and riding the currents as they developed their new skills. They would run ‘good rapids’ for practice only, then hike back upriver to repeat them.

On the first day, all students were in duckies, which are inflatable sit-on-top kayaks with good stability and maneuverability. On the second day, after repeating the skills learned the prior day in duckies, students graduated to whitewater kayaks, in which the kayaker sits inside the boat with a skirt (material that covers the inside of the boat).

“One student was apprehensive to get into a kayak, so the staff helped her by letting her use a funded pack raft, which is an inflated boat that one sits in without a skirt. The funded pack raft was a good bridge between a duckie and a kayak. Practicing on the inflatable raft helped build the student’s confidence in paddling and being on the water. Another student in the camp mastered the ability to roll a kayak in whitewater, which is a big step towards becoming an expert at whitewater kayaking,” said Koehler.

At the end of the week, all six students could successfully kayak the lower-class III section of the Kennebec River, which is remarkable considering that three of them were brand new to the activity.

Ducky

Main Street Skowhegan, an organization dedicated to revitalizing historic Skowhegan, hosted the camp. The organization has an impressive collection of outdoor gear that Somerset County residents can rent at no cost. Their partnership with the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative allowed them to expand their gear and provide cost-free programs, like their white water rafting camp. Main Street Skowhegan will continue to offer white water camps and clinics throughout the summer. More information can be found on their website.

Register for Main Street Skowhegan’s White Water Camps

Carrabec Students Trek the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Thanks to Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative is a program created by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to engage Maine students with outdoor learning and make outdoor experiences more accessible. The Initiative was inspired by a promise made in Governor Mills’ 2022 State of the State Address to provide students with more opportunities like Carrabec’s canoe trip. The students on the trip were from Long’s Outdoor Leadership Class, taught at Carrabec High School.Long is a registered Maine guide and is extremely enthusiastic about sharing her expertise with students. She is also thankful that she has the skills and knowledge to help them stay safe on trips in remote areas. While Long noted that some of the students had prior canoe experience or had been on a trip with her before, none of them had ever embarked on a three-day, 30-mile paddling trip.

Before embarking on the trip, students were taught extended canoeing skills in an Outdoor Leadership class with Guide Tammy Long. Even for those who did have prior canoeing experience, this trip was challenging.

However, the students accepted the challenge and grew more confident in their canoeing abilities while enjoying the beauty of Flagstaff Lake.

“The highlight for me was when the students stopped holding their phones over their heads ‘looking’ for service and simply relented to the fact that they were unconnected,” remarked Long. “After three days, they couldn’t stop talking about how good it felt.”

Long said she also hopes students will continue to cherish outdoor experiences in our unique state and that they spend more time away from screens.

“I hope to continue being able to take students on extensive canoe trips like this one, and I am very thankful for the grant money provided by the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, said Long.

Graduation Reporting for SY 2023-2024 Due Soon

The Graduation Report in NEO Student Data allows school administrative units (SAUs) to validate graduation counts for the school year. Students still working toward finishing their graduation requirements have until August 15th to complete them for this reporting cycle. Students who finish their requirements over the summer can be exited from State Synergy on the date of the graduation ceremony. The graduation date must be prior to 6/30. If graduation exit codes need to be updated for graduated students after State Synergy rolls over to 2024-2025 on August 15th, please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896

Graduation Reporting Webinar Recorded 8/6/2024

Open Date: 7/1
Due Date: 8/30
Resources: Graduation Certification Report Instructions