How The Portland Public Schools’ Nature Program Preps Kids for School
Reading to worms from picture books, digging in the dirt and transforming pinecones into bird feeders—all those fun learning activities are part of a unique, nature-based Portland Public Schools summer program helping rising kindergartners and first-graders get ready for school. Starting kindergarten or first grade can be a big transition, but the program—called Step-Into-Kindergarten-and-First-Grade—helps make…
Dedham School’s Mountain Biking Team Builds Skills, Trails, and Community
For the past seven years, Dedham School in AOS #47 has provided middle school students with an opportunity to build skills, explore the outdoors, and connect with their peers through its Mountain Biking Team. The fall extracurricular program was developed for students in grades 6 through 8 and extends learning beyond the physical education classroom.…
Maine DOE Update – October 23, 2026
From the Maine Department of Education News & Updates Augusta Spanish Teacher Gretchen Livingston Named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce Augusta School Department Spanish teacher Gretchen Livingston as the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Livingston celebrated this award…
Maine DOE Releases New Evaluation Report for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the national organization Measurement Incorporated, has released a new Statewide Evaluation Report for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. The 21st CCLC program is a federally funded competitive grant program that helps schools and communities develop before-school, after-school, and summer educational programs that…
Maine Educators Recognized for Innovative Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning
The Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM) has named Keith Kelley of RSU 19 and Nicole Lesperance of RSU 9 as the recipients of the 2026 ACTEM ACHIEVE Award, recognizing their innovative approaches to using technology to support teaching and learning. The ACHIEVE Award stands for “ACTEM Commends Highly Innovative Educators that Value…
Celebrating 150 Years of Deaf Education in Maine
In 2026, Maine is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 150 years of Deaf education in the state. For a century and a half, Maine has worked to ensure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing children have access to education, language, relationships, and opportunities to thrive. While the way services are delivered has evolved significantly over the…
Augusta Spanish Teacher Gretchen Livingston Named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year
2027 Maine Teacher of the Year Gretchen Livingston is a Spanish teacher at Cony Middle and High School, Augusta School Department. Augusta, MAINE—The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce Augusta School Department Spanish teacher Gretchen Livingston as the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Livingston celebrated this…
Maine DOE Update – October 16, 2026
From the Maine Department of Education News & Updates A Resounding Crunch! Maine Apple Crunch Day Celebrates Local Apples and School Communities Schools across Maine celebrated Maine Apple Crunch Day on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, bringing school communities together to enjoy fresh, locally grown apples. From cider taste tests to a chorus of synchronized crunches,…
Maine DOE Launches 2026-2027 School Health Monthly Webinar Series
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health Team is excited to announce the launch of the 2026-2027 School Health Webinar Series. This series is designed for those who work to support student health and well-being, including school health professionals, pediatricians, and school health advisors. This educational series begins on November 3, 2026, with…
A Resounding Crunch! Maine Apple Crunch Day Celebrates Local Apples and School Communities
Students from Old Orchard Beach, RSU 23 celebrate 2026 Apple Crunch Day. Schools across Maine celebrated Maine Apple Crunch Day on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, bringing school communities together to enjoy fresh, locally grown apples. From cider taste tests to a chorus of synchronized crunches, this year’s celebrations showcased the many ways Maine’s apple harvest…
