It’s time for a new school year, and here at the Maine DOE we’re continuing the work of our strategic plan.In a few weeks, the Department will launch its birth-to-adult literacy initiative, Literacy for ME, and we’re hoping to get the whole state involved.
In late September, the Department will be offering six one-day regional meetings to explain how to implement and develop comprehensive literacy plans in local communities, and we hope that you will consider helping to create a local team to participate in one of these sessions and set your community on the road to a local plan for action. Well-represented planning teams made up of members that span the birth to adult continuum are encouraged to sign-up. To view the full meeting schedule and register your team by the September 17 deadline, please visit the project’s website.
— Stephen Bowen
ACTION ITEMS
Administrative Letters
- No new administrative letters this week.
Notices
- Schoolwide programs annual notification
- Migrant education survey updated, ready for distribution
- HEALTH ALERT: Update on pertussis (whooping cough) in Maine
- Online data management FAQ now available
- Rule Change Adoption: Chapter 13, Qualifying Examinations for Teachers, Educational Specialists and Administrators
- September observances for schools (one required)
Reporting
Please note: We generally provide notice of requirements only once. Please check the Reporting Calendar (link below) regularly for a list of ALL upcoming items.
- Inventory of Hazardous Chemicals, due September 1
- Chemical Hygiene Plan, due September 1
- Pesticide Notice for Integrated Pest Management Plan, due September 1
- Staff Data Collection Reopens, due September 30
NEWS & VIEWS
Finding my center
July was a thrilling month as Maine Teacher of the Year—it involved Bill Gates and Space Camp. My head was spinning…in part from the amount of information to be digested from a national conference on educational policy, and in part due to the multi-axis trainer at Space Camp. By Alana Margeson | More
Lewiston teacher hailed “Champion of Change” by White House
The White House honored Linda St. Andre, principal of Governor James B. Longley Elementary School in Lewiston, among 12 distinguished school turnaround leaders named “Champions of Change” last week. | More
Maine State Museum features bugs, earth science for kids
The Maine State Museum in Augusta is now accepting reservations for two upcoming educational events: Bug Maine-ia and Earth Science Day. | More
LearningWorks summer programs diminish learning loss
Over the course of four weeks this summer, third, fourth and fifth grade students at Reiche Community School and East End Community School in Portland have had the opportunity to explore the world around them through hands-on activities combined with research and study. | More
Passing of Deb Hannigan and Buzz Kastuck
It is with great, great sadness that I report the passing this week of two long-time members of the Maine DOE family – Deb Hannigan, who served as the director of Child Development Services, and Buzz Kastuck, who managed the school approval process, superintendent agreements and home schooling. By Stephen Bowen | More
Arts teachers attend institute, focus on assessment, creativity
Forty arts educators met at Maine College of Art in Portland for a four-day summer institute in early August during phase two of the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI). | More
Students: take Stop Bullying Video Challenge
Youth are invited to submit original public service announcements—videos 30 to 60 seconds in length—that showcase ways they are taking action against bullying and promoting a culture of kindness and respect in their communities. | More
- Science workshops focus on Framework, standards
- Required workplace law posters free to schools, businesses