Commissioner’s Update – May 30, 2013

From the Commissioner

Yesterday, Governor LePage and I celebrated our nationally competitive robotics teams and students who have received recognition at the national level for their accomplishments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – known as STEM.

Maine should be proud of these innovative student leaders who received the Governor’s Promising STEM Awards. Robotics teams from schools in Auburn, Brewer, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Mount Desert Island and Oakland were honored, as were Maine’s delegates to the 2013 National Youth Science Camp (Ryanne Daily – John Bapst Memorial High School and Keylsey Burke – Dirigo High School); the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Mary Butler – Bangor High School,  and Meagan Currie and Harry Pershing – Greely High School); and the National Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Nathan Dee – Bangor High School).

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Governor LePage and Commissioner Bowen speak to school robotics teams.Governor LePage and Commissioner Bowen honor Maine’s robotics teams during a State House ceremony. | More

News & Views

Governor LePage, Education Commissioner Bowen and business leaders recognize Maine’s nationally competitive robotics teams, STEM students at State House ceremony

AUGUSTA – Maine’s nationally recognized robotics teams and STEM student leaders were honored by Governor Paul R. LePage and Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen this morning in a ceremony that reinforced the need for students to better develop the skills that will make them – and Maine – competitive in a global economy. | More

Mount Desert Elementary honored with Maine’s first top health excellence award

NORTHEAST HARBOR – Superfood quinoa and vegetables fresh from the school garden on the lunch menu. A walking and running group during recess. And a Culinary Club that brings students into the kitchen to volunteer alongside food services staff. These are just some of the health and wellness offerings that helped Mount Desert Elementary become the first school in the state and the second in New England to earn a Gold Medal of Distinction from the HealthierUS School Challenge. | More

School academies provide customized learning in Belfast

When I visited Troy Howard Middle School on Thursday as part of the tail end of my Promising Practices Tour, I was impressed by the school’s two-year academy system that puts students first by placing them in one of three academies based on their learning styles. By Stephen Bowen | More

New Center for Best Practice case study features RSU 20

The Center for Best Practice has released its fifth case study showcasing districts successfully implementing proficiency-based practices. The schools of RSU 20 (Belfast/Searsport area) figure prominently in the history of the state’s move toward learner-centered education. | More

MLTI next generation transition updates

In the month since we announced the next generation Maine Learning Technology Initiative solution, we’ve been busy working with the three vendors and your schools to ensure this initiative continues to best support your learning goals moving forward. By Stephen Bowen | More

State science fair winners compete for international STEM awards

Three students represented Maine high school students at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Ariz., where 1,600 of the top Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students in the world competed for awards and top honors from May 12-17. | More

Envirothon state champions headed for international competition

GUILFORD – Five students from Piscataquis Community Secondary School, led by biology teacher Heather Doherty, captured top honors at the Maine Envirothon Championships on May 23 at Bowdoin College. | More

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