Commissioner’s Update – October 8, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

edlundWhen you ask Talya Edlund’s students what they think of their third grade teacher, you will hear words like, “stupendous, epic, amazing, and fantastic.” When you ask the principal of Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth of this 15 year veteran educator, you hear the term “top-tier educator.”

It is these qualities and more that earned Talya Edlund the title of 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed to her in a surprise assembly at Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth on Monday.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Education Rachelle Tome announced Edlund had been selected as the 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year of three finalists saying, “Talya Edlund embodies those exemplary characteristics we have seen in all of the stellar educators identified as 2015 County Teachers of the Year.  With her ‘think out of the box” approach to problem solving, tenacious attitude for overcoming challenges, zest for staying at the cutting edge of her craft, and uncanny insight into the needs of her students and colleagues, she is the teacher we all want our children to have and the colleague we hope to work with. Talya is a true inspiration and role model.”

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Interpreting math & ELA/literacy (Smarter Balanced) reports

This week the math and ELA/literacy parent/guardian student reports are being shipped to schools from Measured Progress. | More

Addressing chronic absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is a national problem that has prompted a joint letter from national leaders including the U.S. Department of Education. | More

PEPG development grants Available

In an effort to support school administrative units (SAUs) develop their PEPG systems, the Maine DOE is proud to offer grants of $4,600 for the purpose of PEPG professional development. | More

Regional Title I parent involvement sessions

Maine DOE will conduct regional roundtable meetings in November to support and assist districts in understanding Title I requirements of parent involvement. | More

Invitation to participate in NECAP science inquiry task field test

Maine DOE is recruiting schools again this year to serve as field testing sites to administer the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Science Inquiry Tasks in grades 5, 8, and 11. | More

Reminder: Lunch served on early release days

Maine DOE is reminding districts the school lunch meal must be offered to students each school day, including planned half days and early release. | More

Input sought for teacher shortage areas

The Maine DOE has been notified of the requirement to submit Maine teacher shortage areas by Dec. 10 for designation by the U.S. DOE for 2016-17. | More

LEA indirect cost rate proposal webinar

Maine DOE’s contractor MAXIMUS will be providing a LEA ICRP training webinar on Oct. 20. | More

Call for student artwork

For over ten years, the Maine DOE and the Maine Arts Commission have been fortunate to celebrate excellence in Maine visual and performing arts education by hosting rotating student art exhibits. | More

Auburn hosts leveraging learning institute – iPads in primary grades

Educators are invited to attend Auburn School Department’s two-day Leveraging Learning institute on Oct. 28-30. | More

Fuel Up to Play wellness program

Maine schools are invited to participate in Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60), a wellness program with numerous benefits. | More

School bus replacement and retrofit rebate program

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) is now accepting applications for the 2015 School Bus Replacement and Retrofit Funding opportunity. | More

MAHPERD conference celebrating 70 years

Educators are encouraged to register now for the annual Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) conference on Nov. 1-3. | More

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