From the Maine Department of Education
Maine’s First Lady launched the Read to ME Challenge this week reflecting on how she and her kids would pack their bags to go to the local library for the afternoon. “It was a routine we all looked forward to. With demands of daily life, it was sometimes difficult to find time to sit and read, but we always made it a priority.”
In speaking with military families at the Blaine House, Mrs LePage said, “As a mother, I always believed in the importance of early childhood literacy as it pertained to my children’s success in life.”
Acting Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley got a chuckle from the children when he said, “I remember my dad falling asleep reading to me in the evening.” He went on, “I grew to love reading, I love reading to my kids and grandkids, reading is a wonderful gift.”
In following the spirit of the Read to ME Challenge, The First Lady issued the challenge to the Barbara Bush Foundation and Maine’s Adjutant General, Colonel Douglas Farnum. Additionally, Governor Paul LePage extended challenges, via a letter, to Acting Education Commissioner Beardsley, Maine Public Broadcasting Network and the Maine State Library.
Notices and Reporting Items
- 2016 PEPG Submittal Form, due July 1
- Report of Services to Students with Disabilities Part II (EF-S-05), due Feb. 29 (Reminder)
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News & Views
Registration open for postsecondary transition conference
Special education administrators, special education high school teachers, transition coordinators and specialists, vocational rehabilitation case managers, and parents of children/students with disabilities are invited to attend a daylong conference on postsecondary transition planning. | More
Celebrate school counselors Feb. 1–5
The first week of February is National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). | More
Student sought to serve on State Board of Education
The Maine State Board of Education is seeking a student from the second congressional district in Maine to serve as a participating, non-voting member. | More
Transitions suicide prevention training Feb. 25
Maine DOE in collaboration with Suicide Prevention Training contractor NAMI Maine, will be offering the Transitions Lessons Teacher Training on February 25. | More
National School Choice Week brings charter school students to Augusta
Maine Charter Schools Day was recognized last month in the State House Hall of Flags. | More
Secretary of State Congressional Medal of Honor Project
Teachers, administrators and community leaders are encouraged to get involved in the Maine Secretary of State Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) Project. | More
Maine DOE supports Family Violence Project through volunteer effort
The Family Violence Project is the recipient this year of the Maine DOE’s seasonal fundraiser. | More
Preliminary FY 2017 State subsidy printouts available
The following Priority Notice was sent to all Maine school districts on Friday, Jan. 29. | More
A grateful teacher tells her story
2015 Knox County Teacher of the Year was once a homeless child and she tells her story while expressing her gratitude. | More (links to Bangor Daily News)
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