Month: March 2020

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Wednesday 4/1

Virtual office hour schedule for Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Join Zoom Meeting CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Health Ed & Physical Ed focus on Accountibilty & Monitoring with grade span breakout rooms Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/589890583

See email from Susan Berry for password or request password from Susan

 susan.berry@maine.gov
Pre K For ME Curriculum Overview Nicole Madore 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/675438268  nicole.madore@maine.gov
School Clinical Mental Health “Office Hours” Bear Shea 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/975637699 w.bear.shea@maine.gov
Special Education: Elementary/Middle School Special Ed Consultants 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/412164722 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Pk-5 Math Office Hour: Networking Jen Robitaille & Michele Mailhot 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/306115347 jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
Using ArcGIS with your Students Joe Schmidt w/ Brandi LeRoy (Bangor HS) 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/196355574

Contact Joe Schmidt for password

 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
K-6 Visual Art Office Hour Jason Anderson 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/429018936 jason.anderson@maine.gov
7-12 Visual Art Office Hour Jason Anderson 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/170741036 jason.anderson@maine.gov
Schoology Support Adult Education Megan Dichter 12:00  https://zoom.us/j/949098593 megan.dichter@maine.gov
PK-5 Science: Audubon, Go2Science & Project Learning Tree mini-dives Shari Templeton 12:00 https://zoom.us/j/786376350 shari.templeton@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 12:00 https://zoom.us/j/658578013  nicole.madore@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices Around Video Conferencing Jon Graham 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/830817204 jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov
Alternative Education Heather Whitaker (2020 Maine Teacher of the Year 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/247251327 heather.whitaker@gorhamschools.org
6-12 Math Office Hours Michele & Jen 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/239386398 michele.r.mailhot@maine.gov
Career and Education Development Networking Diana Doiron 2:00 : https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/859311077 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
Social Studies PK-12 Joe Schmidt 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/724224049

Contact Joe Schmidt for password

 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices Around Video Conferencing Jon Graham 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/830817204 jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov
English for Speakers of Other Languages April Perkins 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/407031543 april.perkins@maine.gov
6-12 Science: Strategies, Best Practices & Networking Shari Templeton 4:30-6 https://zoom.us/j/714350022 shari.templeton@maine.gov
   

Get to know the DOE Team: Meet Erin Frazier

Maine DOE team member Erin Frazier is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to know the DOE team campaign. Learn a little more about Erin in the question and answer below.

What are your roles with DOE?

I am the State Director of Special Services Birth to 20. In this role I oversee services provided to students in special education. In the Special Services Department we work with all stakeholders to make sure students with disabilities are supported in their schools and in early learning centers.

What do you like best about your job?

I work with an incredible team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support schools, teachers, students and parents of children with disabilities in Maine.  They make going to work every day exciting and fun. This job provides me with an opportunity to work with government agencies to support and advocate for children.

How or why did you decide on this career?

Before coming to the DOE, I worked in special education in a variety of roles throughout the state. I have always wanted to work at the Department to support students in Maine in a larger context.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

I recently moved, and I love walking with my dog on the countless trails near my  home and exploring a part of the state that’s new to me.  I also used to be a professional artist and still maintain close ties to the art community. I collect artwork made by local artists.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Tuesday 3/31

Virtual office hour schedule for Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Meeting Info CONTACT INFO
World Language K-12 Lavinia Rogers 7:00 https://zoom.us/j/960451806 lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Vocal and/or Classroom Music Office Hour Jason Anderson 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/932663775 jason.anderson@maine.gov
Instrumental and/or Classroom Music Office Hour Jason Anderson 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/293287937 jason.anderson@maine.gov
SEL – Open Office Hours Kellie Bailey 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/5080785422 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
School Nursing Emily Poland 11:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/615139238  emily.poland@maine.gov 
SPPS/ SAC Mary Adley 9:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/573175392 tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/662314719  nicole.madore@maine.gov
School Counseling: Open Office Hours Bear Shea 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/598318140 w.bear.shea@maine.gov
Physical Education Jean Zimmerman 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/427083034   jean.zimmerman@maine.gov 
Special Services: Updates K-12 Special Ed Consultants 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/345481083 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Adult Education Support Staff & Data Kelley Heath 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/4701421480 kelley.heath@maine.gov
Resources to Teach About World War I Joe Schmidt w/ Kate Kennedy/George Stevens Academy & The World War I Museum 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/653281441
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Using C-SPAN Online Materials with your Class Joe Schmidt w/ Keith Mahoney (Messalonskee MS) & CSPAN 12:00 https://zoom.us/j/472934340
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Elementary Literacy Danielle Saucier 1:00 https://zoom.us/j/274055683 danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov
Career and Education Development Networking Diana Doiron 2:00 : https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/906146496 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
Talking Maine History Joe Schmidt w/ Libby Bischof/USM 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/719539379
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
ELA 6-12: Developing Text Dependent Questions and Prompts in the Virtual Environment Morgan Dunton 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/706662048 morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Health Education focus on Suicde Prevention and Sexuality Education Online Lessons Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/813346851 susan.berry@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov
Social Studies PK-12 Joe Schmidt 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/115612673
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
World Language K-12 Lavinia Rogers 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/962597546 lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov

Broadening the Path: Design Principles for Middle Grades CTE

The middle grades have become the agreed upon starting point for high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, as this represents a critical time for students making important decisions that may have a lasting impact on their careers. Yet, there remains a lack of consensus among state and local leaders on what makes up a high-quality middle grades CTE program or policy. With the promotion of middle grades CTE in the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), it is an ideal time for state and local leaders to consider how to best support and expand CTE in middle school.

To support this work, Advance CTE and Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) have released Broadening the Path: Design Principles for Middle Grades CTE that lays out a theory of action for middle grades CTE, including:

  • Outcomes for student learning,
  • Ten design principles that should undergird any middle grades CTE program or policy, and
  • Core programmatic elements for developing and expanding CTE into middle grades.

The paper also includes a design principles self-assessment for state and local leaders to evaluate their current middle grades CTE policies and programs.

Read the report here.

This resource was created with the support of the Middle Grades CTE Shared Solutions Workgroup, comprised of national, state and local leaders, convened by Advance CTE with support from ACTE and generously funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Public Notice Emergency Declaration FEMA-344-EM-ME

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is giving public notice of its intent to provide financial assistance to the State of Maine, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations under the national emergency declaration issued by the President on March 13, 2020, as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). FEMA is also giving public notice that, in some cases, it may provide financial assistance for activities that may affect historic properties, may be located in or affect wetland areas or the 100-year floodplain, and/or may involve critical actions within the 500-year floodplain.

I. Public Notice – National Emergency Declaration and Overview of Authorized Assistance

The President declared on March 13, 2020 that an emergency exists nationwide pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Pub. L. No. 93-288 (1974) (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq.) (“Stafford Act”) as a result of COVID-19 beginning on January 20, 2020 and continuing. FEMA has administratively numbered the declaration for the State of Maine as FEMA-3444-EM-ME. Under this declaration, FEMA will provide financial and/or direct assistance to the State of Maine under Category B of the Public Assistance Program as authorized by Section 502 of the Stafford Act. Eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction or guidance of public health officials may be reimbursed under Public Assistance Category B. State, tribal, and local government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations throughout the entire State are eligible to apply for Public Assistance.

II. Public Notice – Assistance for Activities Located in or that Affect Wetlands Areas or Floodplains or that Affect Historic Properties

Some of the activities for which FEMA provides assistance under Public Assistance Category B may affect historic properties, may be located in or affect wetland areas or the 100-year floodplain, and/or may involve critical actions within the 500-year floodplain. In those cases, FEMA must comply with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management; Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands; the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 54 U.S.C. § 300101 et seq.) (“NHPA”); and the implementing regulations at 44 C.F.R. pt. 9 (Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands) and 36 C.F.R. pt. 800 (Protection of Historic Properties). The executive orders, NHPA, and/or regulations require FEMA to provide public notice for certain activities as part of approving the award of assistance for specific Public Assistance Category B projects.

A. Federal Actions in or Affecting Floodplains and Wetlands

Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 require that all federal actions (including federal awards of financial assistance) in or affecting the floodplain or wetlands be reviewed for alternatives to avoid adverse effects and incompatible developments in those areas. The regulations at 44

Public Notice
Emergency Declaration
FEMA-3444-EM-ME

C.F.R. pt. 9 set forth the FEMA policy, procedure, and responsibilities for implementing the Executive Orders. Certain actions are totally excluded from being covered by 44 C.F.R. pt. 9, such as certain emergency protective measures necessary to save lives and protect property and public health.

For those actions not excluded from 44 C.F.R. pt. 9, FEMA will identify and evaluate practicable alternatives to carrying out a proposed action in the wetlands or floodplain and use social, economic, historical, environmental, legal, and safety factors when analyzing the practicability of the alternatives. Where there is no practicable alternative, FEMA will undertake a detailed review to determine what measures can be taken to minimize potential harm to lives and risk from flooding, the potential adverse impacts the action may have on others, and the potential adverse impact the action may have on floodplain and wetland values. The public is invited to participate in the process of identifying alternatives and analyzing their impacts. Other Public Assistance projects will undergo more detailed review, including an evaluation of practicable alternatives and FEMA may publish subsequent public notices regarding such projects as necessary as more information becomes available

B. Federal Actions Affecting Historic Properties

Section 106 of the NHPA requires FEMA to consider the effects of its activities (known as “undertakings”) on any historic property and to afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on such projects before the expenditure of any federal funds. A Public Assistance Category B project is an “undertaking” for the purposes of the NHPA and a historic property is any property that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. For historic properties that will not be adversely affected by FEMA’s undertaking, this will be the only public notice. It will also be the only public notice if the work is an immediate rescue and salvage operation to preserve life and property (36 C.F.R. § 800.12(d)) or falls within the list of programmatic allowances set forth in the Programmatic Agreement among FEMA, the Maine State Historic Preservation Officer, and Maine State Emergency Management Agency. FEMA may, for other projects, provide additional public notices if a proposed FEMA undertaking would adversely affect a historic property.

III. Further Information or Comment

This will be the only public notice regarding the actions described above for which FEMA may provide assistance under the Public Assistance Program. Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to the following:

Federal Emergency Management Agency
Attn: Capt. W. Russell Webster (USCG Ret.), Federal Coordinating Officer
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02110

All comments concerning this public notice must be submitted in writing to FEMA within 15 days of its publication.

Students Participate in Virtual Maine State Science Fair on 3/28

The 74th annual Maine State Science Fair (MSSF), organized by The Jackson Laboratory and Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, was held virtually on March 28, 2020, and included 199 students representing 32 schools in 11 Maine counties. From this group, 142 finalists were selected to virtually present their research or engineering project to a panel of judges, in competition for coveted state titles and over $640,000 in scholarships and awards.

The Maine State Science Fair was originally scheduled to be held at The University of Maine, but the in-person event was moved online in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Maine high school students have been working on their projects for months, with support from many dedicated teachers and mentors,” said Stefany Burrell, STEM Education Specialist, Maine Math and Science Alliance. “We knew we had to shift gears, and quickly, to ensure students still had the opportunity to present and potentially be rewarded for their work.”

“Despite the obvious difficulties, Maine students and teachers are creative and resilient,” said Michael McKernan, Program Director, STEM and Undergraduate Education, The Jackson Laboratory. “All of our scholarship partners, led by UMaine, stuck with us, and with the students.”

The winners were announced during a virtual award ceremony.

This year’s Grand Award winners include:

  • 1st Grand Award – Vetri Vel, Bangor High School, “Real-time Fall Detection System for the Elderly Using Deep Learning and Thermal Imaging”
  • 2nd Grand Award – Amara Ifeji, Bangor High School, “Using Biofiltration Media and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) to Enhance the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals from Stormwater Reconstructed Wetlands”
  • 3rd Grand Award – Patrick Wahlig, Falmouth High School, “Precision and Relative Accuracy of Striped Bass Age, Proportional Length, and Origin Estimates from Both Scales and Sagittal Otoliths of Maine Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)”

In addition to the above awards, over $640,000 in scholarships, including several full-tuition scholarships, from The University of Maine, College of the Atlantic, University of Southern Maine, University of New England, St. Joseph’s College of Maine, University of Maine at Augusta, and Husson University were distributed to students who demonstrated creativity, innovation, aptitude and great scientific potential.

The following students received full tuition four-year Top Scholar awards from The University of Maine:

  • Meaghan Caron, Bangor High School
  • Hannah Dunn, Bangor High School
  • Nicholas Geiser, Bangor High School
  • Matthew Hafener, John Bapst Memorial High School
  • Grace Kessler, Maine Coast Waldorf School
  • Rachel Kingsley, South Portland High School
  • Ariel Larrabee, Hancock County Technical Center
  • Alexander Maker, Washington Academy
  • Alexandria Morgan, Washington Academy
  • Lilian Nowak, Bangor High School
  • Swetha Palaniappan, Cape Elizabeth High School
  • Vetri Vel, Bangor High School

The following students received a $20,000 four-year scholarship from the College of the Atlantic, renewable for four years.

  • Aniela Holtrop, Maine Coast Waldorf School
  • Ariel Larrabee, Hancock County Technical Center

The following students received full tuition four-year scholarships from the University of Southern Maine:

  • Josephine Ek, Robert W. Traip Academy
  • Adam Taddia, Baxter Academy for Technology and Science

The following students received a $5,000 four-year scholarship from the University of New England, renewable for four years:

  • Beau Briggs, Nokomis Regional High School
  • Jenna Drake, John Bapst Memorial High School
  • Marian Easton, Nokomis Regional High School
  • Josephine Ek, Robert W. Traip Academy
  • Natalie Shields, Medomak Valley High School

The following students received a $2,500 four-year scholarship from St. Joseph’s College of Maine:

  • Owen Arsenault, Noble High School
  • Natalie Shields, Medomak Valley High School

The following students received a $1,500 four-year scholarship from the University of Maine at Augusta, renewable for four years:

  • Alexandria Morgan, Washington Academy
  • Wade Wahlig, Falmouth High School

The following students received a $1,000 scholarship from Husson University:

  • Meaghan Caron, Bangor High School
  • Ariel Larrabee, Hancock County Technical Center
  • Alexandria Morgan, Washington Academy
  • Patrick Wahlig, Falmouth High School
  • Wade Wahlig, Falmouth High School

Acadia Institute of Oceanography and the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership offered experiential awards, including scholarships to attend residential summer camp programs.

The following students earned experiential awards for STEM enrichment programs in Maine:

  • Acadia Institute of Oceanography: Hannah Dyer, George Stevens Academy
  • Hurricane Island: Erin McCarthy, Bangor High School

The JAX Promising Scientist Award for outstanding research and engineering projects by 1st year students, given by The Jackson Laboratory:

  • Margaret Kastelein, Lincoln Academy
  • Anthony Ayer, Harpswell Coastal Academy
  • Jett Lindelof, Islesboro Central School
  • Aleah Sebrey, Medomak Valley High School
  • Hazel Van Dis, Islesboro Central School

The Reach Award for students from schools who are new to the Maine State Science Fair, given by the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance:

  • Kylie Brown, Boothbay Region High School
  • Collin Peterson, Islesboro Central School
  • Thomas DiPhilippo, South Portland High School
  • Elizabeth Chattley, Hancock County Technical Center
  • Adam Nussbaum, Brunswick High School

MSSF Category Winners

  • Animal Sciences – Behavior and Ecology: Alexander Maker, Washington Academy
  • Animal Sciences – Nutrition and Development: Patrick Wahlig, Falmout High School
  • Behavioral Sciences – Cognitive Psychology: Molly Hale, Greely High School
  • Behavioral Sciences – Sociology and Mental Health: Isabel Harkins, Boothbay Region High School
  • Biomedical and Health Sciences: Ijeoma Obi, Bangor High School
  • Chemistry: Ogechi Obi, Bangor High School
  • Computer Science and Mathematics: Micah Pietraho, Brunswick High School
  • Engineering: Vetri Vel, Bangor High School
  • Environmental Sciences – Water Quality: Jordyn Miller, Bangor High School
  • Environmental Sciences and Engineering: Leila Davids, Bangor High School
  • Materials Science: Jaylee Rice, Nokomis Regional High School
  • Microbiology: Melissa Tian, Bangor High School
  • Plant Sciences: Amara Ifeji, Bangor High School

Additional winners of special awards from the Maine State Science Fair, include:

American Meteorological Society Award

  • Naomi Noack, Bangor High School
  • Chloe Grant, Addison Bracken, Rachel Kingsley, South Portland High School
  • Ogechi Obi, Bangor High School
  • Melissa Tian, Bangor High School

Association for Women Geoscientists Award

  • Ginny Hunt, Bangor High School
  • Jordyn Miller, Bangor High School

Society for Science and the Public Community Innovation Award

  • Isaac Burtis, Brunswick High School

Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award

  • Sydney Sheehan, Old Town High School
  • Vetri Vel, Bangor High School
  • Nathan Chatterton, Boothbay Region High School
  • Oscar Hennin, Morse High School

Stockholm Junior Water Prize

  • Jordyn Miller, Bangor High School
  • Rain Bugado, Noble High School
  • McKayla Kendall, Bangor High School
  • Mia Wang, Gould Academy
  • Amber Halligan, Medomak Valley High School
  • Liulu Yue, Gould Academy

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Award

  • Amara Ifeji, Bangor High School
  • Ogechi Obi, Bangor High School

Download results from the 2020 MSSF, including scholarships, category awards, special awards, and the Maine ISEF Finalists.

Maine State Science Fair is further supported by Texas Instruments, Maine Space Grant Consortium, and the Maine School of Science and Mathematics.

The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance supports educators to teach STEM in more meaningful ways through professional development resources for K-12 educators, research and evaluation of STEM learning experiences, and building relationships and networks to sustain systemic statewide improvement.

The Jackson Laboratory offers educational programs for scientists throughout their careers — from STEM education for high school students and training for science and math teachers to courses and conferences for experienced researchers defining the cutting edge of genomics research and specialized training for physicians interested in incorporating genetics and genomics into their practices.

Maine DOE Update – Week of March 27, 2020

 

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

April 1 Enrollment Count, as Required by Statute

As we are all aware, these are unprecedented times with unique challenges, however the Maine Department of Education is asking schools to submit and have their superintendents certify their April Enrollment Count Report. While many Maine state reporting requirements have been suspended, there is need for these data for purposes of calculating public school tuition rates. | More

New Webinar: April Enrollment Count Report

To assist those who are responsible for the important task of reporting student data to the Maine Department of Education, the DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar on Tuesday April 7th, from 1pm to 2pm. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Maine Receives Approval to Waive Assessment, Accountability and School Identifications

The Maine Department of Education  is excited to announce that the request submitted to the U.S. Department of Education to waive assessments, accountability and school identifications (SY 20-21) has been granted with formal written approval to be received in the coming weeks. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Urging States to Continue Educating Students with Disabilities, Secretary DeVos Publishes New Resource on Accessibility and Distance Learning Options

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today the Department has released new information clarifying that federal law should not be used to prevent schools from offering distance learning opportunities to all students, including students with disabilities. This new resource from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) explains that as a school district takes necessary steps to address the health, safety, and well-being of all its students and staff, educators can use distance learning opportunities to serve all students. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Meals-to-You: Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Policy

Meals-to-You is an alternative method available to school districts to provide meals during unanticipated school closures. Originally started as a pilot program, Meals to You is a collaboration between the United States Department of Agriculture and Baylor University wherein eligible students unreached by traditional Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) receive shelf stable, nutritious meals right at their door step that children can prepare on their own. This program is directed towards rural families, for whom traditional SFSP options are a challenge due to distance and transportation. The program is at no cost to the district. | More

Open Invitation for Maine School Staff: Brain Centered Emotional Support Sessions Available Twice Daily

All Maine school staff (admins, educators, bus drivers, nutrition staff, nurses, ed techs, and support staff) invited to join Maine Department of Education Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist Kellie D. Bailey and Mental Health/School Counselor Specialist Bear Shea for virtual mental wellness sessions bookending the beginning and end of each day. | More

Maine DOE Stays Connected with Educators Through Daily Virtual Office Hours

In an otherwise isolating time, Maine Department of Education (DOE) staff have never felt more connected to Maine’s education field. Through daily virtual office hours, Maine DOE staff have been hosting content specific and mindfulness online meetings with school staff in an effort to answer questions, connect teachers and other school staff with one another… | More

Virtual Meetings Available Again Next Week

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended school closures. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators. | See the Schedule

Mitchell Scholarship for Maine High School Seniors Extends Deadline

Given the current circumstances, the Mitchell Institute is extending the Mitchell Scholarship application deadlines by one month. | More

School Transportation: FMCSA Emergency Declaration and CDL Waiver-3.24.20

Questions and Answers detailing waivers and exemptions, drug and alcohol testing and medical examiner certificates.  | More

March 27th is International SEL Day

Urban Assembly and SEL4US encourage educators around the World to recognize the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) on this International SEL Day. | More

Get to know the DOE Team: Meet Susan Wilson

Maine DOE Team member Susan Wilson is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to know the DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Susan in the brief question and answer below. | More

Commissioner Updates Regarding Covid-19 Response

| See All Recent Covid-19 Updates from Commission Makin |

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

 

New Webinar: April Enrollment Count Report

To assist those who are responsible for the important task of reporting student data to the Maine Department of Education, the DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar on Tuesday April 7th, from 1pm to 2pm.

As we are all aware, these are unprecedented times with unique challenges, however the Maine Department of Education is asking schools to submit and have their superintendents certify their April Enrollment Count Report. While many Maine state reporting requirements have been suspended, there is need for these data for purposes of calculating public school tuition rates.

Please note that for the April 1 count, “enrollment and attending” are referring to the school that is responsible for educating the student for April 1, 2020.  We are not asking schools to take attendance on April 1, just to certify the students for which they are responsible on this date.

The April Enrollment Count Report will be available for districts to submit and certify, beginning on April 1st with a certify by date of May 30th. The April Enrollment Count Reports will be used for calculating tuition rates in accordance with Title 20-A, 5805, subsection 1.B. This count will not be used for the Essential Services and Programs (EPS) School funding formula but is still necessary for calculating the tuition rates. Please note that students who are attending outside placements at regional programs or special purpose private schools, are not included attending counts in the primary enrollment district.

To register for the webinar, please click the following registration link and fill out the appropriate fields.

If you have trouble logging into NEO, have other technical issues or have questions about the April Enrollment Count Report please contact the data systems help desk at 207-624-6896 or MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov .

Virtual Meeting Schedule for Monday, March 30

Virtual office hour schedule for Monday, March 30, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

Thank you to the educators in Maine, nationally, and internationally who have joined these popular sessions. We are pleased to be able to offer a platform where educators can connect. We do ask that, with space limitations, priority be given to Maine educators first as these support sessions are intended for them.

Please note that Office Hour Schedules will be regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings and the Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Join Zoom Meeting CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Health Education and Physical Education Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 9:00 a.m. https://zoom.us/j/791991091 susan.berry@maine.gov
School Finance & Compliance for Business Managers Tyler Backus 10:00am By Registration (contact Tyler to Join) tyler.backus@maine.gov
Special Services: Accessibility/Engagement Anne-Marie Adamson 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/352701969 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Social Studies PK-12 Joe Schmidt 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/502218808 – Contact Joe Schmidt for Password joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Pre K For ME Curriculum Overview Nicole Madore 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/675438268 nicole.madore@maine.gov
Career and Education Development  Networking Diana Doiron 12:00 PM https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/185093262 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 12:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/658578013 nicole.madore@maine.gov
Engaging Adult Learners Online Amy Poland 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/8097107454 amy.poland@maine.gov
SEL – Open Office Hours Kellie Bailey 3:00PM https://zoom.us/j/5080785422 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Teaching Using iCivics Joe Schmidt w/ Emma Humphries of iCivics 3:00pm https://zoom.us/j/381366098 – Contact Joe Schmidt for password joe.schmidt@maine.gov
World Language OH (Focus on: Google Classroom) Lavinia Rogers w/ Kelly Frey Maranacook Community High School 3:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/286144988 lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov
PK-5 Science Resources/Troubleshooting/Networking Shari Templeton 5:00 https://zoom.us/j/907003708 shari.templeton@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE: Update from Commissioner Makin 3-27-20

Thank you for all you’re doing to support your students and staff!! The pressures on school and district leaders are immense under normal circumstances, and this is magnified to the extreme during a historic, prolonged, emergency situation. Your visionary and steadfast leadership is deeply appreciated, as we recognize that there are daunting obstacles to providing remote instruction and that the inequities are huge.

Because the provision of public education is a covenant between the schools and the communities they serve here in Maine, we’ve asked that you obtain school board approval for your plans for offering continuity of education. Each SAU must have a plan for providing for remote learning, and should be scalable in the event of a longer cessation of classroom instruction.

We are waiving the practice of obtaining DOE approval of these plans as a condition of the minimum school days waiver, and are only asking that you send us the minutes from the meetings where your plans are approved by the local school boards.

Frequently asked questions and recent updates:

Does each district have to separately request a waiver of the minimum number of school days?

We are planning to universally waive the minimum number of school days for all SAUs who receive local school board approval for continuity of education plans. The expectation is that 100% of SAUs are making every attempt to provide continuing educational services for all students. No separate application for the waiver is necessary; simply upload the minutes of the school board meeting where your plans are approved here.

(All who have previously emailed your school board approval minutes are all set!!  We simply added this link for convenience and consistency).

If our SAU lacks resources, connectivity, etc., how can we offer remote learning?

We are hearing from many teachers and school leaders from less advantaged communities who are providing some really exciting educational experiences and opportunities for students and who have expressed a desire to share their approaches and plans with others.  Daily office hours with our content specialists offer ongoing opportunities for educators to share their innovative approaches, challenges, and successes with one another. If you would like to connect with and learn from others, please reach out to our Chief Innovation Officer Page Nichols at page.nichols@maine.gov.  who can help to find the right partnerships for guidance or resources.

Which school staff members are essential and should continue to be paid?

All school employees are considered to be “essential” under the Governor’s more recent Executive Order #19, and should be expected to complete all duties and tasks assigned to them. The Governor’s Executive Order #15 requires SAUs to continue to pay all school employees who held contracts prior to the COVID-related disruption, including hourly workers. Further guidance can be found here.  Long term substitutes who held a contract that provided reasonable assurance of employment prior to this emergency situation would also qualify for ongoing payment and should be available to provide services as assigned. School employees will not qualify for unemployment under the recent expansion, and should not apply for these benefits.  If they have received these benefits, they will be required to repay this to the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation.

How do we get answers to our questions?

We are deeply committed to providing resources, guidance and updated information to our colleagues in education, and will continue to do so through our webpage and emails. But as you are holding regional or organizational meetings, we welcome the opportunity to hear and respond to the questions and concerns of your group. Please reach out to our Director of Communications Kelli Deveaux at kelli.deveaux@maine.gov, and she will coordinate to have a member of the Commissioner’s Office join your meeting. We cannot answer the questions we don’t hear, and we truly want to support your work, so please know this is a genuine request and offer. We are here to help!

Finally – some really good news!  The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act). The 3rd relief package will provide LEAs with a large amount of funding with significant flexibility in the use of these funds. This relief package passed unanimously in the Senate, and we expect a House vote and president signature sometime today. The turn-around time between now and when you’d likely receive the funding should be 8 weeks (30 days for us to update applications and 30 days for US ED to approve applications and send funding).

Thanks as always for all you do. Remember that our phenomenal team of specialists at DOE are here to assist you and your building leaders, educators, and staff!

Grateful for all you do to support your students, staff, and communities during this difficult time,

Pender