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
- March 27th – Waivers, Resources and Essential Staff
- March 25th – Accountability, Certification, Special Services
- March 23rd – Laws, Rules, Expectations
- March 22nd – Video Message from Commissioner Makin
| See All Recent Covid-19 Updates from Commission Makin |
Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories
- LRTC Culinary Program Expands Meal Service to Elderly, First Responders, and Disabled Vets
- Gorham High School Students Create Social Distancing PSA
- Five Town CSD Creates Social Distancing Infographic
- Calais Elementary School Nurse Creates Video for Students
- RSU 16 Teacher Creates YouTube Channel to Connect with Families #RSU16Learns
- Tri-County Tech Center Instructor Makes 3D Printed Masks for Health Care Professionals
- Check out Maine DOE Facebook and Twitter pages to see more good news – Tag us on good news social media posts and we will share!
| 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