Maine DOE Update – Week of April 3, 2020

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

EF-S-214 Data Entry Deadline Extended to May 15.

The Department’s School Finance Team needs the EF-S-214 data in order to calculate and apply any adjustments to the ED 279s prior to year-end. The EF-S-214 was opened to Maine School Administrative Units (SAUs) on March 1^st for data entry. We are providing as much time as we can to SAUs to get this data entry completed, but it MUST be entered no later than May 15^th. This timeline will allow us to apply eligible adjustments to the current year High Cost Out-of-District allocation prior to the end of the fiscal year. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

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.| More

Virtual Office Hours: A Preview of Next Week

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. Here is a preview of the schedule for next week. Please note that additional meetings will be added. | More

NOTE TO SELF: Remember to Breathe

During this Difficult Time Filled With Great Uncertainty- Please remember to take moments each day and Breathe On Purpose. A note from Kellie D. Bailey, Maine DOE SEL Specialist and Bear Shea, Maine DOE Mental Health / School Counselor Specialist | More

Maine DOE Increases Flexibility to School Meal Programs Feeding Children in Need

With the approval of yet another waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and additional bulk packaging options, the Maine Department of Education has been able to add significant flexibility to its school food service programs, enabling schools to provide meals to students all over Maine, increasing the potential to reach even more hungry children in a more meaningful way. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Update and Guidance From Commissioner Makin: April 1, 2020

As we close in on the third week of remote instruction, please know that your resilient leadership and ongoing efforts are making a huge difference for Maine students and families. While everything is so suddenly chaotic and unfamiliar to everyone, our schools continue to shine like a beacon of hope. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Unified Guidance Regarding Executive Orders and School Personnel: All School Services and Employees are Essential

As our state and nation face unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, it is more critical than ever that Maine schools and school employees work together to provide the deeply needed services of continuity of education, communications, connectivity, payroll, other administrative activities, custodial services, transportation/deliveries, and student nutrition. | More

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. | More

Celebrating National Poetry Month

The Maine Department of Education is celebrating National Poetry Month throughout the month of April. Find resources for accessing poetry, prepared lessons, and activities for educators and parents to supplement remote learning, and to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of poetry all month. | More

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. | More

Commissioner Updates Regarding Covid-19 Response

April 3rd – Executive Order and School Personnel
April 1st – CARES Act, Remote, Instruction, Budget
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

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities