Maine State Science Fair Celebrates Bright Young Scientists and Engineers

On Saturday, April 1, STEM professionals and educators from around the state came together at The University of Maine to present, discuss, and recognize the work of 200 high school student researchers at the Maine State Science Fair (MSSF). Coordinators of the MSSF, the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) and The Jackson Laboratory announced awards for 92 students representing 20 high schools, including $750,000 in Maine college scholarships.

“Students worked very, very hard on this for weeks, months, or maybe even a progression of a few years to make their projects stronger,” said Ruth Kermish-Allen, Executive Director of MMSA. “It takes a lot of resilience, and I for one was so inspired walking around the exhibit hall today seeing the passion, the excitement, the real joy for what students are learning about research and advancing our understanding for the betterment of society.”

“We’re continually impressed by the students’ ideas,” said Charlie Wray, Vice President for Education, The Jackson Laboratory. “The level of creativity we see in Maine high school students, which they bring to solve some very diﬃcult problems, is truly inspiring.”

The 2023 Grand Award winners of MSSF were:

Taking the top prize: Emma Markowitz, a homeschooled student from Trevett. Emma developed a
biodegradable, antimicrobial wound dressing for the purpose of detecting infection and healing
wounds. A pH indicator incorporated into the wound dressing presents a color change that can
indicate if a wound is infected.
Placing second were May Shin and Jiwon Choi of Fryeburg Academy. The pair studied the eﬀects of
arbuscular mycorrhizae and mushroom substrate on plant growth in soils that are contaminated with
microplastics. They are continuing to study the eﬀects of these materials on a soil’s water-holding
capacity.
In third place was Anh Võ of John Bapst Memorial High School. Anh’s data science with behavioral
science to study which areas of computer science would have the greatest inﬂuence on recruiting young women to pursue careers in STEM.

These four students will travel to Dallas in May to represent Maine at the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair alongside 1,700 students from over 80 countries.

The University of Maine led the scholarship program with 12 UMaine Top Scholar awards, which provide a renewable four-year full-tuition scholarship, pairing with a research mentor, and admission to the UMaine Honors College. The University of Southern Maine awarded seven four-year full-tuition scholarships. The University of New England awarded ﬁve $5,000 scholarships, each one renewable for up to four years. St. Joseph’s College, UMaine Augusta, and the UMaine College of
Engineering each awarded additional scholarships.

The full list of awards, including scholarships, is available at the Maine State Science Fair website.

MTSS Office Hours – Wednesday’s at 1:00 PM

The Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team at the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to offer Open Office Hours focusing on technical assistance for all educators currently implementing, exploring implementing or looking to make changes to their MTSS implementation. Sessions are meant to be a time for educators and administrators across the learning continuum, from special education to gifted and talented to come together to ask questions, celebrate successes, and/or work through problems of practice in MTSS implementation. These sessions are not content-specific and are offered as a space for educators to bring their voices to the table.

To register for MTSS office hours, please follow this link, here.

Office hours are offered as part of the Maine DOE’s MTSS Technical Assistance program and are meant for your use and discussion; you can join for the full hour, r just a part; for each session, or only when you have a question. For more information, contact Andrea Logan, MTSS Specialist, at andrea.logan@maine.gov or by calling (207) 592-2011.

Maine Department of Education Seeks Educators for Science and Social Studies Standards Revision Writing Teams

As a part of the regular review cycle schedule, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is performing a review of the Maine Learning Results for Social Studies and Science and Engineering and is looking for educators to serve as the writing teams for each content area. The purpose of each writing team is to revise the current standards based on guidance from a steering committee. For more information about the standards review process, check the new Maine DOE standards revision website.

The Maine DOE will be convening two writing teams, one for each content area under review. The writing teams will serve as a representative sample of Maine K-12 educators covering K-12 grade levels, geographic locations, and content area strengths. While specific dates are still to be determined, most of the work will take place in late June, July, and early August, and will include at least one face-to-face meeting in Augusta.

All interested educators are encouraged to participate. Participants will receive contact hours for time worked, be reimbursed for travel costs, and be provided lunch at face-to-face meetings.

If you are interested in participating as a member of one of these writing teams, please complete the survey by 8:00am on Monday, May 15^th to be considered. We will reach out to interested participants with more information in the coming weeks.

2-Day Workshop: Health Ed. and Physical Ed. Inclusive Teaching Practices and Learning – May 5 & 11

This event is open to all school personnel as it does not just apply to HE & PE.

This is the second offering of the Heath Education (HE) & Physical Education (PE) Inclusive Teaching Practices Professional Learning Opportunity. Here is a little more about the workshop:

Have you taken a look at your curriculum and teaching practices with the lens of inclusion?
Are your materials representative of all students and their families?
Are your practices and the language you use inclusive of all your students and their families?
Do you know what to look for?

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Health Education & Physical Education Program is hosting a second training opportunity focused on learning about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the impact better understanding what it means has on teaching practices within HE & PE…or any discipline! This 2-day interactive training will focus on understanding foundational concepts in DEI then review a tool and process for conducting a deep dive into curriculum, instructional strategies and classroom management practices. Following the 2-days of training, virtual Community of Practice sessions for conversations and technical assistance will be held. Please note, educators outside of the HE & PE disciplines are more than welcome to attend and all will find great benefit!

We are excited to again have the fabulous Dr. Sarah Benes (she, her, hers), as our trainer and consultant on this initiative. Sarah is an assistant professor at Southern Connecticut State University in health education and physical education, co-owner of Lighthouse Wellness and Health Education Consulting, and SHAPE America President. We are pleased to also have Maine HE & PE Teacher Leaders co-training with us this spring.

Event Details: Friday, May 5 and Thursday, May 11 at Thomas College in Waterville from 8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. The fee for this training is ONLY $45* to assist in covering the cost of food and facility. All other expenses are funded by the Maine DOE.

Register Now – Attendees must commit to both days of this training.

Email susan.berry@maine.gov with questions or before registering if using a PO for the discount code to bypass the credit card payment.

Reports Due 4/15: April 1 Enrollment & Quarter 3 Reports

April 1 Enrollment – Reporting is due on April 15, 2023.

This report collects April student enrollment to calculate tuition rates pursuant to Title 20-A, §5805, Subsection 1.B.

Required to Report: All school administrative units and private schools with publicly funded students should ensure that their enrollment data is current, including Charter Schools and Education in Unorganized Territories.

Reporting Resources:

Quarter 3 Reports: Attendance, Truancy, Behavior, Bullying – Reporting is due by April 15^th.

Superintendent certification is required for all quarterly reporting, with the exception of Attendance data, which is only validated for Quarters 1, 2, and 3 then certified for Quarter 4.

Reporting Resources:

Quarterly Reporting Webinar (9/27/2022)
- Segments about individual reports:
  - Attendance
  - Behavior
  - Bullying
  - Truancy
- Guides:

For questions about April 1 Enrollment and/or Quarterly reporting please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896

Maine DOE Update – April 7, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Maine DOE Announces Availability of Maine Learning Through Technology Initiative (MLTI) #TeachWithTech Grants for Schools

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) announced the availability of new Maine Learning Through Technology Initiative (MLTI) #TeachWithTech grants to support school administrative unit (SAU) efforts to meaningfully integrate technology into teaching and learning. The grants provide funding to MLTI educators who want to bring technology into their MLTI schools in a way that is innovative, impactful, and intriguing and will be used to provide supplemental technology to schools. | More

Grant Will Help Increase the Number of Rural School Psychologists in Maine

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has partnered with the Department of Educational and School Psychology at the University of Southern Maine as they implement a new a 5-year, $1.6 million grant sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education to help increase the number of school psychologists in rural areas of the state. | More

MLTI 2.0 Launches ‘Teaching with Tech’ Podcast

The MLTI 2.0 team has a new podcast called Teaching with Tech. Twice a month, the MLTI Ambassadors create episodes around a specific theme impacting education. Current episodes include gamification in the classroom, STEAM-based learning, and digital citizenship. | More

Announcing: The L.I.F.E. Readiness Program Career Exploration Fair

The Maine Department of Education in collaboration with Maine educators, is excited to announce the L.I.F.E. Readiness Program Career Exploration Fair. This opportunity is for ALL our scholars with I.E.P.s to engage with hands-on career exploration activities designed to help students experience, learn, and develop an interest in their future career choices. | More

First 10 Community School Informational Session

Has your elementary school and its community partners been interested in collaborating to support children and families in your community? Have you wondered about the positive outcomes such partnerships can afford? If so, the First 10 Community School model may be just such an opportunity to consider. | More

Seeking Applications for the Innovative Instruction and Tutoring Grant

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking applications to provide funding to local education providers to encourage the facilitation of innovative instruction and tutoring programs that address learning loss or unfinished learning through the use of project-based learning and other interdisciplinary approaches. | More

The MLTI SLAM Showcase Comes to Two Central Maine Elementary Schools in March

Benton Elementary School’s Lynn Hamlin providing support for students at this year’s third SLAM Showcase. SLAM (Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine) ran two successful SLAM Showcase events at two schools, Benton Elementary School (MSAD 49) on March 2nd and Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School (MSAD 11) on March 31st. | More

Civil Rights Teams Highlighted and New Leader Introduced in Spring Torch Newsletter

Check out the latest issue of The Torch: Civil Rights Team Project Newsletter, which features highlights from civil rights teams at Skowhegan Area High School, Middle School of the Kennebunks, Bowdoinham Community School, Great Falls Elementary School in Gorham, Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, Saccarappa School in Westbrook, Winthrop High School, Woodland Jr.-Sr. High School in Baileyville, and Yarmouth High School. | More

Civil Rights Teams Highlighted and New Leader Introduced in Spring Torch Newsletter

Check out the latest issue of The Torch: Civil Rights Team Project Newsletter, which features highlights from civil rights teams at Skowhegan Area High School, Middle School of the Kennebunks, Bowdoinham Community School, Great Falls Elementary School in Gorham, Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, Saccarappa School in Westbrook, Winthrop High School, Woodland Jr.-Sr. High School in Baileyville, and Yarmouth High School.

Administered by the Office of the Maine Attorney General, the mission of the Civil Rights Team Project is to increase the safety of elementary, middle-level, and high school students by reducing bias-motivated behaviors and harassment in our schools. For further information about the Civil Rights Team Project including how to get involved, reach out to Kathryn Caulfield, Project Assistant, kathryn.caulfield@maine.gov, or visit the Civil Rights Team Project Website.

The MLTI SLAM Showcase Comes to Two Central Maine Elementary Schools in March

(Pictured: These SLAM Showcase events could not happen without Kern Kelley’s talented students from Nokomis.)

Benton Elementary School’s Lynn Hamlin providing support for students at this year’s third SLAM Showcase.

SLAM (Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine) ran two successful SLAM Showcase events at two schools, Benton Elementary School (MSAD 49) on March 2nd and Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School (MSAD 11) on March 31st. The event in Benton, the third SLAM Showcase this school year, was a long time coming. The event was postponed due to weather in February, but luckily the weather was on this day was manageable. This event happening was particularly exciting for MLTI SLAM Coordinator Kern Kelley and teacher Tonya Therrien, who had planned a similar event in the fall of 2019, but weather and the pandemic delayed a reschedule. The event in Pittston came through coordination with Patsy Adams, who attended a training at Nokomis this past summer. When Ms. Adams realized the SLAM Showcase had the capacity for more students, she reached out to nearby River View Community School and invited their students to join in the learning. Over two hundred students across these three elementary schools were able to participate in the two events.

SLAM Show host Mia interviews MSAD11 students about their favorite parts of the day.

Kern Kelley and his SLAM students from Nokomis along with MLTI Ambassadors spent the day presenting to elementary students and teachers on topics such as 3D design, coding, virtual reality (VR) and graphic design. The students were divided into four groups with each group rotating through the four sessions. All the students who attended were engaged and enthusiastic throughout each 55-minute session. At the end of each session, they were given 5-10 minutes to submit examples of their work, which they were eager to share. Both days concluded with a recording of the SLAM Show with interviews, games, and prizes. Participating students received VR headsets, so they could show their creations from CoSpaces with their families and friends. The school also received a drone following a group photo from the drone.

These two events, following similar events at Central Middle School and Hartford/Sumner Elementary School, proceeds two more scheduled events at Lubec Consolidated School and Van Buren Community School.

Students are interviewed for the SLAM Show that will air on the MLTI Youtube channel the following week

The SLAM show empowers MLTI students to use their devices and technology tools by providing a platform where students can give back and share their innovative work in their schools. The live, in-person SLAM Showcase events have been designed to directly align with MLTI’s vision that all Maine students engage in authentic, relevant, technology-rich, learning experiences that prepare them for a fulfilling future. “It was so much fun to see the students engaged; they were being challenged and being exposed to different technologies, many of them new to the students,” said Benton technology teacher Lynn Hamlin.

Historically, MLTI has been targeted to seventh and eighth grade students, but this year, districts had the option to expand up into nineth grade or down to sixth grade. MSAD49 opted to add sixth graders and became one of several districts who added multiple K-6 elementary schools to the MLTI program. These SLAM Showcase events are an ideal environment for older students, like those from Nokomis, to share their knowledge with younger elementary students.

MLTI Ambassador Joshua Schmidt commented, “I’ve been involved in the MLTI SLAM Showcase events at my own school, and also as a part of MLTI, and the positive energy among teachers and students is my favorite part. Everyone is so excited to learn! I would highly recommend creating a SLAM club at your own school and seeing how this type of event can be an energizing experience for your school and community as well.”

Seeking Applications for the Innovative Instruction and Tutoring Grant

Applicants must be local education providers as defined in Title 20-A M.R.S.A Chapter 320 which is a school administrative unit as described in 20-A M.R.S.A §1, 26, a school in the unorganized territory under 20-A M.R.S.A Chapter 119, a public charter school under 20-A M.R.S.A Chapter 112, or a school/program established under 20-A M.R.S.A. Part 4, Subpart 2 (Applied Technology Education). Additionally, applicants must either have a poverty certification rating of 40 percent or greater or be identified as “rural” through Title V status (federal or state).

The Maine DOE plans to award up to ten grants, each with a value of up to $40,000. Programming must be completed by Friday, September 1, 2024.

A copy of the RFA, as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to the RFA, can be obtained at: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants.

State of Maine
Department of Education
RFA# 202304073

Proposals must be submitted to the State of Maine Division of Procurement Services, via e-mail, at: Proposals@maine.gov. Any questions must be submitted by e-mail to the RFA Coordinator, Beth Lambert, beth.lambert@maine.gov, by April 13th, 2023, no later than 11:59 p.m., local time. Application submissions must be received no later than May 3rd, 2023 no later than 11:59 p.m., local time. Proposals will be opened the following business day. Proposals not submitted to the Division of Procurement Services’ aforementioned e-mail address by the aforementioned deadline will not be considered for contract award.

First 10 Community School Informational Session

Has your elementary school and its community partners been interested in collaborating to support children and families in your community? Have you wondered about the positive outcomes such partnerships can afford? If so, the First 10 Community School model may be just such an opportunity to consider. Join the Maine Department of Education for an informational session to:

learn more about the First 10 Community School model,
consider being part of an upcoming First 10 Community School pilot, and
obtain answers to questions you have about the model.

Informational sessions will be held on April 13 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and on April 27 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Links to register for the sessions (same content in each) can be found below. One of the sessions will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend the live sessions.

April 13 Registration – 9:00-10:00 am
April 27 Registration – 3:00-4:00 pm

Developed by Education Development Center, First 10 Community Schools bring together school systems, early childhood programs, and community partners/agencies to improve care and education for young children and their families throughout the first 10 years of children’s lives. This model works to improve teaching and learning, deepen partnerships with families, and provide comprehensive services for children and families. Typical First 10 practices include, but are not limited to:·

fostering engagement of families with schools and community partners,
providing play and learn groups linked to elementary schools,
coordinating connections to health and social services,
connecting child care providers with elementary schools,
improving the quality of early childhood programs,
coordinating the transition to kindergarten,
conducting joint professional learning among early childhood, pre-k and elementary teachers, and
aligning and improving elementary grade curriculum and instruction.

Information about First 10 Community Schools can be found on the Maine Department of Education’s First 10 webpage and on Education Development Center’s First 10 webpage. For more information, reach out to Lee Anne Larsen, Director of Early Learning, at leeann.larsen@maine.gov.