Reimagining Recess at Noble Intermediate School: Building Skills Through Play

At Noble Intermediate School in MSAD 60, recess is no longer just a break in the day; it’s an opportunity to build skills, strengthen relationships, and support student wellness. This school year, more than 400 fifth- and sixth-grade students and 40 staff members are reimagining what wellness looks like through a new approach to play and engagement.

Thanks to a partnership with MaineHealth’s “Let’s Go!” program and funding from Hannaford’s “Eat Well, Be Well” initiative, Noble Intermediate School worked with Playworks to enhance its wellness block—commonly referred to as recess. Through hands-on training and school-wide support, staff gained new tools to create an inclusive, active, and positive environment that extends well beyond the playground.

This fall, Coach Mo from Playworks spent four days at the school training administrators, classroom teachers, specialists, and educational technicians, while also launching a Junior Coach program with students. The training focused on fostering safe, structured, and engaging games that encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving—skills that support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.

In December, Coach Mo returned to Noble Intermediate School for a final site visit to observe progress and celebrate the impact of the work. The results were clear: Recess games ran smoothly; students confidently stepped into leadership roles; and staff reported feeling more comfortable and confident facilitating wellness time.

One of the most notable outcomes has been the launch of the Junior Coach program, in which selected sixth-grade students lead games and activities during wellness blocks. These students serve as role models for fifth graders, while strengthening their own leadership and communication skills.

“We are excited to see the changes occurring in our recess time,” said Assistant Principal Melinda Luders. “Engagement has increased and so have the smiles. We are very proud of our sixth-grade Junior Coaches, who are role models for the fifth graders and assist in creating a safe and fun wellness time for a variety of student interests.”

Supporting safe, healthy, and inclusive recess experiences at Noble Intermediate School reinforces the shared goal of providing professional learning opportunities, such as Playworks training, to schools and communities across Maine. By investing in wellness through play, Noble Intermediate School is helping students to build lifelong skills, while fostering a joyful, supportive school culture.

This story was submitted by Noble Intermediate School. To submit a good news story to the Maine Department of Education (DOE), please fill out the good news submission form.

Community Regional Charter School Spreads Holiday Cheer Through First-Ever ‘Giving Room’

The holiday season is often filled with joy and celebration, but it can also bring added worry for some families, as they work to maintain cherished traditions during the darker, colder days of winter. Recognizing the financial pressures that many families face during this time of year, Community Regional Charter School (CRCS) came up with a new initiative, designed to uplift its community through support, connection, and generosity.

Through thoughtful conversations among CRCS staff about how best to support families, the idea for “The Giving Room” was born. On Friday, December 5, 2025, CRCS staff organized and hosted the school’s first annual Giving Room event, led by Casie Guillow, CRCS Outdoor Learning Facilitator. The event transformed CRCS Overman Academy in downtown Skowhegan into a joyful holiday market where families could “shop” for gifts at no cost.

In the weeks leading up to the event, donated items were collected across CRCS’ three campuses. Families, staff, and community members generously contributed new or gently used clothing, accessories, home décor, holiday decorations, books for children and adults, toiletries, bikes, craft supplies, and toys—ensuring there were gift options for every member of the family.

While children enjoyed festive crafts, games, and cookie decorating upstairs, guardians were invited to fill reusable bags with as many items as they wished. A gift-wrapping station allowed families to wrap presents on site or take supplies home, making the experience both practical and celebratory.

The Giving Room event was held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and was intentionally scheduled to coincide with the SKOW-Whoville Parade, giving families the opportunity to continue the evening by participating in the town’s broader holiday celebration.

In addition to The Giving Room event, CRCS Facilitator Kareen Sparrow organized a companion initiative focused on generosity and connection called “Gift of Giving,” a virtual angel tree. CRCS families were invited to anonymously submit holiday wishes and needs, which were then shared with staff, families, and community members who volunteered to fulfill them.

“I encouraged CRCS to start the Gift of Giving because I want families to know that we provide more than an education; we care,” Sparrow shared. “We offer opportunities, support, and meaningful connections within our community.”

Together, The Giving Room and the Gift of Giving fostered a strong sense of togetherness and highlighted the compassion and generosity that define the CRCS community. As an uncompromisingly learner-focused school, CRCS is proud to create opportunities that support families and reflect the true spirit of the holiday season.

This story was submitted by Community Regional Charter School, a comprehensive, free, public charter school serving learners from pre-K through grade 12 across three campuses in central Maine. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Submit a T-Shirt Design to Represent the 2026 MLTI Student Conference – ‘Full STEAM Ahead’

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), an initiative of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, is excited to announce a T-shirt design competition for the 23rd annual MLTI Student Conference, to be held on May 21, 2026. The conference theme this year is “Full STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Ahead.”

This competition is open to all students in MLTI schools. Students who wish to participate are invited to create a design for the official conference T-shirt, which will be distributed to all participants at the in-person event at the University of Maine at Orono. Last year’s conference T-shirt design came from a student at Brunswick High School. Previous winners have been from Maranacook Community Middle School, Gray-New Gloucester High School, Waterville Junior High School, Auburn Middle School, and Southern Aroostook Community School.

The Maine DOE is looking forward to selecting a student design for these T-shirts (which will be available in youth sizes again this year). You can review eligibility and submission guidelines for the T-shirt design competition here. Please submit your entry using the 2026 MLTI Student Conference T-shirt design competition submission form.

Competition Timeline

January 2026: competition opens
March 2, 2026: T-shirt designs due (no late entries accepted)
April 6, 2026: finalists selected and winner notified

If you have questions about this competition or need assistance, please contact MLTI Project Manager Bethany Billinger at bethany.billinger@maine.gov.

For more information about the MLTI Student Conference, please email the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team at doe-ltt@maine.gov.

Job Posting: VISTA Maine Green Schools Network Coordinator

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Innovation is seeking a full-time VISTA member to help organize and build the new Green Schools Network (GSN), as established in Title 20-A, Chapter 335: Maine Green Schools Network.

Join the Maine Green Schools Program by playing the central coordinating role in the development of the newly established GSN. This role is perfect for those seeking to help address climate change, while working daily with some of Maine’s most recognized environmental players!

Find yourself in the center of an exciting new consortium of Maine school educators, administrators, community partners, and youth to strengthen sustainability practices, improve the environmental conditions of Maine school facilities, and expand access to climate-ready curriculum.

You can find additional details about the job at either of the links below:

With questions, please contact Sol Carpenter of Goodwill Northern New England at sol.carpenter@goodwillnne.org.

Maine DOE Update – January 16, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Seeks Educators to Enhance MOOSE Module Supports

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking educators to support the iteration and improvement of existing MOOSE (Maine Online Open-Source Education) modules, including the development of accompanying educator resources. | More

Community Schools Grant Opportunity

Pursuant to Title 20-A, §15689-A, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) may provide funding to school administrative units (SAUs) to support the establishment of community school(s). As such, the Maine DOE is currently accepting applications for funding from SAUs whose school boards have designated an existing school or established a new school as a community school. | More

Blending Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Science: Maine DOE Releases “Maple Bytes” Interdisciplinary Instructional Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning has released a new, innovative interdisciplinary instructional program called “Maple Bytes,” which provides Maine educators with the opportunity to engage students in a unique, hands-on learning experience that blends computer science, Wabanaki studies, and earth sciences.| More

2026 MLTI Student Conference – Full STEAM Ahead: Call for Session Proposals

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to issue a call for session proposals for the 2026 MLTI Student Conference. This annual event is organized by the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology team as part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). This year’s conference will be held in person on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the University of Maine campus in Orono and is open to students in grades 5-10 from all MLTI school administrative units (SAUs). | More

Opportunity for Public Feedback – Later Start Time Planning Grants

Applications Open for Student Position on Maine State Board of Education

The Maine State Board of Education is currently seeking applications for its newest student member. Applications are open through Friday, February 13, 2026. Applications are being accepted from current high school sophomores who attend public school in the Second Congressional District. | More

Schools and SAUs Invited to Host AmeriCorps Members for 2026-2027 Program Year

Schools and school administrative units (SAUs) across Maine are invited to explore an opportunity to build local capacity and deepen community impact by hosting an AmeriCorps member during the 2026-2027 program year through Goodwill Industries of Northern New England (NNE). | More

Maine Students Invited to Contribute to National Youth Artifact for the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to share a new civic learning opportunity for Maine educators and students: MY AMERICA: From Ground Zero to Common Ground, a nationwide, youth-driven art and civic engagement campaign taking place during a period of national reflection in 2026. | More

FedPoint Accepting Applications from High School Seniors for Nursing Scholarships

FedPoint, a federal benefits administrator and marketplace operator, is accepting applications for its annual nursing scholarships program. Four $5,000 scholarships will be announced in early May. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 20, 2026. | More

Reminder: Guidance for Submitting Competitive Grant Applications Using Vendor Self Service

The State of Maine now uses Vendor Self Service (VSS) for all competitive procurement. As such, Maine school administrative units (SAUs) are asked to please use VSS to submit applications for and questions about all competitive grant opportunities (also known as Requests for Applications—RFAs). If an applicant emails a question about an RFA directly to the listed RFA coordinator, their application will not be disqualified; however, they will be redirected to submit their question through VSS. | More

Reminder: Nominations Open for State/County Teacher of the Year

Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program, which celebrates excellence in teaching and elevates the importance of the teaching profession. Traditionally, Maine selects a County Teacher of the Year from each of Maine’s 16 counties. One of those educators is later named State Teacher of the Year and also becomes Maine’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

PBIS in Action: How Portland Public Schools Is Transforming School Culture

At Portland Public Schools, the journey to creating joyful, supportive, and safe learning environments took a major step forward when Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) moved from scattered, school-level efforts to a central part of the district’s Strategic Plan. Schools in Portland had been using elements of PBIS for some time, but two years ago, the district officially named PBIS under its “Whole Student, Connected Community” goal, providing clarity, purpose, and district-wide momentum. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Register for the Second Annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference on April 8

Registration is now open for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center. This year’s conference theme is, “Reimagining Education: We Are Better Together!” The event will provide school communities (i.e., educators, administrators, families, and students) with the tools necessary to collaborate to support every student—particularly those with disabilities—to ensure that all students have the support they need to build inclusive, meaningful futures. | More

2026 For ME Instructional Programs Overview and Summer Training Opportunities

Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has adapted and piloted the For ME Instructional Programs for early elementary grades (pre-K to grade 2), based on the Boston Public Schools’ evidence-based Focus Curricula. These open-source, developmentally appropriate instructional programs are interdisciplinary and align with Maine’s learning standards. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Opportunity for Public Feedback – Later Start Time Planning Grants

In accordance with Resolve 2025, Chapter 110: Directing the Department of Education to Develop a Grant Program to Encourage Secondary Schools to Adopt Later Start Times, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is opening a period of public comment for the proposed routine technical rule regarding later start time planning grants. The proposed rule (Chapter 54) will govern the application for, and awarding of, funds from the Maine DOE discretionary grants for later start time planning. Grants are intended to assist in the financing of local initiatives; the Maine DOE encourages school administrative units (SAUs) to collaborate on these efforts.

For more information about this proposed rule, please visit Chapter 54 on Maine DOE | Proposed Rules and the Rulemaking Process.

Public comment officially opens on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Comments must be submitted to Laura Cyr at laura.cyr@maine.gov by February 27, 2026.

For more information or with questions, please contact laura.cyr@maine.gov.

FedPoint Accepting Applications from High School Seniors for Nursing Scholarships

FedPoint, a federal benefits administrator and marketplace operator, is accepting applications for its annual nursing scholarships program. Four $5,000 scholarships will be announced in early May. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 20, 2026.

To be eligible for the merit-based scholarships, candidates must be graduating high school seniors who reside in Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts and who will be attending an accredited nursing program in the fall of 2026. Additional details about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, decision criteria, and important dates are available here.

FedPoint employs several dozen registered nurses who work with thousands of claimants insured through the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) and their family members to provide care coordination and planning services. The company introduced this nursing scholarship in 2023 to promote nursing as a highly rewarding career and to help bolster the future nursing workforce in northern New England and beyond.

Again, the application submission deadline for the 2026 FedPoint Nursing Scholarship is Sunday, March 20, 2026. The scholarship review panel will include members of FedPoint’s care coordination team, as well as nurses from the Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association.

For further information, please visit the FedPoint Nursing Scholarship webpage.

Register for the Second Annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference on April 8

Registration is now open for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center.

This year’s conference theme is, “Reimagining Education: We Are Better Together!” The event will provide school communities (i.e., educators, administrators, families, and students) with the tools necessary to collaborate to support every student—particularly those with disabilities—to ensure that all students have the support they need to build inclusive, meaningful futures.

Hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the University of Maine at Farmington, the conference will feature keynote speaker Paula Kluth. Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is the author of more than 15 titles, including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom, Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?, and You’re Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Autistic Students in the Inclusive Classroom.

Please gather a team of your school colleagues and join the Maine DOE in Augusta this spring! The cost of the day-long conference (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is $185 for early-bird registration and $210 after March 1, 2026. Lunch will be included.

You may register for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference here.

Are you engaged in inclusive work in your school or community? If so, the Maine DOE welcomes you to share your experiences at the conference! Please contact Tracy Whitlock, Maine DOE Special Projects for Inclusion Coordinator, at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov to learn more.

MEDIA RELEASE: Applications Open for Student Position on Maine State Board of Education

Applications are being accepted from current high school sophomores who attend public school in the Second Congressional District.

The Maine State Board of Education is currently seeking applications for its newest student member. Applications are open through Friday, February 13, 2026.

Student voice is critically important to the Maine State Board of Education. The Board has two nonvoting student members who join as high school juniors and serve for two years. One student is enrolled in a school in Maine’s First Congressional District, and the other student is enrolled in a school in Maine’s Second Congressional District. At all times, the Board has one high school junior and one high school senior with staggered appointments serving as members.

Applications are being accepted from current high school sophomores who attend public school in the Second Congressional District, which includes Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington, and part of Kennebec Counties.

“Students bring a vital perspective to the Maine State Board of Education. Their lived experiences in Maine’s schools help to inform the Board’s decisions and strengthen its work on behalf of all learners,” Paulette Bonneau, Chair of the Maine State Board of Education, said. “Serving on the Board is a unique opportunity for students to engage in civic leadership, while shaping the future of education in Maine. Student members play an important role in ensuring that Board discussions and decisions reflect the realities of today’s classrooms.”

Application materials are available on the Student Board Members webpage. The Maine State Board of Education has also mailed application materials to all Second Congressional District high school principals, Career and Technical Education directors, and school counselors.

Completed applications, either hard copy or digital copy, should please be sent to:

Mary Becker
Interim Office Specialist
Maine State Board of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0023
207-624-6616
Mary.Becker@maine.gov

After applications close on February 13, they will be reviewed according to the process described in statute. Semifinalists will be interviewed in March 2026, after which three finalists will be chosen. The names and application materials of the finalists will be sent to the Governor’s office for final selection. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs of the Maine State Legislature will then interview the nominee in a public hearing and make a recommendation about the nominee to the Maine Senate, which is charged with confirming the appointment.

Please consider sharing this extraordinary opportunity for Maine students to practice civic engagement, while serving as both a representative of Maine students and an active education leader in Maine.

Those with questions may contact Mary Becker, Maine State Board of Education Interim Office Specialist, at 207-624-6616 or via email at Mary.Becker@maine.gov.

2026 MLTI Student Conference – Full STEAM Ahead: Call for Session Proposals

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to issue a call for session proposals for the 2026 MLTI Student Conference. This annual event is organized by the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology team as part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). This year’s conference will be held in person on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the University of Maine campus in Orono and is open to students in grades 5-10 from all MLTI school administrative units (SAUs).

The 2026 conference theme, “Full STEAM Ahead,” highlights the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). While sessions are encouraged to align with this theme, it is not required. There are many possible session topics; however, all sessions should be technology-centered and may include traditional technology use, computer science, or unplugged activities.

Session Proposal Requirements

Platform Agnostic: Sessions should not be device-specific.
Free Tools and Apps: Sessions should use only free tools and applications that are accessible to all participants and, when possible, have a Student Data Privacy Agreement in place.
Age Appropriate: Sessions must be suitable for students in grades 5-10.

Sessions will be 60 minutes long. They should actively engage students in exploration, creation, and collaboration through technology and/or computer science. Presenters should plan to deliver their session twice, unless scheduling constraints prevent them from doing so.

Sessions may be led by educators or students. Last year, 40 students led or supported sessions, and the Maine DOE hopes to see a similarly strong level of student leadership this year. For inspiration, please review information from the 2025 event and 2024 event.

To submit a session proposal, please click here to complete the 2026 MLTI Student Conference Presentation Proposal Form. Individuals must register to present before March 20, 2026. The Learning Through Technology team will notify you about presenting by March 27, 2026.

2026 MLTI Student Conference Schedule: