Resources to Help Maine Families Find Affordable Health Coverage

The State of Maine is running its own State-based insurance marketplace called CoverME.gov, where uninsured people or those who buy insurance on their own can get health insurance, usually with financial assistance. It is currently an open enrollment period, with next Wednesday, December 15 being the deadline to sign up for January 1 coverage. Open enrollment ends on January 15, 2022.

If you have families within your school community who might benefit from affordable health coverage, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a toolkit with sample messages and other information to help schools promote this great opportunity.

To access these resources, visit CoverME.gov Partner Resources.

Public Meeting Notice for LD 313 Work Force Group on Career and Technical Education

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 8:00-10:00 am, the Work Force Group for LD 313 will hold its third meeting, hosted virtually by the Maine Department of Education. LD 313 was passed in the 130th legislature and is focused on several topics regarding Career and Technical Education.

Anyone who wants to join the meeting as an attendee and listen to the discussion can use the following link:

Link to join Dec. 15th LD 313 Zoom Webinar: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/86518407509

If you have any comments on the discussion, you can email them to cte.doe@maine.gov.

Maine School Safety Center to Offer Office Hours for School Staff

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center (MCCS) is happy to announce that they are offering virtual Office Hours to connect with Maine school personnel who oversee school safety planning. An open forum to bring questions, ideas or concerns, the team will be available to provide support and technical assistance every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-11am thru February 17.

The office hours will provide an opportunity to check in and ask questions or seek support for subject matters such as:

Forming Collaborative Safety Teams
Resources for the prevention of youth violence
Recommendations to support a positive school environment
Multi Hazard mitigation and response plans
Site assessments
Climate Assessment
Training exercises
School Safety Services
SRO MOUs
SRO and Administrative Team building
SRO training opportunities

Please hop in for an informal discussion about any of the above listed topics, or any other way the Maine School Safety Center can support your school. If those days/times do not work, we are still available to do the same anytime by phone, email, Teams, or Zoom. As always, the MSSC can still be reached by email or phone to answer questions, collaborate, or commiserate.

Topic: Maine School Safety Center Virtual Office Hours

Time: Dec 7, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada). Every week on Tue, Thu, until Feb 17, 2022, 22 occurrence(s)

Join Zoom Meeting here (same link each meeting)

Please download and import the iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

For further information contact Rob Susi, Coordinator of School Safety and Security Maine School Safety Center (MSSC) at robert.w.susi@Maine.gov

Phil Rossetti Named High School Assistant Principal of the Year

The students and staff at Windham High School (WHS) in RSU 14 received a surprise morning announcement by Superintendent Chris Howell recently, explaining that the Executive Director of the Maine Principals Association (MPA), Holly Blair was in the building and had good news to share:

“MPA recognizes outstanding high school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for their students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession,” said Blair during the morning announcement at Windham High School. “After much consideration, MPA has determined that Mr. Rossetti meets those standards and has decided to name him the Secondary School Assistant Principal of 2022.”

Rossetti’s role as assistant principal has made many impacts on the community. Captain William Andrew of the Windham Police Department works closely with Rossetti as a leadership team member for Be The Influence Coalition.

“Phil’s dedication, commitment, and most of all his heart for the betterment of education, the staff, and most importantly the students is what makes this a most deserved award,” said Captain Andrew.

His coworkers enjoy the opportunity to work with Rossetti, including WHS Principal Ryan Caron who has known Rossetti for over twenty years, eight of those years were teaching together at WHS in the social studies department. Rossetti was also one of Caron’s assistant principals at South Portland High School, and now they work together on the administrative team at WHS and have done so for the last four years.

“Phil puts the needs of our students and staff first in all things that he does,” Caron said. “He takes the time to really get to know both students and staff, which allows him to provide support and guidance that is appropriate for the individual while building lasting relationships. When you work with Phil you know that he cares about you and wants the best for you. Students and staff respect his honesty and integrity and believe that he has their best interests at heart.”

Superintendent Howell agrees with Caron and added that Rossetti does a great job mastering the skills and expectations of a vice principal.

“I have known and worked with Phil for close to 20 years,” Howell said. “He is a highly skilled administrator who has a huge heart for meeting the needs of students. Phil has always been able to focus on the big picture as he works to support the students at WHS. I cannot think of a more deserving person for this honor.”

Rossetti said that making a positive change in a student’s life is what motivates him to be the best he can be. “We work to find restorative practices and conversations to turn negative experiences and actions into something positive that create long-term change. People make mistakes and it’s what you do with those mistakes that matters.”

The newly named Assistant Principal of the Year said that his current job is the best job he’s ever had.

Rossetti lives in Raymond with his wife Sara and daughter Maria. When he is not busy at work, Rossetti enjoys golfing and vacationing with his family.

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Kelli Deveaux

Maine DOE team member Kelli Deveaux is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Kelli in the question and answer below.

What are your roles with DOE?

I am the Director of Communications.

What do you like best about your job?

I love sharing stories about the amazing work of educators across our state and about the accomplishments of our students. I also enjoy celebrating and promoting the service that our DOE team provides to the field and helping to answer questions, find resources or make connections for people. I believe deeply that education is the greatest gift and most important responsibility of our society.

How or why did you decide on this career?

I was honored to be asked to assume this role in 2019, after 27 years in public education in Southern Maine. My background as a high school English teacher and then administrator gave me invaluable experience that shapes my perspectives and drives my commitment to ensuring that we use communication to inform, elevate and celebrate for the greater good. I love that I learn and am awestruck daily, but I still miss the day to day interactions with students.

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

Whatever adventure I can find! We have 3 very involved and active kids, and sometimes I love to hide from them all and just read a great book in peace, but as a family we love to travel and explore, attend games to cheer on most NE teams, cook for and entertain friends and family, and we are rarely sitting still- whether it’s hiking, running, swimming or skiing, we are all in!

Maine DOE Team Member Makes U.S. History as First Somali American Elected as Mayor

We are proud to share that Maine Department of Education team member Deqa Dhalac has made national history. The Family Engagement and Cultural Responsiveness Specialist was sworn in as South Portland’s new mayor, the first Somali American to ever hold the position of mayor.

‘Amazing feeling.’ 1st Somali mayor in US shares her vision

Washington Post | 12/8/2021

PORTLAND, Maine — Deqa Dhalac is the first Somali immigrant to become the mayor of a U.S. city, but she describes her rise in local politics as very old fashioned.

Dhalac, 53, became mayor of South Portland, the fourth largest city in Maine, on Monday. She fled Somalia in the early 1990s as war broke out and settled in the coastal city of about 25,000 in 2008 after finding a job in social work.

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

A Reminder: Annual Audit Reports Due December 30th

Annual audit reports are due within six months after the end of the audit period (e.g., reports for the fiscal year ending June 30th are due on or before December 30th). | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Video Message – Governor Mills Proclaims Dec. 6th-2th CS Education Week in Maine

Monday December 6th marks the start of the 13th annual National Computer Science Education Week, which serves as a call to action to inspire PreK through 12th grade students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. | More

Resources for National Computer Science Education Week Dec. 6-12

Next week (Dec. 6th-12th) is National Computer Science Education Week. To help teachers and parents get prepared, we’ve put together an infographic with some great ways to get students involved in CSEdWeek events, activities, and initiatives. | More

Maine DHHS Announces Winners of Kids COVID-19 Vaccination Video Contest

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE), today announced the winners of the video competition for Maine children to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. | More

WEBINAR: COVID-19 Vaccines for School-Aged Children: What Parents and Families Should Know

Please join the U.S. Department of Education and National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement for an informational webinar following the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech age 5-11 vaccine.| More

Maine Virtual Career Fair Coming in March 2022

The Maine Community Coordinators Collaborative (C3) in partnership with the Maine Department of Education and the Association of Computer and Technology Educators (ACTEM) will host its second annual statewide Virtual Career Fair the week of March 21 – 25 | More

School Safety News, Training, and Resources from the National Center for School Safety

The National Center for School Safety has shared resources to support you and your teams during these difficult times | More

Maine FFA Members Convene for Fall Workshop

Over 100 middle and secondary student members of the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) met at the University of Maine in Presque Isle on November 19, 2021 for a workshop on leadership skills and FFA opportunities. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Early Childhood Text Study: Free Professional Development for Educators

Specialists from the Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team are excited to offer a web-based professional development opportunity for early childhood educators in the Pre-K and Kindergarten grade span. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine FFA Members Convene for Fall Workshop

The FFA is available to students grades 7 to 12 at schools featuring an agriculture or natural resources class/program that has chartered an FFA chapter. As the largest student-run organization in the United States, with over 750,000 members, the FFA relies on its student officers to conduct activities and trainings.

The November 19th workshop was no exception, as the three State FFA Officers, Nickie Deschaine, President; Delaney McKeen, Vice President; and Ryder Brewer, Secretary-Treasurer, presented sessions that they themselves had developed to FFA students from Ashland High School, Ashland Middle School, Easton Junior/Senior High School, Central Aroostook High School, Central Aroostook Junior High School, Presque Isle Regional Career & Technical Center, and Washburn High School.

Workshop topics included: “What is FFA?” “Qualities of Leadership,” “Balancing Life” and “Opportunities in FFA.” FFA-cited opportunities included travel, competitions, awards, scholarships and a number of specific events available to members. Workshop participants left with information and resources to take the best advantage of their school years and their FFA experiences.

FFA Students complete reflection activity with guidance from trainers (standing)

Central Aroostook High School FFA students respond to workshop karaoke challenge

For more information on FFA and on starting an FFA chapter, please contact: Doug Robertson, Maine FFA State Advisor, Maine Department of Education, 207-624-6744, doug.robertson@maine.gov

MEDIA RELEASE: Video Message – Governor Mills Proclaims Dec. 6th-12th CS Education Week in Maine

Augusta, Maine – Monday December 6th marks the start of the 13th annual National Computer Science Education Week, which serves as a call to action to inspire PreK through 12th grade students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

In honor of National Computer Science Education Week, December 6th-12th, Governor Janet T. Mills has proclaimed December 6th-12th, 2021 as Computer Science Education Week in Maine and has a special message to share.

To read the official proclamation, click here.

You can access the message from Governor Mills here:

To learn more about how you can get involved with Computer Science Education Week, check out our website or contact Maine DOE Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning Beth Lambert at Beth.Lambert@maine.gov.

Celebrating Maine Heritage Through a Love of Language: Meet Jonna Bouré

“My dad did not speak French, but my grandparents did. I always knew they could speak another language, but it was hidden,” said Jonna Bouré, French and Spanish Teacher at Caribou High School. From an early age Bouré developed a love for genealogy, which followed her through her own education journey at Bowdoin College in Brunswick and into her career as a world languages teacher in Maine.

“I realized I had background in Acadia and Quebec. When I moved to Caribou, I started teaching Acadian history. A lot of the kids that I work with and have worked with had grandparents who dealt with laws where they could not speak French and because of that, many of my students did not know a lot about their heritage or the French language,” said Bouré.

Bouré worries that the loss of language and culture may be exacerbated during the pandemic, noting that non-essential border crossing between Maine and Canada has prevented families who have relatives on either side of the border from going back and forth to spend time with one another, celebrate their culture, and practice their language skills.

Following her passion for genealogy, language, and history, Bouré now makes it her mission to work with students to learn about their history and talk to their parents and grandparents in French. Through interactive lessons, her students taught vocabulary and commands in French, culminating in a live theater presentation of Cinderella for hundreds of elementary students. Currently, her AP French class is recording a short video about being proud of their Acadian heritage for a contest. As an up-coming project, her students are preparing lessons for an after-school program called “Petits Acadiens/Little Acadians” for 2nd through 4th graders.

Bouré’s work toward highlighting the need and importance of language immersion programs was highlighted recently in a Bangor Daily News article about Noah Ouellette, the K-12 education coordinator at the French consulate in Boston who came to Caribou High School to talk about dual language programs. Maine is well positioned for grants and teacher exchanges with France, since it has the highest percentage of French speakers by population of any U.S. state.

Bouré hopes to get her students more interested in language immersion programing, mentioning a recent interaction with a local nursing student. “There is a language barrier because the community members speak French and there is only one person in our nursing program who speaks it,” recalls Bouré from the conversation. “Having bilingual programs would help fill in the cracks. In a place like northern Maine where we have the highest population of French speakers in the US, we need to utilize that history.”

As stated in the Bangor Daily News Article, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently preparing to launch a task force to identify what is needed to bring more immersion and world language teachers to the state and introduce bilingual programs in public schools.

“For bilingual programs to take root and be successful in Maine, it will take the passion and hard work of educators like Jonna, who know their communities, can leverage relationships and local resources, and can inspire community members with a vision of what a bilingual program can bring,” said Maine DOE World Languages & ESOL/Bilingual Programs Specialist April Perkins. “The Department is eager to partner with educators and support their leadership, which is so essential to this initiative.”