Author: Maine Department of Education

Maine DHHS Announces Additional COVID-19 Tests Now Available

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today, February 17, 2022 that it is extending Project Access COVID Tests (ACT), its partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation to mail free COVID-19 tests directly to Maine people, with an order for 50,000 additional tests, after Maine people claimed the remaining initial supply on Wednesday.

The first 125,000 tests in the pilot phase of the project were supported by The Rockefeller Foundation at no cost to the state. That initial supply, which was originally limited to certain vulnerable communities in Maine, became available statewide Wednesday, with every household in Maine eligible to order one set of five at-home rapid tests, regardless of ZIP code of residence. By Wednesday evening, Maine people had ordered all of the remaining approximately 50,000 tests.

Maine has extended the project with the additional supply. Starting earlier this afternoon, an additional 50,000 tests are available to Maine residents. Maine residents can order tests now and anyone who tried but could not order tests in the last 24 hours is encouraged to revisit www.accessCOVIDTests.org to sign up. Delivery delays are possible depending on demand.

Maine is extending Project ACT with Federal funds for COVID-19 testing to make the free tests available to all Maine residents.

No payment information is required — both the tests and shipping are free to residents – and the tests will be delivered through Amazon. The tests require a quick swab inside each nostril, with results available within minutes. Any individual over the age of two can use the tests. The program is limited to one order per residential address.

Maine residents can also order free tests through the national initiative at COVIDtests.gov. More information about accessing free, rapid, at-home tests can be found on the COVID-19 Testing in Maine website.

With February school vacation starting on Monday, February 21, the Mills Administration especially encourages families and school staff to get home tests. Testing before returning to school following February vacation week will help prevent the school-based transmission of COVID-19 as students and staff return on February 28.

MEDIA RELEASE: Education Commissioner Makin Visits Mid-Coast School of Technology to Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, Highlight the Value of CTE Programs

In honor of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin visited Mid-Coast School of Technology to highlight the importance of Career and Technical Education in providing high-quality career pathways, shine a light on the vast array of program offerings for students, and celebrate the powerful teaching and learning happening in CTE schools.

Enrollment in Maine CTE schools has increased by 9.4 percent between the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years, with more than 9100 students now in Maine’s 27 CTE schools.

While at Mid-Coast, Commissioner Makin met with educators and students, visited several classes to see the wide range of programs offered at the school, and got hands on experience alongside students. She engaged with students and educators enrolled in programs focused on auto collision, bakery and pastry, welding, carpentry, design technology, marine technology, machine tool, outdoor leadership, EMT, certified nursing assistant, and small engines. Mid-Coast has seen its highest enrollment ever this school year and serves students from 21 towns. The school has 18 high school level programs plus adult education and college courses taught on site.

“It’s awe inspiring to experience the energy, engagement, and excitement of the students here at Mid-Coast and the passion these educators, who are leaders in their fields, bring to help enable student success both inside and well beyond the classroom,” said Education Commissioner Makin. “Everyone has a way to learn and everyone has a path to success and we want to make sure students and families know that Career and Technical Education is such a vital and vibrant pathway for young people. At schools like Mid-Coast, students use their hands and their minds to gain knowledge and skills in everything from technology and culinary arts to computer design and the skilled trades, while also learning how to collaborate with others, be self-directed, critically think, and find joy in what they do. And they can leave here, often with some level of certificate or credits that give them such a great head start in their careers or at college.”

In her meetings with students, many of them talked about how they had to break through the stigma that still exists around career and technical education and how they want more people to know about CTE as an option. They highlighted the opportunities they have to work toward real world goals, gain experience in their industries, have the safe space to make mistakes and learn from them, and learn life skills. Mid-Coast School of Technology Director Bobby Deetjen said that students “learn skills but also how to have confidence and become leaders.”

Photos from the visit are available upon request and will be featured on DOE social media.

Effective Dispute Resolution: IEP Facilitation Program Available to Parents and SAUs at No Cost

The implementation of the Facilitated IEP (FIEP) meeting program allows the Maine Department of Education to provide another cost-free mechanism for stakeholders to utilize in the effective dispute resolution process. A facilitated IEP meeting is one where an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is developed by a collaborative team whose members share responsibility for the meeting process and results, and where decision-making is managed using facilitation skills.  In states that offer Facilitated IEP meetings, data suggests that there is a positive impact on IEP team member communication, and increased levels of trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

The Maine Department of Education has contracted with six impartial individuals to be assigned to facilitate IEP meetings. Facilitators are assigned to cases on a rotating basis, where there is no conflict of interest. These individuals are neither members of the IEP team, nor involved in the determinations of a meeting.

During a facilitated IEP meeting, the facilitator assists the team in keeping the focus on conflict resolution in place of contentious debate and discussion. Meetings are kept on track to ensure equal opportunity for input by all participants and determinations and outcomes are child focused. Districts are responsible for following MUSER regulations and IDEA as is the case for any IEP meeting.

Interested parties (parents/care givers and School Administrative Units) can make a request for an IEP Facilitator. Both parties need to agree to the facilitation. IEP facilitation is provided at no cost to parents and SAUs. Forms and handbooks are available by calling or emailing the Dispute Resolution Office or here: Effective Dispute Resolution.

For more information, contact the Dispute Resolution Office at 207-624-6644 or dueprocess.doe@maine.gov.

What I Did with my Summer: MSAD 58 Social Studies Educator Finds Teaching Inspiration Through the Story of Ona Judge

(Book image from Amazon)

This past summer, Crystal Polk, a Social Studies Teacher at Strong Elementary School in MSAD 58 attended a 5-day session entitled “Slavery at Mount Vernon” offered through the George Washington Teacher Institute’s 5-day digital, professional development programs designed to educators.

“I applied to participate because I wanted to learn more about George Washington and slavery with a group of experts and teachers, so that we could also discuss how to best teach the content,” Polk explained. 

Prior to engaging in the program, participants read a book entitled, The One Avoidable Subject of Regret, by Mary V. Thompson, a compelling book about slavery at Mount Vernon. The program layout consisted of synchronous professional development sessions which were a combination of presentations by historians and teachers, virtual tours of different areas on the Mount Vernon estate, and discussions with other participants. In addition, asynchronous assignments were also given throughout the week to keep participants engaged.

“The ongoing support and professional development provided by the George Washington Teacher Institute is amazing and inspiring,” said Polk after finishing the program.

After fulfilling her goal to learn more about George Washington, Mount Vernon, and slavery in general, Polk purchased and read, Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge, a resource that was discussed during the sessions.

“Ona Judge was a slave who escaped from the Washington’s and lived out her life in freedom in New Hampshire,” explained Polk. “The book was well written, so I used my stipend money from the Teacher Institute and purchased a class set of these books to use with students. I have used the books with a small group of seventh graders, and I am working on developing a whole unit centered around the life of Ona Judge. I am also working on developing a presentation to share with my local and state colleagues.”

Additionally, this year Polk has been working as a teacher leader with the EVER FI professional development series for Maine teachers. She is planning to share her knowledge and resources when the Ever Fi team presents their African American history content and the 306 online course information with Maine teachers. 

“After this experience, I was asked to serve as a member of the George Washington Teacher Institute Advisory Group,” added Polk. “This group of ninety-two teachers from around the United States will meet digitally on an ongoing basis to discuss content related to George Washington and professional development opportunities for educators.”

To learn more about the George Washington Teacher Institute visit their website. To learn more about social studies professional development opportunities and more, join Maine DOE’s Social Studies Listserv here. For more information and questions about social studies resources for Maine educators, contact Joe Schmidt at joe.schmidt@maine.gov.

Maine’s National Board Certified Teachers Honored in Virtual Pinning Ceremony

“When I look at each of your faces, I get so excited because I am looking at the best examples of reflective changemakers in the state. I am hoping tonight, you realize how much power you have as an educator and your role as change-maker,” said Hillary Hoyt, National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), 2021 Waldo County Teacher of the Year, and 2022 Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist.  Hoyt was the keynote speaker at the February 7, 2022 virtual pinning ceremony honoring and recognizing Maine’s new and renewed NBCT’s.

This week, 16 educators were celebrated for being newly certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  These outstanding educators join more than 400 teachers across the state who have undergone this highly reflective professional learning experience, including 32 of their colleagues who were recognized for renewal of their National Board Certification this year.

The pinning ceremony was hosted by the Maine Education Association (MEA) and the National Board Certified Teachers Network of Maine (NBCTs of Maine). Among those in attendance to celebrate were family members, colleagues, administrators, fellow NBCT’s, state legislators, and Maine Department of Education staff.  Education Commissioner Pender Makin; Deputy Commissioner Daniel Chuhta, MEA President and NBCT Grace Leavitt; NBCTs of Maine Chair and NBCT, Heidi Goodwin; Membership and Outreach Coordinator and NBCT Matt Madore; NBCT and Treasurer Susan O’Brien; and Keynote Speaker Hillary Hoyt, NBCT all shared words of admiration and congratulations.

The journey to National Board Certification, described by Maine educators as rigorous, personally reassuring, and professionally rewarding, requires nearly 400 hours of time and effort to achieve.  Educators must submit a detailed portfolio that includes examples of student work, video recordings of classroom teaching, a reflection piece focused on student assessment and learning, and demonstrated mastery of the content of their chosen certification area. This evidence must meet the Five Core Propositions and the National Board Standards, a body of knowledge that is maintained by teachers. Practicing teachers, through a peer-review process, assess the portfolios.

Grace Leavitt, MEA President and NBCT reflected on her personal journey to become certified, then addressed the honorees, “You must truly be the most remarkable of most remarkable. Not only did you take on the challenge, but you persisted despite the fact that we have been in a global pandemic for two years.”

Commissioner Pender Makin, just returning from a memorable day in Windham added, “What a complete honor to be able to close out my day in celebration of you.  You each thought, ‘I am going to stretch myself to my absolute limit, dig in deep and engage in this process.’ I am in absolute awe of your work, commitment, of your professional integrity and fortitude that got you through this experience.  Thank you to everyone for everything you do for your students and the profession!”

NBCT’s and Professional Learning Facilitators Heidi Goodwin and Jennifer Dorman led this year’s pinning ceremony.  Attendees each had the opportunity to introduce themselves and be “pinned” by a family member or friend at home.

Closing out the evening, Susan O’Brien shared, “This evening we witness 16 newly certified NBCT’s. Tonight you witnessed 32 veteran NBCT’s being honored for renewing their certificates. These are reflective educators who are forever learning, improving, and leading. I am proud to share a screen with those who go above and beyond with their sparkling pedagogy and engaging content!”

In pursuing and achieving National Board Certification, the following teachers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their students, schools, and districts. Please join us in congratulating them!

16 New National Board Certified Teachers:

Name District School Grade/subject NB Certificate Achieved
Wyndee Mocciola Grosso Westbrook Saccarappa School  1st Grade/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Carolyn Nichols RSU 1 Morse High School 11 & 12 Biology Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Mary Carbone n/a Thornton Academy High School Science Science/Early Adolescence
Joseph Carbone n/a Thornton Academy High School Science Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jessica Cardosi n/a Thornton Academy High School Science Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Alice Ford Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jodi Bisson RSU 22 Earl C. McGraw 2nd Grade/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Meagan Mattice Augusta Public Schools Gilbert School Kindergarten/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Stacy Jardine LaBree RSU 22 Reeds Brooks Middle School English and Math English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Elizabeth Carlson RSU 21 Kennebunk High School Language Arts English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Kathryn Giampetruzzi Lewiston Public Schools Connors Elementary School ELL Coach English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Krystle Catell MSAD 28 Camden-Rockport Middle School Special Education Teacher Gr 5 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Garrett White Scarborough Schools Scarborough Middle School Art Gr 6-8 Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Kassandre  (Kassie) Dwyer Athens Public Schools Athens Community School  Gr 6 – 8 Social Studies- History/Early Adolescence
Becky Marks RSU 12 Windsor Elementary School Gr. 1 Generalist/Early Childhood
Eva Platt Portland Public Schools Multiple schools Library Media Specialist Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood

 

32 National Board Certified Teachers who achieved “Maintenance of Certification” (MOC) – (This is the new “renewal process” for NB)

 

Name District School Grade/subject NB Certificate Maintained
Valerie Dominski RSU 51 Mabel I Wilson School Gr 3/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Maureen Driscoll RSU 51 Mabel I Wilson School Library Media Specialist Library Media/Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
George “Rad” Mayfield RSU 34 Old Town HS Science 9 – 12 Science/Adolescence –& Young Adulthood
Megan Bendson Five Town CSD Camden Hills Regional High School Social Studies 9 – 12 Social Studies/History Adolescence & Young Adulthood
Troy Wagstaff RSU 26 Orono High School School Counselor School Counseling Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Denise Allen MSAD 51 Greely High School Health/

Science

9 – 12

 Health Education – Early Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Blair Atherton Bacon Portland Public Schools Lincoln Middle School Teaching Strategist Literacy: Reading Language Arts, Early & Middle Childhood
Jessica Sleeper Rosado RSU 21 District-wide ELL Teacher English as a New Language: Early and Middle Childhood
Paula Bourque Augusta Public Schools Multiple Schools Literacy Specialist Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Maureen Cooper Augusta Public Schools Gilbert School Gr 1 – all Generalist/Early Childhood
Caroline Eldridge Augusta Public Schools Hussey School Gr 2 – all Generalist/Early Childhood
Brenda Longway RSU 10 Mountain Valley Middle School Gr 7 – 8 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early childhood through Young Adulthood
Tonya Prentice Tremont Public Schools Tremont Consolidated School Science/Gr 5- 6 Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jena Kerns Portland Public Schools Longfellow School Gr 1 -2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Danielle Waite Millinocket Public Schools Granite Street School Gr 1 – all Generalist/Early Childhood
Heather Girsa Millinocket Public Schools Stearns Jr/Sr High School Math Math/Early Adolescence
Tracy Vassiliev Bangor Public Schools James F. Doughty School Science & Applied Science Science/Early Adolescence
Jennifer Boehmer Bangor Public Schools James F. Doughty School English, Gr 6 English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Heidi Bullen RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 3/all Generalist/Middle Childhood
Brenda Wight RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 2/all Generalist/Middle Childhood
Alice Lee RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Renee Charette RSU 44 Telstar Middle School Gr 8/math Generalist/Middle Childhood
Gina Lavoie RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Michelle Fraser Wiscasset Public Schools Wiscasset Middle/High School English Composition Gr 9 & 10 English Language Arts & Young Adulthood
Molly O’Guinness Carlson Wiscasset Public Schools Wiscasset Middle/High School Special Education Teacher 7 – 12 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Lori Fowler Lewiston Public Schools Montello School Pre-K/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Robyn Rose Lewiston Public Schools Montello School Special Education

Gr 4 – 6

 Exceptional Needs Specialist/early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Sara Lucas RSU 11 Helen Thompson School Gr 2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
William Hinkley RSU 40 Medomak Valley High School Algebra Gr 10 – 12 Mathematics/

Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Nancy Coty Wells Wells High School Health Education 9 – 12 Health Education/Early Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Kevin O’Shaughnessy Wells Wells High School Psychology, World After 1945 9 – 12 Social Studies – History/Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Cara Colgan Westbrook Saccarappa School Gr 4/all Generalist/early Childhood

National Board certification is voluntary and open to all teachers who have at least three years of classroom experience and a bachelor’s degree. Certification is available in 25 certificate areas, from preschool through 12th grade.

Maine offers an annual salary supplement for teachers who have achieved National Board Certification and scholarships to support up to 30 teachers, annually, in attaining National Board Certification.

Contact information for National Board Certification in Maine:

NBCTS of Maine:

Heidi Goodwin: nbct.heidi@gmail.com

Susan O’Brien: nbct.susan@gmail.com

Maine Education Association:

Grace Leavitt: gleavitt@maineea.org

Maine Department of Education:

Emily Doughty: Emily.doughty@maine.gov

Webinar: Understanding the Role of Families and Parents in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency

The U.S. Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center will host a webinar on Monday, February 28, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST. This webinar will highlight the role of parents and families in supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.

The 60 minute webinar will:

  • Highlight the role of parents and families in supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.
  • Demonstrate the importance of developing a collaborative planning team to support emergency operations plan development, as outlined in Step 1 of the six-step planning process detailed in the Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans.
  • Discuss the role that parents, parent engagement specialists, and parent advocacy groups play in supporting the National Preparedness System mission areas — prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery — as well as their role in the before, during, and after phases of a potential emergency.
  • Share resources to assist parents, families, parent engagement specialists, and parent advocacy groups in collaborating and supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.

Register on the REMS TA Center Website to participate in the Webinar

Presenters:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

  • Beth Yeh, Education Program Specialist

REMS TA Center

  • Janelle Hughes, Project Director

Questions About the Event?

Contact the REMS TA Center Help Desk at 1-855-781-REMS [7367] or info@remstacenter.org from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Can’t make the live event? This Webinar will be archived on the REMS TA Center’s website within 7 business days.

Maine Students Showcase their Marketing and Hospitality Skills at DECA Conference

Maine DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) held their annual Career and Development Conference in Auburn at the Hilton Garden Hotel on Friday February 11th.

DECA, an association of marketing, hospitality, finance, and entrepreneur students, prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management from high schools and colleges around the globe.

During the DECA Conference, students from Oxford Hills Regional Technical Center competed in marketing and hospitality categories for a chance to earn a seat at the International Career and Development Conference in Atlanta in April. FOCUS training provided workshop activities and team building for an action packed day.

Maine Department of Education Maine School Safety Center’s Wendy Robichaid was one of five judges that helped out at the conference.

Congratulations, Maine DECA!

Webinar: Online Safety Guidance and Resources for K-12 Schools (February 24)

Please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse on February 24 at 3:00 PM EST for an informational webinar on online safety featuring guidance and resources for kindergarten through grade 12 schools.

The session will feature guest speakers from the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center (C3) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). Presenters will provide an overview of how to make the internet a safer place for students and protect children from crimes of victimization.

Schools, educators, and parents can help build resilience against online violence, as well as foster digital ecosystems that are safe and secure for students. Through promoting online safety practices and improving digital literacy and critical thinking skills, the K-12 community can help reduce certain risk factors among youth.

The discussion will feature additional school safety-related resources available through SchoolSafety.gov, as well as a Q&A session.

  • When: February 24, 2022, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
  • Where: Adobe Connect (access link to be provided one day in advance of the event)
  • For: K-12 School Superintendents and Principals; School and District Administrators; Teachers and School Staff; School Counselors and School Psychologists; Emergency Management; School Resource Officers; Parents
  • Registration: https://schoolonlinesafetywebinar.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions, please contact the School Safety team at SchoolSafety@hq.dhs.gov.

SAVE THE DATE: #SELday on March 11th

Save the Date – Friday, March 11, 2022

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is participating in the International SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Day 2022 by providing all Maine classroom teachers access to ready-made plans to use that day:

  • Age-appropriate read aloud options
  • Selected SEL4ME modules
  • Interdisciplinary lesson plans

Social emotional learning (SEL) changes lives—studies show that SEL improves well-being and academic outcomes, builds a positive school climate, and provides children with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce. Yet many members of our communities don’t know about SEL yet.

Keep your plans light for March 11th as we will be doing the planning – all you’ll need to do is access the links and share with your students.  Our goal is to provide the plans to Maine educators by March 1st.

While classroom teachers are accessing SEL activities throughout this international day of celebration, the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports (O3S) is also inviting people to join them for a day-long focus of all-things SEL.  Each team member from the O3S is sponsoring an hour throughout the day that will feature articles, podcasts, videos, TED Talks, exercise, office hour time, reading, conversation, and more! From SEL Specialist Kellie Bailey to our newest Nurse Specialists Tammy Diaz and Sarah DeCato, there will be something for every person associated with Maine schools – personnel, parents, caregivers, you name it!

Be on the lookout for a day-long menu of options on March 1st. 

Local District SEL Teams are also encouraged to sign up for the international celebration event and create their own plans, as well! Learn more here.

For further information about Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports event, contact Julie Smyth at Julie.A.Smyth@maine.gov.

 

Deputy Commissioner Dan Chuhta Participates in the Read to ME Challenge

Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Dan Chuhta visited two schools last week to participate in the Read to ME Challenge. His first stop was at Sacopee Valley Middle School, where he visited Mrs. Bryant’s 4th grade class of young mathematicians and scientists who shared all they knew about geometry, astronomy, space travel, and even the seasons. Chuhta read A Computer Called Katherine written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, that tells the remarkable and true story of Katherine Johnson and her pioneering work at NASA.

He next travelled to Bonny Eagle Middle School, where he met the talented writers and scholars in Mrs. Deering’s 6th grade classroom. While there, he read two student written stories found in the outstanding anthology Shadowboxing, published by the Portland-based nonprofit organization, The Telling Room.

DanReadtoMEChallengeThe Read to ME Challenge is month-long public awareness campaign to promote the importance of literacy for all of Maine’s students, regardless of age. The challenge encourages adults to read to children for 15 minutes, capture that moment via a photo or a video, and then post it to social media and challenge others to do the same using the hashtag #ReadtoME.

Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin launched the Read to ME challenge earlier this month with second graders at Solon Elementary School, and educators, parents, and families across the state continue to post about their reading adventures. There’s still plenty of time this month to grab a favorite book to read aloud to a young person and share as part of the Read to ME challenge.