Community Comes Alive in Mural Created by LearningWorks Students at Waterboro Elementary School

A once-plain hallway at Waterboro Elementary School has been transformed into a vibrant mural, thanks to the creativity and teamwork of LearningWorks students. What began as a request from school administration to “add some color” quickly evolved into a full-scale art project that reflects the spirit of the entire school community.

From the start, students approached the project with purpose. After learning about the power of public art and its ability to communicate without words, they understood their mural needed to speak to everyone, no matter their age or language. A visit to the mural’s future site—a hallway connecting the gym and cafeteria—sparked the realization that this space was the perfect place to celebrate everything that makes Waterboro Elementary School special.

Students decided on a theme of community, highlighting art, music, reading, healthy food, friendship, and the school’s core values. Drawing inspiration from artists like Keith Haring and Romare Britto, they blended ideas and styles to make sure every student’s voice was reflected. When it came time to present their plan to school leaders, they created visuals, practiced their roles, and walked in with confidence—and a few nerves.

The administration was impressed by their preparation and passion, offering full support for the project.

Painting the mural was a journey filled with memorable moments: spilled paint, sock prints, ladder adventures, and plenty of laughter. While there were challenges—like balancing individual ideas and learning how to compromise—the students grew as artists, teammates, and leaders.

Now, the mural stands as a lasting symbol of student voice, creativity, and connection. Staff, students, and families have praised the work, and the hallway has become a place where kids pause to admire, or even pose with, the art.

Although the paint has dried, the inspiration has not. These young artists are already dreaming about what wall they might paint next.

This story was written in collaboration with Waterboro Elementary School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Maine DOE Update – June 27, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Back-to-School Grants Available for School Employees through LifeChanger of the Year

LifeChanger of the Year, an annual national recognition program for educators and school employees, is excited to announce a back-to-school grant opportunity for teachers, as they prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. This summer, LifeChanger of the Year will be awarding 10 $500 Back-to-School Supply Grants to K-12 public, private, and charter school employees nationwide. These grants are designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that educators often spend on school supplies. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Sacopee Valley High School Cadets Bring History to Life in Paul Revere Commemoration

RSU 14 Students Create, Explore, and Learn at Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, students from the Katahdin Program at RSU 14 (Windham Raymond School District) accessed the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Outdoor Learning Pavilion on Mackworth Island numerous times. While at the pavilion, these students worked on three different projects: building planter boxes for their hoop house at the Windham Community Garden; building picnic tables for several community partners; and building a 16-foot rowing dory in partnership with Sailing Ships Maine, to be used by students in the Katahdin Program. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Save the Date! 15th Annual Maine Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Conference on November 13

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the University of Maine System, is hosting the 15th Annual Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Conference on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

Summer Reading Challenge/Professional Learning Day to Empower Educators, Center Stories, and Cultivate Belonging

The Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) is proud to host the third annual MCSTOYA Connects, a summer reading challenge and professional learning day that provides a unique opportunity for Maine educators to come together around books and conversation. | More

Reminder: Register for the Maine DOE 2025 Annual Summit on August 5 and 6; Fees Waived for Identified Schools

Registration is now open for the 2025 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit, which will be held on August 5 and 6 at Thomas College. The two-day event, which costs $250 per person, includes breakfast, lunch, and access to nearly 100 sessions from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that registration fees will be waived for identified schools for up to $2,500 (the equivalent of 10 staff members) per school. Identified schools are those that have been identified as part of Maine’s Model of School Supports (MMSS). | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Save the Date! 15th Annual Maine Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Conference on November 13

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the University of Maine System, is hosting the 15th Annual Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Conference on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Augusta Civic Center.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Steve Goodman, PhD, a research specialist at the University of Connecticut. He is a partner with the Center on PBIS and is a co-investigator with the Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Research Network.

Goodman’s presentation, “Better Together: Integrating Academics and Behavior Support in MTSS,” will focus on an integrated approach to MTSS, which can improve efficiency and effectiveness when implemented with fidelity. This presentation will highlight critical features of an integrated model along with implementation examples.

Join us at the 15th Annual Maine PBIS Conference to gain tools to create a more positive climate in your school, increase student engagement and achievement, support staff involvement and teacher retention, and strengthen connections to families and community resources.

Please be on the lookout for further information about this conference in the Maine DOE Newsroom (subscribe here). For questions, please contact Tracy Whitlock, Maine DOE Special Projects and Educator Supports Coordinator, at Tracy.W.Whitlock@maine.gov.

Sacopee Valley High School Cadets Bring History to Life in Paul Revere Commemoration

In a stirring display of patriotism, tradition, and student leadership, the cadets of Sacopee Valley High School’s Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program proudly led a moving “Two Lights” ceremony and historical reenactment to honor the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Held on April 17, 2025, the event captivated an audience of approximately 550 students, educators, and community members, transforming the school grounds into a living tribute to a pivotal moment in American history.

At the heart of the ceremony was a reenactment of Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride. In a scene that transported the crowd back to April of 1775, one of Sacopee Valley’s own teachers rode on horseback, passionately portraying Revere’s urgent mission to warn the colonists of the advancing British forces. The moment was brought to life by the dedication and planning of the JROTC cadets, whose attention to historical detail—from colonial costumes to lantern displays—created an unforgettable experience.

The ceremony was part of the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” curriculum, a nationwide initiative developed by America250 to mark this significant anniversary and inspire a deeper understanding of America’s fight for independence. The students honored tradition by reading Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s iconic poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,” infusing the event with a sense of reverence and historical significance.

The primary architect behind the event’s success was Major Dan Bartlett, U.S. Army (ret.), senior JROTC instructor at Sacopee Valley High School. His leadership and dedication, alongside the tireless efforts of the cadets, ensured the ceremony not only educated but also profoundly moved all who attended.

“This was more than a reenactment; it was a community celebration of our shared history,” Major Bartlett said. “Our cadets worked hard to make this an immersive and meaningful event, and they did it with pride and precision.”

The powerful gathering at Sacopee Valley High School served as a vibrant reminder that the echoes of Paul Revere’s ride still resonate today, reminding new generations of the courage, urgency, and unity that helped shape a nation.

“We all had a wonderful time planning and executing this event. It was awesome to have the opportunity to perform this in front of our middle school and high school. I was told by many children there that it was a really cool event, and they were glad they got to come—especially because of the real horse that we had for Paul Revere to ride,” Cadet Gage Wilson said.

Information for this story was provided by Sacopee Valley High School. To submit a good news story to the Maine Department of Education, please fill out the good news submission form.

Back-to-School Grants Available for School Employees through LifeChanger of the Year

LifeChanger of the Year, an annual national recognition program for educators and school employees, is excited to announce a back-to-school grant opportunity for teachers, as they prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.

This summer, LifeChanger of the Year will be awarding 10 $500 Back-to-School Supply Grants to K-12 public, private, and charter school employees nationwide. These grants are designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that educators often spend on school supplies.

Applications are open from July 1 through August 15, 2025. All strong applicants will automatically be considered for the 2025-2026 LifeChanger of the Year program, with a chance to win up to $20,000 to split with their school.

Please fill out this form to apply for this grant opportunity.

LifeChanger of the Year is sponsored by the National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation. Since its inception in 2006, the goal of the National Life Group Foundation is to do good in the communities in which we live and work by supporting nonprofit and educational organizations.

For questions about this grant opportunity, please contact the National Life Group.

Summer Reading Challenge/Professional Learning Day to Empower Educators, Center Stories, and Cultivate Belonging

MCSTOYA is honored to partner with I’m Your Neighbor Books on the development of this year’s book list and event to support the theme “Migration Reads,” which focuses on stories of people who move—by choice, by force, or by necessity. From immigrants and new generations to refugees (those displaced by conflict or disaster), these stories help educators to explore the many reasons people may leave one place and make a home in another.

This program invites educators to choose and read one or more books from a curated reading list of 15 titles—including children’s books, novels, graphic novels, and books in verse–spanning three levels: elementary, middle, and young adult. It’s an “a la carte book club.” This experience culminates in a one-day, in-person professional learning event where participants deepen their understanding of migration narratives and explore how to integrate these stories meaningfully into their classrooms.

Last year’s event welcomed more than 100 educators from across Maine, and organizers anticipate similar participation this year. This event supports teachers in building stronger connections with students and communities through powerful stories, practical teaching ideas, and partnerships with local organizations.

MCSTOYA Connects: Migration Reads aligns with statewide goals and builds capacity among Maine educators to use literature as a vehicle for understanding, connection, and empathy, while amplifying the voices of those whose experiences reflect the global reality of movement, resilience, and belonging. This is a chance for educators to listen, learn, and grow as a community, united by a belief in the power of story to build understanding. Together, we can cultivate classrooms where all students see themselves, and each other, in the stories we share.

With grant support, MCSTOYA is able to provide free books, honoraria for speakers, high-quality professional development, and ongoing educator support. Please register here.

For further information or questions, please contact the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) at mainestoya@gmail.com. You may also download this flyer.

RSU 14 Students Create, Explore, and Learn at Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion

“This space provided by the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative has been a great asset to students in the Katahdin Program,” Katahdin Head of School Rich Meserve said. “We used the indoor space on cold winter days and the outdoor pavilion when the spring weather arrived.”

Katahdin Program students building planter boxes

The Katahdin Program provides alternative education programming for students in
grades 9-12 who are enrolled in the RSU 14 school district. Community-based learning is a key
element of the Katahdin experience.

The Katahdin Program’s outdoor projects at the Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion exemplify how students can practice civic engagement as part of their regular curriculum and also gain practical, real-world skills for life after high school.

“The Katahdin Program utilizes the outdoors as much as possible to tie in the
experiential and adventure-based programming that we provide to our students, while also connecting these projects to our classroom curriculum,” Katahdin special education teacher Paul Field said.

Dominic Siragusa, a junior at Windham High School who is enrolled in the Katahdin Program, noted, “The experience at the pavilion on Mackworth Island was great because doing hands-on projects really works for me.”

Katahdin Program students sanding the rowing dory

Throughout the winter, Katahdin Program students used the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative’s indoor space on Mackworth Island several days a week to begin the construction of their 16-foot rowing dory. This spring, they completed the sanding and finishing work of the dory outside under the pavilion.

“The process of building the dory was great for our students, and the space worked perfectly. Our students are excited to row in Casco Bay in a boat they built themselves from start to finish,” Field said.

In mid-June, staff and students from the Katahdin Program launched the dory. They will be able to use and maintain the boat for many years to come.

“It was really great for our students to be able to work on this project from the early planning stages all the way through to launching it,” Field expressed.

For more information about the RSU 14 Katahdin Program, please contact Rich Meserve at rmeserve@rsu14.org.

The Mackworth Island Outdoor Learning Pavilion is part of the Maine DOE’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. The Initiative is delivered on a promise made by Governor Janet Mills during her 2022 State of the State address to provide children with more opportunities to learn about and explore Maine’s natural beauty and resources.

For more information about the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, please contact Jonathan Ross at Jonathan.j.ross@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Update – June 20, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

SEL4ME Platform Will Be Temporarily Unavailable Starting June 30

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) SEL4ME platform, a free, comprehensive, pre-K-grade 12 social-emotional learning (SEL) program, will be temporarily unavailable as updates are made to the hosting platform. Starting on June 30, 2025, access to the SEL4ME modules will be put on hold. The Maine DOE apologizes for any inconvenience and will work to provide timely updates, as new information becomes available. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

What’s Your Dream Job? Gray-New Gloucester Middle School Students Get a Closer Look

At Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, students aren’t just being asked what they want to be when they grow up; they’re being shown how to get there. On April 17, 2025, more than 500 students in grades five through eight participated in the school’s second annual Career Day, a highlight of a month-long career exploration effort that has become a cornerstone of the district’s advisory program. | More

Scarborough Middle School Pilots Integrative Studies Program at Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion

Forty-two students from Scarborough Middle School visited the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative’s new pavilion on Mackworth Island during the 2024-2025 school year. These seventh graders are enrolled in a pilot program called the “Integrated Studies Pilot,” focused on creating an engaging, student-centered environment that integrates place-based learning, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary content connections. | More

Four Maine Schools Win Top Honors in Statewide Life Happens Outside® Challenge

To promote mental health awareness and build lifelong habits of outdoor time, Teens to Trails hosted its second-ever Spring Life Happens Outside® Challenge for Maine middle and elementary schools (grades 5-8). The Challenge ran from May 9-16, 2025, and encouraged students, staff members, and teachers from across the state to get outside, as research shows that spending time outdoors significantly benefits both mental and physical health. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Annual Regional Mentor Trainings Available to Maine Educators This Summer

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for our updated annual regional Mentor Trainings, designed to equip Maine educators with the tools, knowledge, and community connections needed to mentor new educators or those new to their school administrative unit (SAU). | More

Reminder: Register for the Maine DOE 2025 Annual Summit on August 5 and 6; Fees Waived for Identified Schools

Registration Open for Third Annual Social Services and Education Professionals Symposium

The University of New England (UNE) College of Professional Studies and its partner Educate Maine are pleased to be hosting the Third Annual Education and Social Services Professionals Symposium, made possible through the generous support of its sponsor, Unum. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

SEL4ME Platform Will Be Temporarily Unavailable Starting June 30

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) SEL4ME platform, a free, comprehensive, pre-K-grade 12 social-emotional learning (SEL) program, will be temporarily unavailable as updates are made to the hosting platform. Starting on June 30, 2025, access to the SEL4ME modules will be put on hold. The Maine DOE apologizes for any inconvenience and will work to provide timely updates, as new information becomes available.

More information about SEL4ME

In response to requests for social-emotional learning (SEL) resources for staff members and students, the Maine DOE instituted SEL4ME five years ago. Since then, thousands of educators from across the state have accessed these resources.

Designed to meet the unique needs of our state, SEL4ME has been developed by professionals with 50+ years of experience in education, student/parent engagement, and staff/administrator professional development. Lessons are aligned with industry-established best practices and include more than 450 modules that cover pre-K-grade 12, scaffolded by grade.

The SEL4ME team, consisting of diverse Maine experts and stakeholders, will continue to edit and develop new SEL content and will expand from classroom supports to include school and district-wide curriculum in the use of SEL as a primary prevention and trauma-informed practice.

For more information about SEL4ME, please contact Maine DOE Climate, Culture, and Resilience Team Coordinator Bear Shea at w.bear.shea@maine.gov.

Registration Open for Third Annual Social Services and Education Professionals Symposium

The University of New England (UNE) College of Professional Studies and its partner Educate Maine are pleased to be hosting the Third Annual Education and Social Services Professionals Symposium, made possible through the generous support of its sponsor, Unum.

The event will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at UNE’s Innovation Hall, located at 772 Stevens Avenue in Portland.

This is a professional development conference for educators, social workers, and counselors who work to improve the social and emotional health of Maine youth. Admission is $35 per person, and participants will earn seven contact hours.

The event has a great lineup of all-new workshops and a wonderful lunchtime speaker: Julia Sleeper, Executive Director of Tree Street Youth Center.

Participants will be provided with breakfast and lunch. Two attendees will win gift certificates for the Samoset Resort and Cliff House Maine.

For more information and details about registration, please visit the event registration website or contact Tierney Matz at tmatz@une.edu.