Author: Maine Department of Education

ESEA Demographics Certification Report to Open 5/15/2021

The ESEA Demographics Report is an aggregation of students enrolled on 05/15/2021 for participation in state assessments during the 2020 assessment administration. This report includes student demographic categories for assessment and accountability purposes. This is required reporting for RSUs, CSDs, MSADs, Municipal school units, Maine Indian Education, charter schools, state operated schools, and private schools that accept publicly funded students.

The ESEA Demographics Report will be available for districts to submit and certify, beginning on May 15th with a certify-by date of May 30th.

The Maine Department of Education’s data management team will be holding a webinar where we will be discussing the ESEA Demographics Report and fielding any questions that you may have at 10AM on Tuesday May 18th, 2021. Register Here

In order to view this report, you will need access to NEO – Student Data, if you do not have this access please have your superintendent fill out our online Access Request Form.

ESEA Demographics Certification Report Instructions (PDF)

If you have any questions, comments or concerns in regards to the April 1st Enrollment Count Report please feel free to contact us at the MEDMS Helpdesk.MEDMS.Helpdesk@Maine.gov or (207) 624-6896.

MEDIA RELEASE: Two Maine Students Named 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona today announced the 57th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.

The Maine scholars include (hometown, scholar, school, location):

  • ME – Orrington – Devon Michael Hunter, John Bapst Memorial High School, Veazie, Maine.
  • ME – Springvale – Aislynn K Worden, Sanford High School, Sanford, Maine.

“The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 6,000 candidates qualified for the 2021 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ program.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the arts and 20 Scholars in career and technical education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,600 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2021 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer.

A complete list of 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars is also available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

The Rugged Road to Recovery: Voices of Hope Docuseries

In a 12-part video series SEED (Students Empowered to End Dependency) interviews young people who have struggled with Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD). Most are now participating in recovery programs that have enabled them to pursue a healthy lifestyle. The series also speaks with several medical experts to explore the science behind the disease model of chemical dependency and features many Maine people on the front lines helping those suffering from Substance Use Disorder as different recovery methods are explored.

The series premiered on on local TV stations in late April early May and is now available on the Voices of Hope and Recovery Website.

Learn more and watch the trailer, and watch the first three episodes here

SEED is a coalition of students and adults from 5 school systems and the Scarborough Police Department.  The five school systems participating in this project are Bath, Gorham, Scarborough, Windham, and Yarmouth.

Thank you to the sponsors: Pineland Farms Natural Meats, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, and Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG).

For questions, comments, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact David Packhem at voicesofhope.ep@gmail.com

 

Pre-K for ME and K for ME Program Overview Sessions and Training Opportunities

Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education has adapted and piloted open-source Pre-k and Kindergarten programs based on the Boston Public School’s evidence-based Focus on K1 and Focus on K2 curricula.  Pre-K for ME was launched in 2019.  K for ME will be launched in August of 2021.  These programs focus on the whole child and are interdisciplinary and developmentally appropriate.  They are also aligned to Maine’s learning standards.  While Maine schools are responsible for the purchase of the materials that support the programs, the programs can be accessed at no cost via the Maine DOE’s website.  Informational sessions for each of the programs are planned to provide an overview and opportunity for Q & A.  Dates, times, and registration for the overview sessions are:

Pre-K for ME Informational Session Registration (May 19, 3:00-4:00)

K for ME Informational Session Registration (May 25, 3:00-4:00)

Educators/schools/programs interested in utilizing Pre-K for ME and/or K for ME in the coming year may want to take advantage of 2-day initial trainings scheduled for this August.  These trainings are provided to promote understanding of program design and to support successful program implementation.  School administrators are strongly encouraged to attend the trainings with their Pre-K and/or Kindergarten teachers.

This year’s training opportunities will be held virtually from 8:30-3:30 on August 9 and 10 for Pre-K for ME and on August 11 and 12 for K for ME.  Registration for these trainings should be completed at the school/program level.  Principals and educators should complete one registration on behalf of their school/program.  Details about how to prepare for the trainings and the materials needed to support the programs will be provided at the overview sessions and via email as registrations are received. Registrations for the 2-day training should be received by June 30, 2021.

Registration Links:

Pre-K for ME 2-day Training Registration (August 9-10)

K for ME 2-day Training Registration (August 11-12)

For additional information about Pre-K for ME, contact Nicole.Madore@maine.gov, and for K for ME, contact Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.

2021 STEM for All Video Showcase May 11- 18

2021 STEM for All Video Showcase: Learning from Research and Practice
May 11 – 18, 2021
Online event, https://stemforall2021.videohall.com,

Researchers, practitioners, policy makers, informal educators, and parents interested in enhancing STEM education are invited to take part in a free, interactive, 8-day video showcase event, showcasing federally funded projects to improve STEM and computer science education. All are welcome to view, discuss, and vote for favorites from May 11-18.

The online event, https://stemforall2021.videohall.com, provides an opportunity to hear how programs across the nation have addressed the challenges posed by COVID and related school closures, particularly in underserved communities. Over 1,100 presenters and co-presenters have come together to share 287 3-minute videos. More than half of the presentations address racial or gender inequities and provide strategies to broaden participation and quality experiences for students of all ages, from the youngest elementary students to those pursuing graduate degrees. Collectively they provide a comprehensive introduction to the creative work being done across the nation to improve STEM education in both formal and informal environments.

Visitors to the site can filter the presentations by grade level, organization, state, keywords, or audience type to find those of greatest interest. In addition to discussing the videos, all visitors can vote for their favorite presentations. At the end of the event, presentations that received the most votes will be identified as “Public Choice” winners.

While most of the projects presented are funded by the National Science Foundation, there are also presentations from projects funded by 8 other federal agencies, including ED, NASA, NIH, NOAA, IMLS, US Dept. of State, ONR, and USDA.

Last year’s STEM for All Video Showcase is still being accessed, and to date has had over 87,500 unique visitors from 181 countries.

The STEM for All Video Showcase is hosted by TERC, in partnership with: STEMTLnet, CADRE, CAISE, CIRCLS, STELAR, CS for All Teachers, NARST, NCTM, NSTA, NSF INCLUDES, and QEM. The Showcase is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (#1922641).

To learn more about the Showcase and to watch the project videos, visit http://stemforall2021.videohall.com

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE: 2021 County Teachers of the Year Announced in Virtual Ceremony  

Teachers from all 16 of Maine’s counties were honored today in a virtual announcement that was broadcast live on the Maine Department of Education’s YouTube page.

As part of the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, hundreds of teachers across Maine are nominated by a member of their school community. Through a rigorous application process, one teacher from each county is selected as the County Teacher of the Year by a panel of teachers, principals, and business community members within the county.

During the ceremony, teachers were honored by Maine Department of Education Commissioner, Pender Makin; Educate Maine Executive Director, Jason Judd; State Board of Education member, Peter Geiger; 2021 Maine Teacher of the Year, Cindy Soule; Maine County, State Teachers of the Year Association Co-President Shana Goodall; and Maine’s 2021 Poetry Out Loud Champion, Emily Paruk, a senior from Gorham High School.

2021 County Teachers of the Year:

After being named, Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education state-wide throughout the year, and continue to participate in an intensive Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process.

The Maine County Teachers of the Year are available to make presentations to local and regional organizations.

The Maine Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Program is administered through a collaborative partnership with Educate Maine. To learn more about the Teacher of the Year Program visit: https://www.mainetoy.org/

For more information about the 2021 Maine County Teachers of the year contact Rachel Paling (Maine DOE) at rachel.paling@maine.gov or Dolly Sullivan (Educate Maine) at dolly@educatemaine.org.

MEDIA RELEASE: All Maine School Nurses Named 2020/2021 School Nurses of the Year

Since 1972, National School Nurses Day has been set aside to celebrate this unique and specialized division of nursing.  This year Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Department of Education join the Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) to celebrate and honor school nurses on May 12th, recognizing ALL Maine school nurses as the 2020-2021 “School Nurses of the Year.”

“This past year, unlike any other, school nurses in particular across the State of Maine have helped adapt with grace and grit to protect the health of our children,” said Governor Mills in her video message to Maine school nurses.

Traditionally, school nurses have been charged with ensuring students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn. They are responsible for bridging the gap between healthcare and education.  However, since last March, the COVID-19 pandemic has exhausted school district resources and launched school nurses into new and uncharted territory.  It has redefined the role both in school buildings and communities.   

School nurses serve as a critical health hub for students, ensuring that students are ready for learning by managing complex chronic conditions; identifying and addressing mental health issues; leveling the field on health disparities and promoting healthy behaviors; enrolling children in health insurance and connecting families to healthcare providers; handling medical emergencies and now, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic by testing, tracking and educating students and school personnel. 

In a pandemic, nursing requires a focus on individual patient care, as well as a larger perspective of public health.  Nursing skill, knowledge, intuition, and practice does not stop at the four walls of a school, but must encompass the community at large.  There is a constant awareness of how decisions affect others inside and outside of school. Students’ lives don’t end when the last bell rings and they board the bus home. These same students go to work, volunteer, visit family, and play sports.  School nurses shoulder a responsibility to keep children healthy so that the community remains healthy. 

Generally (in a non-pandemic year) school nurses operate behind the scenes in “stealth mode”, providing care, comfort and pain relief. This year however, school nurses have navigated insurmountable pressure to explain and defend community health measures and promote health and safety for all school community members. This year, school nurses have been working especially hard to facilitate students’ return to in-person learning. This means putting all the recommended mitigation measures in place while supporting teaching staff as they meet educational needs of all students. 

And so, as we approach May 12th, please remember to thank your school nurse with an elbow bump and congratulate them on being named Maine School Nurse of the Year 2021.  

 

Maine DOE Update – May 7, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

Androscoggin County remains yellow; All other counties green. The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission to assist schools as they continue with their efforts to deliver instruction and support students safely. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Interactive Workshop by Wabanaki REACH – Moving Forward: Opening a Path to Truth, Healing and Change

Maine-Wabanaki REACH is a cross cultural organization working in support of decolonization and Wabanaki self-determination. REACH focuses on truth, healing, and change. Our work with Wabanaki people is flexible, responding to activities in the communities themselves. It includes wellness and history learning, healing circles, support for growing food and medicines, and emergency financial support. This work takes place in Wabanaki communities, Maine communities, and in the Maine State Correction System.   | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Governor Mills Dedicating $10 Million in Federal Relief Funds to Expand Public Pre-K

Today Governor Mills announced the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, our Administration’s proposal to invest more than $1 billion in discretionary Federal relief funds allocated to Maine under the American Rescue Plan Act. As part of this groundbreaking plan, Governor Mills has committed $10 million to expand public pre-k options in the State of Maine.| More

A Letter to America’s Teachers from Secretary Cardona

I never could predict what might happen in Mr. O’Neil’s art classes; I just knew I couldn’t wait for the next assignment.  Back then I didn’t realize all the ways this dynamic educator, a rare man of color leading our diverse classroom of second graders, was serving as a pioneer and role model for me and my peers in John Barry Elementary School.  But I’ll never forget how his teaching made me feel.  As a second grader, I remember looking up — watching him encourage, challenge and guide us – and thinking: “I want to be like him.”| More

Maine DOE to Announce the 2021 Maine County Teachers of the Year in Live Virtual Announcement on May 12 at 2pm

16 Maine teachers will be announced and honored as part of the Maine Department of Education’s Maine Teacher of the Year Program, which includes annual County Teachers of the Year awards and honors.| More

Maine DOE Certification Team Supporting Educator Workforce

The Maine Department of Education’s Certification team is excited to report that they have held a 2-3 week processing time for more than a year, despite the heavy volume of inquiries and responses they attend to on a daily basis to manage the initial applications and renewal of educator and administrator credentials across Maine.| More

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month – Free Materials for Schools

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has partnered with more than 35 agencies and organizations throughout Maine to promote the awareness of Lyme Disease and educate as many people as possible about prevention efforts. The 2021 Lyme Disease Awareness Month theme is “Stop. Check. Prevent.”  This reminds us to stop and practice tick prevention measures frequently. The easiest way to avoid tickborne diseases is preventing tick bites. | More

Six Annual Count ME In Student Contest Promoting School Attendance, Learning and Community

Count ME In is seeking students to create a poster, sculpture, song, poem, or video to promote learning, school attendance, and school community for the 2021 Attendance Awareness Month in September 2021 and yearlong celebration.| More

Building from What You Have: A Process for Scaling up Tiered Supports in a MTSS

The Maine Department of Education, in partnership with the University of Southern Maine School of Education and Human Development are seeking school Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams to engage in a summer learning institute titled Building from What You Have: A Process for Scaling-Up Tiered Supports in a MTSS. Continuous Improvement Teams from PK-12 are invited to submit an application. | More

Camden Hills Regional HS Teacher Named a Finalist for 2021 Presidential Award in Mathematics

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce the Maine State Selection Committee for the 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program has selected as the state-level finalist for 7-12th grade, teacher of mathematics Lora Levenseler from Camden Hills Regional High School. | More

Job Corps To Host Virtual Info Sessions in May

Information sessions hosted by Maine’s Job Corps office will be held on May 17th at 1pm or May 26th at 2:30PM on Zoom. Registration is required, at which time link and log on information for the session will be sent via email. | More

Commissioner Makin Thanks Education Workforce for Teacher Appreciation Week

Today Commissioner Makin released a special video acknowledging the courage, selflessness, and dedication, especially over the past year, of educators and school staff across Maine. Her message was created in recognition of  National Teacher Appreciation Week | More

A Reminder to Maine Home Instruction Parents and SAUs Regarding Annual Assessment Requirement

A reminder to those families who have opted for home instruction during the 2020-2021 School Year that, per Title 20-A: 5001-A , an annual assessment of academic progress is required. | More

Maine Association of School Libraries Announces Annual Awardees

During School Library Month in April, the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) announced the recipients of the 2021 Awards. MASL’s annual awards recognize exemplary school library support staff, administrators, and library media specialists. | More

Red Sox Virtual STEM Education Series for Students

Join the Boston Red Sox for their 2021 Virtual STEM Education Series, presented by Moderna! Each week throughout the month of May, they will release a new video that will include live experiments, geared towards STEM-related curriculum.| More

Maine Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week; 2021 Maine Poetry Out Loud Champion Releases Original Poem for Teachers

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to celebrate Maine’s outstanding educators this week, May 3 – 7, 2021 and we have already begun celebrating our rockstar educators and school staff!| More

2020 Maine County Teachers of the Year Release Special Message to Pre-Service Teachers 

As we head into National Teacher Appreciation Week this week and as college students across Maine celebrate their education accomplishments with graduations and plans for the future, the 2020 Maine County Teachers of the Year (CTOY) have created a very special message for those completing teacher-preparation programs and transitioning into their very first teaching job.| More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Sarah Ferguson

Maine DOE team member Sarah Ferguson is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Sarah | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Free Inclusive Practices Training & Technical Assistance for Public Preschool Programs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce a professional development opportunity designed specifically for Public Preschool Programs. This initiative will support a third cohort of public preschool educators and administrators in providing inclusive practices within high quality preschool environments for 4-year-olds. | More

Join Dr. Habib Dagher to learn about UMaine’s leading research in floating offshore wind

There is an international race to develop floating wind turbine technologies.  Educators and students are cordially invited to learn about these technologies and how they can help Maine mitigate climate change and keep more energy dollars in the state.  Dr. Habib Dagher, executive director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, will be leading a webinar about the pioneering research in floating offshore wind being conducted at UMaine.| More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine Association of School Libraries Announces Annual Awardees

During School Library Month in April, the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) announced the recipients of the 2021 Awards. MASL’s annual awards recognize exemplary school library support staff, administrators, and library media specialists.

The 2021 Support Staff Award winner is Annette Thompson of Fort Fairfield Elementary School. Betsy York, MSAD20 School Library Consultant, described Ms. Thompson as a highly dedicated and “integral part of her school community.” 

The 2021 Administrator Award winner is Jay Dufour of Lewiston High School. Lewiston High School Librarian Marissa Deku nominated Mr. Dufour because he gives “200% of his heart to the advancement of his students and to making the school a better place.” 

The 2021 Walter J. Taranko School Librarian Award winner is Jennifer Stanbro of Skillin Elementary School in South Portland. Megan Welter, SPSD Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, credited Ms. Stanbro’s vision and leadership for evolving the South Portland school libraries into “dynamic learning commons where students discover, think, and create.” 

Award winners were announced on April 15th at the virtual closing ceremony of MASL’s Spring Symposium. Each winner has been presented with a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation to their school library from MASL. Marking the 20th anniversary of Walter J. Taranko’s passing, his wife Donna Taranko-Moulton spoke about her late husband’s work advocating for Maine school libraries. Walter’s son Andrew Taranko was also in attendance.

The MASL Awards committee welcomes nominations from teachers, colleagues, and administrators by February 15th of each year. While Support Staff and School Librarian award nominees must be MASL members, non-members are encouraged to nominate their exemplary school library staff.

2021 Awards Committee Chair is Amanda Kozaka, and the 2021 Awards Committee Members are: Amy Denecker (Treasurer), Amy Roberson (PD Chair), Michelle Wyler (At-Large), Nancy Grant (Ex-Officio).

For more information about MASL Awards visit maslibraries.org/award_scholarships.

 

Join Dr. Habib Dagher to learn about UMaine’s leading research in floating offshore wind

Tesday, May 11th, 9:00-10:00 am

There is an international race to develop floating wind turbine technologies.  Educators and students are cordially invited to learn about these technologies and how they can help Maine mitigate climate change and keep more energy dollars in the state.  Dr. Habib Dagher, executive director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, will be leading a webinar about the pioneering research in floating offshore wind being conducted at UMaine.

Dr. Dagher will give a presentation geared towards middle school and high school audiences that will cover the engineering of floating wind turbines.  How does one design floating turbines that can survive 500-year storms?  How is the power brought back to shore?  How are these turbines anchored to the seabed?  How many turbines does one need to power Maine?

Register for the webinar today!

The event is free but limited to 1,000 participants. Please register ASAP!

  • Did you know that harnessing just 3% of the Gulf of Maine offshore wind resource can provide enough electricity to heat every home and drive every car in Maine?
  • The Gulf of Maine’s offshore wind capacity is equivalent to that of 156 nuclear power plants.
  • Researchers at UMaine are working with NASA to optimize the design of floating offshore wind platforms.

Learn this and more during Dr. Dagher’s presentation.

For more information contact Advanced Structures & Composites Center.