Author: Maine Department of Education

Narraguagus Students Support Community

Students of Narraguagus High School’s FFA Chapter (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America, with designation abbreviated to reflect the diversity of modern agriculture/natural resource management) worked with their advisors during the month of March to address the issues of local food insecurity and homelessness.

Food Delivery – Megan Smith, Community Resources Coordinator at Maine Seacoast Mission Food Pantry in Cherryfield, receives Narraguagus FFA Chapter Advisor Caroline Foote’s delivery of donated food
Food Delivery – Megan Smith, Community Resources Coordinator at Maine Seacoast Mission Food Pantry in Cherryfield, receives Narraguagus FFA Chapter Advisor Caroline Foote’s delivery of donated food

With over 700,000 members enrolled in secondary and middle school agriculture and natural resources education, the National FFA Organization and its local chapters have long valued assisting communities through volunteer efforts, donations and grants. Under a “Living to Serve” grant from the National FFA Organization, the Narraguagus FFA chapter completed activities related to a statewide effort by the Maine FFA Association.

Megan Smith, Community Resources Coordinator at the Maine Seacoast Mission food pantry in Cherryfield spoke to students about the complicated issues of homelessness and food security and how they affect Maine communities.  From funds provided by the National FFA and with support of the Walmart Supercenter in Ellsworth, Narraguagus FFA purchased $1,000 in priority items for the food pantry.

Narraguagus FFA members have additional planned activities to support the food pantry that they hope to pursue in the fall when they return to school.  Advisors Caroline Foote, Kathy Howell and David Riddle are proud of their students’ accomplishments and welcome other students to become involved in their FFA chapter.

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

 

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Friday 4/3

Virtual office hour schedule for Friday, April 3, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Join Meeting CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Health Ed and Physical Ed with grade span breakout rooms Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/790086867

Password required, email Susan Berry

 susan.berry@maine.gov
ESEA Federal Programs Update and Office Hour Shelly Chasse-Johndro 9:00 See email from the GEMS system for link. Link and password can also be requested via email shelly.chassejohndro@maine.gov
Special Education: Weekly Wrap Up Special Ed Consultants 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/723182562 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices Around Video Conferencing Jon Graham & Emma Banks 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/830817204 jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov
MTSS Lunch and Learn Andrea Logan 12:00 Please email Andrea for a link and passcode. andrea.logan@maine.gov
SEL Content Hour Kellie Bailey 1:00 https://zoom.us/j/5080785422 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Career and Education Development Networking Diana Doiron 2:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/549688895 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
PK-12 Low/No-Tech Science Shari Templeton 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/987629444 shari.templeton@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE:  Unified Guidance Regarding Executive Orders and School Personnel:  All School Services and Employees are Essential

As our state and nation face unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, it is more critical than ever that Maine schools and school employees work together to provide the deeply needed services of continuity of education, communications, connectivity, payroll, other administrative activities, custodial services, transportation/deliveries,  and student nutrition. The Governor has directed SAUs to pay hourly employees for their previously contracted hours throughout the remainder of this school year, and this decision was predicated on the understanding that all school employees would continue to have important roles in limited, alternative, ongoing operations. The Department of Education has also stated that all school employees are essential.  The Priority Notice from the Dept of Education on 3/27/20 says: “All school employees are considered to be ‘essential’ under the Governor’s Executive Order #19 and should be expected to complete all duties and tasks assigned to them.”

On March 31st, Governor Mills instituted Executive Order 28 further restricting public contact and movement, schools, vehicle travel and retail business operations.  In addition, cities and towns are also putting new provisions in place, which restrict operations of non-essential businesses, new questions have arisen about the definition and what it means for public-school employees to be essential.

Although school employees are essential, their physical presence at school is not always necessary during this emergency, as there are many tasks and trainings that could be completed remotely.  In light of the Governor’s “Stay Healthy At Home” order at this critical juncture to flatten the curve, physical presence in schools should be restricted to a bare minimum in order to provide essential functions – such as providing educational and nutritional services to students, payroll, certain cleaning and maintenance staff, certain administrative assistant staff where communications cannot occur remotely, IT staff to support remote learning functions, transportation staff  – and only as long as social distancing and other CDC recommendations (including hand washing protocols) are being implemented. The fewest numbers of employees possible should be on premises, and only during the necessary time frame required for conducting such services. All functions that do not require in-person staff in schools should be done remotely.

It is possible that some hourly staff members will not have enough immediately purposeful work to do (either on site or remotely) to fill the contracted hours for which they are paid. In that case, these employees should be considered to be “on standby”, ready to assist as work does become available for them. Administrators and supervisors should determine when/if certain positions are needed to perform tasks.  While on standby, employees will continue to receive hourly wages as contracted prior to the COVID emergency.

Given the Governor’s most recent Executive Order, the Department of Education (DOE), Maine School Board Association/Maine School Superintendents Association (MSBA/MSSA), Maine Principals Association (MPA), Maine Education Association (MEA), Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) and Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA), would like to clarify the roles and responsibilities of public-school employees during this time.

  • Employees who are able and assigned by supervisors to work remotely should continue to do so, and raise any concerns they may have with their local district leadership.  Administrators and staff are encouraged to collaborate and problem-solve to foster telework options during this crisis.

  •  School employees should continue to go to work if they  must be there to perform essential functions. CDC guidelines should be strictly followed including social distancing of at least 6 feet from all other people.  School employees working onsite should be kept to the bare minimum necessary to execute the functions that require their physical presence.

  • Employees  whose services are not immediately needed, as determined by supervisors, or whose work cannot be done remotely, should continue to receive their regular wages and should remain ready to perform tasks as they become necessary and assigned by supervisors.    Employees on standby leave should be ready to help schools meet their basic needs, and may be assigned to participate in a rotation of duties during this time.

  • Any  school employees who are sick, in a high risk group, or feel unsafe for any reason, should have access to their own sick leave, the new federal leave program, a district sick leave bank, if applicable, or any other paid leave that a district may be providing.

We can all take common sense steps to ensure that only staff whose physical presence is required  to provide services and who are engaged in immediately necessary services are in our schools, and that those who are in our schools are being protected by following the most current CDC guidelines for social distancing, cleaning, hand washing, and ventilation.

We so appreciate all the work being done to help students during these challenging times.  We know our public schools are wonderful places filled with amazing, hard-working and dedicated staff.  Please be sure to take care of each other during this crisis.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Update and Guidance From Commissioner Makin: April 1, 2020

Dear Champions of Education, 

Yesterday, Governor Mills issued a “stay at home” order, offering specific guidance around curtailing non-essential activities, gatherings, and travel. She also ordered schools to refrain from in-person, classroom instruction practices until after May 1st (or until further orders are issued).  

As we close in on the third week of remote instruction, please know that your resilient leadership and ongoing efforts are making a huge difference for Maine students and families. While everything is so suddenly chaotic and unfamiliar to everyone, our schools continue to shine like a beacon of hope. I have received countless emails and messages from legislators, parents, community members, and students sharing their gratitude for the steady support, the nutritional services, and the deeply human connections that are provided by educators, counselors, and school administrators. I’ve heard anecdotes from teachers who have noticed increased participation and engagement from students who had previously been among the most disconnected and apathetic. The lesson in this phenomenon is an important one… they’re counting on you even when their outward behaviors disguise this fact. 

Updates and information: 

  • Essential employees:   PreK-12 educational and. Child nutrition staff are all considered essential during this crisis. We are currently working with our educational organizations’ leadership to develop clarified and unified guidance in light of the Governor’s most recent Executive Order.  
  • Nutrition programs and April vacation: Maine DOE’s Child Nutrition team continues to seek flexibilities and waivers for our SAUs and communities. We are thrilled to share that there have been waivers granted for schools with fewer than 50% free/reduced meal students and bulk service provisions. Read more here.  We have applied for a waiver that will allow meal programs to be Reimbursed For the meals served during April vacation- currently not reimbursable. We will provide an update as soon as we hear from USDA. 
  • The CARES Act federal relief package will provide schools/SAU’s with funding to mitigate some of the financial impacts of the COVID-related disruption. Much more on this coming very soon! 
  • Remote Learning Plans/Sharing: Although we’re not requiring districts to share their remote learning plans, some have shared theirs with us and offered them as a resource to others that are still developing their plans! We will be happy to collect and share in a protected way with colleagues. Thank you to all who have shared their well-developed plans! If you’d like to offer your districts plan as a guide for others, please email Chief Innovation Officer, Page Nichols at page.nichols@maine.gov. 
  • Home Instruction: The Department recognizes that disruption due to COVID-19 may impact a home instruction family’s ability to maintain the required number of instructional days, and is therefore including home instruction in the statewide waiver granted for the minimum of 175 days of instruction for 2019-2020 school year.  Demonstration of satisfactory academic progress is still required to be submitted to superintendents by September 1st.  
  • School Budget, voting, etc:  We have been working with MSMA, the AG’s office, and the Governor’s office to develop an executive order that will provide the various flexibilities that have been requested. Please stay tuned – solutions are imminent.  (The Legislature did vote our GPA budget IN and intact, so your ED279 printouts provide an accurate basis for what you’ll receive in state subsidy).  
  • DOE is open for business – including CERTIFICATION office!  The system is up and running, the phones are being monitored by our knowledgeable and helpful team of experts, and we are eager to get your completed applications for renewal or initial certification processed as soon as possible! We have had some state level issues with phone system overload, so don’t hesitate to use email also!  As mentioned in an earlier notice, we do intend to provide extensions for those who have had education, testing, fingerprinting, or practicum/internship disruptions due to the COVID emergency – but for those of you who have completed the necessary steps, please submit necessary documentation and move ahead with your renewal application!   

Silver Linings: 

  • It’s possible that we’re demonstrating capacity for never having to make up “snow days” in the future!  
  • We have a perfect opportunity to redesign our state assessment system! 
  • Every time we do something kind or selfless to benefit someone else, we get a bump of serotonin … It even works when we simply observe someone being kind to someone else!  
  • Amid the fear and loss and physical disconnection, watch empathy, compassion, and humanity shining like the North Star – far above the fray.  
  • We will emerge from this better than we’ve ever been. 

Thank you for all you are doing on behalf of your students, staff, and communities.  

 Pender

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Increases Flexibility to School Meal Programs Feeding Children in Need

Maine –With the approval of yet another waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and additional bulk packaging options, the Maine Department of Education has been able to add significant flexibility to its school food service programs, enabling schools to provide meals to students all over Maine, increasing the potential to reach even more hungry children in a more meaningful way.

The first waiver obtained by the Maine DOE expanded the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) allowing school districts and community partners to provide meals to students during extended remote learning due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Today Maine DOE received approval for a waiver to the requirement that National School Lunch Program participants must have a population of at least 50% who receive free or reduced- meals.  Maine DOE requested flexibility to locate meal distribution sites in areas that do not meet the 50% criteria to ensure that any child can receive the meals they normally would on a regular school day during unanticipated school closures related to COVID-19. To maintain children’s access to meals, and to support families experiencing financial hardship, Maine DOE requested to waive the area eligibility requirements under 7 CFR 225.6(c)(2)(i)(G). This was approved by the federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

The Maine DOE has also been granted flexibility to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, allowing schools and community partners to prepare meals in bulk – multiple meals for several days in one package for children up to the age of 18.

Advanced planning of bulk meals is required to ensure that the meal pattern is met, and food will be stored and prepared in a safe manner. Bulk provisions would be provided for in home meal preparation.

Schools and community partners can now request approval from the Maine Child Nutrition team at the Maine Department of Education. For more information or to submit a request for an approval. Child.nutrition@maine.gov

###

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)     mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2)      fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3)      email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

Complaints of discrimination must be filed at the office of the Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0051. If you wish to file a discrimination complaint electronically, visit the Human Rights Commission website at https://www.maine.gov/mhrc/file/instructions and complete an intake questionnaire. Maine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Thursday 4/2

Virtual office hour schedule for Thursday, April 2, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Join Meeting CONTACT INFO
World Language – language specific breakout rooms Lavinia Rogers 7:00 https://zoom.us/j/362986147 lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
School Nursing Emily Poland 8:30 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/615139238  Password required, please email emily.poland@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/662314719  nicole.madore@maine.gov
K-12 Dance Office Hour Jason Anderson 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/625463511 jason.anderson@maine.gov
Special Education: High School/Transition Special Ed Consultants 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/752621795 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Adult Education– HiSET Instruction Amy Poland 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/8097107454 amy.poland@maine.gov
School Safety Rob Susi, Jonathan Shapiro 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/633457824

meeting contact: Robert.W.Susi@maine.gov
Elementary Literacy Danelle Saucier 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/542748289

Password required, Danielle Saucier

 danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov
K-12 Theatre Office Hour Jason Anderson 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/815579920 jason.anderson@maine.gov
SPPS/ SAC Mary Adley 11:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/115134127 tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov
CTE Middle School Resources Meg Harvey w/Diana Doiron 11:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/646515261 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
Elementary Social Studies – Panel Discussion with Teacher Leaders Joe Schmidt w/ Elem. Teacher Leaders 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/477798026 

Password required, email Joe Schmidt

 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Teaching Using Osher Map Library Online Resources Joe Schmidt w/ Libby Bischof & Renee Keul from Osher Map Library 1:00 https://zoom.us/j/886898082

Password required, email Joe Schmidt

 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
“Meaningful but Manageable” Follow-up session Jason Anderson w/Rob Westerberg, York HS Music Educator 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/130105188 jason.anderson@maine.gov
Career and Education Development Networking Diana Doiron 2:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/799626507 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
SEL Content Hour Kellie Bailey 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/5080785422 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Teaching Using Desmos (2 hours) Michele & Jen 1:00 – 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/585315347 michele.r.mailhot@maine.gov
ELA 6-12 Office Hourse Morgan Dunton 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/604960787 morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Social Studies PK-12 Joe Schmidt 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/792259286 

Password required, email Joe Schmidt

 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
ESEA Federal Programs Update and Office Hour Shelly Chasse-Johndro 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/129257632 shelly.chassejohndro@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov
Health Ed & Physical Ed on Using Google Classroom and supporting distance learning tools Jean Zimmerman and Susan Berry 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/311952010

Password required, email Susan Berry

 jean.zimmerman@maine.gov

susan.berry@maine.gov
World Language – language specific breakout rooms Lavinia Rogers 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/591733733 lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
Alternative Ed “after hours edition” Heather Whitaker (2020 Maine Teacher of the Year 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/529951973 heather.whitaker@gorhamschools.org

 

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Wednesday 4/1

Virtual office hour schedule for Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Join Zoom Meeting CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Health Ed & Physical Ed focus on Accountibilty & Monitoring with grade span breakout rooms Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/589890583

See email from Susan Berry for password or request password from Susan

 susan.berry@maine.gov
Pre K For ME Curriculum Overview Nicole Madore 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/675438268  nicole.madore@maine.gov
School Clinical Mental Health “Office Hours” Bear Shea 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/975637699 w.bear.shea@maine.gov
Special Education: Elementary/Middle School Special Ed Consultants 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/412164722 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Pk-5 Math Office Hour: Networking Jen Robitaille & Michele Mailhot 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/306115347 jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
Using ArcGIS with your Students Joe Schmidt w/ Brandi LeRoy (Bangor HS) 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/196355574

Contact Joe Schmidt for password

 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
K-6 Visual Art Office Hour Jason Anderson 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/429018936 jason.anderson@maine.gov
7-12 Visual Art Office Hour Jason Anderson 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/170741036 jason.anderson@maine.gov
Schoology Support Adult Education Megan Dichter 12:00  https://zoom.us/j/949098593 megan.dichter@maine.gov
PK-5 Science: Audubon, Go2Science & Project Learning Tree mini-dives Shari Templeton 12:00 https://zoom.us/j/786376350 shari.templeton@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 12:00 https://zoom.us/j/658578013  nicole.madore@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices Around Video Conferencing Jon Graham 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/830817204 jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov
Alternative Education Heather Whitaker (2020 Maine Teacher of the Year 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/247251327 heather.whitaker@gorhamschools.org
6-12 Math Office Hours Michele & Jen 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/239386398 michele.r.mailhot@maine.gov
Career and Education Development Networking Diana Doiron 2:00 : https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/859311077 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
Social Studies PK-12 Joe Schmidt 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/724224049

Contact Joe Schmidt for password

 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices Around Video Conferencing Jon Graham 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/830817204 jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov
English for Speakers of Other Languages April Perkins 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/407031543 april.perkins@maine.gov
6-12 Science: Strategies, Best Practices & Networking Shari Templeton 4:30-6 https://zoom.us/j/714350022 shari.templeton@maine.gov
   

Get to know the DOE Team: Meet Erin Frazier

Maine DOE team member Erin Frazier is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to know the DOE team campaign. Learn a little more about Erin in the question and answer below.

What are your roles with DOE?

I am the State Director of Special Services Birth to 20. In this role I oversee services provided to students in special education. In the Special Services Department we work with all stakeholders to make sure students with disabilities are supported in their schools and in early learning centers.

What do you like best about your job?

I work with an incredible team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support schools, teachers, students and parents of children with disabilities in Maine.  They make going to work every day exciting and fun. This job provides me with an opportunity to work with government agencies to support and advocate for children.

How or why did you decide on this career?

Before coming to the DOE, I worked in special education in a variety of roles throughout the state. I have always wanted to work at the Department to support students in Maine in a larger context.

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

I recently moved, and I love walking with my dog on the countless trails near my  home and exploring a part of the state that’s new to me.  I also used to be a professional artist and still maintain close ties to the art community. I collect artwork made by local artists.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Tuesday 3/31

Virtual office hour schedule for Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Meeting Info CONTACT INFO
World Language K-12 Lavinia Rogers 7:00 https://zoom.us/j/960451806 lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Vocal and/or Classroom Music Office Hour Jason Anderson 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/932663775 jason.anderson@maine.gov
Instrumental and/or Classroom Music Office Hour Jason Anderson 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/293287937 jason.anderson@maine.gov
SEL – Open Office Hours Kellie Bailey 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/5080785422 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
School Nursing Emily Poland 11:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/615139238  emily.poland@maine.gov 
SPPS/ SAC Mary Adley 9:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/573175392 tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/662314719  nicole.madore@maine.gov
School Counseling: Open Office Hours Bear Shea 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/598318140 w.bear.shea@maine.gov
Physical Education Jean Zimmerman 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/427083034   jean.zimmerman@maine.gov 
Special Services: Updates K-12 Special Ed Consultants 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/345481083 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Adult Education Support Staff & Data Kelley Heath 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/4701421480 kelley.heath@maine.gov
Resources to Teach About World War I Joe Schmidt w/ Kate Kennedy/George Stevens Academy & The World War I Museum 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/653281441
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Using C-SPAN Online Materials with your Class Joe Schmidt w/ Keith Mahoney (Messalonskee MS) & CSPAN 12:00 https://zoom.us/j/472934340
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Elementary Literacy Danielle Saucier 1:00 https://zoom.us/j/274055683 danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov
Career and Education Development Networking Diana Doiron 2:00 : https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/906146496 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
Talking Maine History Joe Schmidt w/ Libby Bischof/USM 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/719539379
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
ELA 6-12: Developing Text Dependent Questions and Prompts in the Virtual Environment Morgan Dunton 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/706662048 morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Health Education focus on Suicde Prevention and Sexuality Education Online Lessons Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 3:00 https://zoom.us/j/813346851 susan.berry@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov
Social Studies PK-12 Joe Schmidt 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/115612673
(Contact Joe Schmidt for password)		 joe.schmidt@maine.gov
World Language K-12 Lavinia Rogers 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/962597546 lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov

Broadening the Path: Design Principles for Middle Grades CTE

The middle grades have become the agreed upon starting point for high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, as this represents a critical time for students making important decisions that may have a lasting impact on their careers. Yet, there remains a lack of consensus among state and local leaders on what makes up a high-quality middle grades CTE program or policy. With the promotion of middle grades CTE in the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), it is an ideal time for state and local leaders to consider how to best support and expand CTE in middle school.

To support this work, Advance CTE and Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) have released Broadening the Path: Design Principles for Middle Grades CTE that lays out a theory of action for middle grades CTE, including:

  • Outcomes for student learning,
  • Ten design principles that should undergird any middle grades CTE program or policy, and
  • Core programmatic elements for developing and expanding CTE into middle grades.

The paper also includes a design principles self-assessment for state and local leaders to evaluate their current middle grades CTE policies and programs.

Read the report here.

This resource was created with the support of the Middle Grades CTE Shared Solutions Workgroup, comprised of national, state and local leaders, convened by Advance CTE with support from ACTE and generously funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.