Graduation reporting is due on August 30, 2025. The Maine Department of Education’s data system, Synergy, will be open in the 2024-2025 school year until August 15 for student records to be updated with accurate exit codes and dates.
After August 15, Maine Education Data Management Systems (MEDMS) Support staff will need to update student exit codes and dates.
Please review records in Synergy and update as necessary before August 15.
Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, South Portland Middle School transformed how it connects with families, moving beyond the traditional open house model and limited parent-teacher conferences. By hosting a series of nine monthly events, the school created engaging opportunities for families to connect with staff members, celebrate student success, and build a stronger sense of community.
This new approach was shaped by a community needs and assets assessment that, in part, highlighted local families’ desire for more meaningful involvement. The assessment also contained three other key findings: Families are often busy; celebrating students motivates participation; and building connections is essential.
Using these insights, events were thoughtfully scheduled and designed to welcome all families. Supported by district and union leadership, the school partnered with organizations such as the Locker Project, Wayside Food Programs, and Greater Portland Health to provide meals, fresh food, and resources at events, making them accessible and welcoming.
One standout event of the series was the second annual Family Dinner in January, which drew nearly 300 attendees. Families enjoyed diverse foods from local vendors, while students took part in crafts, dancing, and open gym activities. Teachers enthusiastically staffed the event, contributing to its warm and inviting atmosphere.
“There wasn’t a single one of the staff who was acting like they ‘had’ to be there,” one parent reflected. “They were engaged, and the kids loved seeing them…What has been built here is special.”
This year-long effort culminated with the Student Showcase and Dinner, which 620 people attended. Students proudly shared their work, as families toured classrooms and hallways, celebrated achievements, and enjoyed a shared meal.
Other highlights included a staff talent show fundraiser that brought the school community together with joy and support. Attendance at all events ranged from around 100 to 775 participants, reflecting growing family engagement.
Moving forward, South Portland Middle School plans to maintain this successful programming with some adjustments and aims to involve more students and parents in planning. Special focus will be placed on increasing engagement among 7th and 8th graders, informed by recent student and upcoming parent focus groups.
By prioritizing joy, relationships, and student celebration, South Portland Middle School has built more than just a series of enjoyable events; it has established a true community, ready to grow in the years to come.
To: School Administrative Unit Administrators, Special Purpose Private School Administrators, and Public Regional Program Administrators From: Jane McLucas, Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition Director Date: August 6, 2025
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions (RCCIs). It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free lunches to children each school day. In Maine, with legislative support, Healthy School Meals for All have been available since 2021. State funding covers the portion of the meal cost that is not covered by federal funds for students attending a public school or certain private schools participating in the NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
School Food Authorities (SFA) receive cash subsidies, as well as nutritious, 100-percent domestic foods—known as USDA Foods—for each reimbursable meal that they serve. In exchange, SFAs must serve meals that meet the Federal meal pattern guidelines and offer them at a free or reduced price to all eligible children. SFAs can also be reimbursed through NSLP for snacks served to children who participate in an approved afterschool program.
SFAs determine which meal programs to offer (breakfast, lunch, and/or snack) and select their operational model (self-operation, meal contracts, or commercial food service) with guidance from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition team. Once operating their meal program(s), SFAs can submit claims for reimbursement monthly through the Child Nutrition program.
The Maine DOE recommends that meal provision for students attending programs outside of the school administrative unit (SAU) be addressed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SAU and any Special Purpose Private School (SPPS) or regional program.
Eligible SAUs (e.g., traditional and public charter schools), SPPS, regional programs, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs interested in joining the NSLP will be assigned a Maine DOE Child Nutrition team member for onboarding support. The onboarding process typically takes between four and six months and includes submitting required state and federal documentation, attending a two-day, in-person “New Director Bootcamp,” selecting a program model, determining staffing needs, and meeting all compliance requirements before receiving approval to participate.
If you are interested in learning more about the NSLP and the steps required to participate, please reach out to the Maine DOE Child Nutrition team at child.nutrition@maine.gov or 207-624-6842.
At Upper Kennebec Valley Junior/Senior High School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door; it grows, quite literally, from the ground up. What began as a student-built project in 2021 blossomed into a fully functioning greenhouse by the spring of 2022. Now, it serves as a living classroom rooted in responsibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
The Upper Kennebec Valley’s agriculture elective, led by nature-based educator Isaac Davis, immerses students in real-world learning experiences. Since launching his program in 2021, Davis has guided students through every stage of greenhouse and garden care—from soil testing and transplanting to pest control and harvesting. With class sizes averaging ten to twelve students, the program fosters a strong sense of teamwork and independence, all while exploring the science and systems behind sustainable agriculture.
Inside the greenhouse, students grow a wide variety of plants from seeds and cuttings. Colorful flowers like geraniums, marigolds, and snapdragons fill the space, alongside hearty vegetables, including tomatoes, brassicas, tubers, and even corn. The lessons, however, go far beyond plant care. Students learn how to identify and treat nutrient deficiencies and plant diseases, manage inventory, and apply best practices for integrated pest management. It is a full-circle approach that connects students to both science and the purpose behind what they grow.
In 2025, the program reached an exciting milestone: its first soft opening to the public. Students took the reins with everything—from pricing and marketing to customer service and sales—putting their learning into action and gaining invaluable entrepreneurial experience. While formal leadership roles exist, the course places greater emphasis on developing self-reliance. Students are expected to manage time-sensitive tasks and to see them through with care, pride, and ownership—skills that often carry over into their personal lives, with some students returning each fall to share how they’ve started their garden at home.
The greenhouse now operates year-round, with sections dedicated to both potted plant sales and in-ground cultivation. Support from the local community has been strong and steady. A recently introduced honor-system donation box at the entrance gives visitors a chance to contribute on their own time. All donations go toward essential operating costs, such as heating, helping the program to become increasingly self-sustaining.
That goal—true sustainability—is central to the greenhouse’s future. Davis is currently researching funding opportunities to support the addition of solar or wind power and a rainwater collection system. These upgrades are part of a larger five-year vision to make the greenhouse energy- and water-independent. In the short term, the program aims to broaden its plant selection and form partnerships with local growers, particularly for species that are difficult to start from seed.
One of the most heartening developments has come directly from the community. After several residents began donating extra plants and greenery, Davis was inspired to create a dedicated space within the greenhouse called, “The Good Will Greenhouse.” This is a place where generosity meets growth, and students take charge of managing a diverse and ever-changing inventory.
While still early in its public operations, the greenhouse is steadily gaining momentum. Social media has been the primary tool for spreading the word, and Davis anticipates more open houses and community events in the coming years. Each new class brings fresh ideas and energy to the table.
“My goal with this course is to teach patience, determination, and faith in the eventual payoff of one’s hard work,” Davis said. “It was Audrey Hepburn who once said, ‘To be a gardener is to hope in tomorrow,’ and I want my students to walk away understanding the importance of planning and investing in the future.”
At Upper Kennebec Valley, that future is already taking root—and it’s growing stronger every season.
This story was written in collaboration with Upper Kennebec Valley Junior/Senior High School.To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to remind you of two National Board Certification programs, governed by statute: For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a Scholarship Fund exists to help defray certification cost. For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a Salary Supplement Program available. In both cases, applications are to be submitted to the Maine DOE by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). | More
Across the State of Maine, educators are coming together this summer to strengthen the foundations of early learning through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) “For ME” instructional programs. These programs, which support pre-K through grade 2 classrooms, are part of a growing initiative to provide developmentally appropriate, play-based, and standards-aligned instruction for Maine’s youngest learners. | More
At Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland, the final days of the 2024-2025 school year didn’t just mark the start of summer; they marked the culmination of something far more meaningful. On May 28, 2025, students, families, and staff gathered for a joyful celebration that bloomed with laughter, learning, and the unmistakable smell of fresh basil. | More
The artistic talents of an Orono High School student will take center stage the weekend of August 2 and 3, 2025, as the State of Maine celebrates its fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to invite school principals to register for a year-long professional learning experience called the Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN). The TLN offers principals an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and network with fellow principals across the state. This dynamic, learner-centered program, facilitated by experienced educational leaders, has a rich history of success and is open to all Maine principals. | More
Registration is still 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
(Pictured: Teachers work together during the “Building Beautiful Things” activity, bringing in classroom items to build, collaborate, and reflect on the importance of play-based learning.)
Across the State of Maine, educators are coming together this summer to strengthen the foundations of early learning through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) “For ME” instructional programs. These programs, which support pre-K through grade 2 classrooms, are part of a growing initiative to provide developmentally appropriate, play-based, and standards-aligned instruction for Maine’s youngest learners.
The Maine DOE recently hosted two of its signature summer trainings in Augusta: K for ME and 1st and 2nd Grade for ME. Over four days (two days for each grade level), nearly 140 educators participated in sessions designed to build confidence, encourage collaboration, and support high-quality instruction using the Maine DOE’s open-source curriculum. These training sessions weren’t just about introducing materials; they were about empowering educators to bring those lessons to life in their classrooms. Pre-K for ME trainings were held during the same week in Hampden and Falmouth.
The For ME instructional programs have been steadily expanding since their initial launch in 2018. What began with a focus on pre-K has now grown into a full suite of resources for the early elementary years. This summer is especially exciting, as it marks the official introduction of 2nd Grade for ME, completing the pre-K to grade 2 continuum.
Each summer, the Maine DOE invites educators from across the state to join these trainings and become a part of a professional learning community that extends into the school year. This year’s sessions are supporting more than 240 professionals across the pre-K to grade 2 span, including classroom teachers, ed techs, instructional coaches, special educators, and administrators from about 30 school districts and 10 private childcare programs.
What makes these trainings particularly powerful is the leadership behind them. Many sessions are led by experienced teacher leaders—practicing educators from RSU 22, as well as school systems in Falmouth, Sanford, Brunswick, and other communities. These educators bring firsthand experience from their classrooms and help to mentor peers through model lessons, classroom visits, and professional guidance.
Later this summer, the Maine DOE will also offer a special “deeper dive” session for pre-K educators who have been using the program for more than three years. This one-day training was created using direct feedback from participants and is tailored to help veteran educators to explore the curriculum in new and meaningful ways.
With each training session, the Maine DOE continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing not just student learning but also the professional growth of those guiding them. The energy, collaboration, and innovation on display this summer highlight a shared goal across Maine’s education community: ensuring that every child has a strong, joyful start to their educational journey.
At Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland, the final days of the 2024-2025 school year didn’t just mark the start of summer; they marked the culmination of something far more meaningful. On May 28, 2025, students, families, and staff gathered for a joyful celebration that bloomed with laughter, learning, and the unmistakable smell of fresh basil.
Throughout the year, the LearningWorks AfterSchool program at Ocean Avenue was a place for students to grow—in every sense of the word. One of the most popular features of the program this spring was the health and wellness cooking club, where students rolled up their sleeves and discovered just how empowering (and tasty) healthy eating can be. Whether whipping up simple seasonal dishes or learning how to navigate a kitchen with confidence, they found pride in preparing food they could enjoy and share.
The lessons didn’t end at the table! Earlier this spring, families joined students for a creative project that planted the seeds for something special—literally. Caregivers and kids sat side by side, painting flowerpots in bright colors and bold designs, knowing that they would soon be home to basil plants that they would nurture together.
Two months later, those same pots were filled with life. At the program’s year-end gathering, students tucked basil seedlings into the soil with careful hands and eager hearts. With a quick crash course in how to tend to their new leafy friends, they headed home with plants, pride, and a few new favorite recipes.
“We’ve seen incredible growth this year,” Site Coordinator Stephanie Bethel said. “Not just in what students can do but in how they see themselves. From painting pots to planting basil, everything we’ve done has helped students—and families—to feel more connected, more confident, and more capable.”
As part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, LearningWorks AfterSchool continues to foster safe, inspiring spaces that stretch beyond academics. At Ocean Avenue, those spaces came alive this year with the smell of pesto, the sound of laughter, and the roots of something that will keep growing long after summer begins.
This story was submitted by the LearningWorks Afterschool Program. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to invite school principals to register for a year-long professional learning experience called the Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN). The TLN offers principals an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and network with fellow principals across the state. This dynamic, learner-centered program, facilitated by experienced educational leaders, has a rich history of success and is open to all Maine principals.
The most important aspects of the TLN are summed up in these words: connection and community, learning and reflection, and safety and support. Unlike a typical professional development program, the TLN is a professional lifeline, providing a trusted community where school leaders find belonging, clarity, and collective wisdom. The TLN’s structure of reflective practice, peer validation, and collaborative problem-solving transforms how changes are implemented and sustained. Leaders move from isolation to connection, from reactive decisions to strategic action, and from centralized control to shared leadership.
Each session involves sharing challenging issues, experiencing tools for leading at your school, and exploring relevant leadership literature in a community of like-minded learners. As turbulent times in public education continue, filled with challenging situations, this year’s TLN will focus on the theme: Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Positive Change.
What the Research Says In February of 2021, a research report commissioned by the Wallace Foundation was released. This report suggests that the way in which principals approach school leadership directly affects schools’ outcomes. These outcomes are defined as “drivers of principals’ impact.” They include:
Forms of engagement with teachers that center on instructional practice
Practices that encourage a school environment marked by trust, efficacy, teamwork, engagement with data, organizational learning, and continuous improvement
Facilitating productive collaboration and professional learning communities
Managing personnel and resources strategically
This research supports the importance of leadership in maintaining the climate and culture of a school. As Jason A. Grissom, co-author of the Wallace Foundation report, noted this year in a webinar: “The best evidence we have is that the best way to support principal growth is to lean on what we already know is important from studies of adult learning: Professionals learn complex roles when they get development opportunities that are ongoing, collaborative with their peers, and closely connected to their needs in their day-to-day work.”
Evidence from a 2025 case study of the TLN showed that over the years, as principals remained in the TLN program, they could see a pattern of increased retention of staff members. Focusing on culture and respectful leadership helped to attract and retain quality staff. “It’s how people are treated that draws them in,” one TLN participant stated. “[The TLN] helped me learn to connect with a person, so they’re more than just an employee.”
Pre-K—grade 12 principals are encouraged to apply for the TLN. Those who participate must commit to six in-person, full-day sessions (at places to be determined, based on the locations of participants). There will also be four sessions with the option of attending virtually or in-person. The 2025-2026 TLN program schedule is as follows:
Full-day sessions (in-person from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) are on:
September 19, 2025
October 24, 2025
December 5, 2025
January 30, 2026
March 27, 2026
May 8, 2026
Remote and/or regional meetings will take place the weeks of:
November 17, 2025
February 23, 2026
April 13, 2026
June 15, 2026
Successful completion of the TLN may result in contact hours for re-certification purposes. Additional highlights include:
Continuous, job-embedded professional development for a shifting role
A collaborative learning community with practice/support for conflict management
Emotional intelligence learning and reflection, helping to shift leadership mindsets
Enhancement of school climate and culture with strategies to build trust, communicate openly, and support and engage staff more effectively
Implementation of systems and structural change by using concrete tools and supports for sustainable procedural changes
School leadership teams that prioritize the distribution of leadership, helping others to feel valued and empowered, building capacity, and nurturing future leaders
Intentional, equity-focused analysis and techniques
Registrations for the TLN will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply for the 2025-2026 TLN here. To receive materials by the first session, participants are encouraged to register by September 10, 2025.
The TLN registration fee is $295 per participant for the full year of professional learning, including all TLN content, activities, and materials. If you are the leader of an identified school under Maine’s Model of School Supports (TSI-Targeted School Improvement, ATSI-Additional Targeted School Improvement, CSI-Comprehensive School Improvement), please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov for a discount code to cover your registration fee. Participants will be responsible for travel expenses.
The artistic talents of an Orono High School student will take center stage the weekend of August 2 and 3, 2025, as the State of Maine celebrates its fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend.
On July 17, 2025, at Brodis Farm in Hope, Governor Janet Mills made the official proclamation of Wild Blueberry Weekend, a tradition since 2021 to celebrate the state’s berry and the growers and processers who harvest it. This statewide event features farm tours and other activities at more than a dozen wild blueberry farms across ten counties, as well as wild blueberry-themed offerings at restaurants, ice cream shops, and breweries.
This year, the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine announced a T-shirt design for the fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. During her Brodis Farm visit, Governor Mills celebrated Orono High School student Elena Weaver, whose winning design will be featured on T-shirts to be sold at participating farms during Wild Blueberry Weekend.
“We launched the T-shirt design contest this year in celebration of Governor Mills’ proclamation of 2025 as the ‘Year of Youth in Agriculture’ in Maine,” Jennifer Maskala, Director of Programs for the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, said. “We reached out to more than 100 Maine schools to encourage student participation and were proud to receive submissions from across the country.”
Maskala said that a selection committee reviewed all entries using a judging rubric and evaluated them based solely on the artwork itself.
“We were honored to recognize a youth winner from Maine and an adult winner from Washington state at the Governor’s Wild Blueberry Weekend proclamation event—a meaningful way to celebrate creativity, agriculture, and the next generation of leaders in our industry,” Maskala said.
Thirty-one people total submitted designs for the Wild Blueberry Weekend T-Shirt Design Contest. Maskala said the Commission selected Weaver’s design based on its strong visual impact, creativity, and clear appeal to young audiences. Maskala said that Weaver’s design stood out for its originality and the way it captures the spirit of Wild Blueberry Weekend in a fun and engaging way.
“I love doing art, and it is special to have my work seen by so many people. There are a lot of subtle colors to wild blueberries as they ripen, and this influenced my design,” Weaver said. “My favorite thing about blueberries, though, is eating them!”
In 2024, more than 10,000 people attended Wild Blueberry Weekend events in Maine. If turnout is similar this year, that will make for quite the platform for Weaver’s artwork.
You can learn more about Wild Blueberry Weekend, and find a map of participating locations, here.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to remind you of two National Board Certification programs, governed by statute:
For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a Scholarship Fund exists to help defray certification cost.
For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a Salary Supplement Program available.
In both cases, applications are to be submitted to the Maine DOE by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Please see the information below for an overview of these two valuable programs, as well as streamlined application procedures. Applications for both programs will open on August 14, 2025, but you may consider gathering the required information from eligible educators in your SAU/school now.
This is a wonderful way to support and reward teachers, and we would encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, with questions at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification
An SAU, or a publicly supported secondary school, may request scholarship funds on behalf of its teachers who meet the eligibility requirements. For further details, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Maine DOE’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards webpage.
Scholarship Funds Application Procedure: By October 15 of each year, per statute, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, may request scholarship funds on behalf of a teacher who has met all of the eligibility requirements.
Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Scholarship Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, teacher email, school name, position title, number of years teaching in Maine, components submitted to NBPTS, scholarship funds requested, and all other funds received.
Important Dates:
August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
November 15: Scholarship applicant notification
December 15: Scholarship funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE regions
Salary Supplements for NBTS-Certified Teachers: Per statute, any public school teacher, or teacher in a publicly supported secondary school, who has attained certification from NBPTS no later than July 1 of the fiscal year, and who meets eligibility requirements, shall receive the annual supplement for the school year.
The amount of the salary supplement for each fiscal year is appropriated by the Maine Legislature. As outlined in statute, free and reduced poverty levels are determined by the annual free and reduced lunch data collection. The Fiscal Year 2025 ED 534 report will be used to determine the 2025-2026 school year salary supplement award amounts.
Salary Supplements Application Procedure: By October 15 of each year, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, must file with the Commissioner a certified list of National Board-certified teachers employed by the SAU, publicly supported secondary school, or CTE Region who are eligible to receive the salary supplement.
Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Salary Supplement Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, school name, ED 534 (free and reduced %), position title, and a copy of the NBPTS certificate.
Important Dates:
August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
By February 15: Salary supplement funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE Regions
Maine DOE Newsroom 