Therapy Bunny Sparks Academic and Social Engagement Among Students at Raymond Elementary School

A fluffy new classmate is hopping into the hearts and minds of Susan Brackett’s fourth-grade class at Raymond Elementary School (RES). Since October, Peaches, a 15-month-old red Flemish Giant rabbit, eagerly greets Brackett’s students each morning, spending time with them during quiet classroom moments and at the end of each day. The students, in turn, welcome the bunny with even greater enthusiasm.

“I noticed that children these days face many stressors that they have not had to worry about in the past,” Brackett said. “As a result, students are dealing with more stress, anxiety, and depression than ever before, and attendance rates are dropping. These are some of the reasons why teachers are seeing a lot more disruptive behaviors in the classroom.”

Brackett felt more needed to be done to engage the students who were struggling the most, so she started researching alternative ways to support kids. She discovered that engaging with therapy animals help to enhance social skills and alleviate stress and anxiety.

“Their presence also helps children feel more focused and confident during learning activities,” Brackett said of therapy animals. “For children developing their reading skills, therapy animals can ease shyness and build self-assurance.”

Students in Brackett’s class have experienced these benefits firsthand.

“When I’m sad or don’t want to be at school, Peaches makes me feel better,” student Sebastian Shamaoun said.

Another student, Ella Moreau, said she has to get up extra early in the morning because her mother is a teacher.

“When I feel tired and don’t want to go to school so early, I think of Peaches, and then I get a boost of energy,” Moreau said.

For another student, Peaches provides her with even more than an energy boost.

“Peaches is a great addition to our class. I’ll be super honest: I forget everything, and I hate it. I feel super stressed, and I cry and become a mess. Then, I look at Peaches, and I forget everything [that upsets me] and get calm and get back to my work,” this student said.

Beyond emotional support, Peaches motivates academic engagement, too.

“I noticed that kids who sometimes might be upset or angry – it will typically ruin their whole day,” Brackett said. “When they sit with Peaches, it turns the day around. I’ve seen a huge benefit in that way. When kids are doing work around the edge of the pen, they are less distracted and can complete their assignments. It gives them an incentive and something to look forward to.”

Shamaoun admitted that Peaches helps him to focus.

“It makes working on homework fun,” Shamaoun said. “It’s a privilege to get to sit with the rabbit while we work, and if we don’t work, we have to go back to our desk.”

There are also other ways that Peaches positively impacts the students and the classroom environment. For example, Peaches is incorporated into weekly activities such as “Wednesdays Lunch in the Classroom.” During this activity, the students can share small parcels of food with the bunny.

“We discovered that fruits and vegetables are her favorite snacks,” student Malia Borrayo said. “We hide little bits of food under little cups, and she sniffs to find out if there is food under there, and if she likes it, she flips the cup over and eats it.”

Peaches also provides an opportunity for good humor and levity.

“We have a lot of favorite moments when Peaches makes us laugh,” Borrayo said. “One day, she grabbed her blanket with her mouth and pulled it into her cage. That made us laugh, but she was telling us that she needed some alone time.”

The rabbit has become such an integral part of the classroom that her absence leaves a noticeable void.

“When she stayed home sick the other day, the classroom felt empty,” student Willow Bolstridge said. “It was lonely without her.”

Loved by students and parents and approved by the school board, Peaches isn’t going anywhere for now.

“As long as there are no bunny allergies, Peaches will always be my co-teacher and my students’ furry friend who sparks the love of learning,” Brackett said.

This article was submitted by RSU 14. To submit a good news story, please fill out the Maine DOE good news form.

First 10 Community Schools: Round Two Grantees Make a Difference in Their Local Communities

Since 2023, seven school administrative units (SAUs) across Maine have been awarded grants through the First 10 Community School Pilot, a project funded by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant. The First 10 model is a specialized community school approach that unites elementary schools, early childhood programs, businesses, community organizations, and social service agencies to support the well-being and academic success of children from birth through age 10.

Each First 10 participating school has established a dedicated First 10 team, comprised of school and community-based early childhood staff, community organizations, businesses, and family members. Three pilot sites launched their initiatives in the summer of 2023 and are actively building systems to ensure children and families benefit from a more coordinated early childhood network. You can learn more about the first round of grantees here.

A second cohort of SAUs was awarded grants in 2024. These SAUs began their First 10 journeys last July and have collaborated closely with those involved with the Education Development Center’s First 10 project to deepen their understanding of the model and develop detailed strategic plans tailored to their communities’ strengths and needs. These SAUs are now forging connections and actively working to strengthen the early childhood system within their regions.

Cape Cod Hill Community School, RSU 9 (New Sharon)

Serving pre-K through fifth grade, Cape Cod Hill Community School had already implemented a community school model and has since expanded its focus to include children from birth to age five through the First 10 program. Recognizing transportation as the most significant barrier for local families, the school’s First 10 team, led by First 10 School Outreach Coordinator Anita Stevens, took decisive action. Stevens convened a county-wide group of collaborators to explore solutions. The team has since connected with the Neighbors Driving Neighbors program, while working to establish a similar initiative in Franklin County. In addition to finalizing the team’s strategic plan, Stevens has actively engaged with community organizations and businesses and hosted activities at local events, such as the area Children’s Festival. A partnership with the local Masonic lodge and Eastern Star chapter resulted in the Angel Project, which provides winter clothing for children in need at the Cape Cod Hill Community School.

River Hawkes, Skowhegan (MSAD 54)

The River Hawkes First 10 team brings together the North and Bloomfield Elementary Schools in a strong partnership with the Kennebec Valley Community Action Corporation (KVCAP). Next year, these schools will merge into the new Margaret Chase Smith School, a facility that will consolidate three elementary schools and the KVCAP Head Start program, serving children from infancy through grade 5, along with their families. Preparing for this transition and fostering a cohesive early childhood landscape have been key priorities. This past fall, the team hosted a dinner with community childcare providers to share their First 10 goals and explore strategies for establishing a robust communication system between schools and community providers. First 10 Parent Outreach Coordinator Kasey Purington is also collaborating with MSAD 54 and KVCAP leadership to create opportunities for staff from both organizations to build relationships and develop a shared vision for the new school’s culture.

Wiscasset Elementary School, Wiscasset Public Schools

Wiscasset Elementary School, serving pre-K through fifth grade, boasts a First 10 team that includes staff from the local recreation department and Midcoast Community Action Corporation, working in close partnership with the Wiscasset parent-teacher organization and Partners in Education (PIE). Current efforts focus on family engagement events, caregiver education, and supporting transitions into pre-K and Kindergarten. First 10 Community School Outreach Coordinator Kim Watson, who is passionate about outdoor learning, has partnered with the Midcoast Forest Playgroup to launch “Wednesdays in the Woods” for the Wiscasset community. This initiative offers children and their caregivers a valuable opportunity to learn and play together in nature, with sessions designed to empower caregivers to eventually lead future nature-based playgroups.

Deer Isle-Stonington & Sedgwick Elementary Schools, Union 76 (Deer Isle)

Serving coastal communities from pre-K to grade 8, Deer Isle-Stonington and Sedgwick Elementary Schools have brought together school staff, adult education, Downeast Community Partners Head Start, Healthy Peninsula, and local community members to support their First 10 initiatives. This fall, the team focused on building relationships and ensuring access to essential resources. First 10 Community School Outreach Coordinator Melissa Jones-Bayley worked with Vanessa Hatch of Healthy Peninsula to expand the food backpack program through the Healthy Island Project. They are also finalizing plans for a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters that will engage high school students as mentors for elementary school students. Additionally, the team is planning family engagement initiatives and transition to pre-K and Kindergarten activities, with several events and strategies set to launch this winter.

The Maine DOE plans to continue to share good news about the important work being accomplished by Maine’s First 10 Community Schools. To learn more about the First 10 model and ongoing efforts in Maine, please visit the First 10 Community Schools website, or contact Sue Gallant, Maine DOE First 10 Community Schools Specialist, at Sue.Gallant@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Partners with Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition and RSU 14 to Host School Nutrition Staff Training

On February 18 and 19, Chef Patrick Garmon from the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition and Chef Ryan Roderick from RSU 14 joined the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition Team to provide in-depth training to school nutrition staff in Maine.

Over these two days of training in Augusta, 35 participants divided their time between hands-on training in the Maine DOE culinary classroom and traditional classroom learning.

In the culinary classroom, participants focused on vegetable preparation methods, proper food handling, food safety, and efficient use of equipment. Time in the classroom was spent learning about organizational techniques to maximize efforts, as well as better ways to market food to students by optimizing their serving lines and making foods served look more appealing.

The event was a wonderful opportunity for the Maine DOE to collaborate with the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition and local school administrative units (SAUs) to provide cutting-edge and practical training for Maine school nutrition staff. The Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team hopes to provide similar opportunities in the future.

To learn more about the resources and training opportunities provided by the Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team, please visit the team’s webpage or contact the team.

Maine DOE Seeking Paid Peer Reviewers for 21st Century Community Learning Center Program RFPs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications from individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Maine DOE in reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. Peer reviewers will receive $100 per completed assigned application.

The 21^st CCLC program is a federally-funded education program that helps schools and communities to develop before-school, after-school, and summer educational programs that support students and their families. This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st^– CCLC program was released to the public on January 8, 2025. The Maine DOE anticipates receiving proposals from local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities seeking awards under this RFP when it closes on April 2, 2025.

Qualifications for Peer Reviewers:

Peer reviewers will be selected based on their experience providing effective academic support, enrichment, youth development, and related support services for children and youth. The most qualified candidates will be individuals who have experience in the administration of high-quality youth development programs within schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:

21st CCLC program directors and site coordinators
Teachers and principals
College and university staff
Youth development workers
Community resource providers

Required Tasks for Peer Reviewers:

Selected peer reviewers must be able to participate in online training and review grant proposals through a web-based system. Peer reviewers will work individually to read each assigned proposal and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately eight (8) proposals based on the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be submitted to the Maine DOE prior to scheduled consensus scoring sessions. It is anticipated that peer reviewers will have a three-week window in which they can complete their individual review of assigned proposals. Following the individual review of proposals, each reviewer will be required to participate in a series of two online/virtual consensus scoring sessions hosted by the Maine DOE. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that the peer review team will score each grant proposal.

Selected applicants must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):

Task	Date(s)	Time(s)
Participate in an online training webinar.	March 31, 2025	1 – 2:30 p.m.
Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which must be submitted to the Maine DOE).	April 7 – April 25, 2025	any time
Participate in online/virtual consensus scoring sessions with other members of the peer review team. (Applicants MUST be available on all four scoring days but will only be selected to participate for two days.)	April 29 – April 30, 2025 or May 6 – May 7, 2025	9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Compensation for Services:

Selected reviewers who complete the required tasks will be provided an honorarium of $100 per assigned application.

Previous participants have found that serving as a member of the peer review team is an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth. If selected, applicants will likely be exposed to new program models, strategies, and practices. These new concepts may provide ideas and support for ongoing work, as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will help to ensure the funding of quality education programs for the children and families of Maine.

How to Apply:

Interested parties must contact Travis Doughty, Title IV State Coordinator, at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov to obtain a copy of the 2025 peer reviewer application and then return the completed application along with a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Pursuant to Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, peer reviewers may not include any applicant, or representative of an applicant, who has or will submit a proposal in response to the current grant competition.

Deadline:

The Maine DOE will continue accepting peer reviewer applications through March 14, 2025, or until the needed positions are filled. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 207-624-6709.

Maine DOE Update – February 28, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine Department of Education Releases Interactive AI Guidance Toolkit for Schools and Educators

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to announce the release of an AI Guidance Toolkit. This dynamic resource goes beyond traditional policies, pairing guidance with learning by offering practical tools, real-world scenarios, and ongoing learning opportunities that support ethical, responsible, and effective AI use. Grounded in digital citizenship and computer science foundations, this toolkit is designed to enhance the understanding and application of artificial intelligence in education. | More

Maine Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month in February

Over the last six years, Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment in Maine has increased by more than 20%. Currently, there are more than 10,500 enrollments in Maine CTE programs – the highest number to date. Maine’s CTE schools provide students with access to more than 90 unique programs that prepare them for a variety of post-secondary pathways. | More

Maine DOE Seeking Public Comment for a Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY24 ESEA Funds and FY25 Carryover of Excess Title I, Part A Funds

Pursuant to the authority granted under Section 8401(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Maine Department of Education (DOE) intends to apply for a Tydings Amendment waiver and a Title I Carryover of Excess waiver from the U.S. Department of Education (USED). | More

One Week Remaining to Participate in Read to ME Challenge and Enter Author Drawing

There is one week left of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 10th annual Read to ME Challenge! Since 2015, this month-long public awareness campaign has supported children’s literacy growth by encouraging adults to read to and/or with children during the month of February. Participants are encouraged to capture a 15-minute session with a photo or video, posted to social media to encourage others to take part. | More

National School Breakfast Week in March: Prioritizing Nutrition for Student Success

The National School Breakfast Program (SBP) plays a vital role in ensuring students start their day with the nutrition they need to succeed academically. Launched in 1966 as a pilot project, and made a permanent entitlement program in 1975, the SBP has steadily expanded over the years, serving millions of students across the nation. In Maine alone, public schools served more than 11.3 million breakfasts in 2024, highlighting the growing need for nutritious meals. | More

Registration Now Open for the MLTI Student Conference in May

Registration is now open for the 2025 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference in May! The deadline to register is March 28, 2025. | More

Nominations Open for 2025 History Teacher of the Year

Do you know an incredible history teacher who brings the past to life with passion and creativity? If so, consider nominating them as 2025 History Teacher of the Year! Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2025. | More

Scholarship Opportunity for Maine Students: Applications Open for Barowsky Scholars Program

The Barowsky Scholars Program has opened applications for the 2025-2026 school year. This program offers scholarships for Maine students who are planning to attend a four-year college. Applications are due Friday, March 14, 2025, at noon. | More

Maine Surplus Property Sale for Educational Institutions: 50% Off of Furniture

Maine Surplus Property is currently having a 50%-off-furniture sale through March 14, 2025, for educational institutions and other qualifying organizations with a donee application on file. | More

Student Opportunity: Applications Open for No-Cost, Immersive Keller BLOOM Ocean Research Experience

Do you know a Maine high school junior who is interested in the ocean? If so, please consider spreading the word that the application for the free Keller BLOOM Program through the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is now open! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Maranacook Middle School Students Share Their Experiences Participating in “Ice Day”

On Wednesday, February 5, the awesome Acadia team from Maranacook Middle School embarked on an adventure to Maranacook Lake for a super fun day of winter activities on the ice! The air was crisp, and everything sparkled under the bright winter sun. This article is a combination of three articles written by Maranacook Middle School Students Sabrina Foth (grade 6), Veda Tibbetts (grade 8), and Lucas Giles (grade 7) following the ice harvesting event. | More

Meet Lyseth Elementary Environmental Literacy Teacher and School Garden Coordinator Leigh Quigley

Throughout the years, Portland Public Schools (PPS) has implemented an Outdoor and Experiential Learning program in all of its 10 elementary schools. Over time, this program has evolved from focusing solely on school gardens, to including the habitat of the living schoolyard, to now, incorporating a deeper, systematic implementation of Environmental Literacy that aligns with students’ learning standards and grade-level curriculum. | More

Mt. Ararat Middle School Teacher Brings Real-World Problem Solving into the Classroom

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is proud to highlight a transformative shift taking place at Mt. Ararat Middle School, where student-centered learning is redefining how students engage with their education. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Part B of Celebrating Rural Maine Project to Focus on Wabanaki Perspectives

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is pleased to announce the distinguished speakers for Part B of the Celebrating Rural Maine project! This three-part professional learning series engages rural educators in a deep exploration of Maine’s history. All teachers are welcome to participate in Part B, regardless of prior participation in other sessions. | More

Reminder: Register for Inclusive Education Conference on April 10

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) for the state’s first Inclusive Education Conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Augusta Civic Center. The conference theme is “Reimagining Education: Empowering All Learners, Embracing All Abilities.” It will provide school communities (educators, administrators, families, and students) with the tools necessary to empower every student, particularly those with disabilities, by embracing diverse abilities and ensuring that all students have the support they need to build inclusive, meaningful futures. | More

Webinar Series: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

Maine Youth Thriving is hosting a series of free, virtual (via Zoom) professional development sessions throughout the next ten months in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Child and Family Services. | More

Registration Open for the Alternative Education Association of Maine’s Spring Conference

Registration is now open for the Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine’s Spring Conference, scheduled for Friday, March 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Thomas College in Waterville. This year’s theme is “Meeting Them Where They Are.” | More

Registration Open for Maine Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference

The Maine Council for Social Studies is hosting its annual conference at the Augusta Civic Center on March 24, 2025. This year’s theme is “Expanding Democracy,” emphasizing the importance of preserving and expanding the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on its 60th anniversary. The deadline to register for the conference is March 17. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Student Opportunity: Applications Open for No-Cost, Immersive Keller BLOOM Ocean Research Experience

Enrolled students will spend one week (May 18-23, 2025) living on the Bigelow East Boothbay campus, gaining experience with advanced scientific equipment and learning from world leaders in oceanographic research.

The Keller BLOOM Program was founded by Bigelow scientist Maureen Keller to provide students with a hands-on ocean science experience. This program offers Maine high school juniors an opportunity to be immersed in a research environment, working alongside professional researchers. Through field sampling and laboratory activities, including data collection, synthesis, and analysis, participating students learn what a career as an ocean scientist involves.

Current Maine high school juniors (2024-2025 school year, including homeschooled students) are encouraged to apply by April 14, 2025. No prior research experience is necessary. Sixteen students will be selected, and Bigelow will provide chaperoned room and board. In addition to getting laboratory access, students will also get out on the water aboard Bigelow’s new research vessel, the R/V Bowditch!

Bigelow is hoping to include representation from each county in Maine in this year’s student roster. You may read more about the program and its history here.

For questions or more information, please contact Dr. Nicole Poulton at 207-315-2567 x513 or npoulton@bigelow.org.

Maine Surplus Property Sale for Educational Institutions: 50% Off of Furniture

Maine Surplus Property is currently having a 50%-off-furniture sale through March 14, 2025, for educational institutions and other qualifying organizations with a donee application on file.

Eligible donees can purchase items at Maine Surplus Property at 85 Leighton Road in Augusta Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During the sale period, furniture will be 50% off the sticker price.

Find more information in this Maine Surplus sale flyer.

Are you not yet an approved donee? Members of the general public may purchase Maine Surplus items during the Maine Surplus Property public sale on the second Friday of each month. If you missed the original Maine Department of Education (DOE) Newsroom article with details about the Maine Surplus Property Donee Program, you can read it here.

For more information, please visit Maine Surplus Property. You can also sign up here to receive automatic updates!

Webinar Series: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

These sessions will focus on:

How adverse and positive childhood experiences impact children’s development.
Ideas for how to support a stronger focus on positive experiences and for building resilience for young children.
Strategies for how educators can address compassion fatigue and build their own resilience.

Rotating Session Descriptions

Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers – Join this training to explore stress impact and address compassion fatigue by developing strategies that promote resilience and reconnect you with the “why ” of your work.
The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development – Join this training to gain a comprehensive understanding of how both adverse and positive childhood experiences sculpt the foundation of individual development and uncover the transformative potential of PCEs in nurturing the children you work with.

Schedule

Two contact hours are available per session. Registration is required, and links to each session are provided in the table below. There is no cost to attend sessions.

You may find more information here.

Date/Time	Webinar Topic	Registration Link
Monday, March 10, 6-8 p.m.	Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers	https://maineresilience.org/event-6048679
Wednesday, May 7, 6-8 p.m.	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development	https://maineresilience.org/event-6048519
Wednesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m.	Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers	https://maineresilience.org/event-6051093
Tuesday, October 7, 6-8 p.m.	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development	https://maineresilience.org/event-6051085
Tuesday, October 21, 6-8 p.m.	Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers	https://maineresilience.org/event-6051095

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Madore, Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist, nicole.madore@maine.gov.

Scholarship Opportunity for Maine Students: Applications Open for Barowsky Scholars Program

Barowsky Scholars seeks to support students who are interested in honing their careful listening, civic discourse, facilitation, and negotiation skills to become leaders who build trust and find common ground across people and groups with differing views and experiences. Students residing in the state of Maine who are planning to attend a four-year college to obtain their bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply.

Details about the scholarship award:

It is a four-year, renewable scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and educational expenses at a four-year college/university in the U.S.
It is a merit-based scholarship for students who are motivated to excel in college, able to be open-minded, committed to bridging divides, and working toward building a better society.
Scholarship amounts will be determined in part based on the financial aid award package the student receives from the college they choose to attend. They will range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year.

This program is funded by the Andrew P. Barowsky Foundation and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative.

Please find application information and criteria here (PDF). With questions, please contact barowskyscholars@tpi.org or visit the Barowsky Scholars website.

Registration Open for Maine Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will be the keynote speaker. The conference will also feature learning session “tracks” on Wabanaki Studies, African American Studies, Literacy, and Elementary Social Studies Education.

Featured session leaders include Pamela Cummings from the Abyssinian Meeting House; Fiona Hopper and Nolan Altvater of Portland Public Schools; Adam Schmitt of the University of Southern Maine; Bri Lolar, Maine Department of Education (DOE) Wabanaki Studies Specialist; and Meadow Dibble of the Atlantic Black Box Project.

For more information and to register, click here.

For further questions, please reach out to info@mainesocialstudies.org.