Bucksport Eighth Graders Unplug and Help Out During Camping Trip at Birch Point Beach State Park

(Bucksport eighth graders had the opportunity to watch the aurora borealis over the ocean.)

This May, eighth graders from Bucksport Middle School left the screens behind for a weekend of learning and service at Birch Point Beach State Park in Owls Head. Miles Bisher, Bucksport Middle School’s social studies teacher and outdoor club advisor, brought his students out as part of the Teens to Trails’ Life Happens Outside® Challenge, one of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative’s 2024 programs.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative is a state-wide effort to increase access to engaging, hands-on outdoor experiences and career exploration for middle and high school students throughout the state. Since its creation in 2022, the program has brought thousands of students on outdoor adventures inspired by educators like Bisher.

“When I was in high school, my outing club advisor took our club on extended camping trips, and those experiences had a profound impact on my life by exposing me to new experiences outside with peers, in settings that would challenge me physically and mentally, and allow me to grow as a person and develop some resiliency and adaptability in the face of adversity. I wanted to offer a similar experience to my 8th graders,” explained Bisher. “Additionally, the prevalence of screen time and phone/social media usage for teens has skyrocketed, while teen time spent outside and synchronous, in-person time with friends has plummeted, and I wanted to show students the innumerable benefits of flipping those two trends.

Teens to Trails Program Manager Samantha Andrews accompanied the group from Bucksport on their trip. Teens to Trails is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “connecting Maine teens to life-changing experiences.” Their Life Happens Outside® Challenge is a weeklong competition for middle school communities. To compete in the challenge, students track every minute spent outside – whether on a dedicated trip like Bisher planned or doing everyday actions like walking the dog or taking out the trash. The challenge takes place May 10-17, and at the end of the week, the eight schools with the most outside minutes logged win $1,000 to apply to future outdoor activities.

“Teens to Trails hears from healthcare experts, parents, and teachers that teenagers feel better on the inside when they spend time outside,” said Executive Director Alicia Heyburn in a recent press release. “We heard so many amazing stories from students and faculty about the positive impact spending a week outdoors can have.”

Bucksport students were a testament to this effort: “I felt like I didn’t need my phone even after we left and felt better and more in the present,” said one student. It made me feel so much better. I felt more energized and like I had time to do things again,” said another. I had some of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

This is Teens to Trails’ first year working with the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, and the Challenge is just one of four free programs they are offering students. The initiative, created by the Maine Department of Education, was born from a promise made during Governor Mill’s 2022 State of the State Address to provide children with more opportunities to learn about and explore Maine’s natural beauty and resources after two years of the pandemic.

“Teens to Trails and Bucksport Middle School are grateful to Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative for supporting a student opportunity to enjoy a weekend of coastal camping. The experience also marked the first overnight trip for this great group of middle schoolers,” said Jennifer Hazard

Students are silhouetted playing on the beach at sunset.

Students enjoyed the sunset over Birch Point Beach.

Students explore the woods on Owls Head.

Bucksport students arrive for their camping trip.

One student explores a small cave.

Two students snuggled up for their first night of camping.

Students explore the woods on Owls Head.

During their trip, Bucksport Middle School students worked together to complete many important projects, such as cleaning up debris on Birch Point Beach State Park’s trails, replacing picnic tables, and burning branches off fallen trees. There were also opportunities for fun, such as exploring Owls Head Lighthouse and hiking Mt. Megunticook. Students were even lucky enough to watch the colors of the Northern Lights reflect over the water. Experts from the Maine Bureau of Parks & Land visited on Saturday evening to teach students about the solar system and constellations and allowed them to see the moon through a high-power telescope.

When asked about their favorite parts of the trip, students most noted their appreciation for being away from technology and, of course, the best part of any camping trip: s’mores.

“The air in the morning with the ocean a bit away and the smores and the energy that came along with it,” one student told Bisher about their favorite part of the trip.

Another noted, “It was probably one of the best camping experiences that someone could experience. I felt like I always had something fun going on, and it was nice talking to people I usually wouldn’t.”

Bucksport middle schoolers can identify the importance of engaging with nature. “Outdoor experiences like this are important for teenagers because they don’t realize how fun or relaxing it is to do these things until they actually do it,” explained one student, “we are constantly on our phones and so disconnected from the real world. Most kids don’t get to have that experience.”

Bisher agrees with the sentiment: “Outdoor education and experiences are not just important but absolutely critical for the holistic development of children and adolescents. Kids need to take risks, be challenged, face and overcome adversity, learn to be adaptable and flexible, disconnect from screens and the online world, and reconnect with the physical world of nature with their friends. Everything is more real and authentic outside, and students need that, now more than ever.”

There are still dozens of free Maine Outdoor Learning programs happening this summer. If you or a student you know is looking for a fun way to spend the summer outside, please visit our searchable program table by tapping or clicking here.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative was created with Federal Emergency Relief Funding and is a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response. Please visit the Maine DOE Website to learn more about Whole Student Pandemic Response and the many other programs that make it up.

Maine DOE ConCEPT Pilot Spotlight: A Successful Intersection of Curiosity and Learning

(Pictured: Students from MSAD 54.)

The Maine Department of Education’s innovative ConCEPT Pilot program has yielded remarkable outcomes, as schools across the state have explored new ways to engage students through questioning protocols and scaffolding conceptual understandings into lessons.

Maine DOE ConCEPT Pilot Spotlight: A Successful Intersection of Curiosity and Learning — MSAD 54 Teachers

The ConCEPT pilot encouraged schools to view student growth as an ongoing process rather than just a final product. This recognition allowed educators to emphasize the importance of the journey itself, valuing the development of critical thinking, inquiry skills, and curiosity. One standout example of this success is MSAD 54, where Margaret Chase Smith School (MCSS) fifth-grade students’ inquiries about space culminated in a captivating interactive exhibition done by Skowhegan High School students.

At Skowhegan, the project began with a simple yet profound step: listening to the questions of fifth-grade students. These young learners’ curiosity about what lies beyond the horizon led to a series of inquiries that were meticulously explored and answered by high school students. The outcome of this project was a dynamic exhibition where Skowhegan High schoolers conducted mini-demonstrations addressing the MCSS fifth graders’ questions.

Ellie Quinn, a junior at Skowhegan High School, shared her thoughts on the initiative: “This type of learning addresses students’ curiosities and increases both high school and elementary students’ engagement.” Quinn’s sentiment highlights a key success factor of the pilot: fostering a learning environment where students’ natural curiosity drives their educational journey.

Another Skowhegan junior, Aiden McKinna, reflected on the depth of understanding gained through the project. “I picked black holes to learn about as a result of students’ questions. By learning about black holes and presenting it to students, I have a deeper understanding of the material.” McKinna’s experience underscores the dual benefit of the program, enhancing both the knowledge of high school students and the engagement of elementary students.

Kaitlin Dixon, a fifth-grade educator whose students participated in the project, emphasized the authenticity of the learning experience: “By having my fifth graders generate and prioritize the inquiry questions, when the final product came about, students had an authentic interest in learning the answers to their questions.”

This approach ensured that the learning process was driven by genuine curiosity, leading to higher levels of engagement and a more meaningful educational experience.

Bailey Green, MSAD 54 high school science teacher, expressed: “I enjoyed the ConCEPT program because it allowed me the opportunity and flexibility to access my students’ learning in ways that fit their learning modalities. It also encouraged my students to be creative and think critically in their learning!”

The high levels of engagement observed among both the elementary students and the high schoolers who served as their expert guides are evidence of the ConCEPT’s pilot success.

To learn more about ConCEPT and other professional learning opportunities available to Maine educators, visit the Interdisciplinary Instruction page.

Maine DOE ConCEPT Pilot Spotlight: A Transformative Professional Learning Journey

This year has been transformative for Leslie Denton, the seventh-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Mt. View Middle School in Thorndike. Leslie’s professional learning journey, marked by a commitment to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), was significantly influenced by her attendance at a ConCEPT Professional Development conference hosted by the Maine Department of Education. The conference, featuring renowned educator Katie Novak, equipped Leslie with valuable skills and strategies that she diligently implemented.

“My professional learning journey this year has centered on embracing and implementing UDL principles to create a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environment for my seventh-grade ELA students,” she shared.

The journey has brought several significant takeaways, notably the communication of clear learning targets. By breaking down these targets into student-friendly terms and clearly defining expectations, students gain a concrete understanding of each lesson’s objectives. This clarity fosters student focus and motivation, allowing for improved self-assessment and reflection. Additionally, incorporating goal setting into teaching practices has encouraged students to take ownership of their learning.

“I have begun to integrate regular self-assessment and peer feedback sessions, fostering a growth mindset and a culture of continuous improvement,” Leslie noted.

By diversifying assessments and allowing students to choose their preferred method of demonstrating understanding, Leslie has successfully catered to the diverse needs of their students, creating a more inclusive learning environment.

Managing the time commitment involved careful scheduling and maintaining motivation through clear, achievable goals. Leslie set aside regular, manageable blocks of time dedicated to professional development, ensuring consistency without becoming overwhelmed. By maintaining a well-organized schedule, she was able to balance lesson planning, grading, and other responsibilities efficiently. This approach allowed for professional growth without sacrificing the quality of day-to-day teaching. Additionally, setting clear goals for both professional development and classroom instruction provided a sense of purpose and direction. Celebrating small victories and reflecting on progress helped sustain momentum and reinforced the value of ongoing learning and growth.

This journey underscores the importance of continuous professional development in staying current with best practices and evolving student needs. “It is imperative as teachers that we continue to learn and grow in this profession. By embracing continuous learning, we not only enhance our own teaching effectiveness but also ensure that we are providing the best possible education for our students.”

ConCEPT is a professional learning opportunity designed by the Interdisciplinary Instruction team. To learn more about the professional learning opportunities available to Maine educators, visit the Interdisciplinary Instruction page.

Eight Maine Students Awarded Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship

The Alternative Education Association of Maine has selected eight students to receive this year’s Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship.

The Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship was established by the Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine in 2022 after the passing of Martin Mackey, beloved education colleague and champion. The scholarship recognizes Mackey’s dedication to education as a career and his passion for working with students on Alternative Education pathways. Each year, AEA aims to award as many funds as possible to support students.

Each student will be awarded $500 when they graduate. Each graduate’s inspirational story and passion for their education makes them more than deserving of this award.

Aidan Conley
Endeavor Program, Freeport High School

Aidan moved into the Endeavor Program at Freeport High School in the middle of 10th grade, after he was struggling with traditional high school classes. Endeavor gave him the confidence he needed to pursue further education. He has demonstrated immense growth over the course of the rest of his high school career. Aidan is currently a volunteer firefighter in Pownal and will be attending Southern Maine Community College to pursue Fire Science. The alternative education pathway changed his high school experience completely; he and his family are both very grateful. Congratulations to Aidan!

Alexis Foss
Machias Memorial High School Alternative Education Program

Alexis struggled with the traditional high school setting, but Machias Memorial High School offered her the chance to move to an alternative education program, where she made slow and steady improvements in attendance and academics. With these changes she consistently demonstrated a strong interest in art and in the field of Health/human services. She has recently been accepted to Southern Maine Community College to pursue a degree in liberal studies with a concentration in art. Alexis has worked through significant challenges to achieve her high school diploma. She is a kind, warm and thoughtful young woman who truly wants to succeed in her academics and make the world a better place.

Gavin Howie
Windham High School Katahdin Program

Gavin Howie is an alternative learner who, in just one year at the Windham High School’s Katahdin Program, has blossomed into a motivated leader with future aspirations. He has grown tremendously and developed his voice as a learner.  Gavin also shares Martin’s Mackey’s love of “human-powered transportation,” and can often be found on a bike, skateboard, pair of skis, or with a backpack on climbing up a mountain. He intends on enrolling at Kennebec Valley Community College to pursue licensure as an Electrical Line worker. Congratulations to Gavin!

Riley Tibbetts
Marti Stevens Learning Center, MSAD 54

Riley Tibbetts joined the alternative education program, Marti Stevens Learning Center in MSAD 54 halfway through her freshman year and has since grown into an amazing beekeeper and an extraordinary student. She has even earned a principal award through her former high school due to her welcoming nature, acceptance, and civic work.  She is not only the first in her family to graduate from high school, but she is also graduating with honors and has already completed three college courses.  Aside from challenging coursework, she works 25 hours a week at Dunkin. This fall, Riley will be living on campus at Southern Maine Community College and is working toward a career as a special education teacher. Congratulations to Riley!

Kai Voye, Brewer
Nu Program, Brewer School Department

Kai Voye is a part of the Nu program at Brewer. Kai is a driven student who has succeeded in 6 advanced placement courses, taken online. This year, Kai’s shined best as classroom volunteer, playing a vital role in building a middle school alternative education program. Kai is consistent, kind, knowledgeable, and students adore him. When the program grew from 9 to 24 students, Kai’s presence was a huge reason that the students continued to thrive and came to school excited to learn. Kai hopes to take college classes in the fall and pursue a career in a science field. Congratulations to Kai!

Ann Prickett
Waterville Alternative High School Program

Ann Prickett is a part of and a strong advocate for the Waterville Alternative High School Program. She is a passionate art student and has used her work to connect with the community and draw awareness to important issues. Ann has used the healing power of art to help her process trauma from her past. She has engaged in many extracurricular art programs and is respected by many outside her peer group in the local Central Maine Art Community. Ann’s dedication to her community is evident in her advocacy and volunteer work, as she would sell her art to raise funds for local families in need. She also was invited to speak at public events to support the Waterville Alternative High School Program. Ann has been accepted to the Maine College of Art B.A. program, where she will continue to share her talent with her community and advocate for alternative education. Congratulations to Ann!

Ayla Gayton
Gray-New Gloucester High School’s ExCEL Alternative Education Program

Ayla Gayton pursued an alternative education at Gray-New Gloucester High School’s ExCEL alternative education program during her sophomore year. She came into the program very low on credits, self-esteem, and was at a high risk of dropping out of high school. In this program, she quickly bonded with her peers, which allowed her to show her knowledge and feel successful. Ayla has an incredible work ethic and has had a job since she was able to get a job permit. She has worked very hard to balance home life and work life with her coursework and was able to earn 7.5 credits. This progress helped her get accepted into the Early Childcare program at Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) for her junior & senior years. She has earned several accolades from PATHS: student of the month, admission to a summer program at the University of New England, and the completion of certifications and courses for a Behavior Health Professional (BHP). Ayla will be attending Central Maine Community College as part of the Liberal Studies program and hopes to become an early child educator. Congratulations to Ayla!

Kamdynn Hardgrove
Pathways Alternative Education Program, Presque Isle

Kamdynn Hardgrove has faced extreme adversity while trying to navigate his education. Despite these burdens, Kam has always had a passion for helping others especially since becoming part of the Pathways Alternative Education program in Presque Isle. He helps the community with many events, such as the Balloon Festival, food deliveries for those in need, and the Chamber of Commerce for the Holiday Light Parade. In 9th grade, he walked three miles to help build the Santa float in five-degree weather. Kam has also been an active member of Presque Isle High Band for four years. He will be attending Northern Maine Community College for Welding in the fall. Congratulations to Kamdynn!

To learn more about the Alternative Education Association of Maine visit their website or reach out to Alternative Education Association of Maine President Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org.

TeachWithTech Grant Allows for Enthusiastic, Independent Learning with Lego Sets at Chelsea Elementary School

(Pictured: Students in the Maker Space with Lego SPIKE kits and iPads, which were purchased through the Maine Department of Education’s TeachWithTech grant)

Students at Chelsea Elementary School were overjoyed at the sight of twenty new Lego sets as they walked into the classroom this year.

Through the Maine Department of Education’s TeachWithTech grant, Chelsea Elementary School was able to receive twenty Lego SPIKE Essentials Kits. These Lego sets were accompanied by iPads, which were preloaded with the SPIKE app.

#TeachWithTech provides additional supplemental technology to schools that are part of Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), to support the initiative to teach and learn with technology. The grant encourages school districts to think of how to create transformative learning experiences for students with technology.

Rosie Del Tejo Williamson (Learning Commons Teacher) and Helen Wright (Learning Commons Education Tech) hoped that students would be able to work independently but were available for assistance.

As soon as the students walked into the MakerSpace room, their excitement was palpable as soon as they and noticed the Lego and iPad setup. They immediately dove into exploration. Despite having no prior experience with the SPIKE app or Lego Spike Essentials, students confidently used coding to bring their Lego creations to life. When difficulties occurred, many students were adept at experimentation and troubleshooting, and many helped their peers. Williamson and Wright were impressed by the students’ confidence in this new situation, as well as their enthusiasm for learning in action.

6th grade students have the opportunity for leadership

6th grade and Pre-K students collaborate

Williamson and Wright are grateful that TeachWithTech allowed their students to have this transformative learning experience and hope to continue to use technology for engaging learning.

The #TeachWithTech grant is available to any school district that is a part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative. Priority is given to applicants who focus on greatest student impact, serve socioeconomically disadvantaged districts, prioritize student populations traditionally underrepresented in technology, and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing high-quality teaching and learning through technology.

The next grant window will open in the Fall of 2024. Check TeachWithTech | Department of Education (maine.gov) for updates.

Seeking Applicants for Maine DOE Mobile Learning Program Director

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) seeks a passionate Educator and Curriculum Developer to join our dedicated educational team in the Office of Teaching and Learning. This one-year contracted position will be instrumental in advancing the state’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, well-rounded educational experience that supports every student’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development. This position will lead the Maine DOE’s mobile learning program that will work with teams within the Maine DOE and Maine educators to develop career-focused, interdisciplinary, project-based, and experiential learning experiences to share with classroom teachers.

Ideal candidates will be educators from any content background with a strong understanding of how to design real-world, interest- and career-focused learning experiences to teach the STEAM learning concepts.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Develop STEAM Lessons: Create innovative, hands-on STEAM lessons and activities that align with Maine’s educational standards, play-based pedagogy, and the whole child framework. These lessons should be career-focused and interdisciplinary, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics concepts.
Collaborate with Educators: Work closely with classroom educators to co-facilitate STEAM lessons, ensuring they are tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students. Provide professional development and training for teachers to implement STEAM activities in their classrooms effectively.
Develop Assessment Tools: Create and utilize assessment tools and strategies to measure student engagement, understanding, and growth. Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of STEAM lessons and programs.
Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encourage a collaborative atmosphere that promotes exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving among teachers and students. Implement instructional practices that enhance critical thinking, creativity, communication, and innovation.
Support Whole Child Development: Support students’ social-emotional development by creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. Encourage student participation and curiosity in STEAM subjects through hands-on, experiential learning.
Engage with Community: Engage with parents, guardians, and the broader community to promote the importance of STEAM education and the whole child framework. Organize and participate in events, workshops, and presentations to showcase student projects and achievements.
Stay Current with Trends: Stay abreast of the latest research and trends in STEAM education and the whole child approach to integrate best practices into the curriculum.

Qualifications:

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Education, a STEAM-related field, or a related discipline (Master’s degree preferred). Teaching certification or relevant professional experience in STEAM education.
Understanding of Whole Student Framework: Strong understanding of the whole student framework and its application in educational settings. Experience in curriculum development and instructional design, particularly in STEAM subjects.
Skills: Excellent communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills. Ability to inspire and engage students and educators in hands-on, experiential learning. Proficiency in using technology, multimedia, and digital tools to enhance and share learning experiences.

This is a unique opportunity to join the Maine Department of Education and contribute to a transformative educational initiative that prepares students for a dynamic future. If you are passionate about STEAM education and committed to the holistic development of every child, we encourage you to apply.

Salary: $120,000 from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. This position is eligible for remote work.

Access the application here. (Application deadline: June 27^th, 2024)

Please contact Chief Teaching and Learning Officer, Beth Lambert, at beth.lambert@maine.gov with questions.

Media Release: Maine Department of Education Offers Educators Free Access to Evidence-Based Literacy Modules

Steps to Literacy Modules Build on Maine’s Extensive Efforts to Support Literacy Instruction

Augusta, ME—To support educators in providing evidence-based literacy instruction, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) announced that all K-5 educators have free access to high-quality literacy modules through June of 2025. Educators who complete the modules by August 23, 2024, will be eligible to receive a stipend for each completed module.

These literacy modules build on the work of the Maine DOE to support literacy instruction across Maine, including the $10 million in grant funding for schools to develop, expand, and enhance evidence-based core literacy instruction and targeted interventions for Maine students announced earlier this year.

“We’re excited to offer these modules at no cost to Maine educators. Educators can delve into evidence-backed literacy instruction topics at their own pace and choose the professional learning modules that best fit their needs,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin.

The DOE has partnered with the AIM Institute© for Learning & Research to provide Maine educators with no-cost access to these modules. The AIM Steps to Literacy Modules, a unique offering available for individual or bundled learning, provides a wealth of benefits to educators. These fully asynchronous online courses delve into evidence-based literacy topics, such as phonological awareness, dyslexia, and multilingual English learners. Each module presents engaging learning opportunities in a “learn, practice, apply” format, allowing educators to progress at their own pace. With teaching techniques, videos, and printable resources, these modules not only enhance knowledge but also equip educators with practical strategies to implement in the classroom, making them a valuable resource for professional development.

These modules build on the Maine DOE’s efforts to strengthen literacy in Maine. In January, Governor Mills announced $10 million in grant funding for schools to develop, expand, and enhance evidence-based core literacy instruction and targeted interventions for Maine students. This grant, which many schools are already utilizing, provides Maine educators with funding to participate in evidence-based literacy-centered professional learning, internal instruction, review processes, and the means to purchase evidence-based literacy materials and train instructional coaches.

In 2022, the Maine DOE released Literacy for ME 2.0, a revamped state literacy plan grounded in research-based literacy practices and organized around key components central to building comprehensive literacy programs. The Maine DOE also provides interdisciplinary instructional programming and resources around literacy for pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade.

The Mills administration expanded the state’s partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with 4,500 eligible Maine children currently receiving free, high-quality, age-appropriate books through the program. The Maine DOE recently announced a partnership with I’m Your Neighbor Books to provide Welcoming Libraries to 16 schools across Maine, with each library containing 60 books featuring stories of immigrant families and the diversity of America. To foster the love of reading, the Maine DOE also hosts the Read to ME Challenge every February to encourage adults to read aloud to children and Read to Ride Summer, a contest that qualifies students who read at least 500 minutes over the summer a chance to win one of 48 donated bikes and helmets.

The DOE has also created several literacy-related educator groups, for educators and education organizations across Maine to share and develop resources and guide the state’s literacy work, including the State Literacy Team, Maine Association for Improving Literacy (MAIL) Network, State Dyslexia Advisory Group, Screening Project & Dyslexia Plan, and the Higher Education Pre-Service Literacy Faculty Group. These groups also share information, facilitate text studies, and offer training related to dyslexia awareness, the Science of Reading, the neuroscience of the reading brain, systematic and evidence-based Tier I instruction to lower special education referral rates, support for striving readers, alignment and collaboration between general and special education for IDEA, and inclusive literacy instruction for students identified as having specific learning disabilities.

For further details or to register for the AIM Steps to Literacy Modules, please visit the . Maine Educators who complete modules by August 23, 2024, will be eligible to receive a stipend of $25/hour per the number of contact hours awarded for each completed module.

This program was created with Federal Emergency Relief Funding and is a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response. Please visit the Maine Department of Education website to learn more about Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response.

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Child Nutrition Programs Continue to Feed Children Beyond School Year with the Hot Lunch Summer Food Service Program and SUN Bucks

With the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maine public schools have long offered a nutritious breakfast and lunch meal program to thousands of children in Maine during the school year. In Maine, students have access to meals during the school day at no cost to them or their families. With summer around the corner, students can still access the meals they need through the Summer Food Service Program. This U.S. Department of Agriculture program operates at hundreds of sites across Maine.

To find nearby summer meal sites, please visit Hot Lunch Summer | Department of Education (maine.gov), or text “Summer Meals” to (914) 342-7744. Information will be available mid-June.

“Hot Lunch Summer and SUN Bucks ensure that Maine children can continue to access the healthy and nutritious meals they rely on during the school year,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “No child should worry about going hungry when the school year ends, and we thank the schools and organizations that have stepped up to make the distribution of these meals possible.”

Hot Lunch Summer, Maine’s Summer Food Service Program is offered statewide in areas or at sites where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced meal benefits under the National School Lunch Program or where census track data supports the need. Free meals are provided to children 18 and younger at open meal sites. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, nonprofit residential summer camps, government agencies, and tax-exempt organizations including faith-based organizations. This year, rural meal sponsors may offer free meals to go to further assist in reaching children who are unable to access congregate meal programs.

Maine also launched SUN Bucks this summer, which provides families $120.00 for each eligible school aged child to buy groceries when school is out in the summer. Most families will receive this money at the end of June, but some later in the summer months. Families that did not receive the first benefit may submit an application after June 1, 2024, at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms.

To find nearby Summer Meal sites, please visit Hot Lunch Summer | Department of Education (maine.gov), or text “Summer Meals” to (914) 342-7744. Information will be available mid-June.

For more information about the Maine DOE’s Summer Food Service Program, contact kaitlin.fayle@maine.gov, call 592-4198 or visit https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/nutrition/programs/sfsp.

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In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted 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; or

(2)       fax:

            (833) 256-1665 or (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.

Professional Development Conference For Rural Maine Educators

Island Readers & Writers (IRW) will host the Dear Teacher Conference in Bangor on October 10 and 11, 2024, for educators and librarians working with students in grades Pre–K through 8.

Registration is open for the Island Readers & Writers for the Dear Teacher 2024 professional development conference, which will be held at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on October 10 and 11, 2024.

This year’s keynote speaker is Anna Crowley Redding, a children’s book author and Emmy-award-winning journalist. The conference will span two full days and allow participants to register for intensive (three-hour) workshops. Workshop content focuses on three major themes: writing and narrative, arts and humanities, and rural, place-based education.

This conference is designed for educators, principals, support staff, and school librarians working with students in grades pre–K through 8 in rural Maine schools, tiny schools, geographically isolated schools, and schools with multigrade classrooms.

Last year’s debut Dear Teacher conference, held at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono, ME, was hugely successful, with more than 100 attendees from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and New Brunswick, despite initially being displaced by the closure of the Hutchinson Center in Belfast, its original planned venue.

“The Dear Teacher conference is an opportunity to uplift and celebrate educators and librarians in rural communities. We are delighted to bring them together to listen and learn.” —Jan Coates, Island Readers & Writers Executive Director

The Dear Teacher conference is supported by the Maine Humanities Council and others.

Maine DOE Highlights Expanding Health Resource Access to Multilingual Families in Maine

In alignment with supporting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, new tools have been created for school nurses. This newest project directly reflects the advocacy and care our Maine school nurses possess, further strengthening our public health infrastructure.

A sample welcome letter from the health office for any new family in a school community was created, which contains an annual health form and medication authorization form, as well as interview forms for asthma, diabetes, and seizures. These tools have been translated into Maine’s top nine languages and are now available on the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health webpage entitled Sample Forms.

School nurses are part of welcoming new families into our schools and communities; therefore, this spring, the Maine DOE school nurse regional liaison Lori Huot, BSN, RN, Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN) extended a warm invitation to the nurses she serves in Cumberland and York County to attend the monthly office hours hosted by the Maine DOE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Specialist Jane Armstrong. This multidisciplinary collaboration uncovered the need for more health-centered, culturally responsive, readily available, and translated tools to provide equity through language access, resulting in these updated resources.

The Maine DOE extends a special thank you to the Maine school nurses who participated in this collaboration.

Maine DOE’s Office of Innovation and the Office of School and Student Support collaborate to host monthly ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) office hours. These sessions are open to all school personnel and aim to provide optimal support for ESOL educators and guidance on assisting multilingual learners and their families.

Maine continues to embrace and enroll multilingual students and families statewide, witnessing a 15% increase in student count from 2023 to 2024. Jane Armstrong, State ESOL Specialist, highlights that roughly 63% of Maine’s 206 school administrative units have enrolled multilingual learners.

For the latest data, please visit the Multilingual Learner Data Dashboard. The final ESOL office hours for School Year 2023-24 will be held on June 17, 2024, from 3:30-4:30pm and registration can be found here.

The Office of School and Student Supports has many resources for school staff to improve school services. Guidelines and Resources for School Health Services center on providing culturally responsive, evidence-based care that improves overall health.

Contact DOESchoolandStudentSupports@Maine.gov with any questions, comments, or needs.