Wabanaki Studies Resource Guide for Indigenous Heritage Month

As the new school year begins and Native American Heritage Month arrives, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites educators and communities to engage students in learning about the enduring presence, contributions, and rich cultures of the Wabanaki Nations, who have lived in the place we now call Maine for more than 13,000 years.

The Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Heritage Month Guide is now available to download and share from the Maine DOE website. Developed by the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, in collaboration with contracted Wabanaki advisors and educators, this guide offers practical tools to support meaningful, accurate, and engaging Wabanaki Studies instruction across grade levels.

The guide includes:

Adaptable, year-round curriculum for all grade levels.
Guidance and materials for teaching about Thanksgiving.
Links to online learning modules.
Printable bulletin board resources.
Micro-courses for continued learning and contact hours.

This work, informed and shaped by Wabanaki advisors and educators statewide, has been intentionally designed for use throughout the year. Effective Wabanaki Studies instruction reflects its interdisciplinary nature, connecting to existing units and helping students to make deeper meaning across content areas. Educators are encouraged to explore the full collection of resources and integrate Wabanaki Studies learning opportunities throughout the school year.

All resources are free to use and share across schools and educational programs. The Maine DOE welcomes examples of how Wabanaki Studies is being implemented, as this collective learning journey continues.

You may download the Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Heritage Month Guide here: Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Heritage Month Guide.

To learn more about Wabanaki Studies and ways to engage, please visit the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies webpage, or contact Brianne Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.

Every Day Counts: SeDoMoCha Students Take Pride in Attendance

At SeDoMoCha Elementary School in RSU 68, showing up matters—and everyone takes notice. This year, students have taken an active role in making attendance a top priority. Each classroom tracks their daily attendance percentage and proudly posts it right outside of their classroom door for everyone to see.

Seventh-grade science teacher Mrs. Kendrah Fisher was one of the SeDoMoCha teachers who started integrating the taking of attendance into her morning routine at the beginning of the school year. Doing so allowed her students to take ownership of tracking attendance.

“They now do it for our class each morning without being prompted,” Fisher said. “Getting students invested in attendance has had a very positive impact by drawing attention to the importance of coming to school for my students.”

“It shows who comes to school and who takes accountability in coming to school, and it also teaches kids percentages,” eighth-grade student Kaydiense Nelson said about the effort. “It shows that kids want to be here to try to succeed and build a good school environment.”

What started as a simple idea has quickly become a source of pride and motivation throughout the school. The visible reminders spark friendly competition, celebrate consistency, and keep the importance of attendance front and center for students, staff, families, and visitors alike.

“My class has been so excited to celebrate when our whole class is here. We have a five-second dance party many mornings to celebrate that all of our friends are here. In addition, when a friend is gone, they show so much care and concern,” second-grade teacher Mrs. Abigail Ziegra said. “We send them love waves from our morning meeting and look forward to seeing them again soon.”

“Tracking attendance has helped to develop a larger sense of community among all students in our homeroom,” Fisher said. “My students recognize when their peers are absent, and I have observed them checking in on each other when they return to school. It makes all of my students feel like they matter and are a valuable member of our classroom because they know that they are noticed and missed when they are gone.”

The effort has been warmly received by the entire community, thanks to the dedication of teachers and students who understand that strong attendance leads to stronger learning and stronger connections. At SeDoMoCha, showing up truly makes a difference.

“Seeing our students and teachers take pride in positive daily attendance fosters a strong sense of community,” SeDoMoCha assistant principal Mrs. Davan Walker said. “It highlights the importance of learning each and every day.”

This story was submitted by SeDoMoCha Elementary School in RSU 68. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Maine DOE Update – October 31, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

FY27 Maine School Bus Purchasing Program Opens November 3; Informational Session Scheduled for November 5

The Maine School Bus Purchasing Program for fiscal year (FY) 2027 will open on Monday, November 3, and close on Tuesday, November 25. An informational session to review the application process is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5 at 1 p.m. | More

Maine DOE to Host Fourth Annual Computer Science Education Showcase During Education Symposium in December

Join educators and students from across Maine for an afternoon of computer science fun at the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) fourth annual Computer Science Education Showcase on December 12 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. This event is hosted by the Maine DOE, in partnership with Educate Maine, as part of the 2025 Educate Maine Annual Education Symposium. | More

Maine DOE Child Nutrition Programs Unaffected by SNAP

In anticipation of questions from the field, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to assure school administrators that Child Nutrition Programs will continue to operate as usual. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued for November, this does not affect school meal programs. Child Nutrition Programs and SNAP are administered separately, and school meal operations will not be affected by changes to federal SNAP benefits. | More

Submit a Design for the 2026 Maine Winter Classic T-Shirt!

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) invites students from SAUs participating in the MLTI program to enter the 2026 Maine Winter Classic T-shirt design competition! The deadline to submit a T-shirt design is January 5, 2026. | More

Nominations Open for 2026 Maine School Counseling Awards

The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 School Counseling Awards, which honor outstanding counselors, colleagues, and leaders who make a difference in Maine schools and communities. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Noble High School Students Dive into Marine Science Through an Extended Learning Opportunity

Students at Noble High School with an interest in marine biology are getting their feet wet—sometimes literally—through a brand-new Marine Science Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO). | More

New “Learning from Maine” Video Series Showcasing Innovation in Maine Schools to Premiere on Maine Public Television November 6 and 7

Learning from Maine, a powerful new documentary video series created by Maine Loves Public Schools (MLPS), will air on Maine Public Television on Wednesday, November 6, at 8 p.m. and be rebroadcast on Thursday, November 7, at 2 p.m. It will feature innovative education stories from Limestone, Farmington, Portland, and Bethel. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

FY27 Maine School Bus Purchasing Program Opens November 3; Informational Session Scheduled for November 5

This program supports school administrative units (SAUs) by providing subsidies to offset part of the cost of new school buses used to transport students to and from school, home, and school events. It also serves as a valuable resource for SAUs seeking to replace aging buses or respond to emergencies and special transportation needs. The goal of this program is to ensure the most equitable distribution of limited funds, while maintaining a modern and safe fleet of school buses across the state.

There are three different ways to apply for a new school bus:

Addition to Fleet—includes:
- Buses equipped with a wheelchair lift.
- Buses to accommodate increased enrollment.
- Buses to transport students with disabilities.
- Buses to replace contracted services (emergency).
- Buses to replace contracted services (planned).
Emergency Request—applies when a bus is damaged beyond economic repair due to:
- Accidents.
- Fire.
- Vandalism.
- Other (total) losses.
  
  If an emergency request is completed in Neo, the school must contact the Transportation Coordinator with the information for the request.
Replacement Request—minimum qualifications for replacement are:

Passenger vans shall have a minimum of seven (7) years of useful life and accumulate 100,000 miles. End-of-life passenger vans shall be replaced by Type A or Type C school buses. A van cannot be replaced with a van.
Type A school buses shall have a minimum of ten (10) years of useful life and have accumulated 125,000 miles. Type A school buses shall be replaced by Type A, Type C, or Type D school buses.
Type C (conventional) school buses shall have a minimum of ten (10) years of useful life and have accumulated 125,000 miles. Type C school buses shall be replaced by Type A, Type C, or Type D school buses.
Type D (transit-style) school buses shall have a minimum of fourteen (14) years of useful life and have accumulated 245,000 miles. Type D school buses shall be replaced by Type A, Type C, or Type D school buses.

The existing end-of-life bus shall be decommissioned and removed from fleet service within one year of the SAU taking possession of the new approved school bus.

There will be an informational session on Wednesday, November 5, at 1 p.m., where Maine DOE Transportation Coordinator Cheryl Brackett will review the application process with participants, provide guidance regarding where to find information for their request, and address any questions that may arise.

You may join the Zoom meeting here. (Registration is not required in advance.)

With questions about the Maine School Bus Purchasing Program, please contact Cheryl Brackett at cheryl.brackett@maine.gov or 207-446-3019.

Maine DOE Child Nutrition Programs Unaffected by SNAP

In anticipation of questions from the field, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to assure school administrators that Child Nutrition Programs will continue to operate as usual. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued for November, this does not affect school meal programs. Child Nutrition Programs and SNAP are administered separately, and school meal operations will not be affected by changes to federal SNAP benefits.

Additionally, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Afterschool Program will continue for those Maine schools currently enrolled. Existing program rules remain in effect; meals must be consumed on-site and in a congregate setting to ensure that students receive the full benefit of these services.

The Maine DOE has advised local Child Nutrition Directors to anticipate a potential increase in participation in school breakfast and lunch and the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Program following the expected changes to SNAP benefits.

School administrators may utilize this customizable Community (Food) Resources Template when responding to families who may be experiencing gaps in nutrition assistance, due to the ongoing federal shutdown. For families seeking additional food support, please consider sharing The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Map, organized by county, from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. In addition, 211Maine.org contains information about other available resources.

With questions, please contact Jane McLucas, Maine DOE Director of Child Nutrition, at jane.mclucas@maine.gov.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring that all Maine students have access to nutritious meals every school day.

Submit a Design for the 2026 Maine Winter Classic T-Shirt!

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) invites students from SAUs participating in the MLTI program to enter the 2026 Maine Winter Classic T-shirt design competition! The deadline to submit a T-shirt design is January 5, 2026.

A single student-created T-shirt design will be selected and featured on T-shirts distributed to thousands of participants from across Maine for MLTI’s 2026 Maine Winter Classic from March 2-6, 2026. This annual event is a game-based learning experience where students “travel” virtually around Maine, completing challenges, earning tokens, and exploring topics like computer science, digital citizenship, digital design, and gamification. Through these engaging, collaborative activities, students develop digital skills, connect with peers across the state, and discover how technology can serve as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in everyday life.

You may review the T-shirt design competition eligibility and submission guidelines here.

Please note:

The competition opens on October 30, 2025.
T-shirt designs are due on January 5, 2026, and late entries will not be accepted.
Finalists will be selected, and a winner will be notified by the end of January 2026.

Please submit your T-shirt design entry for the 2026 Maine Winter Classic through this submission form.

Additionally, registration is now open for this free, virtual, statewide event. You may register here.

With questions, please contact Bethany Billinger, Maine DOE MLTI Project Manager, at Bethany.billinger@maine.gov.

Nominations Open for 2026 Maine School Counseling Awards

The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 School Counseling Awards, which honor outstanding counselors, colleagues, and leaders who make a difference in Maine schools and communities.

Each year, MESCA recognizes excellence through four distinct awards:

School Counselor of the Year
Administrator of the Year
Emerging School Counselor Award
Lifetime Achievement Award

Nominations are open now and must be submitted by November 20, 2025. Please find detailed information and nomination links for each award below:

School Counselor of the Year

This award honors the best of the best—counselors who run or support exemplary, comprehensive school counseling programs. The 2026 honoree will be celebrated at the Maine State House Hall of Flags during National School Counseling Week and will also be recognized nationally in Washington, D.C. in January of 2027. The recipient is invited to serve on the MESCA Board. Learn more and submit a nomination for School Counselor of the Year.

Administrator of the Year

This award recognizes an administrator who has made a significant contribution to the school counseling profession, championed innovative programs, or strengthened counseling services within their district or school. Learn more and submit a nomination for Administrator of the Year.

Emerging School Counselor Award

This award celebrates a school counselor with five or fewer years in the profession who exemplifies excellence, commitment, and professionalism. The recipient demonstrates exceptional rapport with students, families, and colleagues and serves as a role model for new counselors. Learn more and submit a nomination for the Emerging School Counselor Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award honors a certified school counselor with more than ten years of service who has made a lasting impact on students, the profession, and the Maine counseling community. The recipient embodies leadership, advocacy, and professionalism. Learn more and submit a nomination for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information about MESCA or these awards, please contact chair@maineschoolcounselor.org.

New “Learning from Maine” Video Series Showcasing Innovation in Maine Schools to Premiere on Maine Public Television November 6 and 7

Learning from Maine, a powerful new documentary video series created by Maine Loves Public Schools (MLPS), will air on Maine Public Television on Wednesday, November 6, at 8 p.m. and be rebroadcast on Thursday, November 7, at 2 p.m. It will feature innovative education stories from Limestone, Farmington, Portland, and Bethel.

Launched in September, the Learning from Maine video series is part of a statewide campaign celebrating the people, programs, and innovations shaping education in Maine. The video series explores questions like: What if ninth graders could spend an entire year learning in the woods of Maine—developing knowledge, confidence, and resilience that strengthen their entire community? What if students could earn high school credit while working in local businesses, gaining real-world experience, and building their futures?

“We hope that Learning from Maine will provide a deeper view into what our educators see every day: the transformational power of education to bring communities together and change the lives of our kids and families,” Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) Executive Director Eileen King said. MSSA is one of the core organizations leading the effort.

Individual episodes of Learning from Maine have been released online. Each episode tells a story of innovation in Maine classrooms. The series features stories hosted by former Maine principal Derek Pierce. Each 10-15-minute segment features a single school community and highlights promising practices strengthening education across the state. Stories featured in the series include a reimagined ninth-grade experience in Bethel and an apprenticeship model in Farmington that is helping young men to reconnect with school and prepare for meaningful, well-paid careers.

“It has been a great honor and joy to see what our teachers and students are up to around the state, and I can’t wait to share these inspiring stories with all who care about Maine’s public schools,” host Derek Pierce said.

Maine Public Television has partnered with MLPS to co-produce eight additional Learning from Maine stories, with more episodes planned for broadcast in 2026. Several in-person screenings are also scheduled across the state this fall:

Tuesday, October 29 – Portland
Wednesday, October 30 – Mt. Blue High School, Farmington
Monday, November 10 – University of Maine at Presque Isle
Monday, November 10 – Gem Theater, Bethel

A full list of screenings and details can be found here.

About Maine Loves Public Schools

Maine Loves Public Schools (MLPS) is a collaborative initiative led by the Maine School Boards Association, Maine School Superintendents Association, Maine Principals’ Association, Maine Curriculum Leaders Association, Maine Association for Career and Technical Education, and Maine Association of School Business Officials.

The campaign’s mission is to “document, curate, and share stories from within our school communities,” uplifting the creativity and dedication found in classrooms across Maine. Over the past two years, MLPS has collected hundreds of stories from educators and community ambassadors statewide. Learning from Maine represents the next chapter in this ongoing effort to celebrate the innovation and heart at the center of Maine’s public schools.

Watch all episodes and learn more on the MLPS YouTube channel, Facebook, or Instagram.

Noble High School Students Dive into Marine Science Through an Extended Learning Opportunity

Students at Noble High School with an interest in marine biology are getting their feet wet—sometimes literally—through a brand-new Marine Science Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO).

This year-long program combines field experiences, expert guidance, and reflective learning to connect students with the vibrant coastal ecosystem that shapes the economy and environment of southern Maine. Through the Marine Science ELO, students participate in off-campus field trips, hear from guest speakers, and explore a range of career and educational pathways related to marine science. The ELO provides students with authentic, hands-on exposure to the field, while helping them make real-world connections to what they study in their science classes.

Last week, this group took their learning to the water during a visit to the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Coastal Floating Lab in the Gulf of Maine. Students traveled by boat to Gosport Harbor, near the Isles of Shoals, where UNH marine docents led them through a series of interactive learning stations focused on marine ecosystems and ocean science. Throughout the day, students collected and tested water samples, conducted plankton tows, examined dinoflagellates under microscopes, and learned about navigation and nautical charts. They also got up close with Gulf of Maine sea life—including lobsters, crabs, and sea stars.

One rewarding aspect of the experience was seeing students apply classroom learning to real-world science. Concepts like pH, buoyancy, and density—introduced in Noble’s core science classes—came to life as students tested water quality and discussed the physical properties of the marine environment. ELO Coordinators Liam Danaher and Maddie Smith, who co-lead this group, dependent on student interest, shared that, “[We are] truly looking forward to our next adventure and to witnessing what this group does with the knowledge and passion that they gain through this ELO program.”

*Left to right: ELO Coordinators Maddie Smith, who is also a science teacher, and Liam Danaher.*

“During my time on the UNH Coastal Floating Lab, I learned about the importance of the Gulf of Maine and its ecosystems,” Braiden Smith, a junior at Noble High School, said. “It was interesting to see how different organisms interact and depend on each other—and how we depend on them, as well.”

“The trip was very fun and engaging,” Conner Trieschmann, also a Noble High School junior, added. “Before we started the stations, we got to relax and explore the boat, which was great. My favorite part was definitely holding the different sea creatures—lobsters, starfish, and more. It made me appreciate how much life is out there beneath the surface.”

As the year continues, students will have additional opportunities to explore the coastal economy, marine research, and ocean stewardship through future trips and projects. The Marine Science ELO at Noble High School is not only building scientific knowledge; it’s inspiring curiosity, career exploration, and a lasting connection to Maine’s coastal environment.

Noble High School is a recipient of the Maine DOE ELO Expansion grant 2.0, which started in 2025 to expand ELOs in Maine. For more information about Extended Learning Opportunities, please visit the Maine DOE ELO webpage or contact Lana Sawyer, Maine DOE ELO Coordinator, at lana.sawyer@maine.gov.

Maine DOE to Host Fourth Annual Computer Science Education Showcase During Education Symposium in December

The 2025 Computer Science Education Showcase will celebrate the educators, students, community organizations, and partners who are expanding access to and participation in computer science across the state.

Whether you’re new to computer science, curious about how it’s taught, or looking to connect with others who share your interest in technology learning—this event is for you! Experience hands-on demonstrations, student projects, and inspiring stories from classrooms and communities around Maine.

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 2-4:30 p.m.
Location: Cross Insurance Center (515 Main Street, Bangor, ME 04401)
Registration: This event is free! Click here to register for the 2025 Computer Science Education Showcase.

For a preview of what to expect, check out this article about the second annual Computer Science Education Showcase, which featured students and educators from 40 school administrative units (SAUs) who presented a variety of computer science education projects, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D design, coding, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), data science, cybersecurity, and more.

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Computer Science Specialist Allison Braley at allison.braley@maine.gov.