Two Maine Students Named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

The Maine scholars include (hometown, scholar, school, location):

ME – Falmouth – Patrick Michael Wahlig, Falmouth High School, Falmouth, Maine.
ME – Falmouth – Coco Leqi Xu, Falmouth High School, Falmouth, Maine.

“U.S. Presidential Scholars have always represented the future of our country and the bright promise it holds. I want each of these remarkable students to know: your passion and intellect, pursuit of excellence, and spirit of service are exactly what our country needs,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to join your family, friends, and communities in celebrating your accomplishments. Aim high, share your talents, and continue embracing opportunities to lead as your exciting future unfolds.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2023 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,000 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

Noble Middle School Teacher Nominated for National Patricia Behring History Teacher of the Year

Teachers from 47 National History Day (NHD) Affiliate programs across the nation have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. Maine teacher, Christa Boeykens-Bui has been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Bui is a gifted and talented teacher for Noble Middle School in Berwick.

Each National History Day affiliate may nominate one high school and one middle school teacher for this award. Every nominee for the $10,000 award is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. All nominees will receive $500.

“This award recognizes the very best educators from across the nation and beyond,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “These educators are leaders and innovators in the teaching of history. They engage their students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning with primary sources. I congratulate them on their well-deserved nominations.”

The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians and announced on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony in College Park, Maryland. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past.

The Maine Department of Education congratulates Christa Boeykens-Bui and Noble Middle School for this outstanding recognition. Thank you for all you do to support Maine students!

Four Maine Educators Named State Finalists in 2023 Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teachers (PAEMST)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce four Maine educators who have been recommended to national selection committees for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program for grades 7-12.

PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM, including computer science). Nominees complete a rigorous application process that allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. Maine applicants were reviewed by mathematics and science selection committees comprised of previous Maine PAEMST awardees and content area experts. Our state-level finalists will be honored at the Educator Summit this summer.

Up to three state-level finalists for each content area are forwarded to a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the national level who will assess the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education. The teachers chosen to be Presidential Awardees will be notified by the White House, honored at various ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Join us in congratulating the 2023 PAEMST State Finalists and wishing them luck in the national selection process.

In the mathematics category, one applicant was selected as state finalists:

Elizabeth Hayden, Bonny Eagle High School

In the science category, three applicants were selected as state finalists:

Jennifer Hatch, Medomak Valley High School

Nominations will open in the fall of 2023 for the 2024 PAEMST Awards. This round of awards will honor mathematics, science, and engineering (STEM, including computer science) teachers working in grades K-6. Consider a great teacher you know for nomination this fall or nominate yourself! Learn more about the award and how to nominate a teacher here.

Reminder: Nominations Open for 2022/2023 Maine School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Association of School Nurses announced a call for nominations for the Maine School Nurse of the Year (SNOY) 2022-23. This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for his/her contributions to the school and community they serve. The award provides recognition to an individual who demonstrates leadership in 6 areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.

The individual selected will receive a $500 cash award and be recognized at the October 2023 Maine School Nurse Fall Institute.

We are accepting applications now. Attached you will find the nomination form and the information necessary to begin this process. The application deadline is April 25, 2023. For more information, please click here.

If you know a school nurse who inspires you with his/her dedication to their school community, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious award!

All information is also located on the MASN website.

Directions:

1.) Completed nomination packet must include:

Nomination Form
Reference letters (3-5) with at least one from administration
Curriculum Vitae
Written report addressing the six content areas

2.) Submit original and 3 copies by April 25, 2023 to SNOY Coordinator, Erin Taylor. Email etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org for mailing address.

Questions? Please contact: Erin Taylor, School Nurse at Pond Cove Elementary School by calling 207-799-7339 x3113 or emailing etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org.

Nominations Open for 2022/2023 Maine School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Association of School Nurses announces a call for nominations for the Maine School Nurse of the Year (SNOY) 2022-23! This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for his/her contributions to the school and community they serve. The award provides recognition to an individual who demonstrates leadership in 6 areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.

The individual selected will receive a $500 cash award and be recognized at the October 2023 Maine School Nurse Fall Institute.

If you know a school nurse who inspires you with his/her dedication to their school community, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious award!

All information is also located on the MASN website.

Directions:

1.) Completed nomination packet must include:

Nomination Form
Reference letters (3-5) with at least one from administration
Curriculum Vitae
Written report addressing the six content areas

2.) Submit original and 3 copies by April 25, 2023 to SNOY Coordinator, Erin Taylor. Email etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org for mailing address.

Questions? Please contact: Erin Taylor, School Nurse at Pond Cove Elementary School by calling 207-799-7339 x3113 or emailing etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org.

Reminder: Nominations Open for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year.

Each year the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History recognize first-rate K–12 teachers who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms. Winners are selected from each state and US territory, and become finalists for the national award.

State History Teachers of the Year receive:

$1,000
Recognition at a ceremony in their state
Free entry to the Gilder Lehrman Teacher Symposium
Free classroom materials

The National History Teacher of the Year receives $10,000 and is honored at a ceremony in New York City.

The deadline for 2023 nominations is April 30, 2023. Learn more and nominate a teacher at gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy.

Download a flyer (PDF)

Maine’s National Board Certified Teachers Honored in Virtual Pinning Ceremony

“National Board taught and reminded me of the importance of being a beginner. At first, I thought it was about achievement, but it became very apparent not too long into the process that being a beginner is something to embrace,” said keynote speaker Sarah Brown Wessling, National Board Certified Teacher and 2010 National Teacher of the Year. She added, “National Board puts the focus on the process of learning, we learn how our students learn. That is the thing that is so beautiful about this process. Once we understand the how and the why, it makes us stronger teachers and colleagues.”

On January 26th, twenty Maine educators were celebrated for being newly certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards during Team National Board Certified Teaching (NBCT) week. These outstanding educators join a growing network of teachers across the State who have undergone this highly reflective professional learning experience, including 61 of their colleagues who were recognized for National Board Certification renewal.

The pinning ceremony was hosted by the Maine Education Association (MEA) and the National Board Certified Teachers Network of Maine (NBCTs of Maine). Among those in attendance to celebrate were family members, colleagues, administrators, fellow NBCT’s, state legislators, and Maine Department of Education staff. Words of congratulations were shared by Maine’s Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Daniel Chuhta; MEA President and NBCT Grace Leavitt; NBCTs of Maine Chair and NBCT, Heidi Goodwin; National Board Certified Teachers Network of Maine Chair and NBCT Matt Madore; and Keynote Speaker Sarah Brown Wessling.

The journey to National Board Certification, described by Maine educators as rigorous, deeply reflective, personally reassuring, and professionally rewarding, requires nearly 400 hours of time and effort to achieve. Educators must submit a detailed portfolio that includes examples of student work, video recordings of classroom teaching, a reflection piece focused on student assessment and learning, and demonstrated mastery of the content of their chosen certification area. This evidence must meet the Five Core Propositions and the National Board Standards, a body of knowledge that is maintained by teachers. Practicing teachers, through a peer-review process, assess the portfolios.

“Attaining National Board Certification not only demonstrates that you are an accomplished teacher but also that you have a deep commitment to teaching and learning and, most importantly, to the students you work with and support in reaching their potential. It is really a huge achievement,” said Grace Leavitt.

NBCT’s and Professional Learning Facilitators Heidi Goodwin and Jennifer Dorman led this year’s pinning ceremony. Attendees each had the opportunity to introduce themselves and be “pinned” by a family member or friend at home.

In pursuing and achieving National Board Certification, the following teachers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their students, schools, and districts. Please join us in congratulating them!

New National Board Certified Teachers:

Name	School/SAU	NB Certificate Achieved
Julie Bradstreet	James H Bean School, RSU 18	Generalist/Early Childhood
Matthew Buchwalder	Lincoln Academy	Science/Early Adolescence
Larissa Costello	Dike-Newell School, RSU 1	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Lindsey Davis	Leroy H Smith Elementary School, RSU 22	Generalist/Early Childhood
Dawn Dickey	Madison Elementary School, MSAD 59	Generalist/Early Childhood
Beth French	Kermit Nickerson School, RSU 71	Generalist/Early Childhood
Nesrene Griffin	Connors Elementary, Lewiston Public Schools	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Emily Hachey	Benton Elementary School, MSAD 49	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Dorothy Dawson Hall	George B Weatherbee School, RSU 22	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Alison Hinson	(Formerly) Bonny Eagle, MSAD 6	Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Jennifer Howes	Connors Elementary, Lewiston Public Schools	Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Sarah Latzke	Connors Elementary, Lewiston Public Schools	English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Kimberly Mitchell	Hampden Academy, RSU 22	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Amber Richard	Portland Arts and Technology High School, Portland Public Schools	Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Stephanie Robison	Frank H Harrison Middle School, Yarmouth School Department	English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Robin Seeker	Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth Public Schools	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Kristin Smythe	Thornton Academy	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Amanda Van Tine	Ellsworth High School, Ellsworth School Department	Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Sarah Wishart-Rogers	Benton Elementary School, MSAD 49	Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Haley Wotton	Thomaston Grammar School, RSU 13	Generalist/Early Childhood

National Board Certified Teachers who achieved “Maintenance of Certification”

Name	National Board Certificate Maintained
Leslie Applebaum	English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Ryan Avery	Science/Early Adolescence
Emily Barriault	English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Jennifer Briggs	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Rebekah Brockway	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Ashley Bryant	English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Peggy Callahan	English as a New Language/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Courtney Cole	Generalist/Early Childhood
Andrea Cram	Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Debra Demos	Generalist/Early Childhood
Robbin Dilley	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jennifer Dorman	English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Louis Dorogi	Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Katie Dutil	Generalist/Early Childhood
Joseph Feeney	Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Stephanie Fogler	Generalist/Early Childhood
Patricia Forster	English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Leslie Gallant	Generalist/Early Childhood
Heather Geoghan	Physical Education/Early and Middle Childhood
Julia Gibson	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Kelley Goodfield	Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Heidi Goodwin	Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Mark Gorey	English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Melissa Guerrette	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Elizabeth Hayden	Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Nell Herrmann	Science/Early Adolescence
Holly Houston	Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Hillary (Hoyt) Bellefleur	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jason Kash	Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence
Johna King	Generalist/Early Childhood
Marcella Lessard	Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Abigail Luchies	Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jeanne Lysobey	Science/Early Adolescence
Rebecca Maiorano	English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Megan Markgren	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Georgianna McAllister	Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Ryan Middleswart	English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Luanne Mudgett	Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Mary Murphy	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jennifer Noel	Generalist/Early Childhood
Kelly O’Brien Weaver	School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jenine Olson	English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Dawn Pendergrass	English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Laura Phelps	Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jill Plourd	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Cherie Poole	Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Megan Praschak	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jamie Purnell	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Christina Rich	Generalist/Early Childhood
Shelly Richardson	Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jaci Ritter	Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Diane Rodrigue	Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Patricia Scully	Generalist/Early Childhood
Michelle Smith	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Justin Stygles	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Melissa Sylvester	Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Theodore Taylor	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Shawn Towle	Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Amy Vacchiano	School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Rita Vigneault	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Lisa Walker	Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

National Board certification is voluntary and open to all teachers who have at least three years of classroom experience and a bachelor’s degree. Certification is available in a variety of certificate areas, from preschool through 12th grade.

Maine offers an annual salary supplement for eligible educators who have achieved National Board Certification. Scholarships are also administered through the Department of Education. More information can be found by visiting the DOE’s National Board webpage.

Contact information for National Board Certification in Maine:

NBCTS of Maine:

Heidi Goodwin: nbct.heidi@gmail.com

Jennifer Dorman: jdorman@msad54.org

Maine Education Association:

Mallory Cook: mcook@maineea.org

Maine Department of Education:

Emily Doughty: Emily.doughty@maine.gov

Maine Department of Education Recognizes this Year’s MPA eSports Finalists

Organized by the Maine Principals Association (MPA), Central Maine Community College hosted the first in-person Maine eSports championships on its Auburn campus. eSports is a form of competition using video games. This year’s champions are:

Champions

Noble High School: League of Legends
Caribou High School: Rocket League
Maine Central Institute: Super Smash Bros (Tyson Thompson)

Runner Up

Cape Elizabeth High School
Noble High School
Cape Elizabeth High School (Rohan Yadav)

See more info on this year’s competition at MPA eSports.

Establishing eSports in high school enables students to do what they love and provides them with additional opportunities to earn recognition, a sense of belonging and enhanced critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

eSports is a growing trend in Maine and across the country. Why?

Character Growth – Students build character and develop discipline through practice and competition
Grade Point – Both teachers and parents have reported a renewed interest in schoolwork and an improvement in grades as a result of participation.
Socialization Skills – Many students are already passionate about gaming, and eSports provides an environment where they can come together and bond over a shared interest
Stem Skill Growth – Esports competition is rooted in technology, and provides a natural pathway for students pursuing college majors in the STEM category. (Noble Website)

SPRING SEASON 2023

Preseason February 10, 2023
Registration deadline February 13, 2023

Consider starting a team, to learn more visit the Maine eSports website.

Three School Projects Honored with ‘Spirit of America Foundation’ Award

Spirit of America Foundation, has selected three school programs with their ‘Spirit of America Foundation Award.

Nominated by local school leaders, the Award is presented to local individuals, organizations, and projects for commendable community service within the school community. The three awardees this year are:

Perry Elementary Parent-Teacher Committee (PTC) – The Perry Elementary PTC worked diligently to create a Haunted Trail at the school. Many parents, teachers, students, community members, and alumni came together to design a haunted trail that has become an annual event. This community project provided an evening for our families and area families to come together and “Get Spooked.” There were also indoor activities and concessions provided by the 8th-grade students. It was an amazing fundraiser for our PTC.
Kingfield Elementary School Growing Gardeners & Outdoor Learning Program – The Growing Gardeners Program teaches students about wellness: planting and growing healthy foods and herbs, as well as how to prepare healthy foods. The Outdoor Learning Program focuses on “Place” and teaches students about their environment and the world around them.
Stratton School Garden Team Harvest Fest – The Harvest fest is a collaborative event that takes place with the collaboration of the entire staff, including the students and community members. It’s a good event in this crazy world. This year we had over 150 people in attendance and raised about $600 to support the growth of the garden program. This event brings the community together to break bread, chat and genuinely build community and good feelings.

Spirit of America Foundation is an Augusta based public charity established to honor volunteerism. To see past awardees or learn more about the Spirit of America Foundation, visit spiritofamerica.website.

30 Maine School Nurses Complete National Certification in School Nursing

As part of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) efforts to provide opportunities to the current workforce of school nurses to build upon their expertise and to promote evidence-based practice in all Maine schools, the Maine DOE hosted a National Certification in School Nursing (NCSN) Review Course created by Nurse Builders this past fall.

Fifty Maine school nurses participated in the course that was delivered online synchronously by Dr. Janice Selekman, DNSc, RN, NCSN, FNASN. As of January 1, 2023, 33 individuals have taken the certification exam with 30 passing. Those 30 are now able to use the NCSN credentials, which is a nationally accredited credential that validates specialized knowledge and expertise as a school nurse. We now have 30 more school nurses within the State of Maine who have met nationally recognized standards for providing excellence in school nursing care.

The National Association of School Nurses endorses national certification of school nurses through the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). School nursing is a subspecialty of public health nursing, incorporated into the baccalaureate nursing programs’ curriculum. Baccalaureate nursing education develops leadership, critical thinking, quality improvement, and systems thinking competencies attained through a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing and validated by specialized certification in school nursing (IOM, 2011).

Congratulations to the following Maine School Nurses who completed the NCSN certification!

Jean Barbour, Falmouth Schools
Melissa Bishop, Mount Desert Island Regional School System
Brenda Bladen, Kittery School Department
Jennifer Bowdish, Brunswick School Department
Nell Bridger, Portland Public Schools
Angie Buker, MSAD 46
April Chapman, Blue Hill Consolidated School
Michele Cooney, RSU 40
Jean Cote, Waterville Public Schools
Candace Crocker, AOS 98
Sarah DeWitt, Winslow Public Schools
Heather Emerson, RSU 40
Jody Gray, RSU 4
Crystal Greaves, MSAD 46
Emily Guyer, RSU 5
Lori Huot, Maine DOE
Brittany Layman, RSU 22
Melanie Lord, Yamouth Schools
Monique Michaud, MSAD 27
Shirah O’Connell, Portland Public Schools
Tara Oxley, Erskine Academy
Alyssa Rainey, Waterville Public Schools
Cathryn Sherman, Brewer School Department
Elizabeth Spaulding, Portland Public Schools
Janneke Strickland, RSU 9
Melissa Tringali, Gorham Schools
Sherri Vail, RSU 40
Rosemary Wiser, MSAD 44
Jessi Woodman, MSAD 6