Category: Awards and Honors

6th Annual Count ME In Multimedia Contest Promoting School Attendance, Learning and Community

Count ME In is broadening its annual contest to include multimedia submissions that promote learning and being part of a school community. Students age 6 through high school are invited to create a poster, sculpture, song, poem, story or video for the 2020 celebration in September and October 2020.   This is an opportunity for students to share their view on why school learning and being part of a school community is important.  Students can participate from home, school, or summer program.

The winning submissions will be reproduced, including the artist’s name and distributed throughout Maine.  In addition, the winning artists will receive money gift cards.  View the contest guidelines.

Please share with student you think might be interested in submitting artwork.  The deadline is Friday, July 17, 2020

For more information check out the Count ME In website.

U.S. DOE Names Two Maine Students as 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars

The United States Department of Education (DOE) has announced that 161 high school seniors, including two from Maine, have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars. The recognition honors the students’ accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

2020 Maine U.S. Presidential Scholars

  • Neily Kate Raymond, Hermon – Hermon High School
  • John Bishop Wahlig III, Falmouth – Falmouth High School

Six Maine High School Seniors were announced U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalists earlier this spring. A complete list of 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars follows and is also available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

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 evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 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 the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ competition.

As directed by executive order of the President, the 2020 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.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer as public health circumstances permit.

Nominations Open For 2020 Maine School Maintenance Custodian of the Year A. Burleigh Oxton Award for Excellence    

Educational Plant Maintenance Association of Maine (EPMA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the best practices of educational plant maintenance and custodial workmanship through education and training for school custodians, maintenance teams, and facilities directors, is currently accepting nominations for Maine School Maintenance Custodian of the Year A. Burleigh Oxton Award for Excellence.

The A. Burleigh Oxton Award for Excellence recipient will receive a personalized plaque and a $300.00 college scholarship that will be awarded in their name to a deserving student who is a graduate in their district.

Maine School Maintenance Custodian of the Year A. Burleign Oxton Award for Excellence Selection Criteria:

  • Serves as a role model for students through actions of a dedicated employee who is known for going the extra mile to help students, staff, and visitors to the facility
  • Demonstrates passion about maintaining and operating the local school building to ensure clean, safe, and healthy learning and working environment, and
  • Demonstrates exemplary job performance,

Nominations are accepted from school administration, school staff, parents, students, and/or school groups.

Nominations Due Date June 5, 2020

Please send a nomination letter that:

  • Describes why the nominee was chosen
  • Explains outstanding performance that led to the nomination
  • Tells a written or visual story about the nominee’s community contribution or activities
  • Includes the name, address, and phone number of three references

The nomination must include: name, address, phone, and title of the nominee; name and address of the nominee’s supervisor; name and address of the School Administrative Unit; and name, address, telephone, and email of the person submitting the nomination.  Send your nomination by email to Andrew Madura, President of EPMA, at andy.madura@lakeregionschools.org and please attach your nomination letter as a pdf.

The EPMA Selection Process

  • June 5, 2020, nominations close at end of day
  • June 6-11, EPMA Selection Committee reviews nominations and invites nominee to provide additional information
  • June 12, Nominees will be notified about the status of their nomination
  • June 14-July 17, the top 4 finalists will be contacted to schedule a conference call or virtual interview with the EPMA A. Burleigh Oxton Award Committee

During the fall of 2020, the recipient of Maine School Maintenance Custodian of the Year A. Burleigh Oxton Award for Excellence will be recognized at an award ceremony that will be coordinated by the recipient’s school and the EPMA A. Burleigh Oxton Award Committee.

Please contact Andrew Madura, President of EPMA, by telephone at 207-693-6467 if you have questions.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 MAHPERD Teacher of the Year Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) Teacher of the Year awards.

Maine educators in the following categories are eligible for consideration:

  • Elementary Physical Education Teacher,
  • Middle Level Physical Education Teacher
  • Secondary Physical Education Teacher
  • Adapted Physical Education Teacher
  • Health Education Teacher (All levels)
  • Recreation Teacher/Leader, and Dance Teacher

There are many deserving teachers throughout the State of Maine and MAHPERD would like to be able to recognize more of those individuals.

Click here for more information regarding eligibility, nomination criteria and to access the nomination form. Nominations are due by May 30th  and completed applications are due by June 30th.

For more information contact Liz Hemdal at mahperdawards@gmail.com, MAHPERD Awards chairperson, before May 30th.

MEDIA RELEASE: 2020 County Teachers of the Year Announced in Virtual Ceremony

Teachers from all 16 of Maine’s counties were honored today in a virtual announcement that was broadcast live on the Maine Department of Education Facebook Page. Here is a direct link to view ceremony.

The Maine County Teacher of the Year announcement is held annually in the spring to honor the teachers selected from nominations for Maine Teacher of the Year from each county. The County Teachers of the Year are the finalists for Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor awarded each year to one teacher in Maine.

The educators were each nominated by a member of their community for their exemplary service in education, and dedication to their students. They were selected by a distinguished panel of teachers, principals and business community members from a pool of hundreds of other nominated teachers in their communities.

During the ceremony, teachers were honored by Maine Department of Education Commissioner, Pender Makin; Executive Director of Educate Maine, Jason Judd; State Board of Education member, Martha Harris; 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year, Kaitlin Young; and 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year, Heather Whitaker.

2020 County Teachers of the Year:

As ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education in Maine, the Maine County Teachers of the Year are available to make presentations to local and regional organizations. Throughout the summer, they will continue to participate in an intensive State Teacher of the Year selection process.

The Maine Teacher of the Year is a program of the Maine Department of Education, administered and partnered by Educate Maine, a business-led organization working to ensure Maine’s students and workers are the best educated and highly skilled in the world.

For more information contact Rachel Paling (Maine DOE) at rachel.paling@maine.gov or Dolly Sullivan (Educate Maine) at dolly@educatemaine.org.

 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Maine DOE to Announce the 2020 Maine County Teachers of the Year on Facebook Live Thursday, May 14 at 2pm

What: 16 Maine teachers will be announced and honored as part of the Maine Department of Education’s annual Maine County Teachers of the Year awards. The teachers were nominated by a member of their school community, and through a rigorous application process were selected by a panel of teachers, principals, and business community members.

Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education state-wide. The Maine County Teachers of the Year are available to make presentations to local and regional organizations. Throughout the summer, they will continue to participate in an intensive State Teacher of the Year selection process.

Who: 16 Maine teachers, representing each county in Maine; Maine Department of Education Commissioner, Pender Makin; Executive Director of Educate Maine, Jason Judd; State Board of Education, Martha Harris; 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year, Kaitlin Young; and 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year, Heather Whitaker.

Where: The virtual announcement will be streamed live on the Maine Department of Education Facebook Page. The pictures and a recording of the presentation will also be available after the announcement.

When: Thursday, May 14, 2020 from 2:00pm – 3:30pm

For more information contact Rachel Paling (Maine DOE) at rachel.paling@maine.gov or Dolly Sullivan (Educate Maine) at dolly@educatemaine.org.

Teacher Appreciation Week: Maine DOE Staff Recognize Teachers Who Have Positively Impacted Their Lives

During a regular Maine Department of Education (DOE) conference call that hosts more than 125 staff members each week, staff were invited to share the name of a teacher who has positively impacted their lives as a nomination for a random drawing for a gift card for Teacher Appreciation Week.

The drawing normally goes to a DOE staff member as part of the Maine DOE’s weekly all staff meetings but instead this week, the Department is awarding an educator from the names that were nominated by staff members. We would also like to the opportunity to acknowledge all of the teachers that were nominated.

In addition to deeply impacting the lives of their students, teachers also have a tremendous impact on the adults around them, whether it is the family and extended family of their students or through the mentorship and encouragement of their colleagues, administrators, and their own friends and family members. That is why we felt it was important to acknowledge the group of educators listed below for positively influencing the lives of Maine DOE staff members either where they currently teach or a previous setting. #Thanks4TeachingME

The Maine DOE also recognizes and thanks all teachers in Maine for their tireless efforts and dedication to educate Maine’s students.

Susan (Muzzy) Martin – DOE Teacher Appreciation Raffle Winner!
formerly of Gilbert School, now at Cornville Charter School

Beatrice Stevens, former educator
Once taught at Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Maranacook Area Schools/RSU #38

Susan Dana, Spanish Teacher
Cape Elizabeth Middle School, Cape Elizabeth Schools

Janice Smith, English Teacher
Brunswick High School, Brunswick School Department

Lawrence Peters, RTI Behavior Teacher
Greely High School, MSAD 51

Caitlin Keating, Special Education
Coastal Ridge Elementary School, York School Department

Sue Whitney, 5th Grade Teacher
Manchester Elementary School, Maranacook Area Schools/RSU #38

Paige Fournier, Special Education Teacher
Freeport Middle School, RSU 5

Jenna Zemrak, 2nd Grade Teacher
Belgrade Central School, RSU 18

Patty Mullis, Classroom Teacher
Nokomis Regional High School, RSU 19

Linda Vitale, former educator
Once taught at Albion Elementary School, MSAD 49

Andrea Wilson, 3rd Grade Teacher
Harriet Beecher Stowe School, Brunswick School Department

Heidi Corliss, Choral Educator
Hampden Academy, RSU 22

Elizabeth Ross, Math Teacher
Monmouth Academy, RSU 2

Jennifer Lagasse, 3rd Grade Teacher
Ellsworth Elementary School, Ellsworth School Department

Margaret Corral, Spanish Teacher
Greely High School, MSAD 51

Marshalyn Baker, former educator
Once taught at Messalonskee Middle School, RSU 18

Laurie Stiles, Classroom Teacher for Grades 6-8
Nobleboro Central School, AOS 93

Melissa Allen, Art Teacher
Spruce Mountain Middle and High School, RSU 73

Claudette Brassil, former English Teacher
Mt. Ararat High School, MSAD 75

Tara DiVincenzo, 4th Grade Teacher
Coastal Ridge Elementary School, York School District

Edwin “Barry” McLaughlin, former educator
Once taught at Katahdin High School

Arlo Smith, former educator
Once taught at Perry Elementary School

Theresa Cerceo, District Art Teacher
MSAD 33

Erica St.Peter, Principal
James Bean Elementary School, RSU 18

Mark Stubbs, Functional Life Skills Teacher
Edward Little High School, Auburn School Department

Gary Clendening,
Hall-Dale High School, RSU 2

Mildred Brown, former educator
Once taught at a one room school house on the Frenchville Road outside of Patten

Kayanne Nadeau, Classroom Teacher
Fort Kent Elementary, MSAD 27

Kellie Irving, Preschool special education teacher
PATHS in Portland

Sue Perkins, Science Teacher
Brunswick High School, Brunswick School Department

Craig Borgerson, former educator
Once taught at Owls Head Central School, Owls Head

Cindy Williams, Adult Education Instructor
RSU 6

Pat Jacobs, educator
Turner Elementary School

Jennifer Poulin, Pre-K Teacher
Saco School Department

Allison Desjardins, 1st Grade Teacher
Governor John Fairfield School, Saco School Department

Helen Beesley, Middle School ELA Teacher
Windsor Elementary, RSU 12

Dot Bowie, Kindergarten Teacher
Williams-Cone Elementary School, MSAD 75

Eric Brown, Science Teacher
Lawrence High School, MSAD 49

Larry LaPointe, English Literature Teacher
Gardiner Area High School, MSAD 11

Karen Mayo, 4th Grade Teacher
Williams Elementary, RSU 18

Kristie Houghton, 2nd Grade Teacher
Great Salt Bay School, AOS 93

Heidi Bourgeois, Literacy Coach
RSU 3

Karen Magnusson, Physical Education Teacher
Maranacook Community Middle School, RSU 38

Laurie Dale, Science Educator
Cony, Augusta Schools

Crystal Cyr, Classroom Teacher
Tripp Middle School in Turner, MSAD 52

Lisa Weeks, PreK Program
Somerville Elementary School RSU 12

Carly McKeil, PreK Program
Somerville Elementary School, RSU 12

Tara Morse, PreK Program
Somerville Elementary School RSU 12

Rick Wilson, Community Outreach and Extended Learning Coordinator
Brunswick High School, Brunswick School Department

Amy Gammon, educator
Dirigo Elementary School, RSU 56

Whitney Williams, Science Teacher
Central Aroostook Middle School, MSAD 42

Jeanna Carver, PreK Teacher
Jonesport Elementary School, Union 103

Alison Hinkley, educator
Lyman Moore Middle School, Portland Public Schools

Andrea Levinsky, Extended Learning Coordinator
Portland High School, Portland Public Schools

Jen Dearborn, Special Education Teacher
Gardiner Middle School, MSAD 11

Judy Mank, Music Teacher
Monmouth, RSU 2

Paige Fournier, Special Education Teacher
Freeport Middle School, RSU 5

Ashley LaCroix, Technology Integrator
Brunswick School Department

Dr. Carol Russell, former educator

Sarah Lucas, former educator
Once taught at TC Hamlin School

Hannah Boss, Kindergarten Teacher
Leroy H. Smith School, Winterport, RSU 22

Maria Cyr, Grade 6 Teacher
Oxford Elementary, Oxford Hills School District

Johanna Bridges, Spanish Teacher
William S. Cohen Middle School, Bangor Public Schools

Anne Mourkas, Math and Science Teacher
James F. Doughty School, Bangor Public Schools

Kelly Horton, Pathways
Falmouth High School, Falmouth Public Schools

Megan Cociou, educator
Augusta School Department

Karyn Bussell, Health Education Teacher
Madison Area Memorial High School, MSAD 59

Samantha Person, Physical Education Teacher
Waterboro Elementary School, RSU 57

Christine Rasmussen, Special Education Teacher
Waterville Senior High School, AOS 92

MEDIA RELEASE: Governor Janet Mills Kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week with a Special Message

Governor Janet Mills is helping to kick off a week-long celebration of Maine educators for Teacher Appreciation Week. Celebrated May 4th through May 8th this year, Teacher Appreciation Week is observed nationally, and is a time when all are encouraged to take a moment to thank teachers for all they do to positively impact the lives of students and families.

“This is national Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the significant contributions our teachers make to public education and honor their commitment to the success of Maine students,” said Governor Mills in a special video message. “On behalf of the people of Maine, I want to thank all teachers for dedicating their careers to providing our students the foundation for greater opportunity and lifelong learning.”

The Governor and the Maine Department of Education are encouraging families and students across Maine to join them by sending letters, cards, and social media posts to thank and acknowledge the dedicated teachers in their lives.

“We have never been prouder of the Maine educators who have been serving students in countless innovative ways during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner of Education Pender Makin. “Teachers are working harder than ever before, and I can’t think of a better time for families around the state to applaud their tireless efforts to educate Maine students under some of the most challenging circumstances we’ve ever experienced.”

Join us as this week by taking a moment to thank your teacher for all their hard work! If you are posting on social media be sure to use the hashtag #Thanks4TeachingME, and tag the Maine Department of Education at @mdoenews (Twitter) at @MaineDepartmentofEducation1 (Facebook) the Maine DOE the Maine DOE will help share your message.

MEDIA RELEASE: In Celebration of School Lunch Heroes Day, Maine’s Governor and Department of Education Release Special Thank You Video

(Photo: Nutrition staff from Connor EUT School)

In recognition of May 1, 2020 being designated National School Lunch Heroes Day, Governor Janet Mills and the Department of Education have created a special thank you video for school nutrition teams, volunteers and all school staff across Maine, who have stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure Maine kids have nutritious and healthy meals while learning remotely at home.

Your efforts during this unprecedented time of need are truly appreciated! THANK YOU!

Maine Community College System Students Honored

Congratulations to the seven Maine Community College System students that were honored as the 2020 Students of the Year this week in a special online presentation.

A recording of the presentation is available on the MCCS Vimeo and YouTube channels. (https://vimeo.com/410716701 and https://youtu.be/y7PU6Ahclmc)

The students were selected by faculty and staff at their college for their academic success and their campus and community involvement. In addition to being named Student of the Year, each student received a John and Jana Lapoint Leadership Award in the amount of $1,000. The Lapoints both served as trustees of the Maine Community College System. After John’s death in 1995, Jana Lapoint helped establish the fund for the annual awards.

“I know how proud (John) would be of all of you. We both would encourage you to never give up, keep pursuing your dreams, never accept it can’t be done, and always give back to society whenever and whatever you can,” she told the students. “You all have my deepest respect and admiration for all your accomplishments.”

Thank you to Maine State Board of Education member, Jana Lapoint and her late husband John Lapoint for their on-going dedication to celebrating and encouraging the accomplishments Maine students and educators, and for their tireless efforts on behalf of Maine’s education system.

2020 MCCS Students of the Year:

Marcel ChalouMarcel Chalou
Northern Maine Community College
Residence: Easton
Major: Water Treatment Technology
Career goal: Water treatment operator
Marcel grew up in Northern Maine, enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps directly out of high school, and had a 10‐ year career as a police officer. He moved back to Maine to raise his children and enrolled at NMCC to change careers and provide financial security for his family. An internship at Presque Isle Utilities District led to a full‐ time position as a water treatment operator and lab technician.

Clinton DakinClinton Dakin
Washington County Community College
Residence: Stockton Springs
Major: Engine Specialist
Career Goal: Heavy equipment maintenance
Clinton started at WCCC in 2018 and has since graduated from the powersports equipment/small engine technician and heavy equipment maintenance certificate programs, and earned his associate degree in mechanical technology. This spring he’ll earn an engine specialist certificate and plans to return this fall to study welding. He plans to enter the workforce and find employment in a heavy equipment garage close to home.

Kate McPhersonKate McPherson
Central Maine Community College
Residence: Litchfield
Major: Computer Technology
Career Goal: Mental health provider via technology
Kate chose CMCC because it was close to home, enrolling in general studies while she considered her career options. She is President of Phi Theta Kappa and works in CMCC’s IT department. Her goal is to combine her interest in psychology and skills in computer technology to help bring mental healthcare to those who can’t leave their homes. She plans to transfer to UMA to continue her education in technology.

Mason PetersonMason Peterson
Kennebec Valley Community College
Residence: Waterville
Major: Liberal Studies
Career Goal: Storyteller

Mason enrolled at KVCC as an affordable way to restart their goal of furthering their education. Mason is Founder of the Pride Alliance at KVCC, President of the Student Senate, a writing tutor, and a homeless shelter, Planned Parenthood, blood drive, and Maine Film Festival volunteer. Mason has been accepted at Amherst College and plans to pursue career options that include reading, writing, filmmaking, storytelling and more.

EthanPrebleEthan Preble
Eastern Maine Community College
Residence: Birch Harbor
Major: Human Services
Career Goal: Human services professional
Ethan chose to attend EMCC because it was affordable. He is described by others as a strong leader and advocate for disadvantaged students. He organized a suicide prevention fundraiser, worked with residential life to create a new RA position, and was a valued member of the college’s business office. After graduating, he plans to pursue a career in human services.

Billy SusantoBilly Susanto
York County Community College
Residence: Berwick
Major: Computer Science
Career Goal: Software engineer
Billy says he quickly overcame any fears he had of succeeding in college by getting out of his comfort zone and getting involved. He excels academically, is President of Phi Theta Kappa, a math tutor, a student ambassador, a member of the YCCC soccer club and served on the YCCC Presidential Search Committee. He plans to continue his education at USM to study computer science with the goal of becoming a video gaming software engineer.

Liam Woodworth-CookLiam Woodworth‐Cook
Southern Maine Community College
Residence: South Portland
Major: Liberal Studies/English concentration
Career Goal: Literature‐related field
Liam was looking to further his education and chose SMCC because it gave him an affordable way to start. He has excelled academically and worked on the student newspaper, the student literary magazine and in The Captain’s Cupboard on‐campus food pantry. He will graduate in May and plans to continue his education in the field of writing and/or literature, while he considers his many career options.