Media Release: Maine DOE Celebrates Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School and Deering High School Employees as 2024 RISE Award State Honorees

Food Service Coordinator Sheila Nevells and Administrative Secretary Liana Littig Selected as Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) State Finalists

Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin joined School Union 76 school leaders and staff to honor Food Service Coordinator Sheila Nevells, and Deputy Commissioner Dan Chuhta joined Deering High School and Portland Public School leaders and staff to honor Administrative Secretary Liana Littig with the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award for the extraordinary contributions they have made to their students, schools, and communities. Both honorees are known for their dedication to their communities and their support for colleagues and students.

Created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, the prestigious RISE Award honors non-teaching school employees who provide exemplary service. Nevells and Littig were selected as the two state-level honorees out of ten finalists. Nearly 70 nominations were submitted to the Maine Department of Education (DOE) by colleagues and community members. Nevells and Littig were selected to represent Maine for consideration for the national RISE Award.

“I am in awe of Sheila. You are a true hero, a champion of education, and a champion of making sure kids get fed. The most fundamental thing that can happen for any of us is the food that feeds our souls and our bodies, and fuels us for learning. You have consistently gone so far above and beyond to make sure the kids in your school and community are fed,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin while presenting the honor to Nevells.

“You make my job easy. I enjoy cooking for every one of you. I enjoy talking with every one of you every day. I am humbled and very appreciative of this award,” said School Union 76 Food Service Coordinator and Maine’s 2024 RISE Award State Honoree Sheila Nevells.

“Liana’s day-to-day dedication to the students, families, and staff at Deering High School has been described by her colleagues as ‘unmatched’. You are an essential part of the school, a valued community member, and a true example of a public servant,” said Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Dan Chuhta while presenting the honor to Litig.

“Everyone who knows Liana says she is remarkable. She has especially impacted our Portuguese students and embraced them warmly, connecting them with the resources they need. She is so helpful and never makes anyone feel less than for needing help. We all adore her,” said Deering High School Assistant Principal Halima Noor.

“I feel so loved and appreciated. This is such a good place. They are so good to me,” said Deering High School Administrative Secretary and Maine’s 2024 RISE Award State Honoree Liana Littig.

RISE nominees demonstrate excellence in the following areas: (A) Work performance; (B) School and community involvement; (C) Leadership and commitment; (D) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); (E) Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

Maine’s Two RISE State Honorees

Liana Littig
Administrative Secretary
Portland Public Schools

From Liana’s nomination: Liana’s involvement in school and community is unmatched. She is the first person students and staff see when they walk in the door. For many of our newcomer students who speak Portuguese, it is the first time someone in the school system stops and has a deep, kind and welcoming conversation with them in Portuguese. All students know if they have a question to find Ms. Littig in the main office because she always has the answer or knows who does! No student is turned away without receiving a thoughtful response when she is in the office.

Liana is not a gatekeeper of knowledge but rather imparts knowledge and the know-hows of all she does to better equip staff, students and parents with what they need to have a successful day at school. Liana has also become well known in the community, especially with immigrant families.

Liana’s sense of confidence and calm demeanor has ensured our students, staff, parents and building are able to withstand even the most challenging disruptions with ease. That air of confidence and calmness shrouds the entire building and allows every single person to genuinely feel like everything is under control. That is credit to Ms. Littig!

Sheila Nevells
Food Service Coordinator
School Union 76

Fom Sheila’s nomination: Since Sheila took over as Food Service Coordinator in 2017, her work performance and leadership and commitment have been exemplary. She quickly learned all the ins and outs of USDA and our food service funding, and then took it upon herself to see that no child on our island ever went hungry. Sheila learned how to write grants, and then found every way available to provide food for everyone. CACFP, No Kid Hungry, summer food program -she went after them and worked hard to provide all these opportunities for our children and families. She organized an amazing food delivery service during the COVID lockdown and continues to provide comprehensive food service despite a number of administrative changes. Sheila goes above and beyond, and it all comes from her big heart and love for this Sheila is a quiet leader, but the programming that she does gets some great PR. She is a role model for all of us in the school system and to our children and families who come in contact with her every day. Her work ethic, ambition and drive to help others, and her big smile and caring heart impact us all.

Sheila has also done all the extra work of getting grants and running extra programming on top of her everyday work of also being Head Cook at Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School. Sheila doesn’t sit in an office all day – she cooks and serves and talks to all the kids, cleans up, and then she sits in her office after hours getting all the paperwork done and finding new ways to feed our families. Sheila is Lunch Lady Extraordinaire!
Maine’s RISE State Finalists

Sarah Beam
School Social Worker
Talbot Community School, Portland Public Schools

Kerrie Edgerton
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Biddeford School Department

Kadija Fulli
Custodian
Portland High School, Portland Public Schools

Ben Jacobson
Food Service Director
RSU 26

David Martin
Director of Maintenance
Maine School of Science and Mathematics

Tanya Ouellette
Secretary
Sabattus Primary, RSU 4

Nicole Richard
Ed Tech
Veazie Community School

Christine Small
Nurse’s Assistant
Portland High School, Portland Public Schools

Shelley Tinker
Transportation/Bus Driver
Lubec, SAD 19

Brewer School District’s Renita Ward-Downer Named 2024 Curriculum Leader of the Year

This exciting news was shared by the Maine Curriculum Leader’s Association (MCLA)

The Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) is thrilled to announce Renita Ward-Downer as the 2024 Curriculum Leader of the Year! MCLA is a state-wide collaborative that focuses on high-quality learning and teaching for all Maine students. MCLA promotes equity and meaningful learning through research, information dissemination, advocacy, networking, and professional learning.

Renita displays all of these qualities and more! Renita has been the Director of Instruction for the Brewer School District for 9 years. In those 9 years, Renita has been an instrumental leader in initiating change that brings about innovative thinking for how to best meet the needs of learners. Renita has marshaled a hybrid school model called the Nu Program which has been so successful that a middle school version has also been created.

This innovative programming was created during COVID, but its goal of meeting students’ needs has been so successful the program lives on! Renita has also been a major player in creating a Forestry Outdoor Education learning opportunity that includes a Forestry Immersion Program in the North Maine Woods. Renita continues to share her experiences with other educators across the state and is an integral member of the Penobscot River Educational Partnership. Renita successfully leads this work while also wearing the hat of Technology Director! MCLA is pleased to honor and celebrate Renita Ward-Downer as the 2024 Curriculum Leader of the Year.

Maine DOE Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist Receives National Honor

Susan Berry, Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist for the Maine Department of Education (DOE), was recently honored at the All-Member (virtual) Annual Meeting of the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education (the Society) on March 26, 2024, when she was presented the Simon McNeely Award. Individuals named for this award are those who embody the character and work ethic of Simon (Si) August McNeely, who served as the Society’s executive director, secretary and treasurer for 51 years (1947-1998).

Berry is a long-time Maine DOE employee and has always desired to work in an environment that values people, health, and quality of life. She values serving people in a capacity that will have a positive and lasting impact on the health and well-being of the population, improving the quality of life. Some of the highlights in her long career:

collaborating with school health and physical education teachers to revise and then create supporting resources for the 2022 Maine Learning Results standards for health education and physical education
helping to develop resources and training for child sexual abuse, including the Children’s Safety Partnership website
participating in the development and passage of legislation to increase suicide awareness and prevention among all school personnel in Maine public schools
Leading the Maine Schoolsite Wellness committee in facilitating a dynamic yearly wellness summit

As a specialist in school health education curriculum development, instruction, and assessment, she has over 30 years’ experience in schoolsite health promotion and wellness program planning and implementation.

Susan was humbled and surprised to receive the award as she holds the recipients of this award in the highest regard. She will be presented the McNeely award at the American School Health Association Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, October 16-18, 2024. Colleagues at the Maine DOE are proud of Susan’s achievement and recognition.

“What I appreciate most about Susan is how she navigates change and offers her unending support as ‘supposedly’ new ideas surface when she has already drafted policy language or facilitated a workshop on such an idea,” said Maine DOE Director of Office of School and Student Supports Julie Smyth. “She is the first to lend a helping hand, to be a thought partner, or to share ideas. Susan’s connections to national and statewide resources also speak to her impact. I have come across many respected individuals in the field of education, but the respect accorded to Susan from teachers, administrators, community-based organizations, and leaders is pretty much unrivaled.”

From all of us at the Maine DOE Congratulations, Susan!

More about the Simon McNeely Award:

Si, a Louisiana native, graduated from Tulane University with a master’s in education. He served in the Navy during World War II. In 1947, at 33 years of age, he moved to the Washington DC area to work as an academic researcher for the Office of Education (predecessor of the U.S. Department of Education) where he contributed to research in recreation and physical education. He was the author of six books on physical education and fitness (e.g., Physical Education in the School Child’s Day, 1950). Si McNeely served as the federal-state relations director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports from 1961 to 1970 and as a member of the U.S. and International Olympic Committees. He was a founder of the U.S. Olympic academies and was a U.S. representative to UNESCO.

This award is given by the Society to state leaders who demonstrate outstanding teaching and service in Health, Physical Education, Recreation or Dance (HPERD), demonstrate innovations HPERD through teaching and service, are a current member of SHAPE or a professional organization pertaining to the field; have presented or actively participated in local, county or regional workshops and conferences in the past three years, are actively involved in school and community affairs and problems related to HPERD, and have a minimum of 5 years professional experience in HPERD field.

For more information about this award reach out to the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education.

Two Maine Students Named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

Congratulations to these students!

From the U.S. Department of Education:

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today announced the 2024 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 – Kennebunk – Isaac N. Kahn, Kennebunk High School, Kennebunk, Maine.
ME – Raymond – Kylie Jade Thibodeau, Gray New Gloucester High School, Gray, Maine.

“The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60^th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through 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 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 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 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students 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 8,200 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. 2024 is the program’s 60^th anniversary.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

Bangor Educator Honored with State English Teacher Award

(Pictured L to R: Jennifer Babcock, John Bapst Memorial High School, 2024 Claudette & John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award Winner, with Claudette Brassil, retired educator and one of the inspirations for this award.)

The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) awarded its 6th annual Claudette & John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award to Jennifer Babcock, a 25-year educator at John Bapst who currently teaches American Literature and Composition, British Literature and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, and Creative Writing.

The Claudette & John Brassil Award is administered by the Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) and recognizes exceptional English language arts and literacy teachers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, contributed to the profession and are committed to the community.

The finalists for the Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award for 2024 included Emily Rumble from Marshwood High School, Jake Joy from Lewiston Middle School, Angela Gilbert from Bruce Whittier Middle School, and Jennifer Babcock from John Bapst Memorial High School.

From left to right: finalist Jake Joy from Lewiston Middle School, finalist Angela Gilbert from Bruce Whittier Middle School, finalist Emily Rumble from Marshwood High School, winner Jennifer Babcock, award namesake Claudette Brassil, and MCELA Secretary and award committee head Bre Allard.

Babcock is the English Department Head and mentors new teachers. In addition, she has been a supervising teacher for student teachers from Husson and the University of Maine since 2011. Babcock has been involved in the school community by leading student tours in the United States and abroad, advising the school prom, choreographing the spring musical, serving as a varsity cheerleading coach, and advising the National Honor Society. Babcock is also the State Officer Advisor for the Maine National Honor Society and has been a judge for the Maine Principal’s Association state cheerleading competition.

“Jen’s commitment to her students, her passion for her craft, and her energy are unparalleled…Every student in Jen’s class knows that she cares about them,” said David Armistead, Head of School at John Bapst and Babcokc’s nominator. “They love her and they consistently rise to the high bar she sets for them. She knows her students are capable of great work and she lovingly keeps them growing from the first day to the last, every year.”

Babcock was honored at the Maine Council for English Language Arts state conference in Portland on March 29, 2024, where 350 ELA educators convened to ignite joy in learning.

The Claudette & John Brassil was created in honor of the contributions of two long-time educators who have inspired students and mentored teachers for over eighty combined years in Maine public schools.

In the past, this distinguished educator award has been given to English Language Arts educators Anthony Scott (2023) from Maine School of Science & Mathematics, Audrey Ennamorati (2022) from Medomak Valley High School, Margaret Adams (2022) from Kingsfield Elementary School, Patti Forster (2020) from Camden Hills Regional High School, Stephanie Hendrix (2019) from Bangor High School, and Johnna Stanton (2018) from Morse High school.

The Maine Council for English Language Arts accepts nominations for this award during the fall of each school year for their March in-person conference recognition. Nominees should be full-time English language arts or literacy teachers of students in grades 6-12 and have taught for at least five years in public or independent schools in Maine. Nominees do not have to be a Maine Council for English Language Arts member. ELA educators who demonstrate the same qualities as the Brassils themselves: a commitment to student-centered learning, the inspiration of all students, leadership at school, district, state, and/or national levels, development, and sharing of effective practices, and involvement in the community and school beyond the classroom. More information on nominations is available here.

Bangor High School Student Named ‘Educators for a Multilingual Maine’ Student of the Year

(Pictured L to R: Bangor High School (BHS) Chinese Teacher Lily Crane, BHS Senior and EMME Student of the Year Amanda Tomlinson, and BHS American Sign Language Teacher Kathy Rice.)

Educators for a Multilingual Maine (EMME) has announced that Bangor High School student Amanda Tomlinson will receive the EMME 2024 Student of the Year award.

EMMC said in a media release: “This recognition is a testament to Amanda’s exceptional dedication and achievements in her academic endeavors and extracurricular engagements. According to Bangor High School teacher Lily Crane, Amanda epitomizes the qualities of a well-rounded student who discovers immense joy and passion in her scholarly pursuits and outside activities.”

Amanda’s remarkable commitment to language studies is a shining example of her unwavering determination and perseverance. Throughout her educational journey, Amanda has demonstrated an outstanding aptitude for languages. She has completed an impressive four years of Chinese language study and two years of American Sign Language at Bangor High School. Her exceptional linguistic skills were further validated when she took the Avant test in Chinese last Spring and will be honored with the prestigious Maine Seal of Biliteracy in May 2024.

“Amanda’s exemplary performance in the World Language Department, coupled with her outstanding contributions to the school community, make her the unequivocal choice for the EMME 2024 Student of the Year,” said Fred Ravan, Vice President of EMME.

The State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB), which acknowledges students proficient in two more languages, is now available in all 50 states and D.C. Learn more about this award for multilingual students and check out OELA’s updated SSB infographic! To learn more about Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy, visit the Maine DOE dashboard.

From all of us at the Maine Department of Education, congratulations to Amanda!

Educators for a Multilingual Maine (EMME) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote and improve the teaching and study of languages and cultures of the world. EMME also strives to further the common interests of teachers, students, and others in Maine, for whom languages play an important role. EMME was formerly known as FLAME, the Foreign Language Association of Maine.

Learn more about EMME or the Student of the Year award, please visit the EMMC website or reach out to EMMC at communications@emmaine.org.

Resources for Celebrating School Lunch Hero Day on May 3

School Nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate, between preparing delicious food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile. We hope schools across Maine will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 3 to celebrate their hard work and commitment.

This day, the first Friday in May has been celebrated annually since 2013 and was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day allows parents, students, school staff, and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to Maine students daily.

School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state, and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day allows the community to thank these hardworking heroes for their dedication to fueling our students’ success.

Here are some fun activities students could do to celebrate their School Lunch Hero:

Find more information about School Lunch Hero Day here.

Nominations Open for Maine School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) announces a call for nominations for the Maine School Nurse of the Year (SNOY) 2024-25! 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 July 2024 Maine School Nurse Summer Institute.

We are accepting applications now. The nomination form and the information necessary to begin this process can be accessed on the MASN website. The application deadline is May 3, 2024. 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 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.

South Portland Educator Named English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher of the Year

(Pictured L to R: EMME President Stephanie Carbonneau, awardee Sheanna Zimmerman and Director of Multilingual Programs in South Portland April Perkins)

Sheanna Zimmerman of South Portland Schools was awarded the English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher of the Year by the Educators for Multilingual Maine (EMME) on March 8, 2024.

EMME President Stephanie Carbonneau. and 2024 ESOL Teacher of the Year Sheanna Zimmerman

“The last two years have been the most incredible and fulfilling years of my career. As many of you know, South Portland welcomed hundreds of new multilingual students and families in a short time. I had the honor of supporting our district as we developed a multilingual intake and orientation process, hired multilingual specialists, expanded our ESOL programming, and doubled the size of our ESOL team. I’m proud of these accomplishments and want to thank our South Portland administration and teachers who have continued to embrace opportunities for growth.”

From all of us at the Maine Department of Education, congratulations Sheanna!

Learn more about EMME or the ESOL Teacher of the Year award, please visit the EMME website or reach out to EMMC at communications@emmaine.org.

Reminder: National History Teacher of the Year Nominations Open Until April 30

Nominate an outstanding teacher in your community for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year! Each year, Gilder Lehrman recognizes 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 territories and become finalists for the national award. State winners will receive $1,000 each. The national winner will receive a $10,000 prize and a ceremony in their honor in New York City.

Go to www.gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy to submit your nomination. The deadline to submit a nominations is April 30, 2024.

For more information about the History Teacher of the Year award, please contact Jaime Beal, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist at jaime.beal@maine.gov