Category: Health and Safety

FEMA seeks young applicants for preparedness council

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Youth Preparedness Council provides an opportunity for young leaders to serve as a member of a distinguished national council; to complete a youth preparedness project for their choosing; to learn about youth disaster preparedness from the leadership at FEMA and other national organizations dedicated to youth preparedness; Continue reading “FEMA seeks young applicants for preparedness council” →

Maine schools may apply for school security funds

A grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program is now open, and school districts and independent schools are eligible to apply. The grant application is due April 12, 2013, at 5 p.m. Funds are available for school emergency preparedness facility security projects.

Continue reading “Maine schools may apply for school security funds” →

Results of 2012 Maine School IPM Survey released

Managing pests, including insects, animals, weeds, and plant diseases, is an essential part of operating a healthy and safe learning environment for Maine’s students and staff. Integrated Pest Management is a proven approach that can reduce leading causes of childhood asthma and asthma triggers and reduce overall pest complaints with no long-term increase in costs. All K-12 schools in Maine are required by law to adopt and implement an IPM policy, notify parents, guardians and staff about pesticide use, and appoint an IPM coordinator.

Continue reading “Results of 2012 Maine School IPM Survey released” →

Attend Healthy Indoor Air for Schools Conference

The Maine Indoor Air Quality Council is hosting a free, one-day Healthy Indoor Air for Schools Conference on March 12 as part of the Council’s two-day Maine Indoor Air Quality Conference. Schools and districts are invited to send a team of representatives–facilities staff, health care professionals, teachers and administrators–to this event. Continue reading “Attend Healthy Indoor Air for Schools Conference” →

No threat to Maine schools

The Maine Department of Public Safety has just issued the following release. While law enforcement has found no credible threat, all agencies involved, including local school districts working with state and local law enforcement and the Maine Department of Education, remain vigilant and committed to the task of school emergency preparedness and take seriously all possible threats.

NEWS RELEASE from the Maine Department of Public Safety
from Spokesman Steve McCausland – 626-3811

Continue reading “No threat to Maine schools” →

Request, resources, and info in the aftermath of Sandy Hook

Originally posted Dec. 17, 2012

This memo from Commissioner Bowen is intended for superintendents, heads of private schools, and other administrators. It includes links below to key resources on emergency preparedness and talking with children about Sandy Hook.

Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., has shocked and saddened us beyond words. The Governor and I have both expressed our condolences and send our thoughts and prayers. I confess I can’t help but feel that our words seem insufficient within the scope of the tragedy. Still, I know that they are important, and I appreciate the efforts many of you have made to share your thoughts and prayers, and your efforts to communicate with your parents in the aftermath of this national tragedy.

Continue reading “Request, resources, and info in the aftermath of Sandy Hook” →

District obligations under FERPA & PPRA explained

The U.S. Department of Education is required to notify annually each state educational agency (SEA) and each local educational agency (LEA) of their obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). Continue reading “District obligations under FERPA & PPRA explained” →