Maine DOE Update March 24, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

News & Updates

Are You Ready for the Week of the Young Child?

The Week of the Young Child, a national event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to celebrate the importance of high-quality early learning, takes place April 1st -7th. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) are excited to celebrate the event with early childhood educators across the state. | More

Making Math Meaningful For All: Math4ME is Accepting Applications for Newest Cohort

Math4ME is a free, three-year, whole-school project designed to support all educators (classroom teachers, special educators, ed techs, and interventionists) to strengthen math proficiency for all learners with a specific focus on increased math proficiency for students with math IEP goals. The project will focus around building positive math school communities and classrooms, mathematical content and pedagogical skills, supporting inclusionary practices through MTSS, and formative assessment including the Early Mathematics Diagnostic Interview (EMDI). | More

Maine DOE Child Nutrition Kicks off 2023 Farm-to-School Cook-off on March 27

The Maine Department of Education, Child Nutrition team is kicking off their annual Farm to School Cook-off this month! The cook-off is a statewide culinary competition for teams of school nutrition professionals and students to promote local foods in school meals. This voluntary competition is made available to all school districts in Maine. | More

Exciting MLTI Student Conference Updates!

Registration is NOW Open for Virtual and in Person MLTI Conferences We’re excited to announce that registration for the 20th annual student conference is now open! To ensure that you and your students will receive an MLTI t-shirt, please complete the registration form no later than April 4th. We are asking for one lead teacher to complete the registration for the student conference. We’ve streamlined the registration process to ease the task of registering your entire group. Click here to access the registration form. | More

Family Engagement Grant Opportunity Information Sessions

Through the Centers for Engaging Families across Maine (CEFAM), ParentPowered will be offering an informational session about their evidence-based family engagement messaging curriculum titled Ready4K. In partnership with the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Climate, Culture, and Resilience Team, this five-year grant is slated to provide a limited number of schools the opportunity to implement Ready4K. | More

Paid Professional Learning Opportunity Provided by Maine DOE

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications from individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Department in reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Selena Brown

Maine DOE team member Selena Brown is being highlighted as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Selena.. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Sacopee Valley High School ELO Coordinator Making a Big Impact on Students’ Career Paths

“The best part of my day is working directly with my students,” said Elizabeth Sanborn, Sacopee Valley High School’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator. “It is a lot of fun helping them discover their interests and then create opportunities for them to explore careers.” | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Webinar: How to Utilize Local Historical Societies for Your Project or Place-based Learning Units

Are you planning a project or place-based unit and looking for primary sources? Historical societies throughout the state are available to help you find and utilize these primary sources. To learn more about this, join Kathleen Flynn Neumann from the Maine Historical Society for a webinar that focuses on finding primary sources and how you can partner with historical societies to create authentic learning experiences for students. | More

Supporting All Students: How the PBIS Framework is Inclusive for All

During this presentation hosted by the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE), Heather George, PhD will focus on how to support all students with a PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) framework in schools: | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Seeking Five Distinguished Educators for MLTI Ambassador Positions

Are you passionate about professional growth and technology? Do you want to make a difference in Maine schools? Do you want to join a team of likeminded educators? Are you currently teaching in a Maine public school? This might be the opportunity you’ve been looking for! | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – March 16, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Reports Open Soon: Quarter 3 Reporting

Attendance, Behavior, Bullying, and Truancy reports for Quarter 3 (January, February, and March) open on April 1st. | More

April 1 Enrollment Reporting Webinar Rescheduled for March 21

The Maine Department of Education’s Data Team will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, March 21st from 10-11am. This webinar will review April 1 Enrollment which collects data used to calculate tuition rates. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Maine Department of Education Defines Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)

The Office of English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Programs and Bilingual Programs has released a state definition of a Student with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). This is a student who meets the following criteria.. | More

Nutrition & Economic Disadvantaged Data Collection Webinar

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) as we discuss alternative methods for collecting economic disadvantage data for the EPS formula that do not involve free and reduced lunch forms. | More

Regional Conversations for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and Organizations

Join the Maine Department of Education for In Person Spring Regional Meetings.. Hear updates on federal, state, and local policies and resources for students and families who are homeless or have unstable housing. | More

Paid Professional Learning Opportunity Provided by Maine DOE

Maine DOE Update – March 10, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Regional School Calendars Due June 1, 2023

This notification is a reminder that Regional School Calendars are due by June 1, 2023 for school administrative units (SAU) and private schools, approved for tuition purposes, in coordination with their local secondary career and technical education (CTE) school. This requirement is part of Public Law 2011, Chapter 686 to promote collaboration among local school administrative units that may benefit from inter-administrative unit collaboration beyond CTE. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Happy International SEL Day

March 10, 2023 is International SEL (social emotional learning) Day! Maine educators and school staff support students each day to meet their goals for a successful future. | More

Maine DOE Seeks Public Comment for Social Studies and Science and Engineering Standards

As part of the scheduled periodic review of the Maine Learning Results, the Maine Department of Education is seeking public comments regarding the current social studies standards and science and engineering standards. These comments will inform the work of the standards revision teams. | More

Seeking Applications for the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative 2023: Forestry Stewardship and Career Pathways

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking applications to provide funding for a second year of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this application process, the DOE, will provide funding to Maine nonprofit organizations specializing in forest ecology and sustainability, wildlife habitat protection, and/or associated career experiences for Maine youth during summer, 2023. | More

Calling all Maine Early Childcare Educators: Celebrate the Week of the Young Child with Maine DOE and MAEYC

The Week of the Young Child is a national event promoting the importance of high-quality early learning sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This year the Maine Department of Education and Maine’s local NAEYC affiliate, Maine AEYC, are teaming up to support early childhood educators across the state to join the celebration and promote the vital work they do every day in their early childhood programs and Pre-K through third grade classrooms. | More

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. | More

Work/Life Coaching Sessions Available for Education Workforce

Individual Work/Life Coaching sessions are available upon request through StregthenME, Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services program, which offers free stress management and resiliency resources to promote the health and well-being of all Mainers. | More

20th Annual MLTI Student Conference Call for Breakout Session Proposals

The Maine Department of Education is issuing a call for student and educator team breakout session proposals for any of the three events that are part of the 20th Annual MLTI Student Conference. | More

Student Opportunity: MAIER Hosts ‘Cosmic Colors’ at the Planetarium

Please join MAIER at the Versant Power Astronomy Center and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium on March 18th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm for the Cosmic Colors program in the planetarium. The planetarium staff will guide attendees on a journey that explores how northern lights to garden flowers, and color fills our lives and “Cosmic Colors” explains how we use the rainbow to see, understand and explore our universe. | More

Student Opportunity: Data Science Exploration Night

Educate Maine’s Maine Career Catalyst and Project Login are excited to partner with IDEXX on Tuesday, March 28th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, to host a Data Science Exploration Night at their Westbrook campus! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

FFA Members Convene for Student-Led Workshop

More than 120 students and staff gathered at the University of Maine at Presque Isle for an FFA member workshop on March 1, 2023.  The Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) convened for a student-led event focused on developing leadership skills and exploring opportunities within the FFA. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

2023 Spring Wellness Workshops

The Maine Department of Education Schoolsite Wellness team is pleased to host StrengthenME and the Northern Light Health Workforce EAP to provide educators and school staff with FREE wellness workshops. | More

2023 Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention: Building Resilience and Safety in a Changing World

NAMI Maine is hosting its annual Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention Conference, in person on Friday, March 10th at the Augusta Civic Center. Register today. | More

Reminder: Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME Program Overviews and Summer Training Opportunities

Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has adapted and piloted open-source Pre-k and Kindergarten instructional programs based on the Boston Public School’s evidence-based Focus on K1 and Focus on K2 curricula.  Pre-K for ME was launched in 2019.  K for ME was launched in 2021.  1st Grade for ME is being piloted in Maine classrooms this year and will be made available for the 2023-2024 school year. | More

Virtual Training: No Cost Bomb Threat Assessment for Decision Makers

The Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP), a part of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is announcing the addition of the new Bomb Threat Assessment for Decision Makers (AWR-945) course to its suite of Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) Courses. This course is provided at no cost to the participant or their organization. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – March 3, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

April 1 Enrollment Reporting Webinar

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, March 14th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. This webinar will review April 1 Enrollment which collects data used to calculate tuition rates. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Resources for Celebrating SEL International Day on March 10th

Maine educators and school staff dedicate their lives towards the betterment of youth, equipping each child, PreK through 12th grade, with the necessary tools and supporting students each day to meet their goals for a successful future. | More

Application Deadline Extended to March 10 for Student Position on Maine State Board of Education

The Maine State Board of Education is currently seeking applications for the newest student member to join the Board. Applications are being accepted from February 1, 2023, through March 10, 2023. The deadline for applications has been extended from March 1st to March 10th. | More

Seizure Management & Resource Guide

School nurses and staff can be prepared to recognize and treat seizures in the school setting. Seizures may occur for many reasons, including infection, fever, traumatic brain injury, neurological disorder, or related to a drug or medication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 0.6% of children aged 0 to 17 are estimated to have seizure conditions. One of the most prevalent neurological illnesses affecting children and young people is epilepsy, a condition characterized by recurrent seizures with no other identifiable cause. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Wendy Robichaud

Maine DOE team member Wendy Robichaud is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Campaign. Learn a little more about Wendy.. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Education Leaders Get Unique, First-Hand Experience Participating in Maine’s Legislative Process

For many, the legislative process, at both the state and federal level, can feel like an unwieldy space where the further you dig in, the harder it can be to understand or even attempt to navigate the first steps to participating and creating change. | More

Students Compete in Marketing & Hospitality Skills at Annual Maine DECA Conference

Maine DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) held its annual Career and Development Conference in Auburn at the Hilton Garden Hotel on February 28th. DECA is an association of marketing, hospitality, finance, and entrepreneur students. | More

How East Grand School is Helping to Prepare the Next Generation of Maine’s Workforce

As the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator for East Grand School (RSU 84), Angela Cowger works with students to create meaningful experiences for students that build a long-lasting framework for the school’s ELO program.| More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Maine Regional Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Workshops

Jobs for Maine Grads (JMG) is hosting three upcoming opportunities to learn about Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) in Maine. JMG Coaches will be available and presenting to participants during the workshop along with Maine Department of Education ELO Specialist, Rick Wilson. | More

Register Now for Public Pre-K Technical Assistance Sessions Available March – July 2023

Members of the Early Learning Team will be providing an opportunity for new and expanding Pre-K programs to come together to learn about and discuss the components of high-quality programming. | More

Applications Open for Maine PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions Support) Training

Hello Maine PBIS Community! Is your district and/or school planning to apply for our Tier 1 Training Cohort beginning in August 2023? If so, please remember that applications are due on March 8th, 2023 | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update February 17, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Maine Teachers and School Staff Share Why They #LoveTeaching as Part of a National Campaign to Promote Educator Voices

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has partnered with News Center Maine for the third year in a row to highlight the voices of teachers and school staff sharing why they #LoveTeaching during a weeklong national campaign. | More

Culturally Diverse Culinary Resources

The Maine Child Nutrition office has created a new webpage dedicated to culturally diverse culinary videos, recipes and resources that are available for Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. | More

REMINDER: Seeking Presenters for 2nd Annual Educators Summit

The 2nd Annual Educator Summit is scheduled for August 7 through August 10, 2023, at the Augusta Civic Center. The Maine Department of Education is currently seeking presenters from Maine’s education field. | More

20th Annual MLTI Student Conference Call for Breakout Session Proposals

Seeking Student Submissions for MLTI Student Conference 2023 T-Shirt Design Competition

The Maine Department of Education’s Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) will be hosting a T-shirt Design Competition for participating students at MLTI schools in grades 6 through 9. | More

Seeking Members for Maine DOE Truancy, Drop Out, and Alternative Education Advisory Committee

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking individuals who are invested in identifying and reducing barriers to school attendance for Maine students. | More

4H Agriculture Leadership Ambassador Program for Students

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is offering its Agriculture Leadership Ambassador program from March 7–April 18. The program, open to all teens ages 14–18, will focus on understanding the Maine food system, exploring careers and building advocacy skills. | More

Applications Open for 2nd Annual Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute

Applications are now open for the 2nd Annual Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute. | More

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. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Steve Airoldi

Maine DOE team member Steve Airoldi is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Steve.. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Augusta Adult Education Partnerships with Maine Veteran’s Home to Offer FREE CNA Training

Augusta Adult and Community Education is partnering with the Maine Veterans’ Homes-Augusta to offer an, “Earn While You Learn” Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program. The purpose of the partnership is to increase and strengthen Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training in the Augusta area and prepare participants for employment within the healthcare industry within the state. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Special Topic Series Upcoming Sessions: Word-Level Reading and PBIS Framework

As a reminder, the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education is hosting a Special Topic Series around inclusivity and multi-tiered systems of support through the winter and spring months. Upcoming topics include: Word-Level Reading Problems – Implications for Instruction and Intervention and Supporting All Students: How the PBIS Framework is Inclusive for All | More

Transition to Kindergarten Train the Trainer Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team is happy to announce the next step in the Transition to Kindergarten training series. In 2022, the Transition to Kindergarten module series and facilitator guide focused on building community-wide understanding of kindergarten readiness and the impact of high-quality transition practices on children, families, schools, and communities was released. This 4-part series, as well as several other useful resources related to kindergarten transitions, can be found on the Transitioning to Kindergarten webpages. | More

Math4ME: Building a Positive Math Culture Within Your School

Are you looking to increase math confidence in students and staff and build a positive math culture within your school? Math4ME is for YOU!! | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Seeking Experienced Project Manager for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative

The Learning Through Technology Team, in the Office of Innovation, is looking for an experienced Project Manager for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative. | More View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here