From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Quarter 2 Reporting Opens Soon: Attendance, Behavior, Bullying and Truancy

The Department of Education offers quarterly windows for districts to review, for accuracy and comprehensiveness, data that has been entered and reported for Attendance, Behavior, Bullying and Truancy. The intention of quarterly reporting is to increase regular review of data in hopes that it will save time for districts at the end of the school year, as well as provide time for analysis and correction of data if necessary. |  More

MaineCare Seed Adjustments to be Made; Review Q1’23 Reports by January 15, 2023

The recovery of Q1’23 MaineCare Seed will occur in the January 2023 subsidy payment. The Maine DOE is asking Districts to review their reports by January 15, 2023, to ensure accurate adjustments to subsidy. School Administrative Unit (SAU) staff must review and submit, disputes and student-by-student claims on both the public and private MaineCare reports for Q1’23 by January 15, 2023. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Guidance for Expulsion, Suspension, and Modified Schedules in Public Preschool Programs

This guidance is offered by the Maine Department of Education to clarify suspension, expulsion, and modified schedules as they apply to students attending public preschool programs. While the provision of public preschool programs is not mandated in Maine, public preschool is strongly encouraged. When offered, public preschool is intended to serve all eligible children, to the extent possible, including learners with a variety of needs. Children who attend high quality preschool programs have an opportunity to build social emotional skills, strengthen executive functioning skills and have a stronger start to school (Zinsser, et al, 2022). To realize these benefits, children must remain in school. Once enrolled in public preschool programs, in accordance with 20-A M.R.S. §1001(8-A), children may not be unenrolled or expelled. Additionally, if a school administrative unit (SAU) is unable to serve all 4-year-olds who wish to enroll in public preschool, protocols to determine enrollment decisions which result in preschool populations with demographics that reflect the SAU’s K-12 demographics are strongly encouraged. |  More

Two Maine Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that Natalie Emmerson, a student at Morse High School, in Bath, and Shawn Jiminez, a student at Gardiner Area High School, in Gardiner, were both selected for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). They will each be attending USSYP’s Washington Week in Washington, D.C. during the first week of March where they will meet with the Senate leaders and the Senate parliamentarian and historian; a justice of the Supreme Court, the President, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and other executive agencies, a foreign ambassador to the U.S. and senior members of the media. They are also each awarded a $10,000 scholarship to any undergraduate institution of their choosing. |  More

Hartford/Sumner 6th Graders Star in Second Debut of MLTI 2.0 SLAM Showcase

The Maine Department of Education’s MLTI Team, including MLTI Ambassadors, Nokomis SLAM students, and MLTI SLAM Coordinator, Kern Kelley spent the day presenting at the SLAM Showcase for sixth grade students and teachers from Hartford/Sumner Elementary School on November 22nd. This was the second of six SLAM (Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine) Showcases happening at schools across Maine this year. (Read about the first SLAM Showcase here) |  More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Haley Neal

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

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

New Extended Learning Position at Noble High School Connects Student with Dream Job

Lynn Kovitch is new to her role as Noble High School’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator. Thus far, she has spent a lot of her time building relationships with local businesses, organizations, and individuals in the community. |  More

Student State Board Member Ryan Hafener Presents on the Importance of Involving Youth in Policy Making

At the November State Board of Education Workshop, Student Member Ryan Hafener presented on the importance of youth engagement and provided recommendations to the Maine State Board of Education on how to increase engagement. In October, Hafener was featured on a webinar by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) that focused on how state officials can develop youth-adult partnerships. In the webinar, available on the NASBE website, Hafener fielded questions on what successful youth-adult partnerships look like, what barriers can get in the way of student engagement, and what can make partnerships successful. |  More |

Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Get Daily Bites of Info on Interdisciplinary Instruction and Project-Based Learning!

Every month the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team will provide innovative daily bites of professional learning that focus on interdisciplinary instruction and project-based learning. Each day members of the Interdisciplinary Instruction team will post on the Interdisciplinary Instruction home page and on Maine DOE social media sites with explanations, ideas, and examples of interdisciplinary instruction. |  More

Free Webinar: Community Schools 101

The National Center for Community Schools at Children’s Aid is hosting a FREE informational session on the community school strategy and how it can work for your school community on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Civil Rights Team Project Director

The Maine Office of the Attorney General is seeking a visionary leader with a passion and commitment for promoting equity in education to become the next Director of the Civil Rights Team Project (CRTP).  |  More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

School Absenteeism Reporting

As absences due to illness begin to impact schools across the state at increased rates, the DOE Data Team reminds school administrative units (SAUs) that schoolwide absences that meet or exceed 15% of the student population need to be reported. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin Visits Nokomis Regional Middle and High Schools to Highlight Maine’s Leadership During Computer Science Education Week

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin visited Nokomis Regional Middle School and High Schools to showcase how Maine is leading the nation in offering universal computer science education to all students at all grade levels in the state. Through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, the Maine Department of Education provided every Maine public school with a free mobile computer science lab to ensure that every student, pre-K through grade 12, has access to interdisciplinary, project-based computer science education with real-world applications. |  More

Emergency Certification for Special Educators

On October 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) released a memorandum to clarify the requirements of IDEA Part B, which outlines the expectations for the preparation and training of all special education teachers nationwide. |  More

ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER: Local and State School Bus Bid and Purchase

To assist and support school administrative units (SAUs) in their work to purchase school buses, the Maine Department of Education is providing clarification concerning the process to bid and purchase school buses. |  More

Maine School Counselor Association Award Nominations

The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) is pleased to announce that we are accepting nominations for the several awards..|  More

Student Writing Contest: ‘A Teacher Who Made a Positive Difference in Your Day’

The Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) and the Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) have launched their inaugural Student Writing Contest. In honor of educators and #LoveTeaching week, they are inviting students to describe a teacher who has made a difference in their day, week, year, or life. Grade section winners will win a $100 gift card and an honorable mention in each section will win a $50 gift card. |  More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Megan Welter

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

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Celebrating Playful Learning in Pre-K Expansion Classrooms

Laughter and rich conversations fill the air as teachers join students in purposeful play in Pre-K Expansion Grant classrooms across the State. Play based learning promotes engagement, curiosity and creativity. When teachers join children in their play they can scaffold learning opportunities, model language, introduce complex vocabulary and prompt deeper thinking through effective questioning. Play provides an opportunity for social learning and the development of executive functioning skills. In play, both the heart and the mind of the child are nurtured, reducing behavioral issues and supporting wellbeing while building the skills they need to be successful in school and beyond. |  More

Lowell Oyster Named 2023 Maine’s National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year

The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) is pleased to announce that Lowell Oyster, Assistant Principal of Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton, has been named Maine’s National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year. He will be honored by the MPA at its annual awards banquet at the Spring Conference on April 27, 2023, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. |  More

Augusta Adult and Community Education Partner with Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec

Augusta Adult and Community Education is pleased to announce their partnership with Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec to provide literacy support in the classroom for learners who have been identified with low literacy levels. Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec will work with students individually and/or in small groups to help them with reading comprehension and assigned classroom work. |  More

Beech Hill School Student Council Demonstrates a Passion that is Immeasurable and Contagious

Beech Hill School’s Student Council is a group of students who care about culture and community and want to serve in an important leadership role. Members of Student Council strive to consistently demonstrate their school’s four core values: respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty. They exhibit positive attitudes, work with others, and possess the desire to make Beech Hill School and the community a better place for all. |  More

Maine FIRST Lego League Championship Brings Together Twenty-Four Robotics Teams at Spruce Mountain High School

The 23rd annual Maine FIRST Lego League Championship on December 3rd was another success with two dozen teams from around the state coming to Spruce Mountain High School. Hosted by the Blue Crew out Farmington, all 24 teams shared their innovation projects with judges in the morning and competed in the robot performance in the afternoon. Teams came from Brewer, Caribou, Jay, Oakland, Old Town, Vinalhaven, Winslow and other towns mentioned below to present their innovative projects to judges and test out their robot designs on the field. |  More

RSU 13 and Healthy Acadia Extended Learning Opportunity Coordinators Highlighted at First ELO Regional Day

Steffany Tribou, an 18-year education veteran and Assistant Superintendent for RSU 13 (pictured right), and Corrie Hunkler, ELO & Youth Engagement Coordinator at Healthy Acadia (pictured left) were panelists at JMG’s first North Regional Connection Event for Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Coordinators recently. |  More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Announcing the Monthly Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Book Club

Interested in learning MORE about MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports)? Consider joining the MTSS monthly book club! That’s right, book club is back! Feedback from the summer book club was overwhelmingly positive, so that is the format we will use for MTSS book study for this school year. Details for signing up are below. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

NEO and Synergy – State Reporting Training

The Maine Department of Education Data Team is available to provide training in both NEO and Synergy for anyone looking to understand more about the navigation of these programs for state reporting purposes. Trainings can be done one-on-one with new or current users, in small groups, or in a group setting for whole districts. |  More

REPORT OPEN: EF-M-39 – Finance Report – Subsidy Allocation for 16-20 Year Old Students Exited from Regular Education and Enrolled in Adult Education Programs

The EF-M-39 report opened on December 1, 2022. This report will be due on December 15, 2022. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Lewiston Students Create Ornaments for Maine’s Tree as Part of the National Christmas Tree Display in Washington, D.C.

Students at Robert V. Connors Elementary School in Lewiston created one-of-a-kind ornaments now adorning Maine’s tree as part of the 2022 National Christmas Tree display on the Ellipse in President’s Park outside of the White House. |  More

Regional Connection Events for Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Coordinators

Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) is hosting Regional Connection Events throughout Maine for ELO (Extended Learning Opportunity) Coordinators. Each event is held in-person where a light breakfast and lunch will be provided, as will opportunities to spend time sharing, connecting, and being inspired. Find a detailed schedule/program here. |  More

Rural School Bus Electrification Webinar

There will be a webinar and Q&A to go in-depth on rural electric school bus deployment. The webinar will take a deep dive into challenges specific to rural Maine, cover the big takeaways of the MDI case study, and address questions. |  More

RFA- Restorative Practices for System Involved Youth in Maine Schools

The State of Maine is seeking applications to provide funding to Maine Schools in need of establishing or expanding support for System Involved Youth. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Middle School Teams Prepare for the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Robotics Competition

Spruce Mountain High School in Jay will host the Maine FIRST LEGO League Challenge State Championship with teams from all over the state this weekend. After a small-scale event at Messalonskee last year and no in-person event the year before, this FIRST Lego League (FLL) event aims to move a step closer to excitement and engagement that only the Civic Center in Augusta could contain! |  More

Student Voice and Choice a Big Part of Brewer High School Extended Learning Program

“We are seeing dramatic improvement in attitude and effort on the part of our students,” said Brewer High School’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator Kevin Napolillo. “They feel that their career goals are finally being addressed and can see the value of what they are doing.” |  More

Aroostook County Teachers of the Year Lead Effort to Face Regional Teacher Shortages

Aroostook County Teachers of the Year (CTOY) Leslie Marquis (2017), Bill Guerette (2018), Kim Barnes (2019), Jocelyn Saucier (2020), and Heather Anderson (2022), along with Maine Teachers of the Year (TOY) Elaine Hendrickson (2001) and Alana Margeson (2012) came together to plan, The Future of Aroostook County Education Symposium, or otherwise known as FACES, on November 17th at Caribou Community School. |  More

New STEAM Lab at Glenburn School Making a Big Impact

Establishing a culture of creation, innovation and hands-on learning is becoming a focal point at Glenburn School. The driving forces toward that goal are a couple of long-time educators – Technology Integrator, David Davis, and Technology Director, Ken Worster. |  More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Inclusion for All: How to Support All Learners through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

The Office of Special services and Inclusive Education at the Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce our next speaker in our Special Topics Series – Dr. Katie Novak on January 4, 2023 from 3:30-4:30 pm. |  More

Computer Science Mobile Lab – Training Webinars and Support Resources

Join us during Computer Science Education (CS Ed) Week for FREE virtual training for the mobile computer science labs! We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting webinars throughout next week to help folks get started with their lab equipment. These will be vendor-provided trainings and will cover the basics of unboxing, configuring, and getting started. Webinars will be live and recorded. Recordings will be posted to the website once they become available. |  More

What Are the MLTI Ambassadors Cooking Up? Daily Asynchronous Professional Learning Offerings Starting 11/28

Student Engagement, Blended Learning, Project Based Learning, Supporting All Learners and Computer Science & Computational Thinking Pedagogies are the main topics for a four-week professional learning series being offer by the MLTI Ambassadors starting on November 28. These daily offerings will go live on the MLTI Youtube channel and are open to all interested educators and will include useful resources and contact hours. These are also available as a professional learning calendar with links to the video and slides going live every day! |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

WEBINAR: Adult Education EF-M-39 Data Report – 11/29

The Maine Department of Education’s Data Team will be posting a webinar on the Adult Education EF-M-39 report in NEO on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 from 10:00am – 10:30am. Anyone who is responsible for reporting adult education data from districts is encouraged to attend. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Resources to Support Schools Following Active Shooter Threats

School leaders, educators, and public safety officials worked heroically today to keep students, staff, and schools safe, provide clear communication to families, and follow emergency preparedness plans in response to the active shooter threats that occurred at multiple schools across Maine. |  More

Collection of Resources for Supporting Maine Schools During and After Crisis

The Maine PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention System) Team acknowledges the difficulties that may arise for schools, families, and communities in response to the threats of violence in Maine schools today. We recognize that individuals will respond to these events differently, and some may require additional supports to process the experience. Reassuring students, staff and families that school is a safe, predictable, positive, and supportive environment is an important first step. Below are several recommended resources that may be consulted to support administrators, teachers, and families as they work to return to normalcy and re-instill a sense of security for themselves and their students in the coming days. |  More

Important Survey About Outdoor and Environmental Learning At Your School! 

The 2022 Census of Community-Based Outdoor and Environmental Learning in Maine is now open for responses from teachers, principals, early childhood educators, and out-of-school educators. We hope you will take some time to participate and represent your school! Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022CBEL to take this 20-minute survey and share your incredibly important perspective on this work.  We will be raffling off a grand prize $1000 gift card to L.L. Bean for anyone who has submitted a complete response, and weekly $250 gift cards to the Outdoor Learning Store in November. |  More

Students From Across Maine Come Together for In-Person 2022/2023 Student Cabinet Meeting

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) convened its first meeting of the 2022/2023 Student Cabinet in mid-October. It is the first time the Department has been able to host an in-person Student Cabinet meeting since 2019. |  More

Corinth’s Central Middle School Hosts First MLTI SLAM Showcase

The Maine Department of Education’s Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) kicked off the first of six live, in-person, all-day SLAM (Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine) showcases at Central Middle School in Corinth on October 21st. MLTI will be hosting six all-day SLAM Showcases at six different participating MLTI schools throughout the school year! |  More

Five Maine Educators Honored as Teachers of the Year by Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

The Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) recognized five Teachers of the Year at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine earlier this month. |  More

Maine DOE Staff Jean Zimmerman and Susan Berry Honored by Maine AHPERD

The Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) recognized Maine Department of Education (DOE) Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist Susan Berry and Maine DOE Health Education & Physical Education Consultant Jean Zimmerman for their outstanding contributions to Health Education and Physical Education in Maine. The recognition was received at the annual Maine AHPERD conference at the Samoset Resort earlier this month. |  More

Nominations Open for 2023 Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award

The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCLEA), an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English, is accepting nominations for the 2023 Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

How Morse High School is Bringing Career Exploration, Experience, and Learning to Its Students

“My role is to provide students at Morse High School with meaningful, real-life work/career exploration experiences to better prepare them for Maine’s workforce,” said Morse High School Extended Learning Coordinator Scott Stinchcomb. |  More

Oxbow Outdoor RREV Pilot Creates New Spaces and Opportunities for RSU 9 Students

Mount Blue Campus Instructors Jake Bogar and Travis Tierney were awarded funding for a RREV Pilot in August 2021 for an outdoor education project that aims to get students off screens and outside of traditional school building walls for a revolutionary new way of learning. |  More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Reminder: Free Virtual On-Demand Financial Education Training for Maine Educators Now Available!

Reminder: Free Virtual On-Demand Financial Education Training for Maine Educators Now Available! The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) and the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College, in partnership with the Maine Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy and its sponsors, the Office of the Maine State Treasurer, and Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), is offering free online and on-demand training for Maine teachers. |  More

WEBINARS: Using Computer Science MOOSE Modules #CSEdWeek #MaineTeaches

Are you wondering how to integrate computer science into your classroom? Join Maine teachers and the DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction & MOOSE Teams to learn about using the Computer Science MOOSE modules. The MOOSE modules are interdisciplinary, project-based modules designed by Maine teachers that introduce students to computational thinking, programming, and data science. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Seeking Applicants for Educator Summit Coordinator Position

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking an energetic, motivated, and experienced individual to serve in the role as the Educator Summit Coordinator. The selected candidate will provide initiative, guidance, and leadership in handling the necessary responsibilities as outlined below in preparation for hosting the 2nd annual Maine Educator Summit. |  More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Let’s Celebrate the School Psychologists that Live and Work in the State of Maine!

This year’s National School Psychology Week theme, “Together We Shine,” honors the hope we feel after several challenging years and emphasizes the power of our collective efforts to overcome difficulties to ensure that all our students can thrive in school, at home, and in life. Throughout the week, schools across the country will be taking part in events and activities designed to highlight how school psychologists, teachers, and other school personnel work with students and families to reestablish their sense of being valued parts of a greater whole. |  More

Nominations and Applications Open for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Bilingual education, including language immersion programs, offer exciting and impactful interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students. Research shows that developing proficiency in two or more languages has cognitive, educational, economic, and sociocultural benefits. |  More

Nominations Open for LifeChanger of the Year Award

Nominations are now open for the LifeChanger of the Year Award, a national program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. The program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. |  More

Nominations Open for ‘Spirit of America Foundation’ School Award

Spirit of America Foundation, an Augusta based public charity established to honor volunteerism, wants to honor people, groups or projects across Maine who are helping our Maine schools. They are seeking nominations for their School Award. |  More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Matt Leavitt

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

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Maine Professional Learning Community: The Rural Experience in America – Info Sessions Nov. 14 & 15

Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program, NCHE (National Council for History Education) is proud to announce a 3-part colloquium for teachers focusing on Rural America. These free professional learning opportunities will help teachers develop place-based interdisciplinary units that connect students to their rural communities. Additionally, the Maine Department of Education will be hosting a bi-weekly professional learning community to support educators through these NCHE modules. The Professional Learning Community will incorporate the work developed by the Maine DOE interdisciplinary instruction specialists. |  More

USM to Host Special Performance of ‘The Thanksgiving Play’ By Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) for Educators w/ Post-show Talkback

The University of Southern Maine (USM) College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Theatre invites Maine educators to join them on Friday, November 18th at 7:30pm, Russell Hall, Gorham Campus for a special performance of The Thanksgiving Play, with a post-show talkback moderated by USM Professor/Director Rachel Price Cooper featuring guests: Dr. Shannon Epplett (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) Theatre Professor and consultant on USM’s production of The Thanksgiving Play, and Dr. Margo Lukens, University of Maine, Native American Literature & Theatre. |  More

WEBINAR: Developing Comprehensive and Equitable School Safety Programs that Consider the Whole Child, Whole School, and Whole Community

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and its Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center will host a Webinar on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. This Webinar will highlight comprehensive approaches to school safety and emergency operations plan (EOP) development that include physical and psychological safety and well-being that are rooted in equitable approaches. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Staff Certification Report Due Soon

The Staff Certification Report is due Tuesday, November 15th in NEO. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Media Release: Fourth Grade Teacher Sarah Collins Honored With Prestigious Milken Educator Award

A Hermon elementary teacher was surprised today as one of America’s top teachers. In front of a vibrant schoolwide assembly of cheering students, appreciative colleagues, local dignitaries and media, Sarah Collins, a fourth grade science teacher at Patricia A. Duran School, received the $25,000 Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. Collins is the first teacher to receive the Award in the Hermon Public School District since the initiative began in Maine in 1990. The cash prize is unrestricted. |  More

Report on Bilingual Education in Maine Now Available

Bilingual education, including language immersion programs, offer exciting and impactful interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students. Research shows that developing proficiency in two or more languages has cognitive, educational, economic, and sociocultural benefits. |  More

Public Pre-K and Partnership Open Office Hours Scheduled

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team is pleased to offer Open Office Hours focusing on technical assistance for public pre-k. These office hours will feature Marcy Whitcomb, Public Pre-K Consultant and Sue Gallant, Public Pre-K Expansion Consultant. |  More

The Telling Room Statewide Writing Contest Open for Student Submissions

The Telling Room, a literary arts education organization in Maine has opened submissions for a Statewide writing contest. Youth youth ages 6 – 18 can submit writing samples in all forms of creative and personal writing – the theme is open. |  More

Educational Resources for Native American Heritage Month and Beyond

November is recognized nationally as “National American Indian Heritage Month,” or otherwise known as Native American Heritage Month which celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers, and settlers of the United States. |  More

Educational Resources to Celebrate Veteran’s Day

A Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made Nov. 11 of each year a legal holiday—”a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” Congress amended this act on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has since been known as Veterans Day. |  More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Cheryl Lang

Maine DOE Team member Cheryl Lang is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Cheryl in the question and answer below.. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Innovation and Interdisciplinary Learning Has Students Doing Math in Orono’s Webster Park
• Using Book Creator & Educational Technology Tools to Engage Students in Reading

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Maine DOE Adult Education Team Awards $3.2 Million in Strengthening Maine’s Workforce Education and Training Grants

The Maine Department of Education’s Adult Education Team has funded 8 Strengthening Maine Workforce projects as part of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Program (MJRP). |  More

Governor Mills, Commissioner Makin Help Celebrate 2022 Maine County Teachers of the Year at Annual Tailgate Gala

The 2022 County Teachers of the Year and the recently named 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year Matt Bernstein were celebrated recently at the 2022 Teacher of the Year Tailgate Gala. The Gala is an annual celebration of the program honoring the hard work and dedication of these teachers and the teaching profession. |  More

Update of the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards

The Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS) are the state’s learning standards for children ages three-five. Building from the Infant Toddler MELDS (IT MELDS) and bridging developmental expectations to the Maine Learning Results (MLRs), the MELDS inform all early childhood professionals about the typically developing expectations of young children as well as curriculum and assessment practices. |  More

Secretary of State’s 2022 Maine Native American History and Culture Essay Contest

In an effort to enhance Maine Native American Studies lessons (MRSA 20-A Sec. 4706), the Secretary of State sponsors an essay contest in which middle and high school students explore at least one aspect of Wabanaki history and then write an essay on their findings. |  More

November is National Runaway Prevention Month – Get Involved! 

We hope you will join us this November to Shine a Light on youth experiencing homelessness. Use these resources to get involved. |  More

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Temporary Waiver Set to Expire on 10/31/2022

APPLY BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 2022! The PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) temporary waiver allows eligible borrowers who work for a qualifying employer to apply for PSLF, despite having loans that may not have been previously eligible. |  More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Matt Vaughan

Maine DOE Team member Matt Vaughan is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Matt in the question and answer below.. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Augusta Adult and Community Education Offers Free Childcare for Students

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: The Rural Experience in America Inquiry

Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program, NCHE is proud to announce a 3-part colloquium for teachers focusing on Rural America. These free professional learning opportunities will help teachers develop place-based interdisciplinary units that connect students to their rural communities. Additionally, the Maine Department of Education will be hosting a bi-weekly professional learning community to support educators through these NCHE modules. The PLC will incorporate the work developed by the MDOE interdisciplinary instruction specialists. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

DUE DATE CHANGE: Attendance and Truancy

The Attendance and Truancy reports are now due on October 30, 2022. For reporting guides for these reports please see the Fall Reporting instructions and for more information please see the Webinars and Presentations on the Helpdesk website. |  More

Annual Audit Requirements Reminder

Annual Audit Reports Due December 30th. Annual audit reports are due within six months after the end of the audit period (e.g., reports for the fiscal year ending June 30th are due on or before December 30th). In accordance with Title 20-A, §6051.. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Casco Bay High School Teacher Matthew Bernstein Named 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year

In a surprise ceremony held at Casco Bay High School in Portland, the Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine named ninth grade Humanities and Social Studies teacher Matthew Bernstein as Maine’s 2023 Teacher of the Year while students and colleagues at the school congratulated and honored his tremendous impact on his students and dedication to teaching. |  More

Things Are Falling Into Place In Public Pre-K Expansion Classrooms

Autumn has arrived bringing crisp air and beautiful foliage. As the colorful leaves drift down, things are falling into place in Pre-K expansion classrooms across ten Maine school districts. This fall 17 new classrooms opened and five others moved from part day to full day programming through a grant offered by the Maine Department of Education. Funded through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, the grant expands access to high-quality Pre-K programming and provides relief to families struggling to find childcare. |  More

Maine PBIS Brief Published in the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Maine PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) state leaders recently published this brief in the national Center on PBIS with a focus on developing systems of support in rural school settings. |  More

Student Mental Health Support Modules

The Maine Department of Education’s SEL4ME platform is now hosting over 100 free, PK-12th grade modules focused specifically on supporting student mental health and wellness. While schools and districts are faced with significant educational and developmental priorities for many children and students associated with the pandemic, there is a need for balanced programming that supports learning, while also supporting their social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment. |  More

Maine DOE and Lives in the Balance: Collaboration to Reduce Restraint and Seclusion

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is partnering with Lives in the Balance, a Maine founded and nationally renowned organization that uses evidence based practice approaches to support schools seeking to reduce their use of Restraint and Seclusion. |  More

Toileting Support Resources for Schools

Frequent inquiries from the field about how to support children who need toileting support has prompted the creation of this resource document for schools. Ultimately, a public school district cannot refuse to enroll or serve a child who has toileting needs, nor should there be any punishment associated with soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet. Each School Administrative Unit (SAU) is encouraged to adopt sanitation and hygiene procedures for assisting with toileting and/or diapering that adequately protect the health and safety of all children and staff. The determination of which school personnel within a school setting can be asked to assist with toilet training/toileting support is a local employment and collective bargaining matter. |  More

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes dyslexia as a brain-based learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. Other definitions (e.g., First Step Act – § 3635; International Dyslexia Association; Mayo Clinic) describe dyslexia in a similar way. The reading impairments associated with dyslexia are also unexpected in that individuals with dyslexia typically demonstrate otherwise typical intellectual functioning and developmental growth. |  More  

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Free Virtual On-Demand Financial Education Training for Maine Educators

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) and the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College, in partnership with the Maine Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy and its sponsors, the Office of the Maine State Treasurer, and Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), is offering free online and on-demand training for Maine teachers. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Important Notice: Fall Data Collection has OPENED

October 1st Student Enrollment: Report opened on October 1, 2022 for review and will be open for certification by districts starting on October 15, 2022 with a due-date of October 30, 2022. Data from these reports is used in many areas of State and Federal reporting and is also the basis for the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding formula. Due to the time-sensitive nature of EPS funding, it is essential this data be submitted, reviewed, and certified in a timely manner.. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Maine Department of Education Awards $1.6 Million in RREV Funding to Support Education Innovation

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) awarded $1.6 million in Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) funding to support education innovation in twelve school administrative units (SAUs) across Maine. These federal funds will be used to invest in strategies to engage students through outdoor learning, alternative education, online learning pathways, and more. |  More

Filing of New Proposed Chapter 117: Rules Regarding the Duties of School Counselors and School Social Workers

Through analysis of feedback from state professional organizations and education professionals and under the authority of state statute 20-A MRSA §4008-A, the Maine Department of Education is proposing a new Chapter 117 Rule. The proposed rule will positively impact professional school staff by defining the scope and duties of these dynamic positions and creating a foundation for continued guidance. This new rule highlights how the important, and complimentary roles of school counselors and school social workers, fit into an overall school structure of support for students. |  More

Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin Visits Schoodic Institute’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Program

Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin headed to the Schoodic Peninsula last week to take part in a Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative program run by the Schoodic Institute. More than 50 sixth through eighth graders from Hancock Grammar School, and their teachers, took part in a two-night, three-day outdoor coastal learning experience. |  More

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Cyber Awareness Month is a global effort to help everyone stay safe and protected when using technology whenever and however they connect. The theme for the month is, “It’s easy to stay safe online.” The Maine DOE has teamed with MaineIT, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA). We are proud to support this online safety and education initiative this October. |  More

FY 2023 Leased Space Approvals

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has completed its review of FY 2023 leased space applications. Maine DOE’s Leased Space Program addresses the need for additional classroom space due to overcrowding, enrollment fluctuations and new programs in order to improve the quality and condition of learning environments for Maine students. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Sparking Creativity: International Dot Day and Augmented Reality

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Professional Learning Opportunity: Teacher Leaders – Planning with the WIDA English Language Development Standards

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, coordinators/directors, Ed Techs, tutors, and instructional coaches are invited to join the Maine Department of Education and WIDA for a hybrid workshop on planning with the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards! |  More

CISA Active Shooter Preparedness Webinar

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is hosting a 2-hour Security Webinar to enhance awareness of, and response to, an active shooter incident. |  More

Webinar Announcement: Bullying Prevention Awareness Month: Resources for K-12 Schools (Oct. 13)

Please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse on October 13 at 2:00 PM EDT for an informational webinar on bullying awareness and prevention resources along with guidance to help create safer school environments. This session will provide information and resources designed for the kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) school community. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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