Category: Maine DOE Update

Commissioner’s Update – May 26, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

On June 22 and 23 at Bates College, Maine School Wellness Summit participants will be empowered to envision and create plans for a positive, healthy, and safe learning environment in their schools. The goals will be to improve personal health and well-being as well as define a culture of wellness that improves academic achievement. This summit is a component of the Maine Schoolsite Health Promotion Program (MSHPP) and is hosted by the Maine Department of Education.

George Manning, Professor of Psychology and Business at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) will kick off the summit; engaging participants in successful leadership techniques and strategies for building community in the workplace. He will address communication, teamwork and a 1-Team attitude; positive versus negative group member roles; and understanding and dealing with different types of people. Come learn people-building skills appropriate for all levels of personnel.

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MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made, report review by June 25, 2016

The 2015-16 subsidy checks for General Purpose Aid for local schools will reflect adjustments for MaineCare Seed payments paid by the Maine DOE on behalf of school administrative units. | More

Agriculture and natural resources students recognized at Maine FFA convention

Students of the Maine FFA Association (formerly Future Farmers of America) participated in the State convention earlier this month at the University of Maine in Orono. | More

Regional training for ESEA coordinators and business managers

The Maine Department of Education is providing training for Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) coordinators, individual title administrators and business managers/bookkeepers. | More

Has your school joined the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge?

If you are like many teachers and parents at this time of year, you are celebrating the growth students have made as learners but wondering if that growth will be maintained over the summer months. | More

“Multiple Pathways to the Student Brain” workshops next month

For the first time in Maine, neuroscientist and educator, Dr. Janet Zadina will be presenting “Multiple Pathways to the Student Brain.” | More

Maine History Teacher of the Year named

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History has named a Maranacook Community High School educator the Maine History Teacher of the Year. | More

Students named winners of Constitution Essay and Poster Contest

Students from across the state took part in the annual Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest. | More

OSHA issues final rule on injury reporting

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued its Final Rule, which requires employers to submit injury and illness records electronically. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – May 19, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Maine’s 2016 County Teachers of the Year spent some time in Augusta last week learning more about their roles in representing all educators in the state. Maine’s 2016 Teacher of the Year Talya Edlund encouraged educators be connected on Facebook to read all the posts regarding education policy and more. “You don’t know where this journey will take you, but soak in every moment and enjoy the ride,” she said.

The 2015 Washington County Teacher of the Year Benjamin Brigham taught this year’s County Teachers of the Year the “just in time” professional development through social media. He told them, “You have the ability to elevate all things education; it’s a 365 day a year profession.”

2015 Teacher of the Year Jennifer Dorman reminded the educators, “The goal of the three finalists is to work as a team, on education policy in Maine.”

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School nurses recognized at the Blaine House

Maine 2016 School Nurse of the Year, along with some retiring school nurses, were honored last week. | More

Maine’s U.S. Senators briefed on work of Maine Schools for Excellence grant project

Maine’s Director of the Maine Schools for Excellence (MSFE) grant initiative, Scott Harrison, recently traveled to Washington D.C. to brief Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. | More

Enhanced student information system to replace Infinite Campus State Edition

Maine DOE is pleased to announce the partnership of Edupoint Educational Systems. | More

Team Knox Rocks take State award in Farm to School Cook-off

The final round of Maine’s first Farm to School Cook-off designed to promote using local products in school lunches was recently held. | More

Geographic Information Systems in classrooms

The Department and others  are collaborating with Maine GIS Education Partners to bring Geographic Information Systems to Maine classrooms. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – May 12, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

In an effort to promote summer reading, the Maine Department of Education is collaborating with the Freemasons of Maine to sponsor the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge for students in grades PK-8. The 18,000 Freemasons of Maine are pleased to expand their popular statewide Bikes for Books student reading incentive program to now encourage children to read during the summer. The Bikes for Books program provides over 2,000 bikes to Maine schoolchildren each year to promote literacy. The Maine Freemasons have generously donated 48 bikes with helmets as prizes for the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge.

To earn a chance to be entered into the state-level drawing, students must meet the challenge of reading at least 500 minutes during the summer vacation period. Any school with students in grades PK-8 may register to participate. Participating schools will collect documentation of students who have completed the challenge. They will hold school level drawings to select two students (one boy and one girl) whose names will be entered into the state level drawing to be held on Sept.23. Schools are encouraged to participate in this challenge, to coordinate it with any other summer reading challenges/programs they offer and to consider soliciting their own local level prizes for students who complete the challenge.

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County Teachers of the Year in waiting

Maine is now in its third year of recognizing County Teachers of the Year, a program that includes the selection of 15 awardees this year, leading up to the selection of Maine’s Teacher of the Year. | More

Teachers in celebration

Teacher appreciation week saw celebrations across the state and in our nation’s capital, in particular, for Maine’s 2016 Teacher of the Year. | More

Career & Technical Education students honored

Twenty six Career and Technical Education students were honored last month at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center’s Culinary Arts building. | More

Truancy data reminder for administrators

The Department is reminding school administrators to review student truancy data after the last day of school, but no later than June 30. | More

OSEP memo regarding children residing in nursing homes

On April 26, 2016 the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSEP) issued a “Dear Colleague” letter. | More

Maine DOE helps send kids to summer camp

The Maine Department of Education Morale Team recently created two venues designed to send a child to camp this summer. | More

MEA alternate mathematics and English language arts/literacy (MSAA) closes

The MSAA alternate assessment closes this Friday, May 13. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – May 5, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Maine Department of Education staff participated in the annual Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day on Thursday, April 28. Our children learned about what we do, experienced the State House complex, and all were in awe of the healthy, creative snacks made by the Department’s nutrition specialist, Chef Andy Hutchins and his daughter.

English Language Arts Specialist Morgan Dunton put her granddaughter Meredith Adams, who is a sixth grader at Wells Ogunquit Junior High School, right to work. The two assembled a colorful paper “quilt” filled with statements from teachers about “Why I Teach.” Dunton says, “Perhaps the highlight of the day was a State House tour where Meredith was inspired to apply to be a page for the House. This is an idea she will take back to her school’s civil rights team.”

Valerie Densmore, an Educational Specialist with Maine DOE’s Special Services brought her 15 year old daughter to work. Lauren Boubel is a freshman at Morse High School in Bath. Densmore says the highlight of the day was showing her daughter what an Individual Education Plan is, its importance, why it is needed, and all the components of an IEP.

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AP4ALL – reduced costs for dual enrollment program

The AP4LL program is pleased to announce the cost through the dual enrollment program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent has decreased for eligible students for fall 2016. | More

Registration open for 2016 Summer Literacy Institute

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce registration is now open for the 2016 Summer Literacy Institute: High Impact Instructional Routines and Strategies. | More

MLTI Student Conference registration open

Students and educators will join together on May 26 at the University of Maine for a one-day student conference to understand the power and possibilities delivered to them through Maine’s Learning Through Technology Initiative. | More

School librarian receives award

The Maine Department of Education along with the Maine Association of School Librarians presented an award to the Old Town Elementary School Librarian recently. | More

Maine elementary physical education teacher recognized

Liz Giles-Brown, a physical education teacher at South Bristol Elementary School and Southport Central School, was honored during the Professional Excellence Awards Ceremony. | More

Social Studies Summer Symposium

The Maine Department of Education, in partnership with the Maine Council for the Social Studies, will hold the inaugural Social Studies Summer Symposium on June 29. | More

Young children’s learning topic of spring conference

Maine Department of Education’s Early Childhood Specialist Sue Reed moderated a panel at the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children spring conference. | More

Recognizing school nurses

The Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with the Maine Association of School Nurses, is hosting a tea at the Blaine House this month to honor school nurses. | More

Educational surrogate parent volunteers needed

The Maine Department of Education is seeking volunteers for the Educational Surrogate Parent Program. | More

A discussion about school withdrawals in Androscoggin River Valley

School withdrawals and the financial impact are some of the topics in this month’s two part program called, Today River Valley. | More

School Bus to Mars? Engaging students in engineering and science

We have all heard of young ones enjoying their journey on the Magic School Bus, but the magic came to life as part of the STEM curriculum showcased recently at the 2016 USA Science & Engineering Festival. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – April 28, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

The Blue Ribbon Commission to Reform Public Education Funding and Improve Student Performance is now underway, after enactment by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Paul LePage. It is now recorded into statue as PUBLIC Law, Chapter 389, LD 1641.

The Commission will meet on June 6 at Oxford Hills High School and the meeting will be open to the public. All documents presented at these meetings can be found here.

“There are several macro trends we need to address,” says Commission Chair Bill Beardsley. “In the past 15 years, state funding formula expenses for public PreK–12 education have risen by 51 percent; local expenditures on public PreK–12 education have risen by 75 percent while total PreK–12 education enrollments have fallen by 34,000 to about 178,000 students. At the same time, while Maine remains slightly above national average in student achievement in ELA/literacy and mathematics, the income achievement gap across Maine remains large. Students in wealthier schools and counties, in terms of family income, have significantly higher academic achievement than students in lower income schools and counties.”

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Students honored for their creative accomplishments by Maine’s First Lady

The Hall of Flags was filled with music and a lot of excited school students who were recognized at a celebration of Excellence in Maine Visual and Performing Arts Education. | More

Maine Charter School Commission seeking candidates for a new member

The Maine Charter School Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Maine State Board of Education. The Commission has begun a search to fill a vacancy for the unexpired term May 2016 – June 2018. | More

Senator Collins visits with school children in Aroostook County

Senator Susan Collins journeyed back to her home turf of Aroostook County recently and visited the Aroostook County Action Program Early Care and Education Center. | More

Error in packaging creates confusion for PAAP returns

The Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP) pick up by UPS on May 3 will occur regardless of a potentially late submission of the electronic Principal Certification of Proper Test Administration. | More

May is Lyme Disease Awareness month

Maine’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) is planning events in May to raise awareness. | More

Maine DOE health education spring conference

The Maine Department of Education hosted the 18th annual Comprehensive School Health Education Spring Conference. | More

Science webinar from NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will broadcast a live educational webinar from Galveston, Texas as part of the 2016 Hurricane Awareness Tour. | More

Inmates preparing for college has nine people on a new path

“I never knew how to start with college classes.” That is what one York County Jail inmate shared recently when interviewed by the Journal Tribune. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – April 21, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine Department of Education launched its first Farm to School Cook-off this month with volunteer, food service staff teams representing five school districts and communities. The cook-off is part of the State’s child nutrition projects and follows legislation to support healthy meals in schools.

Team Songo Locks School from RSU 61 took the first regional cook-off against Team Portland. The second regional cook-off went to Team Knox Rocks!, a combined duo from Five-Town CSD/MSAD 28 and RSU 13. The Big Kahunas from RSU 38 came in second and Team Fantastic Foodies from Lewiston came in third.

Judges tasted meals presented in boat-like shapes including tuna salad schooners, which were inspired by a school reading called “Nicholas.” An “Unbeetable Bana-Berry Smoothie” consisting of various berries, bananas and local beets created a meal of vibrant color. Another meal consisted of asparagus, red bell pepper and fresh mozzarella on toast which was designed to introduce new foods to Somali students. This competition was more than just about food; it was about accommodating meals to their student populations.

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Maine DOE seeks assessment waiver

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires that State assessments cover the full range of the state’s academic content standards. | More

Assessing the assessment

The administration window for the Maine Education Assessment (MEA) for mathematics and ELA/literacy (grades 3-8) has come and gone, but the work is far from over for the Maine Department of Education. | More

Department clarifies impact of changes to educator effectiveness law

On March 24, 2016 revisions to 20-A MRSA Chapter 508 were made clarifying statutory language pertaining to the use of the PEPG systems for all School Administrative Units (SAU) in Maine. | More

2016 summer data training sessions feedback requested

In an effort to provide timely-prudent training, the Maine Department of Education’s data team has put together a short survey to determine what trainings are desired by the field. | More

Maine DOE’s child nutrition consultant recognized

Maine Department of Education’s Child Nutrition Consultant Gail Lombardi, RD was presented the 2016 Katherine O. Musgrave Public Service Award. | More

Maine arts students to be recognized at State House

The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Arts Commission are holding a celebration of Excellence in Maine Visual and Performing Arts Education. | More

Conference inspires young women to pursue careers in trade and tech

The annual Maine Totally Trades Conference recently held in Bangor introduces young women to male-dominated occupations. | More

Inclusion Award Contest raises awareness; students recognized

Students participated in an essay contest designed to raise awareness that all people deserve inclusion for their unique gifts. | More

Hands-on safety demonstrations at Teen Driving Expo

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, Maine Department of the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Maine Department of Transportation, and AAA Northern New England are co-sponsoring the Teen Driving Expo this Saturday, April 23. | More

Dance education grant announced for Aroostook County

The Maine Arts Commission has awarded a grant, “Hopes for the Future,” to provide dance education to K-12 students in Frenchville and St. Agatha. | More

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards announced

Two Maine students have been awarded The Prudential Spirit of Community Award for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – April 14, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to conclude the 2015-16 “Content Corner” collection with this third release of instructionally-focused articles for Maine educators. The third collection of articles completes this year’s focus on effective practices that support student learning in the content areas.

The third collection includes:

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Adult Ed graduate keeps business skills local

Although she believed firmly in the value of a good education and always planned to finish high school and attend college, Michelle DeIulio says she discovered at an early age that traditional school just didn’t work for her. | More

Maine CTE Director recognized by DECA

This month in Tennessee, Maine’s State Director of Career and Technical Education will be honored as the 2016 Maine DECA Association Administrator of the Year. | More

Educator talent pool recommendations due soon

The Maine Department of Education is accepting recommendations through April 28 for the 2016 Maine Educator Talent Pool. | More

Maine DOE invites school transportation teams to attend regional safety conferences beginning next week

Each spring school transportation teams participate in six statewide regional school transportation safety conferences. | More

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 and alternate score reports and family resources available

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 score reports were made available online on April 8 and printed reports will be delivered on April 15. | More

Personalized learning: voices from the field

Maine educators shared their stories about personalizing learning at the New England Secondary Schools Consortium conference in March. | More

Nominations sought for Teacher Appreciation Week

During this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6), the Department wants to extend a personal thank you to some great teachers. | More

Annual Maine DECA conference offers competition and awards

The Maine DECA 48th State Career Development Conference was held recently. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – April 7, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine Department of Education teamed up with the Augusta School Department last month to deliver 200 backpacks filled with supplies, books and snacks to elementary and middle school students in Augusta, Lewiston, Portland and RSU 17.

The supplies were donated through Maine DOE’s partnership with Feed the Children HELP Backpack program, a national effort working to end childhood hunger. Together, the Department and Feed the Children work to determine areas of highest need and connect donors, experts, partners, leaders, and communities to attack the issue from all angles.

The Department is currently working to bring more backpacks and supplies to Maine’s homeless children and youth. The McKinney-Vento Education Assistance Act defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.”

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MLTI technology updates bring benefits to schools and students

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative is updating many of the technology solutions in classrooms this year in order to bring districts the features or budget savings they have been requesting. | More

Building safe and supportive school environments

Many people who grow up in Maine experience small town pride and friendly neighbors, which helps create a welcoming community in a school. | More

Maine DOE prepares School Improvement Grant application, seeks public comment on waiver

The Maine Department of Education will again apply for federal School Improvement Grant (SIG) funding that the Department would distribute to help the state’s most struggling schools. | More

A CTE project through a national program adds mobility and color to a former student’s ride

Oxford Hills Technical School students spruced up a van through their auto collision program, but it’s more than just a facelift. | More

Maine School Wellness Summit registration opens

The first annual Maine School Wellness Summit will be held on June 22 and 23 at Bates College in Lewiston. | More

The claw is the law

Last month, some third grade students from Brewer came to Augusta promoting the idea of naming the lobster Maine’s official crustacean. | More

Maine DOE nutrition consultant and Chef shares his skills

A day of professional development in a Franklin County school kitchen added a “wow” factor to the menu. | More

 

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Commissioner’s Update – March 31, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Acting Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley honored 19 team members for years of service today at the Department, representing a long-standing commitment to Maine’s citizens. Collectively, this group has dedicated over 560 years as employees of State government.

“Years embody context and institutional memory. Years serve as our anchor to windward in an era and environment of constant change,” says Acting Commissioner Bill Beardsley. “And years reflect commitment, dedication, resilience, and camaraderie which are the ties that bind.”

Maine DOE staff members Jackie Godbout and Suzan Beaudoin have served over 30 years at the Department. Godbout began her service as a Vocational Education Secretary and today is the Title IA Program Consultant for the Special Services Division. She says she enjoys being part of State government, “to work and serve the people of Maine and support programs that enhance the educational opportunities and achievement of all students in Maine.”

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MLTI to refresh some middle school Apple classrooms; others have option

The Maine Department of Education will be refreshing all seventh and eighth grade 2013 Apple Primary (iPads) and Apple Alternate (MacBook Air) school classrooms. | More

NEO Staff coming up on a year

Last summer the Maine Department of Education’s Data Management System (MEDMS) staff data collection was transferred into a new system called NEO Staff. | More

Maine’s public preschool programs and Section 504

The following information is provided to ensure that all Maine school districts are aware that Section 504 applies to public 4-year old programs. | More

Maine school featured for effective, learner-centered instruction

Hall-Dale Middle and High School was one of 18 high-performing schools selected to present at the Ignite ’16 School Showcase in February. | More

Maine Arts Education Advocacy Day

Last week, National and Maine Arts Education Advocacy Day was celebrated. | More

Department participates in cyber breach training

Maine Department of Education recently participated in Cyber Storm V (CSV), a biennial national exercise conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. | More

New School Nurse Orientation training: concussions to bugs and more

Forty new school nurses came to Augusta to attend a school nurse orientation sponsored by the Maine Department of Education this month. | More

Transportation departments invited to participate in national safety survey

Maine school bus drivers have been invited to collect survey data about illegal passing to help improve safety countermeasures. | More

Principal of the year and more named this month

This week, the Maine Principals Association made some announcements at surprise ceremonies and other school leaders have been recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals association. | More

Assessment Administrators needed for NAEP

Westat is seeking motivated individuals, who are committed to excellence and are experienced in working with primary and secondary school students. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – March 24, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Five schools and districts were in Massachusetts last week representing Maine at a regional conference on effective strategies for improving teaching and learning in the twenty-first century.

The schools were: Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, Foxcroft Academy, Nokomis Regional High School, Regional School Unit 2, and Windham High School. They were selected based on their exemplary work and extraordinary commitment to making sure every student has a chance to succeed and to make a positive contribution to the world in which they live.

Christine Hesler, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for RSU 14, and Chris Howell, principal of Windham High School, received 2016 educational Champion awards from the New England Secondary School Consortium for their unique contributions to the effort to raise graduation rates, lower dropout rates, and send more students on to college and postsecondary certification programs in Maine.

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Upcoming regional meetings offer continued support for family engagement

Maine DOE’s Title I team will be conducting additional regional roundtable meetings to support and assist districts in analyzing and evaluating current (school and classroom) family engagement strategies. | More

Maine DOE releases learning technology framework

Maine DOE’s Learning Through Technology team has released the Maine Learning Technology Framework. | More

MEA alternate testing window opens

The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) for mathematics and English language arts/literacy testing window opens Wednesday, March 30. | More

Poetry Out Loud Maine state champion heads into nationals

A Mt. Ararat High School student is off to Washington, D.C. in May for national competition after winning the 2016 Poetry Out Loud competition. | More

More than 50 Maine schools receive 3D printers

The Perloff Family Foundation, in partnership with the Maine Community Foundation, gifted 3D printers to more than 50 schools in Maine. | More

WeatherBlur – Call for schools to participate

The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) is seeking elementary and middle schools to become part of its WeatherBlur program. | More

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