Category: Newsroom Articles

Maine DOE Launches Second Year of Pine Tree Programming, Expanding Hands-On Computer Science Opportunities for Students Across Maine

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Learning Through Technology team is excited to announce the launch of the second year of Pine Tree Programming, a statewide initiative designed to expand access to high-quality computer science education. Building on a successful first year that introduced more than 500 students to coding across 44 schools, Pine Tree Programming is returning with even more opportunities for Maine students.

This year, the program will feature hands-on coding experiences using micro:bits, small programmable devices that make computer science interactive, creative, and accessible for learners of all backgrounds. Students in grades 3-8 will participate in six weeks of progressively sequenced activities, empowering them to explore coding concepts, solve problems, and create their own digital projects.

“Pine Tree Programming is all about making computer science fun and approachable,” Allison Braley, Maine DOE Computer Science Specialist, said. “By giving students the chance to learn through doing, we’re helping them to develop the confidence and skills they’ll carry into high school, careers, and beyond.”

Pine Tree Programming clubs will launch in February and run for six weeks, providing students across the state with an engaging introduction to computer science—with no prior experience necessary.

Additionally, the Learning Through Technology team is committed to equitable access for all participating schools. As part of the Pine Tree Programming club sign-up process, schools may request micro:bits, if access to devices would otherwise be a barrier to participation. Schools that are planning to do so must submit their requests by Friday, January 9, 2026, to allow time for shipping before clubs begin.

Schools that are interested in participating in Year Two of Pine Tree Programming, or in requesting micro:bits, can sign up using this form.

With questions, please contact Allison Braley at allison.braley@maine.gov.

Grant Funds Available to Rural SAUs through 2026 Aspirations Incubator Requests for Proposals; Submissions Due January 12

The Rural Youth Institute has announced the release of two 2026 Aspirations Incubator Requests for Proposals (RFP): a planning grant RFP and a seed grant RFP. Rural SAUs are encouraged to apply. The submission deadline for both RFPs is January 12, 2026.

The Aspirations Incubator is a transformative, evidence-based mentoring model designed to elevate aspirations and foster a strong sense of belonging among rural middle and high school students. Developed over six years ago in five rural Maine communities, this place-based model thrives through deep school-community partnerships and innovative mentoring practices. By engaging youth where they naturally are—at school, in the community, and in nature—the Aspirations Incubator creates authentic, lasting connections that empower the next generation. 

  • Planning Grant RFP: The Aspirations Incubator planning grant is designed to help communities assess their readiness to adopt an Aspirations Incubator long-term youth development and mentoring model that partners with local middle and high schools. Through this process, grantees will form a planning team, conduct a community needs assessment, ensure organizational capacity, and develop an Aspirations Incubator conceptual design. The total available funding for planning grants is $10,000.
  • Seed Grant RFP: The Aspirations Incubator Seed Grant is designed to provide financial support to new organizations committed to implementing the six-year Aspirations Incubator model. This grant will help organizations to establish the program and ensure its successful launch. The total available funding for seed grants is $20,000.

Both grant processes will follow this timeline:

  • RFP release date: December 1, 2025
  • RFP submission deadline: January 12, 2026
  • Review period: January 13-26, 2026
  • Notification of awards: January 30, 2026
  • Grant period: February 1-October 1, 2026

For more information, visit www.aspirationsincubator.org or contact Meg Taft at meg@ruralyouthinstitute.org.

Upcoming Training Dates for New Connect Data System

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team will be offering webinars and office hours in January 2026 to assist in preparing for the implementation of the new Connect data integration system. These trainings will focus on data entry procedures into Connect, as well as the process for generating a collection “snapshot” within the system.

Some trainings will be specific to certain student information systems (SIS). To make the most of your time, please be advised of the following system capabilities:

  • Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) can be used by: Infinite Campus, PowerSchool, Rediker Software, and Web2School users.
  • Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) can be used by: Synergy users (local instance only—not state edition).
  • Uploads will be used by any school administrative unit (SAU) opting not to use SIF or SFTP and any SAU without a local SIS

Please note: Manual entry of student data is no longer available. All data provided to Connect must originate from a source file (e.g., CSV uploads, SFTP, or SIF transfer.)

Training sessions include:

  • Connect SIF Data Entry Webinar – January 13 at noon – Register here.
  • Connect Upload Data Entry Webinar – January 15 at noon – Register here.
  • Connect SFTP Data Entry Webinar (Edupoint Users only) – January 20 at noon – Register here.
  • Connect Collection Webinar – January 22 at noon – Register here.
  • Connect Office Hours

As a reminder, the state edition of Synergy will be used for all remaining 2025-2026 data collections. These training sessions in Connect are designed to provide exposure to processes that will be implemented in the next school year.

With questions about upcoming webinars or Connect, please contact the Maine Education Data Management System Support Team at MEDMS.Support@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896.

Two-Part Professional Learning Series: Designing High-Quality ILAP Language Goals for Multilingual Learners

Are you looking for a clearer, more confident approach to creating effective language goals for multilingual learners? If so, consider participating in a two-part virtual series, led by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Teacher Leader Fellow Rebecca Carey. Participants will learn how to strengthen their practice surrounding Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPs) by engaging in a clear and collaborative process for creating meaningful, measurable language goals that support and monitor student growth, connecting directly to classroom learning

Every multilingual learner must have an ILAP—a required, school-based plan designed to reflect and support their language development needs. High-quality ILAPs include well-crafted language goals that are measurable, instructionally relevant, and aligned to students’ learning contexts.In these sessions, participants will:

  • Learn effective approaches to developing high-quality language goals.
  • Engage with a variety of WIDA resources to support language goal development.
  • Explore collaborative pathways and approaches for ILAP development.
  • Draft, refine, and receive feedback on language goals with guided support.

These sessions are intended for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, directors/coordinators of multilingual programs, and general education teachers who support multilingual learners. Each session includes one hour of structured learning, followed by 30 minutes of guided workshopping, discussion, and sharing. Participants who attend both sessions will receive three contact hours.

This two-part virtual series will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. on:

  • Monday, January 12, 2026
  • Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Registration is required. Please register here.

The Teacher Leader Fellows program is a part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE ESOL State Specialist, at jane.armstrong@maine.gov.

Educators Invited to “Dawnland” Documentary Screenings and Guided Dinner Discussions

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with Wabanaki REACH, the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA), Wabanaki Alliance, the Upstander Project, Wabanaki Culture Center, Maine Indian Education, RSU 34, RSU 5, and MSAD 44, invites Maine educators, school leaders, and parents to a series of free, in-person events across the state to view the award-winning documentary, Dawnland. These screenings, beginning in January 2026, will be followed by dinner and a discussion.

About the Film

For decades, child welfare authorities removed Indigenous children from their homes to “save them from being Indian.” In the place now called Maine, the first official Truth and Reconciliation Commission began a historic investigation. Dawnland goes behind the scenes, as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation, and charts a new course for state and tribal relations.

Dawnland aired on Independent Lens on PBS in November 2018 and 2021, reaching more than 2 million viewers. The film won a national Emmy® Award for Outstanding Research in 2019 and was included on the American Library Association’s list of 2020 Notable Videos for Adults.

Event Details

Dates/Locations:

  • January 27, 2026: Bethel (Telster High School, 284 Walkers Mills Road, Bethel, ME 04217)
  • January 29, 2026: Old Town (Old Town High School, 203 Stillwater Avenue, Old Town, ME 04468)
  • February 9, 2026: Calais (Wabanaki Culture Center, 39 Union Street, Calais, ME 04619)
  • March 9, 2026: Freeport (Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook Street, Freeport, ME 04032)

Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Audience: Maine educators, school leaders, and parents

Contact Hours: Three hours awarded

Cost: Free (dinner included)

An RSVP is required! Space is limited at each site, so please register here.

To learn more about Wabanaki Studies and ways to engage, please visit the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies webpage, or contact Brianne Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.

Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry Named Finalist for AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award

Gorham School District Superintendent Heather Perry has been named one of four finalists for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year® Award, a prestigious honor administered by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), which recognizes exceptional leadership, professionalism, communication, and community engagement among school leaders nationwide.

“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Perry said. “This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students, staff, families, and community in Gorham. Public education is truly a team effort, and I am proud to serve alongside educators and leaders who are so deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for every child.”

In October, the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) named Perry the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year, citing her work to improve student achievement, address Maine’s educator shortage, and partner with local businesses to expand students’ career aspirations. On Monday, December 15, 2025, Perry was announced as a finalist for the national award—marking the first time a Maine superintendent has reached finalist status since the award’s inception in 1988.

“We are beyond thrilled that Heather Perry has been named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Eileen King, Executive Director of MSSA, said. “Heather is a true beacon of educational leadership, and I am so pleased that she is being recognized on the national level for her extraordinary commitment to students and families in Gorham and across our state. She is a role model, a problem-solver, a collaborator, and a steadfast advocate for public education.”

Perry has served as superintendent of the Gorham School District for the past decade. Under her leadership, the district has focused on reaching every student—particularly those who have been historically underserved. Through partnerships with businesses and community organizations, Gorham has expanded career pathways and aspirations, resulting in significant growth in student participation in internships, career mentorships, and career and technical education (CTE) programs. The district now reports a graduation rate exceeding 96 percent.

Perry has also played a key role in addressing Maine’s educator workforce shortage. In 2022, Gorham piloted an innovative educator apprenticeship program designed to recruit and retain school staff while supporting career advancement through a combination of coursework and on-the-job training. The program has since expanded to dozens of school districts across Maine.

Prior to her tenure in Gorham, Perry worked as a teacher and administrator in the Machias area and served as superintendent in RSU 3 and the Greenville School Department. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of MSSA and previously served on AASA’s executive committee. Perry is also a nationally respected voice on school leadership, with published work regularly featured by AASA.

The National Superintendent of the Year® Award will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, held February 12-14, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

This story was submitted by the Maine School Management Association (MSMA). To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Maine School Nutrition Teams Sharpen Skills Through No-Cost Regional Culinary Trainings

With the support and participation of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition Team, Full Plates Full Potential, in collaboration with the MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement, hosted another successful season of the Culinary Skills for School Meals training over the summer. This learning opportunity is a five-day, hands-on training, designed to strengthen the culinary skills of school nutrition professionals.

Culinary Skills for School Meals has been offered annually during the summer months since 2023, attracting an increasing number of participants every year and expanding its reach across Maine. Funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants, Full Plates Full Potential collaborates with the Healthy Eating Active Living Team, a program of the MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement, to host these no-cost events in regional locations across Maine.

This year, trainings were held at Kennebunk High School, Edward Little High School in Auburn, Mount Blue in Farmington, and Presque Isle High School. The four trainings reached 98 participants from 32 school districts, with Auburn and Presque Isle hosting for the first time.


During the training, participants acquired techniques and kitchen efficiency skills, all aimed at enhancing the quality and appeal of school meals and increasing students’ consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, plant-based proteins, and lean meats.

In a 2024 post-training evaluation, participants were asked to share their experiences and describe any changes they had made since completing the culinary training. Examples of feedback include:

  • “[I] learned knife and culinary skills, recipe ideas, and ways to cook and serve veggies to increase appeal.” – middle school cafeteria staff 
  • “[I’m] expanding my thinking outside of the box and jazzing up ho-hum items simply and nutritiously.” – middle school cafeteria staff 
  • “There are many ways to prepare an item (fruits, vegetables).” – elementary school cafeteria staff 
  • “[I learned] how easy it is to enhance flavors with simple seasonings and techniques.” – elementary school cafeteria staff 
  • “[I’m] definitely letting the kids try something before just jumping off the deep end and hoping they like it.” – high school cafeteria staff 
  • “It helped me to gain confidence.” – elementary school cafeteria staff

Planning is underway for the 2026 training dates and locations. For more information, please visit www.letsgo.org/culinaryskills.

This story was submitted by the MaineHealth Healthy Eating Active Living Program. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Saco Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Pre-K–Grade 5 School Campus After 20-Year Wait

Pictured: Saco School Department’s New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Tom Partridge, Fairfield School student Caroline Libby, Fairfield School student Maris Posey, Young School student Nathan Smith, Young School student Olivea Desmarais, New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, Young School student Anna Broaddus, Fairfield School student Alex Hadiaris, New Primary School Principal (PreK-K) Wendy LeBlanc, Young School student Cameron Blunt, Fairfield School student Nathan Kupresanin, New Primary School Assistant Principal (pre-K–kindergarten) J’Aime Walker, and New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Jeff Mears. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

The Saco School Department and City of Saco marked a historic milestone on December 4, 2025, as families, city officials, students, educators, and construction partners gathered for the official groundbreaking of the district’s transformative new pre-K–grade 5 school campus, representing the long-awaited transformation of the district’s elementary learning environments.

Following more than two decades of planning, the community-backed bond and state funding—covering approximately 72% of the total $140 million project—have paved the way for this exciting initiative to move from vision to reality. The campus will consist of two new elementary schools on a shared site to serve all pre-K through grade 5 students in a unified and equitable setting.

“This project has been years in the making, and today’s groundbreaking represents far more than bricks and mortar; it’s about creating opportunity, equity, and excellence for every child in Saco,” Jeremy Ray, Saco Superintendent of Schools, said. “Our students will learn in spaces designed to spark curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. They will thrive together in facilities built for their success.”

The new campus will feature two climate-controlled buildings: a primary building for pre-K through kindergarten students and an elementary building for grades 1-5 students—with flexible classroom spaces to adapt to evolving teaching methods, enhanced safety and security systems, a dedicated unified arts wing, and expanded outdoor learning opportunities, ensuring that every elementary student has access to the same high-quality facilities. The two buildings being located on one campus will allow the district’s youngest learners to have fewer transitions, providing for more stability—and educators will have access to the resources and environment necessary to inspire students.

Saco School Department’s Chief of Operations Chris Indorf, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst, New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, and New Primary School Principal (pre-K–kindergarten) Wendy LeBlanc Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography
Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Megan Welter, State Architect Scott Brown, Saco Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Maine State Board of Education Chair Paulette Bonneau, Maine State Board of Education Member Ed Morin, and Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography
Saco School Department Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst, City of Saco’s City Council member Jeffrey Onnen, Council Member Douglas Edwards, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, Council Member Joshua D. Parks, Council Member Nathan D. Johnston, and Council Member Tricia Huot Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography


A project of this scale requires strong leadership. At the December 4 event, Superintendent Ray highlighted the administrators who will lead the new schools forward. The new grades 1-5 Saco Elementary School will be led by current C.K. Burns School Principal April Noble, supported by Assistant Principals Jeff Mears and Tom Partridge. The new pre-K through Kindergarten Saco Primary School will be led by current Fairfield School Principal Wendy LeBlanc, supported by Assistant Principal J’Aime Walker. These individuals provide strong instructional leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a dedication to student success that will help define the culture and identity of the schools. By naming these leaders early, the administration can engage deeply in the design and preparation of the buildings, help shape the educational programs, collaborate with staff, and begin establishing a vision for each school. 

City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail added, “This major investment reflects the values of Saco’s families in our shared future when they supported the bond and the state’s strong commitment when it covered more than $100 million of the cost. For 20 years, Saco has waited for this opportunity—and together, we are building a brighter future for every student who calls this city home.”

Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst thanked the community for their support, the students and staff for providing feedback on the design, and the project architect for their work. Rob Tillotson, president and owner of Oak Point Associates, also spoke, sharing insight into the design process and expressing excitement about the project’s positive impact on the community and its students.

“As we build these schools for the future, we are also entering a transformative new era for the Saco School Department,” added Ray. “The construction of this pre-K–grade 5 campus will consolidate our current elementary schools—Young, Fairfield, C.K. Burns, and our dedicated pre-K program—into one unified system. We honor the proud history of these schools, and we recognize the deep memories they hold for generations of families. But we also know that what we are creating here today will offer even greater opportunities, designed for the way students learn now and the way they will learn tomorrow.”

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at Saco Public Works for light refreshments and a community conversation about the construction timeline, projected opening dates, and the long-term vision for the campus. Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2028, at which time a community-wide open house will be scheduled.

This story was submitted by Saco School Department. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

School Interest Form Available for Third Annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the Transition Maine Regional Transition Collaborative Fellows, invites you to save the date for the third annual “I Belong” Youth Summit, to be held at Central Maine Community College in Auburn on May 21, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information regarding registrations for middle and high schools will be released soon. A school interest form is now available for those planning to bring students to the event: Access the School Interest Form here.

The “I Belong” Youth Summit invites schools from across Maine to join a transformative initiative designed specifically for transition-aged students with disabilities. This dynamic gathering goes beyond traditional career fairs to offer meaningful exploration, skill-building, and work-based learning opportunities tailored to each student’s interests and abilities. Check out this article about the second annual “I Belong” Youth Summit.

By participating in this event, you will become part of a statewide movement to reshape post-secondary pathways for all Maine students with disabilities. Your involvement creates ripple effects of opportunity:

  • Students discover career paths they may never have considered, building confidence and practical skills for their future.
  • Educators gain valuable resources, evidence-based practices, and direct connections with industry partners.
  • Businesses develop tomorrow’s workforce, while fulfilling community engagement goals.

Help your students find where they belong in Maine’s future workforce. The “I Belong” Youth Summit provides a student-centered environment for youth to explore career pathways at their own pace, connect with potential employers, and envision new possibilities for their lives after school. Together, we can create a more inclusive, opportunity-rich future for Maine’s students with disabilities.

For more information, please contact Tracy Whitlock, Maine DOE Special Projects and Educator Supports Coordinator, at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov.

Second of Three Statewide Professional Learning Days Scheduled for January 16: EngageMEnt – Cultivating Innovative Teaching and Learning

Maine educators are invited to attend a statewide professional learning experience on Friday, January 16, 2026, hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Innovation. This is the second of three free, statewide events, designed for educators, ed techs, administrators, and pre-service educators, scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. The first took place in October, and the third is scheduled for Friday, March 10.

These professional learning days are scheduled to align with the dedicated professional development days of many school administrative units (SAUs). Educators may register for both remaining events or just one. Participants may attend in-person at one of the University of Maine System campuses—University of Maine Orono (UMaine), University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), and the University of Southern Maine (USM)—or join remotely via livestream from anywhere in the state. Educators will also be able to access materials on-demand after the event. All participants are eligible for contact hours.

No matter your role in public education—whether you’re an early childhood educator; a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) enthusiast; a literacy coach; a pre-service teacher; or someone looking to deepen their practice in inclusive education—there will be something at these events for you. The engaging workshops on offer, crafted by Maine DOE staff, are designed to inspire, energize, and equip educators with the tools required to meet the needs of today’s learners.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Play-based and early childhood assessment
  • Wabanaki Studies integration
  • STEAM and numeracy
  • Literacy through graphic novels
  • UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) frameworks
  • Supporting multilingual learners
  • Technology integration
  • Environmental education

Each professional learning day will start with morning workshops from 9-11:30 a.m., followed by a lunch break (on your own) from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and ending with afternoon workshops from 12:30-3 p.m. There are 50 seats available per in-person workshop session, while the remote option offers unlimited space. Registration is required in advance. You may register here. Those who cannot participate day-of may access asynchronous recordings of sessions here once they are posted.

In partnership with the University of Maine System, this statewide professional learning initiative is made possible through a valued collaboration with UMaine, UMF and USM. The Maine DOE is grateful to these institutions for opening their doors to educators from across the state. This partnership helps to ensure that accessible, high-quality, and regionally grounded professional learning is available to every Maine educator, whether attending in-person or joining remotely.

For questions or more information, please reference this flyer or contact Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer, at beth.lambert@maine.gov.