2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year to Be Announced During National School Counseling Week (February 2-6, 2026)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to join the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) in celebrating National School Counseling Week from February 2-6, 2026. This year’s theme, “School Counselors Amplify Student Success,” focuses on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and highlights how students benefit from the services that school counselors provide. National School Counseling Week demonstrates the tremendous impact that school counselors have in helping students to achieve school success and plan for their careers.

School counselors play a critical role in supporting student success by working with all students to identify strengths, remove barriers to learning, and set realistic, positive goals for the future. School counselors collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and families to create supportive learning environments and ensure that students have the tools they need to thrive.

The Maine DOE would like to thank school counselors for their dedication and expertise, along with their lasting impact on students’ lives and the vital role that they play in building strong, healthy school communities.

“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options, and social-emotional skills,” Jill Cook, ASCA Executive Director, said. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”

More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the festivities of National School Counseling Week. Many schools will host special events and activities to call attention to the variety of benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.

As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, the MESCA will be gathering in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. to recognize and celebrate current, future, and retired school counselors across the great State of Maine. Words of recognition will be shared to honor Cynthia Martell, Maine’s 2025 School Counselor of the Year, and to announce Maine’s 2026 School Counselor of the Year. For further information about the event, please contact Jackie Chaplin at awards@maineschoolcounselor.org.

To learn more about National School Counseling Week and to find ways to celebrate your school counselor, visit the American School Counselor Association website or the Maine School Counselor Association website.

Maine DOE Seeks Organizations to Participate in Summer 2026 SUN Meals Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking organizations to help feed children this summer through the federally funded SUN Meals program—also known as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Eligible organizations may apply to become a SUN Meals sponsor, providing healthy, free meals to children throughout the summer months when school is not in session.

SUN Meals sponsors are reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for each eligible meal served to children. SUN Meals may be offered in any area where at least 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits under the National School Lunch Program or where census data indicates a high level of need. Additionally, at residential camps, children who are eligible for these benefits may qualify for meal reimbursement.

In the summer of 2025, 101 SUN Meals sponsors operated 445 meal sites across all of Maine’s 16 counties. The Maine DOE is grateful for this strong, statewide participation; however, there are still thousands of Maine children who lack reliable access to food during the summer.

“All children deserve access to healthy, nutritious food—regardless of whether school is in session,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “The Maine DOE is committed to working to ensure that this basic right is met for all kids in Maine during all times of year and in all parts of the state.”

A wide range of nonprofit organizations can apply to become a SUN Meals sponsor, including:

Public or private schools
Government agencies
Nonprofit community organizations
Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations
Faith-based organizations
Nonprofit residential summer camps

Organizations serving rural communities, migrant farmworker families, and tribal communities are especially encouraged to apply. Sponsors are also needed for SUN Meals To-Go, a program that provides grab-and-go or home-delivered meals in approved rural areas.

Applications to become a SUN Meals sponsor open in March 2026. All new and returning sponsors are required to complete an in-person training in March or April (with specific dates to be announced in the Maine DOE Event Calendar).

Organizations interested in learning more or starting the application process should contact Kaitlin Fayle, Summer Child Nutrition Consultant, at kaitlin.fayle@maine.gov or 207-592-4198. Additional resources are also available on the Maine DOE website.

Federal Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

(1) mail:

            U.S. Department of Agriculture
            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
            1400 Independence Avenue, SW
            Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

(2) fax:

(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email:
program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

(Federal statement updated May 18, 2022)

State Non-Discrimination Statement

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

Complaints of discrimination must be filed at the office of the Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0051. If you wish to file a discrimination complaint electronically, visit the Maine Human Rights Commission website and complete an intake questionnaire. Maine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Camden Rockport Middle School Student Wins 2026 MLTI Maine Winter Classic T-Shirt Design Contest

Congratulations to Camden Rockport Middle School sixth-grade student Hannah Smith, who was selected as the winner of this year’s t-shirt design contest for the 2026 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Maine Winter Classic! Smith’s design will appear on the official t-shirt for the event, which will take place virtually in schools across Maine from March 2-6, 2026.

This annual, game-based learning experience allows students to “travel” virtually around Maine while completing challenges, earning tokens, and exploring topics such as computer science, digital citizenship, digital design, and gamification. Through these engaging and collaborative activities, students develop digital skills, connect with peers across the state, and discover how technology can serve as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in everyday life.

Smith’s unique t-shirt design, created with Canva, features a pair of headphones with a version of the MLTI gear-shaped logo at the center and “Maine Winter Classic” displayed beneath it..

“I used headphones in my design because I like music and just got new headphones,” Smith shared. “I picked red and white for my design because I was thinking of candy canes. I also thought the red and white would be different from other people’s work and make my work stand out.”

*This year’s t-shirt will be a cardinal red with the design in white.*

The MLTI Winter Classic t-shirt design contest is held annually and is open to all pre-K-grade 12 students in MLTI school districts across Maine. Guidelines for future contests can be found here. A similar t-shirt design opportunity is also available for the in-person Maine Department of Education (DOE) annual MLTI Student Conference, scheduled for May 21, 2026, at the University of Maine. Information about that ongoing contest can be found here.

T-shirt design winners in these contests have represented schools from across the state, including Southern Aroostook Community School, Auburn Middle School, Waterville Junior High School, Gray-New Gloucester High School, Samuel L. Wagner Middle School, Maranacook Community High School, Reeds Brook Middle School, and Brunswick High School.

While t-shirts and supplies for the virtual 2026 Maine Winter Classic event may be limited, schools can still register to participate through February. To date, more than 6,000 participants from 70 schools across every county in Maine are registered.

For more information about the MLTI Maine Winter Classic, please visit this link. With questions about MLTI student events, please contact Maine DOE MLTI Project Manager Bethany Billinger at bethany.billinger@maine.gov.

Community Schools RFA Informational Session Recording Now Available

Pursuant to Title 20-A, §15689-A, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) may provide funding to school administrative units (SAUs) to support the establishment of community schools. As such, the Maine DOE is currently accepting applications for funding from SAUs whose school boards have designated an existing school or established a new school as a community school.

The Maine DOE recently held a virtual informational session on January 20, 2026, to share information about the community schools strategy, as well as details about this community schools grant opportunity. Please use this link to access the recording of the session.

Eligible SAUs interested in this grant opportunity may access the Request for Applications (RFA) via the State of Maine’s Vendor Self-Service System (VSS), where they should submit their applications. Applications must be submitted via VSS by 4 p.m. on February 12, 2026.

Additional information about community schools can be found on the Maine DOE Community Schools webpage.

Reimagining Recess at Noble Intermediate School: Building Skills Through Play

At Noble Intermediate School in MSAD 60, recess is no longer just a break in the day; it’s an opportunity to build skills, strengthen relationships, and support student wellness. This school year, more than 400 fifth- and sixth-grade students and 40 staff members are reimagining what wellness looks like through a new approach to play and engagement.

Thanks to a partnership with MaineHealth’s “Let’s Go!” program and funding from Hannaford’s “Eat Well, Be Well” initiative, Noble Intermediate School worked with Playworks to enhance its wellness block—commonly referred to as recess. Through hands-on training and school-wide support, staff gained new tools to create an inclusive, active, and positive environment that extends well beyond the playground.

This fall, Coach Mo from Playworks spent four days at the school training administrators, classroom teachers, specialists, and educational technicians, while also launching a Junior Coach program with students. The training focused on fostering safe, structured, and engaging games that encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving—skills that support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.

In December, Coach Mo returned to Noble Intermediate School for a final site visit to observe progress and celebrate the impact of the work. The results were clear: Recess games ran smoothly; students confidently stepped into leadership roles; and staff reported feeling more comfortable and confident facilitating wellness time.

One of the most notable outcomes has been the launch of the Junior Coach program, in which selected sixth-grade students lead games and activities during wellness blocks. These students serve as role models for fifth graders, while strengthening their own leadership and communication skills.

“We are excited to see the changes occurring in our recess time,” said Assistant Principal Melinda Luders. “Engagement has increased and so have the smiles. We are very proud of our sixth-grade Junior Coaches, who are role models for the fifth graders and assist in creating a safe and fun wellness time for a variety of student interests.”

Supporting safe, healthy, and inclusive recess experiences at Noble Intermediate School reinforces the shared goal of providing professional learning opportunities, such as Playworks training, to schools and communities across Maine. By investing in wellness through play, Noble Intermediate School is helping students to build lifelong skills, while fostering a joyful, supportive school culture.

This story was submitted by Noble Intermediate School. To submit a good news story to the Maine Department of Education (DOE), please fill out the good news submission form.

Community Regional Charter School Spreads Holiday Cheer Through First-Ever ‘Giving Room’

The holiday season is often filled with joy and celebration, but it can also bring added worry for some families, as they work to maintain cherished traditions during the darker, colder days of winter. Recognizing the financial pressures that many families face during this time of year, Community Regional Charter School (CRCS) came up with a new initiative, designed to uplift its community through support, connection, and generosity.

Through thoughtful conversations among CRCS staff about how best to support families, the idea for “The Giving Room” was born. On Friday, December 5, 2025, CRCS staff organized and hosted the school’s first annual Giving Room event, led by Casie Guillow, CRCS Outdoor Learning Facilitator. The event transformed CRCS Overman Academy in downtown Skowhegan into a joyful holiday market where families could “shop” for gifts at no cost.

In the weeks leading up to the event, donated items were collected across CRCS’ three campuses. Families, staff, and community members generously contributed new or gently used clothing, accessories, home décor, holiday decorations, books for children and adults, toiletries, bikes, craft supplies, and toys—ensuring there were gift options for every member of the family.

While children enjoyed festive crafts, games, and cookie decorating upstairs, guardians were invited to fill reusable bags with as many items as they wished. A gift-wrapping station allowed families to wrap presents on site or take supplies home, making the experience both practical and celebratory.

The Giving Room event was held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and was intentionally scheduled to coincide with the SKOW-Whoville Parade, giving families the opportunity to continue the evening by participating in the town’s broader holiday celebration.

In addition to The Giving Room event, CRCS Facilitator Kareen Sparrow organized a companion initiative focused on generosity and connection called “Gift of Giving,” a virtual angel tree. CRCS families were invited to anonymously submit holiday wishes and needs, which were then shared with staff, families, and community members who volunteered to fulfill them.

“I encouraged CRCS to start the Gift of Giving because I want families to know that we provide more than an education; we care,” Sparrow shared. “We offer opportunities, support, and meaningful connections within our community.”

Together, The Giving Room and the Gift of Giving fostered a strong sense of togetherness and highlighted the compassion and generosity that define the CRCS community. As an uncompromisingly learner-focused school, CRCS is proud to create opportunities that support families and reflect the true spirit of the holiday season.

This story was submitted by Community Regional Charter School, a comprehensive, free, public charter school serving learners from pre-K through grade 12 across three campuses in central Maine. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Deadline Extended for T-Shirt Design to Represent the 2026 MLTI Student Conference – ‘Full STEAM Ahead’

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), an initiative of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, is excited to announce a T-shirt design competition for the 23rd annual MLTI Student Conference, to be held on May 21, 2026. The conference theme this year is “Full STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Ahead.”

This competition is open to all students in MLTI schools. Students who wish to participate are invited to create a design for the official conference T-shirt, which will be distributed to all participants at the in-person event at the University of Maine at Orono. Last year’s conference T-shirt design came from a student at Brunswick High School. Previous winners have been from Maranacook Community Middle School, Gray-New Gloucester High School, Waterville Junior High School, Auburn Middle School, and Southern Aroostook Community School.

The Maine DOE is looking forward to selecting a student design for these T-shirts (which will be available in youth sizes again this year). You can review eligibility and submission guidelines for the T-shirt design competition here. Please submit your entry using the 2026 MLTI Student Conference T-shirt design competition submission form.

Competition Timeline

January 2026: competition opens
Deadline extended to March 20, 2026: T-shirt designs due
April 6, 2026: finalists selected and winner notified

If you have questions about this competition or need assistance, please contact MLTI Project Manager Bethany Billinger at bethany.billinger@maine.gov.

For more information about the MLTI Student Conference, please email the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team at doe-ltt@maine.gov.

Job Posting: VISTA Maine Green Schools Network Coordinator

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Innovation is seeking a full-time VISTA member to help organize and build the new Green Schools Network (GSN), as established in Title 20-A, Chapter 335: Maine Green Schools Network.

Join the Maine Green Schools Program by playing the central coordinating role in the development of the newly established GSN. This role is perfect for those seeking to help address climate change, while working daily with some of Maine’s most recognized environmental players!

Find yourself in the center of an exciting new consortium of Maine school educators, administrators, community partners, and youth to strengthen sustainability practices, improve the environmental conditions of Maine school facilities, and expand access to climate-ready curriculum.

You can find additional details about the job at either of the links below:

With questions, please contact Sol Carpenter of Goodwill Northern New England at sol.carpenter@goodwillnne.org.

FedPoint Accepting Applications from High School Seniors for Nursing Scholarships

FedPoint, a federal benefits administrator and marketplace operator, is accepting applications for its annual nursing scholarships program. Four $5,000 scholarships will be announced in early May. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 20, 2026.

To be eligible for the merit-based scholarships, candidates must be graduating high school seniors who reside in Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts and who will be attending an accredited nursing program in the fall of 2026. Additional details about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, decision criteria, and important dates are available here.

FedPoint employs several dozen registered nurses who work with thousands of claimants insured through the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) and their family members to provide care coordination and planning services. The company introduced this nursing scholarship in 2023 to promote nursing as a highly rewarding career and to help bolster the future nursing workforce in northern New England and beyond.

Again, the application submission deadline for the 2026 FedPoint Nursing Scholarship is Sunday, March 20, 2026. The scholarship review panel will include members of FedPoint’s care coordination team, as well as nurses from the Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association.

For further information, please visit the FedPoint Nursing Scholarship webpage.

Register for the Second Annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference on April 8

Registration is now open for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center.

This year’s conference theme is, “Reimagining Education: We Are Better Together!” The event will provide school communities (i.e., educators, administrators, families, and students) with the tools necessary to collaborate to support every student—particularly those with disabilities—to ensure that all students have the support they need to build inclusive, meaningful futures.

Hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the University of Maine at Farmington, the conference will feature keynote speaker Paula Kluth. Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is the author of more than 15 titles, including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom, Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?, and You’re Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Autistic Students in the Inclusive Classroom.

Please gather a team of your school colleagues and join the Maine DOE in Augusta this spring! The cost of the day-long conference (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is $185 for early-bird registration and $210 after March 11, 2026. Lunch will be included.

You may register for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference here.

Are you engaged in inclusive work in your school or community? If so, the Maine DOE welcomes you to share your experiences at the conference! Please contact Tracy Whitlock, Maine DOE Special Projects for Inclusion Coordinator, at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov to learn more.