Category: Newsroom Articles

Marshwood Middle School Students Lead the Way at Wellness Summit

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Marshwood Middle School came alive with energy, excitement, and purpose, as students and staff participated in the school’s first annual Wellness Summit, a full-day celebration of mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Built around the theme, “Mindful and Strong,” the summit created a space for students to explore healthy habits, reflect on their wellness, and develop positive connections with their peers and the community.

Organized by school staff with the help of community partners, the event featured more than twenty presenters, including local yoga instructors, mental health advocates, golf professionals, and student leaders. Students participated in a rotating schedule of interactive, hands-on workshops that focused on various topics, such as mindfulness and movement, stress management, nutrition, and creative expression. Sessions included painting, gratitude journaling, yoga, breathing exercises, healthy snacking, and even a visit from local K-9s.

“Middle school can be a challenging time for students, and we wanted to create a day where students could pause and reflect on their wellness in a fun, supportive environment,” Marshwood Middle School Principal Christine Goulet said. “The energy and engagement we saw were incredible.”

The summit’s goal was to empower students—not only as participants but also as leaders in their wellness journey. The event emphasized building skills in resilience, self-care, and emotional awareness, all within a positive, encouraging setting. Students had opportunities to try new practices and discover tools that they can continue to use long after the event.

“You could really see students connecting,” Kathleen Ring, a school counselor who helped to coordinate the summit, said. ”Some of them tried yoga or meditation for the first time and loved it.”

The event concluded with a school-wide field day that brought students together for fitness challenges, yard games, and an inflatable obstacle course, ending the day on a high note, filled with movement, teamwork, and fun.

With strong support from the school community and positive feedback from students and staff, Marshwood Middle School hopes to make the Wellness Summit an annual tradition.

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

Inside the Early Childhood Summit: Big Ideas for Maine’s Youngest Learners

Family Partnership Panel (pictured left to right): Jeannette Umugwaneza, April Tardiff, Cori Cantrell, and David Motel share lived experiences and insights to strengthen early childhood systems across Maine.

In July, early childhood educators, family advocates, childcare providers, and community leaders from across Maine gathered in Brewer and in Portland for the 2025 Early Childhood Summer Summits—two days full of connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions.

The events focused on strengthening early childhood systems through innovation, partnership, and family engagement, with a special emphasis on meeting the needs of Maine’s rural communities. Similar agendas were followed in both locations, with Maine educators from across the state sharing powerful examples. The summits were funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG), which supports coordinated efforts across Maine’s Early Care and Education Systems.

The day in Brewer began with a warm welcome from leadership at Maine School Administrative District 54 and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, setting the tone for an engaging and impactful agenda. One of the highlights early on was the Fireside Chat, where representatives from Regional School Unit 14 and two community-based child care programs, Tu Casa and A Child’s World, shared success stories and real-life challenges from their work in early care and education. Their insights showcased how community-rooted approaches and cross-sector teamwork can lead to stronger outcomes for children and families alike.

During the breakout sessions, attendees had the chance to explore targeted topics in smaller settings. In the session “Planning, Partnerships and Progress: Meeting the Rural Early Care and Education Challenges,” leaders from the Aroostook County Action Program shared how partnerships with local schools and providers, such as their collaboration with Easton Community School, are expanding access and offering comprehensive services in rural areas.

Mark Hatch, Assistant Superintendent in MSAD 54 and Nicole Chaplin, Early Childhood Program Manager at Kennebec Community Action Program
Jason Parent, Executive Director/CEO of the Aroostook County Action Program, leads a breakout session on rural early care and education challenges.
Summit participants share reflections and ideas during post-session table conversations.

“It was amazing to see how engaged everyone was, especially during the breakout sessions where people were truly excited to share ideas and learn from one another. It showed just how invested these communities are in supporting young children and their families,” Brooklynne Blockler, Communications Intern for the Maine Department of Education, said. She was onsite capturing pictures and videos throughout the event.

A second breakout session, “Preschool Special Education Services Partnerships,” offered insight into Regional School Unit 29’s work with Laugh & Learn Academy, highlighting the value of inclusive preschool models that serve children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in integrated settings.

After lunch, keynote speaker Elaine Zimmerman, former Regional Administrator for the Administration for Children and Families, brought a powerful perspective to the room. Her remarks encouraged attendees to think beyond programs and toward long-term systems change, emphasizing the role of public policy, family voice, and sustainable funding in driving progress.

The afternoon Family Partnership Panel was a standout session. Parents shared personal stories about their experiences navigating Maine’s early education landscape. Their honesty and passion underscored just how vital strong family-program relationships are—and how impactful those partnerships can be for both child development and family wellbeing.

Likewise, the Portland Summit featured wonderful examples of school system and community coordination in support of children and families, followed by Elaine Zimmerman and the panel of parents. School/community partner presentations in Portland featured:

  • Brunswick Public Schools, Family Focus, and the Midcoast Maine Community Action Program—focused on public pre-K partnerships
  • The First 10 Community School initiative in Sanford
  • Wiscasset Elementary School and Midcoast Maine Community Action Program

Throughout both days, table discussions and group report-outs created space for idea-sharing, networking, and regional collaboration. The event celebrated what’s working in early childhood care and also inspired new momentum for what’s next. The 2025 Early Childhood Summits proved that when communities come together with shared goals, open dialogue, and a focus on family, meaningful change is not only possible but already happening across Maine.

For more information and resources about early childhood, please visit this webpage. You may also contact Maine DOE Director of Early Learning Lee Anne Larsen at Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Hosts Summer Institutes on Integrating Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum

From July 14-16, 2025, educators from across Maine gathered on the coast for an immersive professional learning experience, designed to reimagine how literacy and numeracy are taught—not as isolated subjects but as essential, interconnected tools for deep learning across the curriculum.

Hosted at the College of the Atlantic by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, the Integrating Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum Summer Institutes brought together educators to explore authentic, interdisciplinary approaches to instruction. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in hands-on learning, heard from nationally recognized education experts, and collaborated to design lessons that they will bring back to their classrooms this fall.

Importantly, the work that began during these institutes won’t end there. The lessons created by participants are set to grow into new, high-quality MOOSE (Maine Online Open-Source Education) modules—ensuring that educators across the state will have access to innovative, standards-aligned resources that reflect Maine’s commitment to equity, relevance, and inclusive design.

“These institutes reflect the future that we’re building together—a future where all students engage in real-world, integrated learning experiences that build their confidence and competence,” Beth Lambert, Chief Teaching and Learning Officer at the Maine DOE, said. “We’re not just learning about interdisciplinary teaching; we’re doing it, modeling it, and scaling it.”

These institutes were a collaborative effort among several offices and initiatives within the Maine DOE, showcasing a whole-agency approach to supporting educators. Teams from Multilingual Learning, Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Interdisciplinary Instruction, MOOSE, and the Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education co-developed and facilitated learning experiences that supported educators in designing instruction that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible to all learners.

National thought leaders enriched the experience with big-picture framing and practical strategies. Mara Krechevsky, senior researcher at Harvard Project Zero, led sessions on making student thinking visible and cultivating rich documentation of learning. Tom Murray, Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, offered insight into creating learner-centered environments that prioritize relevance and connection. Educators also heard from Dr. Julie Meltzer, a national expert on the Solutionary framework, who helped participants consider how to design lessons where students investigate real-world problems and take action through informed, ethical, and systems-aware projects.

Educators who participated in the institutes left energized and equipped with ideas and tangible resources to bring back to their schools.

“By integrating literacy and numeracy into everything we teach, we’re creating the conditions for deeper learning and stronger transfer,” Lambert added. “This isn’t just about content; it’s about designing learning experiences that are meaningful, coherent, and reflective of the real world.”

That vision resonated with educators across the state, who left the institutes inspired, energized, and ready to bring what they learned back to their students.

“I absolutely loved everything! It was so engaging, and I felt that the work was purposeful and intentional. Everything went together,” Amber Wileschamberlain, a third-grade teacher at Sebasticook Valley Elementary School, said. “I also love that I will leave this conference with something to use in my classroom that implements the ideas and knowledge.”

 “You all have done a great job putting together a program that is both helpful and thought-provoking. It helps juice me up as an educator,” Colin Hickey, an English teacher at Messalonskee High School, shared with the Maine DOE.

“The presenters are amazing, and the Maine DOE reps are so knowledgeable, available, and easy to talk to,” MaryAnn Wheeler, a Reading and Math Interventionist at Mountain View School, added.

These institutes are part of a broader movement in Maine to rethink how core skills like literacy and numeracy are taught across grade spans and subject areas. The Maine DOE’s forthcoming Literacy and Numeracy Action Plans will further support this vision by providing a strategic, statewide approach to building foundational skills in ways that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and connected.

“This was one of the most powerful learning experiences I’ve had as an educator,” one participant shared. “I’m leaving with not only new ideas but with something I can use—a lesson I created that I believe in.”

The 2025 Literacy and Numeracy Summer Institutes are funded through Title II/Title IV state reservation funds. For more information or with questions, please contact Maine DOE Chief of Teaching and Learning Officer Beth Lambert at beth.lambert@maine.gov.

Help Spread the Word to Maine Families: Upcoming EBT Vendor Change and Resulting EBT Outage

On July 27, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office for Family Independence will transition to Fidelity Information Services (FIS) for EBT Card Services.

To make this transition, the EBT system will be out of service from 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, through 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 27. During this timeframe, purchases will not be possible.

Please consider sharing the following resources to help spread the word to Maine families:

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is sharing this message in partnership with the Maine DHHS Office of Family Independence. With questions, please contact the Maine DHHS Office of Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357.

From Screens to Streams: Maine Connections Academy Unites Students for Day of Outdoor Learning

The quiet trails of Viles Arboretum in Augusta came alive with conversation and creativity on June 9, 2025, as more than 100 students and families from Maine Connections Academy gathered for the school’s annual Spring Academic Summit. Designed to blend online learning with real-world connection, the day-long event brought students out from behind their screens and into nature for a hands-on learning experience that celebrated both academics and community.

Maine Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 7-12 across Maine. It offers a personalized, flexible learning path for students of all backgrounds—whether they require an alternative to traditional school or simply thrive in a self-paced environment. The school emphasizes not only academic achievement but also the development of life skills and social-emotional growth. In-person events like the Spring Academic Summit play a critical role in helping students to stay engaged and connected.

“These in-person events are absolutely critical to our students’ success,” Lanie Roy, Maine Connections Academy health and physical education teacher, said. “While our online platform allows students to learn from anywhere in Maine, there’s something irreplaceable about students working together on projects, sharing ideas face-to-face, and building the social connections that are so important during high school years.”

Throughout the day, students rotated through ten activity stations that touched on science, art, and outdoor exploration. Some dove into DNA extraction experiments using berries, while others hit the trails for plant foraging lessons and picked up new techniques in nature photography. Artistic students enjoyed polymer clay crafting and watercolor painting, while others jammed in music workshops, challenged friends in Quiz Bowl competitions, and joined film club conversations. The day also included board games, outdoor recreation, and plenty of opportunities to socialize.

A barbecue lunch wrapped up the event, offering a relaxed setting for families, students, and staff to connect and reflect on the day’s experiences. For a school that serves students across all 16 counties in Maine, the Spring Academic Summit was a powerful reminder of the strong community that can be built, even in a virtual environment.

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

Passing the Torch: Windham Fire Department Empowers the Next Generation at Foster Career and Technical Education Center

On Friday, April 18, 2025, excitement filled the air at the Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center in Farmington, as a bright red fire truck pulled into the parking lot—not in response to an emergency but as a heartfelt gift. The Windham Fire Department donated this 2004 E-ONE fire truck just as it was being retired from active service, giving it a meaningful new role in training future firefighters.

When Windham Fire Department Chief Brent Libby learned that the Foster CTE Center needed a newer vehicle for hands-on training, he didn’t hesitate to help. Once the necessary approvals were in place, the donation was finalized, and the truck made its way to its new home. Chief Libby and Windham Fire Department firefighter Steve Bishop presented the truck to the school.

The students, led by firefighting instructor Ellie Adams, were ready and waiting. They had cleared and cleaned the vehicle bay, proudly wore their uniforms, and even prepared a celebratory cake to welcome the newest and biggest addition to their training space.

The joyful occasion brought together students, school leaders, and members of the firefighting community. Among the attendees were RSU 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington, School Board Member Deb Smith, Interim Foster CTE Director Galen Dalrymple, Mt. Blue High School Principal Joel Smith, and representatives from the Farmington Fire Department, including Chief T.D. Hardy, Deputy Chief Tim Hardy, and firefighters Job Alexander, Stanley Wilcox, and Jackson Hardy.

With this generous donation, students can now train with real-world equipment that reflects the tools and technology used in the field today. The Foster CTE Center’s firefighting program prepares students for meaningful careers in public safety—whether they become firefighters, EMTs, or continue their education in fire science or emergency services.

Thanks to the thoughtfulness, kindness, and community spirit of the Windham Fire Department and the Town of Windham, this fire truck will continue its service in a new and powerful way, helping future first responders to gear up for success with confidence, pride, and purpose.

This story was submitted by Mt. Blue Regional School District. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Free Professional Learning Opportunity: Build a More Compassionate Classroom with Narrative 4

Educators across Maine are invited to join Narrative 4’s National Schools Network (N4NSN), a transformative professional learning opportunity designed to foster empathy, connection, and student engagement through the power of storytelling.

This free program empowers K–12 educators with the training, tools, and resources needed to create compassionate classroom communities where every student feels seen, heard, and understood.

By joining N4NSN, educators will:

  • Become Narrative 4 Certified Story Exchange Facilitators.
  • Gain access to easy-to-use curricular resources.
  • Receive professional development and individualized support.
  • Join a nationwide community of practice and peer collaboration.
  • Access ongoing networking opportunities.

Program Overview

  • Who should apply: individual educators or small teams (up to 10 people) from any U.S. K–12 school, district, or homeschooling coalition
  • Time commitment: 12–16 hours spread over six months
  • Application deadline: August 8, 2025

Why It Matters

“The N4NS had a profound impact on my students, and the experience expanded my teaching style through the use of their curricular resources,” Leslie S. Leff, School Adjustment Counselor at New Hingham Regional Elementary School in Massachusetts, said.

The Narrative 4 model helps educators to unlock student engagement and create more inclusive learning environments by cultivating a culture of connection and mutual respect.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your practice and build a stronger school community. Visit this link to learn more and apply.

About Narrative 4

Narrative 4 is a global nonprofit dedicated to equipping young people to harness the power of storytelling to drive positive change. Through its programs, students and educators alike develop skills in empathy, deep listening, imagination, and social impact.

For more information about Narrative 4 or this opportunity, please contact Narrative 4 directly.

Bucksport High School Robotics Team Inspires Young Engineers with Cardboard Robot Program

In May, the Bucksport High School Robotics Team—or FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 6329—and their incredible robot, Tide, once again proved they’re among the best in the world.

The Bucksport High School Robotics Team had a phenomenal season, racking up an impressive 55-11 record. The team clinched victories at both the Pine Tree and Southern Maine events, earned a runner-up title at the prestigious New England Championships, and finished eighth in the highly competitive Curie Division at the World Championships—solidifying a place among the global elite.

Fresh off of an outstanding season, the students of FRC Team 6329 were eager to give back to the community that had supported them. They saw an opportunity to share their passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and robotics with younger students and seized it.

This spring, the team launched a new after-school program at the Downeast Family YMCA, bringing together innovation, creativity, and community engagement. Designed for elementary-aged students, this program introduced engineering and robotics fundamentals to kids by having them build functional robots entirely out of cardboard.

These weren’t just any cardboard creations, though. Thanks to a new laser cutter purchased through a Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) “Teach with Tech” grant, the team was able to design and cut precise parts for robots. Bucksport students Madi Robinson and Izzy McSharry, with support from their teachers, designed the robots in their high school engineering classes and fabricated all of the components used by these younger students.

“Cardboard might sound low-tech, but it’s actually a fantastic material for rapid prototyping,” a team member said. “It’s safe, inexpensive, and with the laser cutter, we can create detailed and functional components.”

The laser cutter, acquired earlier in the 2024-2025 school year through the MLTI grant, has expanded the Bucksport High School Robotics Team’s capabilities—not only for its competitive work but also for its outreach. This YMCA after-school program grew from a desire to spark early interest in STEM and give back to the local community. Supported by their robotics coaches, students developed hands-on activities that taught basic engineering principles, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

“Our students really took the lead,” FRC Team 6329 coach John Boynton said. “They weren’t just mentoring; they were designing, teaching, troubleshooting, and encouraging kids to believe they could be engineers, too.”

Sophomore FRC Team 6329 member Lily Frost designed this pilot program, and the team hopes it is just the beginning. This summer, the team is running a one-day-per-week program for more than 50 kids through the YMCA day camps in Bucksport. Future plans may also include modules on 3D printing, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and laser cutter training.

This young, passionate team from Bucksport High School is proving that small-town schools can lead big ideas—and that the future of engineering is already in capable hands.

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

July Reporting Due Dates and Upcoming Reports

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team would like to remind school administrative units (SAUs) of the following reports and their upcoming due dates: Truancy and Daily Attendance Certifications are due on July 15; all staff positions should be reviewed as soon as possible in NEO Staff following the rollover to the 2025-2026 school year on July 1; and the Graduation Certification Report is due on August 30.

Please find detailed information and resources for each report below.

Truancy and Daily Attendance Certifications

The final certifications of Truancy and Daily Attendance for the 2024-2025 school year are due on July 15. Superintendents must certify these reports once data specialists and SAU data teams have reviewed and updated them. Data on the Daily Attendance Certification report are used to calculate Chronic Absenteeism for public reporting and accountability measures.

Resources:

NEO Staff Rollover to 2025-2026

NEO Staff was rolled to the 2025-2026 school year on July 1. During this rollover, all staff were updated to Pending status. All staff must be updated to reflect their current position. Please review all staff positions in NEO, add new staff if necessary, and update salary, contact, and position information to reflect each staff member’s position for this school year. 

New superintendents should be updated in NEO Staff immediately to ensure that they can perform state-level reporting, complete report certifications, and receive critical and time-sensitive communications from the Maine DOE.

Resources:

  • NEO Staff Data Entry Webinar on August 26 at noon – Register here.

Graduation Certification Report

This report allows SAUs to validate graduation counts for the school year. Students still working toward finishing their graduation requirements have until August 15 to complete them for this reporting cycle. Students who finish their requirements over the summer can be exited from State Synergy on the date of the graduation ceremony. The graduation date must be prior to June 30.

Open Date: July 1
Due Date: August 30
Resources:

For further information or with questions, please contact the MEDMS Data Systems Support at 207-624-6896 or medms.support@maine.gov.

Cushing Community School Students Make a ‘Pawsitive’ Impact at Pope Memorial Humane Society

Students at Cushing Community School ended their 2024-2025 school year not just with completed assignments and cleaned-out desks but with a meaningful act of kindness, bringing together learning and community service in a powerful way.

On June 12, 2025, a handful of students (the “Sea Store Team”), along with advisor Ms. Jennifer York, delivered a donation of $374 to the Pope Memorial Humane Society in Thomaston. That generous gift was made even more impactful through the Humane Society’s Sherman Medical Fund matching program, bringing the total value to $748. These funds will directly support medical care for animals in need, making a lasting difference in the lives of local pets awaiting adoption.

This donation was the result of a year-long effort by the school’s Sea Store Team, a dedicated group of fourteen students who operated a small but vibrant store at the school each Friday morning during arrival time. The Sea Store offered essential school supplies, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, stickers, rulers, glue sticks, and more. It quickly became a popular stop for student shoppers and was a highlight of the weekly routine during the school year.

Running the Sea Store gave students real responsibilities. They took on roles as cashiers and customer support helpers, learning to handle money, give change, assist customers, and do mental math—all in a supportive, real-world setting. The experience gave both team members and shoppers the chance to strengthen practical skills in a fun, meaningful way.

The lessons learned from the Sea Store extended far beyond the cash register, too. Students on the Sea Store Team learned what it takes to run a small business, from choosing which items to sell and setting prices, to promoting the store, to working together to keep the store running smoothly. This project offered valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—and all for a great cause.

The Sea Store Team chose to donate the store’s profits to Pope Memorial Humane Society, transforming their business into a school-wide community service project. When it came time to deliver the donation, the students were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter and even got to spend some time with puppies and kittens. This up-close opportunity with the animals they were helping made the experience feel even more rewarding.

The Sea Store has been more than just a school fundraiser; it has been a project rooted in learning, leadership, and compassion. Through their efforts, students gained real-world skills, contributed to a cause they care about, and experienced the joy of giving back.

As the school year came to a close, the Sea Store Team walked away with business experience and a sense of pride, purpose, and a reminder that even small actions can create big, positive change.

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