Category: Newsroom Articles

For ME Trainings Support Early Educators Across Maine

(Pictured: Teachers work together during the “Building Beautiful Things” activity, bringing in classroom items to build, collaborate, and reflect on the importance of play-based learning.)

Across the State of Maine, educators are coming together this summer to strengthen the foundations of early learning through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) “For ME” instructional programs. These programs, which support pre-K through grade 2 classrooms, are part of a growing initiative to provide developmentally appropriate, play-based, and standards-aligned instruction for Maine’s youngest learners.

The Maine DOE recently hosted two of its signature summer trainings in Augusta: K for ME and 1st and 2nd Grade for ME. Over four days (two days for each grade level), nearly 140 educators participated in sessions designed to build confidence, encourage collaboration, and support high-quality instruction using the Maine DOE’s open-source curriculum. These training sessions weren’t just about introducing materials; they were about empowering educators to bring those lessons to life in their classrooms. Pre-K for ME trainings were held during the same week in Hampden and Falmouth.

The For ME instructional programs have been steadily expanding since their initial launch in 2018. What began with a focus on pre-K has now grown into a full suite of resources for the early elementary years. This summer is especially exciting, as it marks the official introduction of 2nd Grade for ME, completing the pre-K to grade 2 continuum.

Each summer, the Maine DOE invites educators from across the state to join these trainings and become a part of a professional learning community that extends into the school year. This year’s sessions are supporting more than 240 professionals across the pre-K to grade 2 span, including classroom teachers, ed techs, instructional coaches, special educators, and administrators from about 30 school districts and 10 private childcare programs.

What makes these trainings particularly powerful is the leadership behind them. Many sessions are led by experienced teacher leaders—practicing educators from RSU 22, as well as school systems in Falmouth, Sanford, Brunswick, and other communities. These educators bring firsthand experience from their classrooms and help to mentor peers through model lessons, classroom visits, and professional guidance.

Later this summer, the Maine DOE will also offer a special “deeper dive” session for pre-K educators who have been using the program for more than three years. This one-day training was created using direct feedback from participants and is tailored to help veteran educators to explore the curriculum in new and meaningful ways.

With each training session, the Maine DOE continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing not just student learning but also the professional growth of those guiding them. The energy, collaboration, and innovation on display this summer highlight a shared goal across Maine’s education community: ensuring that every child has a strong, joyful start to their educational journey.

Ocean Avenue’s LearningWorks AfterSchool Students Celebrate a Year of Growth – In and Out of the Garden

At Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland, the final days of the 2024-2025 school year didn’t just mark the start of summer; they marked the culmination of something far more meaningful. On May 28, 2025, students, families, and staff gathered for a joyful celebration that bloomed with laughter, learning, and the unmistakable smell of fresh basil.

Throughout the year, the LearningWorks AfterSchool program at Ocean Avenue was a place for students to grow—in every sense of the word. One of the most popular features of the program this spring was the health and wellness cooking club, where students rolled up their sleeves and discovered just how empowering (and tasty) healthy eating can be. Whether whipping up simple seasonal dishes or learning how to navigate a kitchen with confidence, they found pride in preparing food they could enjoy and share.

The lessons didn’t end at the table! Earlier this spring, families joined students for a creative project that planted the seeds for something special—literally. Caregivers and kids sat side by side, painting flowerpots in bright colors and bold designs, knowing that they would soon be home to basil plants that they would nurture together.

Two months later, those same pots were filled with life. At the program’s year-end gathering, students tucked basil seedlings into the soil with careful hands and eager hearts. With a quick crash course in how to tend to their new leafy friends, they headed home with plants, pride, and a few new favorite recipes.

“We’ve seen incredible growth this year,” Site Coordinator Stephanie Bethel said. “Not just in what students can do but in how they see themselves. From painting pots to planting basil, everything we’ve done has helped students—and families—to feel more connected, more confident, and more capable.”

As part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, LearningWorks AfterSchool continues to foster safe, inspiring spaces that stretch beyond academics. At Ocean Avenue, those spaces came alive this year with the smell of pesto, the sound of laughter, and the roots of something that will keep growing long after summer begins.

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

Orono High School Student’s Artwork to Be Featured During Wild Blueberry Weekend

The artistic talents of an Orono High School student will take center stage the weekend of August 2 and 3, 2025, as the State of Maine celebrates its fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend.

On July 17, 2025, at Brodis Farm in Hope, Governor Janet Mills made the official proclamation of Wild Blueberry Weekend, a tradition since 2021 to celebrate the state’s berry and the growers and processers who harvest it. This statewide event features farm tours and other activities at more than a dozen wild blueberry farms across ten counties, as well as wild blueberry-themed offerings at restaurants, ice cream shops, and breweries.

This year, the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine announced a T-shirt design for the fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. During her Brodis Farm visit, Governor Mills celebrated Orono High School student Elena Weaver, whose winning design will be featured on T-shirts to be sold at participating farms during Wild Blueberry Weekend.

“We launched the T-shirt design contest this year in celebration of Governor Mills’ proclamation of 2025 as the ‘Year of Youth in Agriculture’ in Maine,” Jennifer Maskala, Director of Programs for the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, said. “We reached out to more than 100 Maine schools to encourage student participation and were proud to receive submissions from across the country.”

Maskala said that a selection committee reviewed all entries using a judging rubric and evaluated them based solely on the artwork itself.

“We were honored to recognize a youth winner from Maine and an adult winner from Washington state at the Governor’s Wild Blueberry Weekend proclamation event—a meaningful way to celebrate creativity, agriculture, and the next generation of leaders in our industry,” Maskala said.

Thirty-one people total submitted designs for the Wild Blueberry Weekend T-Shirt Design Contest. Maskala said the Commission selected Weaver’s design based on its strong visual impact, creativity, and clear appeal to young audiences. Maskala said that Weaver’s design stood out for its originality and the way it captures the spirit of Wild Blueberry Weekend in a fun and engaging way.  

“I love doing art, and it is special to have my work seen by so many people. There are a lot of subtle colors to wild blueberries as they ripen, and this influenced my design,” Weaver said. “My favorite thing about blueberries, though, is eating them!”

In 2024, more than 10,000 people attended Wild Blueberry Weekend events in Maine. If turnout is similar this year, that will make for quite the platform for Weaver’s artwork.

You can learn more about Wild Blueberry Weekend, and find a map of participating locations, here.

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.