Week of the Young Child®: Thursday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights

The Week of the Young Child® highlights the importance of early childhood education and the foundational role it plays in a child’s success. This week also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the early care and education professionals who nurture and support children and families during this critical stage of growth and development.

This year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is teaming up with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child and Family Services – Early Care and Education Division to honor dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.

Each day of the week during the Week of the Young Child, the Maine DOE will highlight early childhood professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues and the communities they serve.

Here are the Thursday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights:

Kristen Bullard, James H. Bean School

“I enjoy collaborating with families to foster a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that strengthens the connection between home and school,” Bullard said.

Kristen Cosgrove, Child Development Services York

“I love getting the opportunity to get to support families and childcare teachers in learning and using strategies to help their children make progress,” Cosgrove said.

Kristen Tripp, DaVinci Child Care LLC

“My passion for nurturing young minds is deeply rooted in my love for my community,” Tripp said.

Linda Gatz, Child Development Services

“It’s a very profound notion that early intervention can impact a lifetime for parents and their children,” Gatz said.

Liza Waterman, Waterman’s Community Center

“I love what I do because every day, I am able to go to work, to be greeted by the open arms of the little people who are happy to see me and start their day,” Waterman said.

Logan Melanio, Golden Sun Childcare

“I love what I do because each child is so unique, and that makes setting their goals for learning even more special,” Melanio said.

Lori Krupke, Kids’ Corner

“I can honestly say that I love my work with the children now even more than the first day I walked through our center’s door,” Krupke said.

Mary Vermette-Graham, Little Farm School

“I love creating spaces where childhood can be celebrated at every step, and we can slow down enough to witness it,” Vermette-Graham said.

Maya Brainard, Educare Central Maine

“Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding things in life because of everything we get to see and help children to learn,” Brainard said.

Megan Vaillancourt

“Seeing the pure excitement on a child’s face when they accomplish a task that they have been working on is one of the best things to experience when working with children,” Vaillancourt said.

Meghan Pomelow, Gorham House Preschool

“The joy, love, and honesty that children share with one another is something I wish everyone in the world could experience,” Pomelow said.

Melissa Evans, Roselyn North Academy

“I love working with young children and see it as an honor to help raise tomorrow’s future,” Evans said.

Melissa Holt, Growing Minds Early Learning Center

“I have always been passionate about working with children. They are fun, curious, and keep things interesting!” Holt said.

Melissa Kimball, Turner Primary School

“Working with pre-K-aged students is the most exciting, engaging, rewarding, unpredictable experience!” Kimball said.

Michelle Whitten-Sawyer, The Back Cove School

“I love what I do because I see the full potential of these little humans who, with no doubt, will change the world!” Whitten-Sawyer said.

Natalie Batchelder, Horace Mitchell Primary School

“I love what I do because I get to help children explore and learn about the world around them,” Batchelder said.

Nichole Bryant, Elm Street School

“I enjoy working with young children because I love being able to watch small minds grow and seeing their perspectives unfold,” Bryant said.

Palmira Africano de Carvalho, Happy Child Daycare

“I am a teacher. Long time ago, I studied psychology in university in Angola. The things that I more like in my life are learning, take care children, and teach,” Africano de Carvalho said.

Pamela Dow, Vassalboro Community School

“I am a lifelong learner, and I enjoy instilling my love of learning in children,” Dow said.

Patty Simon, Steep Falls Elementary School

“Over the many years I have been teaching, my love of working with young learners and the connection I feel for my school community has only grown stronger,” Simon said.

Raquel Corey

“To me, there is no bigger achievement than helping a child reach a goal that they may have thought was unattainable,” Corey said.

Rebecca Ducharme, Elm Street School

“I feel fortunate to work at Elm Street School, where love, support, and hard work come together to create a safe space for all,” Ducharme said.

Kim Olsen, Ella P. Burr Elementary School – “My greatest joy teaching is seeing the kids’ smiles/joy when they master a skill or are working on a science experiment,” Olsen said.
Laura Dyer – “She provides young students with both structure and kindness, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive,” Dyer’s nominator said.
Laurene Randal, Brilliant Bloomers Nursery School – “I love my job because teaching young children is my true passion, and I appreciate it even more because it took me a long time to make my dream of being a teacher come true!” Randal said.
Linda Levesque, Washington County Community College – “I love my job because of the people I have been working with over the past 35 years – early childhood students, teachers, caregivers, professionals,” Levesque said.
Lindsae Kish – “Lindsae has demonstrated unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for young children,” Kish’s nominator said.
Lisa Grant – “Lisa is an incredible co-lead teacher. Her ideas, strength, love, and commitment to her families and co-teachers are how every early childhood educator should strive to be,” Grant’s nominator said.
Loyann Worster, Veazie Community School – “I love what I do because I love to see little faces light up and hear them say, ‘This is the best day ever.'” Worster said.
Mackenzie Fittswood – “Mackenzie always puts her students’ best interests first. She not only helps them to grow academically but also socially,” Fittswood’s nominator said.
Madeleine Mazur, Roselyn North Academy -“I believe Early Childhood Education to be one of the most important professions, as it goes beyond academic education,” Mazur said.
Maggie York, St. John’s Catholic School – “She is the heartbeat of our school, often also serving as the emcee for school events with her infectious wit and kind approach,” York’s nominator said.
Mandi Nook – “I have heard her refer to the children as her ‘customers;’ she is here to provide them with the best ‘service,’ a fun-filled early learning experience,” Nook’s nominator said.
Margaret (Meg) Blake, Region 10 Technical High School – “As an Early Childhood Educator at Region 10 Technical High School, Meg has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering young children’s learning, development, and well-being,” Blake’s nominator said.
Margot Entwisle, The Bay School – “The space she creates can only be described as magical. It is a warm space where children feel safe to be their whole authentic best selves,” Entwisle’s nominator said.
Mary Berry, The Berry Patch – “Mary is patient, kind, and extremely caring for all her daycare children. She continues to keep our children stimulated, learning, and exploring,” Berry’s nominator said.
Mary Melanson – “Mary fosters a warm and inclusive classroom where every child feels valued and supported,” Melanson’s nominator said.
Mary White, Indian Township Daycare – “Mary is a very creative person and can usually engage most children in an activity,” White’s nominator said.
Megan Pelletier, Serendipity Creek Childcare Center – “I love supporting all young learners and guiding them through their milestones, and I love teaching,” Pelletier said.
Melanie McGrath, ABC Preschool – “I am blessed each day to work with amazing families, students, and co-workers!” McGrath said.
Mela Shaw – “Mela has been a dedicated, caring, and compassionate preschool teacher for 22 years!” Shaw’s nominator said.
Melanie Taylor, Roselyn North Academy – “I’ve always loved seeing each child grow and develop their skills and meet their milestones,” Taylor said.
Michelle Blanchette, Little Buddies Learning Center & Childcare – “Glitter, glue, painted snow, recycled anything projects, a dance party for all ages, and a huge smile is what Ms. Micki has brought to Little Buddies for 10 years,” Blanchette’s nominator said.
Miranda Dostie – “I nominate Miranda because she is a teacher and an employee who gives her heart and soul to her children and classroom day after day,” Dostie’s nominator said.
Noah Bragdon – “Noah has been working with children for just a few years, but in the last several months, he has really come out of his shell and has emerged as a quality childhood educator,” Bragdon’s nominator said.

Week of the Young Child®: Wednesday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights

This year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is teaming up with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services – Early Care and Education Division to honor dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.

Each day of the week during the Week of the Young Child, the Maine DOE will highlight early childhood professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues and the communities they serve.

Here are the Wednesday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights:

Jane Brennan, Wonder Awhile Nursery School

“It is enjoyable watching children have ‘ah-ha’ moments, gain independence, improve social skills, form lasting friendships, and develop thinking skills in a fun, nurturing environment,” Brennan said.

Jayme Ward, Penobscot Bay YMCA

“Every day, I get to celebrate life’s little moments and be a part of watching my kiddos achieve new milestones,” Ward said.

Jeanine Deas, KVCAP Educare Central Maine

“I feel fortunate to have followed my passion throughout my life of serving children and their families,” Deas said.

Jennifer Bernier, Roselyn North Academy

“I love watching all of my kiddos reach new and exciting milestones,” Bernier said.

Jennifer Wescott, Feels Like Home Early Care & Education

“I love what I do because I get to be creative and build meaningful relationships with families and the sense of community it brings,” Wescott said.

Jesi Freeman, Veazie Community School

“I love working with early childhood students because their natural curiosity and excitement for learning make every day engaging and meaningful,” Freeman said.

Jessica Lewis, Inch By Inch Preschool

“Every day, I get to inspire wonder and learning in children,” Lewis said.

Jessica Robbins, Dirigo Elementary School

“I love creating a safe and nurturing environment that allows for mistakes and promotes the growth of the whole child,” Robbins said.

Joanne Fortier, Joanne’s Daycare

“Children have had a place in my heart for as long as I can remember,” Fortier said.

Julie Battersby, MaineGeneral Early Learning Center

“I love working with young children and families because of the deep connections we build and the joy that comes from working together to give children the best possible start in life,” Battersby said.

Kate Quinn Finlay, Gateway Community Services

“From a young age, I knew that work with young children would be my life mission, my joy and passion,” Finlay said.

Katy Fulton, Gallant Therapy Services

“I love being a part of innovative groups and programming to create systemic, sustainable clinical programs, so more families receive access to the quality care they need,” Fulton said.

Katie Chase, Educare Central Maine

“I love what I do because I make such a difference to so many kids’ lives,” Chase said.

Katie McManus, Roselyn North Academy

“If I can help children build a strong foundation now, I can help them be successful in school,” McManus said.

Katrina Terry

“Helping children and educators grow in this field of work truly is such a rewarding experience,” Terry said.

Kayla Barter, Watch Me Grow Childcare & Preschool

“I love what I do because every day brings the opportunity to make a positive impact,” Barter said.

Kayla Levesque, H.B. Emery Jr. Memorial School

“I love being a kindergarten teacher because every day is filled with excitement and new discoveries,” Levesque said.

Kayla Tibbetts, KVCAP/MSAD 54

“I really enjoy giving our youngest learners their first school experience,” Tibbetts said.

Kaylie Francis, All About Kids

“I love what I do because I know I’m making a difference,” Francis said.

Kellie Haggerty, Somerset Elementary School

“I love being a teacher because I have the privilege of fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in my students,” Haggerty said.

Kelly Howard, Pownal Elementary School

“As the pre-K teacher at Pownal Elementary School, I have been provided with the opportunity to do a job that I absolutely love!” Howard said.

Kelsey Ruth, Roselyn North Academy

“I absolutely love being a child care center director because every day, I get to be a part of something truly special—helping children learn, grow, and thrive,” Ruth said.

Kendra Marley, Carl J. Lamb School

“I love working in pre-K because each day is a new adventure, filled with opportunities for Maine’s youngest learners to explore, discover, and grow together,” Marley said.

Jennifer Fournier, Fourteenth Street School – “She goes above and beyond to make her students feel like valued members of the classroom community, recognizing each of them as unique individuals with their own talents and abilities,” Fournier’s nominator said.
Jamie Lippman – “I love what I do because I have a real, positive impact upon children,” Lippman said.
Jennifer Poulin, Saco School Department pre-K – “I’m not just teaching basic skills; I’m helping to foster a love for learning, build confidence, and guide [children] as they grow emotionally and socially,” Poulin said.
Jodie Beal – “As the manager of our infant toddler program, Jodie is caring, playful, and communicative,” Beal’s nominator said.
Josephine Roberts – “The children in her care are so happy to be there [and] have learned so much autonomy, as well as skills to successfully collaborate and problem solve,” Roberts’ nominator said.
Josh Henry, St. Louis Child Development Center – “One of the things that I most cherish about working with children is the breakthroughs,” Henry said.
Josh Ingram – “Josh Ingram is a dedicated pre-Kindergarten education technician who plays a vital role in the success of our pre-Kindergarten program,” Ingram’s nominator said.
Kaitlyn Snipe, Little Sprouts Family Daycare – “She provides home-like, loving childcare where our daughter flourishes,” Snipe’s nominator said.
Karen Lin, Gorham Cooperative Preschool – “She recognizes that to impart the greatest benefit to our young learners, being a diligent observer yields the best return,” Lin’s nominator said.
Karen Miller, Oxford School Age Child Care & Preschool – “I truly love my job and consider myself very lucky to work in such a great program with such great people!” Miller said.
Karen Russell, Pen Bay Creative Learning Center – “She does a lot of crafts and plays. She makes [our child] happy,” Russell’s nominator said.
Karyn Ashton, Grow with Me Daycare & Preschool – “She provides loving, quality care, as well as an awesome preschool learning program,” Ashton’s nominator said.
Kasey Leavitt, Pollywogs – “Her natural ability to connect with every child is unmatched, and she consistently implements best practices with excellence,” Leavitt’s nominator said.
Kate Bridges – “I am nominating this teacher because of her love for the children in the daycare center, and she is also an amazing coworker!” Bridges nominator said.
Kelly Theberge, Lewiston Public Schools – “I love what I do because I get to experience the growth and wisdom of my students every day!” Theberge said.
Kendra Bates, Bright Beginnings Learning Center – “She has the most loving heart for the kids,” Bates’ nominator said. “She is very patient with them.”
Kerry Peacock, Laugh & Learn Academy – “Kerry Peacock has been positively influencing and laying the groundwork for positive educational experiences and healthy lives of children in Freeport, Durham, Pownal, and surrounding communities with Laugh & Learn for 20 years!” Peacock’s nominator said.
Kids’ Corner staff/volunteers – “Lori Krupke and the teachers and staff at Kids’ Corner give 150% every day,” the Kids’ Corner nominator said.

Week of the Young Child®: Tuesday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights

Each day of the week during the Week of the Young Child, the Maine DOE will highlight early childhood professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues and the communities they serve.

Here are the Tuesday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights:

Chris McLaughlin, Penquis CAP and Waldo CAP

“I am very committed to building a strong emotional foundation for our youngest learners, so they have the support and tools needed to thrive from the very start,” McLaughlin said.

Courtney Wood, Down East Family YMCA

“I love the children, the families, the community that child care creates for everyone,” Wood said.

Crystal Parritt, YWCA Central Maine

“I love being an important part of children’s educational and social foundation to become life-long adult learners,” Parritt said.

Crystal Stanley, Alfond Youth and Community Center

“I love being a preschool teacher and preschool coordinator because I get to witness children grow and develop,” Stanley said.

Cynthia White, KidsPeace

“Nothing feels better than watching a child realize they are succeeding,” White said.

Daron Stryker, Smarty Pants Preschool

“In what other profession do you get to come to work every day and feel loved and appreciated by these amazing tiny humans?” Stryker said.

Darlene Bruns, Westbrook Regional Vocational Center

“I love what I do because I inspire new educators to enter the early childhood education field and help them navigate what they would like to do,” Bruns said.

Deborah Perreault, Child Development Services Preschool – Gray

“Being in a position where I can help guide children on their learning journey is an absolute joy and privilege,” Perreault said.

DJ Adams, Alfond Youth & Community Center

“Being able to watch children learn and grow and experience their personalities bloom is why I love working with children,” Adams said.

Elizabeth Cote, Falmouth Elementary School

“I love teaching pre-K because I get to witness the incredible growth and development of young children every day,” Cote said.

Erin Gaudette, Dayton Consolidated School

“I am grateful to serve children with a nurturing, caring, play-based learning environment to instill a positive first-year school experience as a classroom family,” Gaudette said.

Eva Lowerre, Laugh & Learn Preschool

“I have always liked what I do, but it was not until I moved to an island in Maine that I really, really loved what I do,” Lowerre said.

Grace McIntyre, Grace’s Busy Bees Learning Center

“I love what I do because one thing that will never change is that each day in the classroom is never the same as the last. That even goes for the business side of the operations,” McIntyre said.

Gabrielle Flewelling, Toddle Inn Child Care

“I love watching how proud a child gets when they have mastered a skill that was tricky for them and watching them grow a love and excitement of learning!” Flewelling said.

Hailey Dellarma

“I like to encourage children to try new things, make learning fun, and watch their confidence soar as they succeed,” Dellarma said.

Hanna Goodwin, Roselyn North Academy

“I’ve been in this field of work for almost eight years, and what has always been the best part for me is watching children become more confident within themselves,” Goodwin said.

Heather Bowen, Camden-Rockport Elementary School

“I am grateful to laugh and learn alongside my preschool students every day as I nurture their natural curiosity and sense of wonder for our outdoor spaces,” Bowen said.

Jackie Thibodeau, Educare Central Maine

“I know I am making a lasting impact on the lives of my students and their families through the connections and experiences we share,” Thibodeau said.

Jacqueline Duclos, MSAD 35

“The work that I do in the classroom gives me so much joy and truly impacts my life in every way,” Duclos said.

Chelsea Brewer	“Chelsea is an invaluable teacher and resource in early childhood education in Maine,” Brewer’s nominator said.
Chase Warren	“Chase consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to helping children overcome challenges and build the necessary skills for everyday activities, from fine motor coordination to self-care tasks,” Warren’s nominator said.
Cindy Lapointe	“Cindy is incredibly thoughtful, supportive, and reassuring,” Lapointe’s nominator said.
Cissy Jellison	“Childcare is hard to come by these days, but Cissy has built an amazing program to serve the children and families of this community,” Jellison’s nominator said.
Crystal Oliver	“Working with children and families to navigate the intricacies of early childhood education, particularly in special education, to best meet their needs is some of the most meaningful work,” Oliver said.
Danielle Pendleton	“The best part of my job is honestly playing with the children and knowing it isn’t just play to them; this is how they learn best – and watching them grow, as they develop more skills, and seeing their faces bright and shining with pride,” Pendleton said.
Danielle Ridlon	“Early care is such an important part of a young child’s development. I am proud to be a resource for families,” Ridlon said.
Delores Alberico, D’s Daycare	“I love what I do because it allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, including my own,” Alberico said.
Demika Stowe	“Demika is always in tune with children’s needs beyond the academic profile,” Stowe’s nominator said.
Donna Hinkledire, Children’s Center of Augusta	“I love to watch the excitement in the students’ eyes when I bring out a new toy or a favorite toy,” Hinkledire said.
Emily Gravel	“Emily is an amazing preschool teacher. She is creative, patient, and kind. She truly loves her job, and it shows!” Gravel’s nominator said.
Emma Boone	“She is always working to come up with new strategies for learning,” Boone’s nominator said.
Erin Ketcham	“From day one, Erin has made it clear that her number one priority is helping kids and their families get connected with resources and providers in their communities to ensure the kids are getting what they need,” Ketcham’s nominator said.
Haley Small, Somerset Preschool Inc.	“She is an instrument of laughter while maintaining a pillar of understanding for children, staff, and families,” Small’s nominator said.
Hannah Gundersdorf	“Hannah always puts her students’ best interest first. Her students feel safe and cared for, as they pursue their academic journey,” Gundersdorf’s nominator said.
Hannah Marshall	“She goes over and above to support my little guy and to make flexible options for him when he’s having struggles,” Marshall’s nominator said.
Heather Thurlow	“She is a dedicated professional who pours her heart into her work,” Thurlow’s nominator said.
Heather Umel	“Ms. Heather is more than caring and kind; she is empathetic and understanding,” Umel’s nominator said.
Heidi Campbell, Whatever Is Clever Family Child Care	“I love what I do because no day is ever the same. Children are very entertaining, keep you laughing, and keep you on your toes,” Campbell said.
Isabella Rand, Sacopee Valley Elementary School	“I love being able to show up for my students and them knowing they have me in their corner,” Rand said.
Jacky Swindler, First Step Learning Center	“There’s something truly magical about witnessing the growth and development of children,” Swindler said.

Week of the Young Child®: Monday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights

Each day of the week during the Week of the Young Child, the Maine DOE will highlight early childhood professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues and the communities they serve.

Here are the Monday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights:

Aileen Breault

“Day by day, it is a growing, wonderful feeling for me, realizing that I am actually doing something inspiring and [providing] meaningful learning development for each child in my class,” Breault said.

Allyson Barnard, Starfish Academy

“I love being able to create an inclusive environment with my incredible staff that supports early intervention and the social-emotional growth for all children who attend our academy,” Barnard said.

Allyson Casares, Libby Tozier School

“I love being able to use my creativity and my compassion for the young child in order to start them off with a strong foundation of academic and social-emotional skills,” Casares said.

Amanda Cyr, Roselyn North Academy

“I love being a daycare teacher because I get to be a source of stability and care in a child’s early years, shaping their love for learning,” Cyr said.

Amber Smith

“Amber is a skilled, loving, gentle preschool educator. We have been fortunate to have her care for both of our children,” Smith’s nominator said.

Anna Dodge, Windham Raymond School Aged Child Care

“There is something so fulfilling in life, knowing you are actively shaping kids’ lives,” Dodge said.

Annabelle York, Albion Elementary School

“As early educators, we play an instrumental role in guiding children through their emotions and fostering friendships,” York said.

Ashley Bottomley, Tiny Toes Childcare

“When I wake up every morning, I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” Bottomley said.

Beth Glidden, Little Buddies Child Care, LLC

“It is about having a good day but not just for the children. Having a team that knows that their time and family matters and are there for one another is seen in their passion every day, as they have a good day,” Glidden said.

Brianna Carr, KidsPeace – Old Town

“I love the field I work in because every day I’m here, I get inspired by the resilience and strength of the future generation we serve,” Carr said.

Brianna Thomas, Miles of Smiles Childcare and Preschool

“I love bringing magic into the classroom and creating a hands-on learning experience for all children to flourish,” Thomas said.

Brittany Woolley, Smarties Early Learning Center

“I love being a positive influence on children’s lives, modeling kindness, patience, and to love learning, but my favorite part about my job is making a difference in the children’s lives that I work with,” Woolley said.

Brook Cruz, Pumpkin Patch Preschool and Childcare

“I enjoy getting to know each and every child, along with creating a successful learning experience that is suited for each individual child’s needs,” Cruz said.

Caroline Saucier, Gallant Therapy Services

“I am overjoyed to be part of something truly extraordinary, where I can nurture and guide young individuals toward their full potential and independence,” Saucier said.

Charlotte Jacobs, Seedlings to Sunflowers Non-Profit Childcare and Family Center

“As I enter my 14th year in the field of early childhood education and care, I believe that we can help children to become life-long learners in our approaches to teaching,” Jacobs said.

Alexis Tozier	“Alexis is the lead teacher behind our work to provide special education services to all 3- and 4-year-olds in our district,” Tozier’s nominator said.
Alicia Grindle	“She makes sure that every child is seen and heard and works hard to give them a positive experience and a safe place to express themselves,” Grindle’s nominator said.
Allison Keenan	“Allison deserves this honor because she works daily with preschoolers who have special needs,” Keenan’s nominator said.
Alyx Carbone, Spring Point Children’s Center	“It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of a family’s village, sharing moments of celebration when their children reach new milestones,” Carbone said.
Amanda Barnes, Cornerspring Montessori School	“I love watching the children learn and grow. The children bring so much joy to my life. They teach me independence, patience, kindness, and love daily,” Barnes said.
Amanda Jolly, St. Louis Child Development Center	“It makes it all worth the craziness when I walk in every morning, and they run and hug me every morning,” Jolly said.
Amber Dawn Doiron	“Amber Dawn approaches each family with empathy, a smile, and a perspective that affects change in many families’ lives,” Doiron’s nominator said.
Amber Lombardi	“Amber started Mainely Teeth, a non-profit mobile dental clinic, to bring community access to quality dental care,” Lombardi’s nominator said.
Angela (Angie) Tibbetts	“The love and care Angie has for every student at Jumpin’ Jax is evident every morning at drop-off and every evening at pick-up,” Tibbetts’ nominator said
Anita McCurdy, Anita’s Home Childcare	“I love working with children of all ages, but the younger ones are my favorite,” McCurdy said.
Ann Chase, Kate Furbish Elementary School	“I love being part of the amazing pre-K team at Kate Furbish Elementary School. They are some of the most supportive and dedicated educators I have ever worked with,” Chase said.
Ann Goodwin	“She opens her home to every family she provides care for and each of the children are ‘her children,'” Goodwin’s nominator said.
Anne Bachner, Bachner Beginnings Family Child Care	“I feel that children deeply benefit from being around friends of different ages and abilities, and it is a joy to watch them teach and help each other,” Bachner said.
Annie Boitz	“Annie plans so many wonderful enriching activities for the toddlers in her classroom and focuses on nurturing their cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development,” Boitz said.
Annie Colaluca	“Annie works tirelessly to improve the quality of care for not just children in our program at the Bath Area Family YMCA but across the state,” Colaluca’s nominator said.
Annie York	“Annie commits to making sure all her students have all the tools necessary to make sure they are successful and goes out of her way to make learning fun for her students every day,” York’s nominator said.
Ashley Stanley	“Ashley Stanley is an amazing educational leader who teaches kindergarten at the Tremont Consolidated School. She is passionate about Early Childhood Education and the needs of all students,” Stanley’s nominator said.
Barbara Koch	“She creates a safe space for them to melt down or to be happy, to stim without judgment, and she loves them without judgment. She is really great in the community with advocacy, as well,” Koch’s nominator said.
Becky Lewis	“Becky is a great team member and extraordinary teacher,” Lewis’ nominator said.
Bri Mayberry, Windham Raymond School Aged Child Care	“I have worked in this field for almost 15 years, and I have loved it every step of the way,” Mayberry said.
Camelia Babson-Haley, Youth and Family Outreach	“I love what I do because I have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families who face significant challenges,” Babson-Haley said.
Catherine Laweryson, Mobius Inc.	“As a children’s case manager, I love helping parents and guardians with accessing needed and beneficial resources,” Laweryson said.
Catherine Thompson, Patricia A. Duran School	“I love teaching pre-K for so many reasons, but the most important one is the children I get to see every day!” Thompson said.
Charlotte Ala	“This educator has shown patience and understanding during difficult situations. She is an amazing role model for future educators and always shows compassion for others,” Ala’s nominator said.

Biddeford High School Helps Students Explore Interests and Build Connections Through ‘Passion Classes’ Event

(Pictured: Biddeford High School (BHS) students try out making homemade pasta as part of the “Passion Classes,” a special day filled with a unique curriculum designed to help students explore new hobbies and interests while fostering meaningful connections with teachers.)

Discovering what excites and motivates students can be a game-changer in education, boosting engagement, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. Last month, Biddeford High School (BHS) hosted “Passion Classes,” a special day filled with a unique curriculum designed to help students explore new hobbies and interests, while fostering meaningful connections with teachers.

The Passion Classes event allowed teachers to step outside of their traditional subjects to share something they are passionate about—whether it’s a life skill, creative hobby, or unique interest. Students were given the opportunity to choose three sessions throughout the day, selecting from a wide range of engaging topics. Some sessions focused on practical life skills, such as making sushi, homemade pasta, or pancakes, while others introduced students to weightlifting techniques or the basics of sourdough baking. Creativity took center stage in sessions on knitting and crocheting, embroidery, and candle-making, while other offerings helped students to develop social-emotional skills through communication workshops, meditation, and even mapmaking. For those looking for something fun and interactive, applicable options included trivia, chess, and even a session on planning the perfect Disney trip.

Biddeford High School (BHS) students enjoy making diamond paintings as part of the “Passion Classes,” a special day filled with a unique curriculum designed to help students explore new hobbies and interests while fostering meaningful connections with teachers.

The Passion Classes event aligns with the growing focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), which encourages students to explore their passions, develop confidence, and build a sense of purpose. Finding one’s passion in high school can lead to greater motivation, more substantial learning outcomes, and even help shape future career choices. Just as importantly, this initiative creates opportunities for students to connect with teachers in new and meaningful ways, discovering shared interests over common hobbies that can strengthen relationships beyond the classroom. Those bonds continue to grow throughout the school year, contributing to a more positive and supportive learning environment.

“Passions fuel curiosity and drive learning in ways traditional instruction sometimes cannot,” Martha Jacques, Biddeford High School Principal, said. “When students have a reason to build skills—whether it’s reading, math, or problem-solving—because they need those skills to go further in something they love, they become more engaged and invested in their learning.”

The Passion Classes event reflects the school’s commitment to connecting with one another and continuously fostering a sense of belonging for students and staff. While strong relationships are forged in the classrooms each day, Biddeford High School works to elevate these efforts with school-wide co-curricular activities to support its core values of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Empathy. These opportunities are called “PRIDE Days”.

This story was submitted by Biddeford High School. To submit a good news story to the Maine Department of Education, please fill out the good news submission form.

Sanford Middle School Students Launch New School Newspaper

Sanford Middle School has a new wave of young journalists who are making their mark with the launch of a new school newspaper. The SMS Times, which launched in early February, is giving students a platform to report on school events, sports, and issues that matter to them.

Inspired by the Sanford High School’s Spartan Times, this newspaper project began when Sanford Middle School Gifted and Talented Coordinator Chambree Kumka introduced the idea to her English Language Arts groups.

“I thought this would be something that would really get them feeling connected to the school,” Kumka explained.

The SMS Times has already made an impact within the school community. Fifth-grader Henry Defrance wrote a popular article about a malfunctioning water fountain that got real-world results.

“It hadn’t been working, but the day after I wrote the article it got fixed,” he said. Henry said he is preparing a follow-up piece for the next issue.

Sports coverage has emerged as a central feature, with fifth-graders Ivy Peters and Tanner Provencher (pictured above) forming a dedicated reporting team.

“I thought it would be fun to write about school sports and stuff,” Ivy expressed. Though her article wasn’t in the debut issue, she said she is excited to see her work in the next edition.

Tanner said she appreciates the opportunity to learn about sports that she doesn’t personally play.

“I like to learn about the experiences,” she noted. Both reporters said they are looking forward to covering spring sports, particularly softball and baseball.

Fellow fifth-grader Luke Levesque, who also contributes to sports coverage, said his favorite part is simply “seeing all the sports.”

These young reporters are learning to conduct interviews, speaking with coaches and players and gathering quotes and perspectives to enrich their articles. Students are gaining valuable experience in writing, editing, and meeting deadlines. They are also learning to research topics independently.

“I want to teach them about making sure they’ve checked their facts,” Kumka noted. “If we do make a mistake, we correct it in the next issue.”

Students receive guidance when needed but are encouraged to develop their own story ideas.

“If they’re stuck on something, I’ll guide them toward something that might be needed,” Kumka said. “But I definitely try to let them choose.”

The SMS Times has received positive feedback from teachers and students alike. The first edition featured a diverse range of content, including Henry’s investigative water fountain report; sports coverage by Luke and Eamon McGuckin-Welsch; a feature on Sanford Middle School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain receiving the Wayne Drown Award; a spotlight on eighth-grader Paityn Ricker’s SnackDash program; a guide to school clubs written by Lia Tullo, Alana Repolt, and Gabe Donovan; a student poll on allied arts classes; historical photos of Sanford; and even a joke section. It also promoted upcoming events like the school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast,” scheduled for May of 2025.

While fifth graders form the core of the reporting staff, Kumka said she hopes to increase involvement among older students in the future. These young journalists are already thinking about future coverage. Some are preparing to report on the school talent show, while others are developing ideas for feature stories about student concerns, such as lunch table seating arrangements.

Kumka currently handles design and production of the newspaper but said she plans to gradually pass these responsibilities to the students, as well.

“Eventually, I’d like for them to be doing pretty much all of it,” she said.

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

REMINDER: Webinar Series Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

Maine Youth Thriving is hosting a series of free, virtual (via Zoom) and in-person professional development sessions throughout the next several months in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services.

These sessions will focus on:

Ways in which adverse and positive childhood experiences impact children’s development,
Ideas for supporting a stronger focus on positive experiences and for building resilience for young children, and
Strategies for how educators can address compassion fatigue and build their own resilience.

Descriptions of all available programs can be found here. Each session offers two contact hours. Registration is required, and links to each session are provided in the table below. There is no cost to attend sessions.

Date/Time	Program and Registration Link
In-person: Friday, April 18, 9-11 a.m. in Augusta	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development – Register here.
Virtual: Wednesday, May 7, 6-8 p.m.	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development – Register here.
Virtual: Wednesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m.	Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers – Register here.
Virtual: Tuesday, October 7, 6-8 p.m.	The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development – Register here.
Virtual: Tuesday, October 21, 6-8 p.m.	Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers – Register here.

For more information, please contact Nicole Madore, Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist, at nicole.madore@maine.gov.

School Registration Open for Second Annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit

Are you ready to open doors to boundless possibilities for your students? Consider registering for the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education’s (OSSIE) second annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit, scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Maine Community College.

This Summit invites schools across Maine to join a transformative initiative, designed specifically for students with disabilities who are at the age of transitioning from school to their future. 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.

Making a Difference Together

By participating in this summit, you 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.

Join the Movement

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.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary! Together, we can create a more inclusive, opportunity-rich future for Maine’s students with disabilities.

Maine middle and high schools are invited to fill out a school interest form, if they are planning to bring students to the second annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit. (Registrations for individual students will be sent directly to schools that complete the interest form.)

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Transition Specialist Titus O’Rourke at titus.orourke@maine.gov.

Reports Due Soon: April 1 Enrollment and Quarter 3 Attendance, Truancy, Bullying, and Behavior

April 1 Enrollment reporting opened on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The due date for certifying this report is Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

A comparison of April enrollments to October enrollments is used for policy and decision-making. Therefore, it is important for school administrative units (SAUs) to complete this review and certification in the reported timeframe.

Please note that this report provides up-to-date address information for the SUN Bucks Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program. Students’ address information should be updated to reflect valid mailing addresses.

Collection of Title I allocation data for private schools with eligible students will be provided for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, based on the 2024-2025 April 1 enrollment collection. Private schools with Title I-eligible students should enter enrollment data of eligible students into State Synergy.

Reporting Resources:

April 1 Enrollment Reporting Webinar (recorded on March 20)
April 1 Enrollment reporting instructions

Quarter 3 Reports are open as of Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The due date for validating these reports will be Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Collection of Attendance, Truancy, Behavior, and Bullyingare ongoing reports for the school year. This validation provides an opportunity to update data to this point in the year. The final certification of these reports will be at the end of the school year; updating data to this point will allow for more efficient certification at the end of the school year.

Reporting Resources:

Attendance Validation Reporting Webinar (recorded on January 7)
2024-2025 Quarterly Reports Webinar (recorded September 10)
Student Behavior and Discipline Guidance and reporting requirements
Attendance Certification instructions
Truancy Reporting Guidance

For questions about April 1 Enrollment and/or Quarter 3 reporting, please contact MEDMS.Support@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896.

Upcoming Webinar: 2025-2026 Data Reporting Changes

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) will be updating data reporting systems and a few data elements for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). A webinar that outlines these changes is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025.

These changes include the use of a new data integration system called Connect, which will replace State Synergy. This change was outlined in a priority notice sent to superintendents and technology directors on March 28. You may view that priority notice here.

In addition to the system change, a few student data elements will be updated for the 2025-2026 reporting year. This includes:

An updated code for economic disadvantage identification.
Requirements for full-time equivalency (FTE) codes to be populated.
Student ID numbers to be updated to 10 digits.
Resident codes transitioning to GeoCodes.

The Maine Education Data Management System (MEDMS) Support Team has been in contact with the student information systems (SIS) vendors regarding updates to reporting for FY26, so they will have changes ready for the fall collections.

The MEDMS Support Team will host this webinar on April 17 at noon to provide information about these changes and allow school administrative units (SAUs) to ask questions about these updates.

Please register here for the 2025-2026 Data Reporting Changes Webinar.

For questions regarding 2025-2026 student reporting changes, please contact MEDMS.Support@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896.