Professional Learning Opportunities for Education Technicians

Through ongoing efforts to support the needs of Maine schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is responding to requests for professional learning for Education Technicians with a series of online opportunities scheduled through the month of May and early June. Based on feedback from Maine schools, offerings will consist of series (each being 1-5 parts) delivered in hour-long sessions at regular times each week. The topics of the various series include:

Strategies for elementary mathematics instruction
Strategies for elementary literacy instruction
Strategies for supporting learning in early childhood environments
Dyslexia overview
Navigating online learning platforms and tools
Strategies for supporting social and emotional learning
Family engagement
Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for education technicians
Supporting students with special needs

Details about the various series as well as links to register can be found at: Professional Learning for Education Technicians. Please register for any of the series in advance to obtain the log-in information. Contact hours will be provided for attending. Sessions will be recorded for later viewing. If you have specific questions about a particular series, please contact the Maine DOE specialist leading the series (emails are included in the table with the registration details).

Also, the content specialist teams at the Maine DOE have researched additional online professional learning opportunities available at no cost for Education Technicians, most of which include contact hours. A table with these opportunities can be found after the listing of Maine DOE developed offerings, found here.

If you have general questions about the opportunities for Education Technicians, please contact Lee Anne Larsen, Early Learning Team Coordinator at leeann.larsen@maine.gov.

MEDIA RELEASE: In Celebration of School Lunch Heroes Day, Maine’s Governor and Department of Education Release Special Thank You Video

(Photo: Nutrition staff from Connor EUT School)

In recognition of May 1, 2020 being designated National School Lunch Heroes Day, Governor Janet Mills and the Department of Education have created a special thank you video for school nutrition teams, volunteers and all school staff across Maine, who have stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure Maine kids have nutritious and healthy meals while learning remotely at home.

Your efforts during this unprecedented time of need are truly appreciated! THANK YOU!

Get to know the DOE Team: Meet Rachel Paling

Maine DOE team member Rachel Paling is being highlighted as part of the Get to know the DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Rachel in the brief question and answer below.

What are your roles with DOE?

As the Communications and Outreach Manager for the Maine DOE, I collect and share the good news and successes of Maine’s schools through story telling, videos, photos and more in an effort to highlight the great things happening every day in school communities across the state. As a member of the Communications Team, I also help with many other communications projects such as graphics, videos and the website, in addition to administering the Student Cabinet, a new initiative this year.

What do you like best about your job?

I really enjoy connecting with schools to help share their story, getting to know them, and what makes them unique, different, and special, yet similar all at once. It is a joy to be able to help highlight the good things happening in education in Maine and I feel lucky to get to do it. As a creative person, I also really enjoy the challenge of illustrating a story whether that be through a series of pictures, a news article, a graphic, or a video.

How or why did you decide on this career?

I’m definitely not one of those people who went to school knowing exactly what job they wanted to have. I wish I was! My professional career has been a natural progression toward communications, marketing, and creativity. I’ve held jobs in higher education, federal government, and now state government doing communications work and I find it to be both rewarding and satisfying – but busy!

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

I am a wife and mother of two young children which keeps me pretty busy, especially during a pandemic! We also have a puppy which adds an extra layer of love and responsibility. Aside from that, I like to be outdoors when it is nice, I love running, cooking, and I have recently gotten into listening to podcasts.

Commissioner Makin Does a Reading in Celebration of National Poetry Month

In celebration of National Poetry month, Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin wrote and recorded a reading of one of her own poems, Kintsugi in a Pandemic.

Kintsugi in a Pandemic

By Pender Makin

Holding the pieces of who they’d been
When they were last together,
The teacher reads to students
Who listed now behind screens.
Leaning in to touch the glass.
As she sings each of their names into the story,
Even both Caitlyns,
They are called back and held in place
By the liquid gold
Of her voice, Healing exposed edges
From their sudden breaking apart
Until they are, once more, the vase, the bowl,
The teacup they’d been together.

Preview of Next Week’s Virtual Sessions

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

For a preview of next week’s sessions please visit the meeting schedule listing on our website: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. (This web page gets updated with new and updated meetings each weekday!)

As a reminder, due to the need to heighten security for online conference sessions, the Department is requiring password protection or pre-registration for most of our virtual sessions. Thank you for your patience as we work to continue providing these opportunities in the safest way possible.

SAVE THE DATE: MLTI Student Conference – May 28th

Save the date for May 28, 2020 to attend the MLTI (Maine Learning Through Technology) Student Conference! That’s right, the MLTI Student Conference is ON!! We’re going virtual.

The MTLI Student Conference is a free student conference normally held in the spring. Further details about the virtual student conference are coming soon.

MEDIA RELEASE: Six Maine Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of Education Pender Makin today congratulated six Maine students who were recognized as being among our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. These students were named national semifinalists in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The semifinalist scholars are chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas including academic and artistic success, career and technical fields, leadership, and involvement in school and the community. They represent excellence in education and are among the most accomplished youth in our country.

“These graduating seniors exemplify the Maine spirit of hard work, creativity and civic engagement, and I am honored to recognize their achievement,” said Governor Mills. “I know I speak for all of us when I say how proud I am of these young scholars, and I look forward to their future contributions to our great state.”

From nearly 3.6 million graduating high school seniors from across the country, over 5,600 students were identified as candidates in this program. 621 semifinalists were selected, 6 of whom are from Maine.

“I join the families, friends, and school communities of these outstanding Maine seniors in celebrating the determination, commitment and accomplishments that this recognition reflects,” said Commissioner Makin. “We are proud to have these students represent the State of Maine’s Class of 2020.”

Maine U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists:

Abigail A. Aleshire Scarborough Waynflete School	Ethan Foster Eickmann Kennebunk Kennebunk High School	Glynis O’Meara Portland Deering High School
Jay Raj Philbrick North Yarmouth Maine School of Science & Mathematics	Neily Kate Raymond Hermon Hermon High School	John Bishop Wahlig III Falmouth Falmouth High School

The semifinalists form the pool from which the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be chosen in May. Visit http://www.ed.gov/psp for the complete list of semifinalists across the country.

Priority Notice: Seeking Public Comment to Waive Requirements Related to Carryover Limitation, Period of Allowability, Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, and Professional Learning Definition

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking a waiver pursuant to section 3511 of Division A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), P.L. 116-136 (H.R. 748), 34 Stat. 281 (Mar. 27, 2020 from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE).

The U.S. Department of Education requires state educational agencies, when seeking waivers from statutory or regulatory requirements, solicit and respond to public comment on the request and provide evidence of the available comment period. This 15-day public comment period from April 24 – May 9, 2020, waives requirements related carryover limitation, period of allowability, Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, and professional learning definition.

The Maine DOE is working diligently to continue supporting Maine’s schools during this pandemic of COVID-19. The state education agency and local education agencies are immediately impacted by the Department’s waiver request.

Requirements from which Maine is seeking a waiver include:

Carryover limitation in section 1127(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2019 Title I, Part A funds (i.e., the Title I, Part A funds that will become carryover funds on October 1, 2020): the requirement that limits an SEA’s ability to grant to its LEAs a waiver of the 15 percent Title I, Part A carryover limitation in section 1127(a) more than once every three years.

Period of availability of funds in section 421(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA): to extend the period of availability of FY 2018 funds for programs in which the SEA participates under its approved consolidated State plan until September 30, 2021. The programs:

Title I, Part A of the ESEA (Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs), including the portions of the SEA’s Title I, Part A award used to carry out section1003 school improvement, section 1003A direct student services, if applicable, and Title I, Part D, Subpart 2
Title I, Part B of the ESEA (State Assessment Formula Grants)
Title I, Part C of the ESEA (Education of Migratory Children)
Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 of the ESEA (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk)
Title II, Part A of the ESEA (Supporting Effective Instruction)
Title III, Part A of the ESEA (English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement)
Title IV, Part A of the ESEA (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants)
Title IV, Part B of the ESEA (21st Century Community Learning Centers)
Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 of the ESEA (Rural and Low-Income School Program)
McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program

The following requirements in Title IV, Part A of the ESEA. Note: These requirements are only applicable to LEAs that received $30,000 or more in Title IV, Part A funds:

Needs assessment requirements in section 4106(d) for the 2019-2020 school year.
Content area spending requirements in section 4106(e)(2)(C), (D), and (E): the requirements to use a minimum percentage of Title IV, Part A funds for activities under sections 4107, 4108 and 4109 for FY 2019 funds and any available FY 2018carryover funds.
Spending limitation in section 4109(b): the 15 percent limit on the use of funds undersection 4109 to purchase technology infrastructure for FY 2019 funds and any available FY 2018 carryover funds.

The definition of professional development in section 8101(42) of the ESEA for the2019-2020 school year.

Federal program affected by the requested waiver

The state education agency and local education agencies will be impacted due to the following reasons:

allow Maine to waive the carryover limitation and allow schools to maintain and use FFY19 (Ste FY20) Title I, Part A funds that excess of the 15% carryover limitation,
extend the period of availability from September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2021 for federal funding,
reduce certain perimeters for LEAs that received $30,000 or more in Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, and
redefine professional development.

Comments may be submitted to: ESSA.DOE@maine.gov

Public Notice of Task Force Meeting

The Task Force on Kindergarten Readiness for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing will meet on April 30, 2020 starting at 1pm. In compliance with current guidance for physical distancing, the Task Force will meet virtually. Task Force meetings are open to the public and interested members of the public who wish to observe the meeting may contact Karen Kusiak at karen.kusiak@maine.gov for directions to access the meeting online.

Find information about the legislation that established the Task Force here.

Maine Community College System Students Honored

Congratulations to the seven Maine Community College System students that were honored as the 2020 Students of the Year this week in a special online presentation.

A recording of the presentation is available on the MCCS Vimeo and YouTube channels. (https://vimeo.com/410716701 and https://youtu.be/y7PU6Ahclmc)

The students were selected by faculty and staff at their college for their academic success and their campus and community involvement. In addition to being named Student of the Year, each student received a John and Jana Lapoint Leadership Award in the amount of $1,000. The Lapoints both served as trustees of the Maine Community College System. After John’s death in 1995, Jana Lapoint helped establish the fund for the annual awards.

“I know how proud (John) would be of all of you. We both would encourage you to never give up, keep pursuing your dreams, never accept it can’t be done, and always give back to society whenever and whatever you can,” she told the students. “You all have my deepest respect and admiration for all your accomplishments.”

Thank you to Maine State Board of Education member, Jana Lapoint and her late husband John Lapoint for their on-going dedication to celebrating and encouraging the accomplishments Maine students and educators, and for their tireless efforts on behalf of Maine’s education system.

2020 MCCS Students of the Year:

Marcel Chalou
Northern Maine Community College
Residence: Easton
Major: Water Treatment Technology
Career goal: Water treatment operator
Marcel grew up in Northern Maine, enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps directly out of high school, and had a 10‐ year career as a police officer. He moved back to Maine to raise his children and enrolled at NMCC to change careers and provide financial security for his family. An internship at Presque Isle Utilities District led to a full‐ time position as a water treatment operator and lab technician.

Clinton Dakin
Washington County Community College
Residence: Stockton Springs
Major: Engine Specialist
Career Goal: Heavy equipment maintenance
Clinton started at WCCC in 2018 and has since graduated from the powersports equipment/small engine technician and heavy equipment maintenance certificate programs, and earned his associate degree in mechanical technology. This spring he’ll earn an engine specialist certificate and plans to return this fall to study welding. He plans to enter the workforce and find employment in a heavy equipment garage close to home.

Kate McPherson
Central Maine Community College
Residence: Litchfield
Major: Computer Technology
Career Goal: Mental health provider via technology
Kate chose CMCC because it was close to home, enrolling in general studies while she considered her career options. She is President of Phi Theta Kappa and works in CMCC’s IT department. Her goal is to combine her interest in psychology and skills in computer technology to help bring mental healthcare to those who can’t leave their homes. She plans to transfer to UMA to continue her education in technology.

Mason Peterson
Kennebec Valley Community College
Residence: Waterville
Major: Liberal Studies
Career Goal: Storyteller

Mason enrolled at KVCC as an affordable way to restart their goal of furthering their education. Mason is Founder of the Pride Alliance at KVCC, President of the Student Senate, a writing tutor, and a homeless shelter, Planned Parenthood, blood drive, and Maine Film Festival volunteer. Mason has been accepted at Amherst College and plans to pursue career options that include reading, writing, filmmaking, storytelling and more.

Ethan Preble
Eastern Maine Community College
Residence: Birch Harbor
Major: Human Services
Career Goal: Human services professional
Ethan chose to attend EMCC because it was affordable. He is described by others as a strong leader and advocate for disadvantaged students. He organized a suicide prevention fundraiser, worked with residential life to create a new RA position, and was a valued member of the college’s business office. After graduating, he plans to pursue a career in human services.

Billy Susanto
York County Community College
Residence: Berwick
Major: Computer Science
Career Goal: Software engineer
Billy says he quickly overcame any fears he had of succeeding in college by getting out of his comfort zone and getting involved. He excels academically, is President of Phi Theta Kappa, a math tutor, a student ambassador, a member of the YCCC soccer club and served on the YCCC Presidential Search Committee. He plans to continue his education at USM to study computer science with the goal of becoming a video gaming software engineer.

Liam Woodworth‐Cook
Southern Maine Community College
Residence: South Portland
Major: Liberal Studies/English concentration
Career Goal: Literature‐related field
Liam was looking to further his education and chose SMCC because it gave him an affordable way to start. He has excelled academically and worked on the student newspaper, the student literary magazine and in The Captain’s Cupboard on‐campus food pantry. He will graduate in May and plans to continue his education in the field of writing and/or literature, while he considers his many career options.