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.
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:
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 North Yarmouth Maine School of Science & Mathematics
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 Hermon Hermon High School
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 Falmouth Falmouth High School
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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.
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:
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:
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:
Comments may be submitted to: ESSA.DOE@maine.gov
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.
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.
Maine DOE team member Tracy Whitlock is being highlighted this week in the Department’s Get to know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Tracy in the brief question and answer below.
What are your roles with DOE?
I work in the Office of Special Services with special initiatives such as Math4ME, Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS), Dyslexia, the Special Services webpage and other projects that support districts, schools, special education teachers and students. Additionally, I assist with Special Purpose Private School monitoring and the Educational Surrogate Parent Program.
What do you like best about your job?
The Special Services team is a wonderful group of dedicated professionals and I love working with them. Since my role overlaps with other offices in the department I really enjoy getting to know and work with people from across the floor. So to sum it up, I guess what I like best is working with people!
How or why did you decide on this career?
Initially I was a classroom teacher and taught elementary grades in both parochial and public school settings. When my family moved to Nashville I pursued a graduate degree and started working in higher education. I taught a variety of teacher preparation coursework with a focus on literacy at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. During my time in Ohio I had the opportunity to work in state government and found that while I missed working with children and young adults, I enjoyed supporting teachers, families and students throughout the state. I was thrilled when the chance to work at the Maine Department of Education became available after our move to Maine a year and a half ago.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
Spending time with my family, traveling (can’t wait to do that again!), reading and learning new things (I’m trying my hand at gardening right now).
The Maine Department of Education is offering Maine schools a unique opportunity to apply for McKinney-Vento Mini-Grants. The Mini-Grants are to be specifically dedicated to supporting the needs of students experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maine school administrative units (SAUs) may submit one application for multiple schools for the mini-grants with a $5,000 cap per school. Resources and services can be delivered at sites other than at the SAU’s schools and can be provided by subcontractors, but the applications may only be submitted and administered by Maine SAUs. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 6th 2020 at 11:59 pm. The application can be found here.
Additionally, the McKinney-Vento Sub-grant call for proposals will be posted soon for the year 2020-21. Proposals will be accepted from SAUs seeking to develop, implement, or expand programs that improve the success of students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. This grant may be renewable for up to three years. It will be posted at www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants and a press release will be sent out once it is available.
If you have questions about homeless education or the McKinney-Vento grants, contact Amelia Lyons at amelia.lyons@maine.gov or (207) 557-1787.
Maine Curriculum Leaders Association is currently accepting nominations for 2020 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year
Curriculum Leader of the Year Selection Criteria
Nominations Due April 30, 2020
Send a recommendation letter describing how the nominee is a champion of learning (criteria 3 above) both in and outside the district. Provide details about how the nominee’s curriculum, instruction, and assessment leadership impacts teachers and students in the district and the nominee’s leadership activities outside the district.
Please include email and phone contact information for you and your nominee. Send recommendation letters to: MCLA CLOY Selection Committee and email as a pdf or Google document to director@mainecla.org
The CLOY Selection Process
Submit recommendation letters by April 30, 2020 in pdf or Google Docs to director@mainecla.org
Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) Coaching Co-Op, a collaborative that provides a range of support and advocates for instructional coaches and learning communities across the state through networking and professional development, is currently accepting nominations for 2020 Maine Instructional Coach of the Year.
Instructional Coach of the Year Selection Criteria:
Nominations Due April 30, 2020
Send MCLA’s ICOY selection committee a nomination letter answering the following questions to MCLA ICOY Selection Committee (please email as a pdf or Google document to director@mainecla.org)
The ICOY Selection Process:
Submit recommendation letters by April 30, 2020 in pdf or Google format to director@mainecla.org
Ethel Atkinson, 2019 York County Teacher of the Year and Bonny Eagle Middle School (BEMS) Reading Specialist/Instructional Coach and Pathfinders Director is helping her school issue a challenge to schools across the state for earth day.
“WE CHALLENGE YOU!” Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd. (But EVERY day is Earth Day, Right?) Got Trash? Join in a roadside cleanup!
Make a 10-second video of you and your family and pass on the challenge. Upload pics and videos to https://flipgrid.com/quarantineroadside
See Ethel’s video:
Get Outside, Take Care of the Earth, and Pass On the Challenge. We are Maine Strong!
****Please exercise caution. Wear protective gloves.****
