Augusta Teacher’s Commitment to Inclusion Recognized Internationally

Students in the EL (English Learner) program at Augusta’s Cony Middle and High School have a lot to look forward to: Their teacher Karina Escajeda’s visionary grant applications secured her funding with which to attend two international schools where she will gain valuable insights for her classroom and community. Karina will attend Egypt’s Dahab School of Arabic Language and will be in residence at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. All through the month of April, praise flowed into Karina’s inbox. These prestigious grant programs pledged thousands to make possible her language and cultural studies abroad.

Following her time in Egypt, Karina plans on bringing her knowledge of the Arabic language back to Cony (her alma mater) where she will foster stronger relationships with EL students, many of whom come from refugee backgrounds. When she is not studying in Dahab, Karina plans to visit additional cultural and historical sites across the country such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Karina is rightly committed to the belief that students from Iraq and Syria add valuable elements to school culture.

For this initiative and foresight the Fund for Teachers emailed Karina on April, 4 to commend her for “bold vision” which “stands out.” This $5,000 grant was not the only source of praise and money for Karina: NEA’s Learning & Leadership Grant pledged $2,000 to Karina on April, 22. They thanked her for “hard work and commitment to the importance of high quality public education.”

In addition to her upcoming time in Egypt, Karina will study refugee integration efforts in Greece through the Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching. She will be part sponsored by, and lecture in, Aristotle University’s Applied Linguistics Program from January to June of next year (2020). This University’s teacher training program provides Greek teachers with the necessary skills to create inclusive communities for growing populations of refugee students. Karina has identified many similarities between the ways in which Maine and Greece welcome their refugee populations: “In both places, new residents are struggling to adapt to new homes that are almost entirely monolingual.”

The prestigious Fulbright Commission sent out a press release on April, 23 in which the U.S. Department of State (a major grant contributor) awarded Karina five months of independent study in Greece. The goal of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Semester Research Program is to build international relationships that work to solve global challenges. Karina will join an alumnus among whom there are over 50 Nobel Laureates, over 80 Pulitzer Prize winners, and over 30 former heads of government or state.

Suffice it to say the Augusta public school system is more than proud. We can all appreciate Karina’s “commitment to push the boundaries of [her] own learning,” as put by the Fund for Teachers. She will bring these new and enlightening experiences from Egypt and Greece back to her own community, and the students for whom she worked so hard to secure these grants. Congratulations Karina, and Cony Middle and High School.

This story was written by Maine DOE Intern Simon Handleman in collaboration with Karina Escajeda. If you have a story idea or would like to submit a written story for the Maine DOE Newsroom, email Rachel Paling at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

Employee of the Week: Rick Bergeron

Maine DOE Federal Reporting Coordinator, Rick Bergeron is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Rick in this brief question and answer:

What are your roles with DOE?

My title at the department is Data Reporting Coordinator. I am responsible to report education data to the USDOE through their reporting collection systems. In addition, I also assist with other internal and external data requests as needed.

What do you like best about your job?

I have been called a data geek in the past. I enjoy working with data and reporting it out for policy makers to make decisions on education.

How or why did you decide on this career?

Before coming to work for the State, I have 25 years in the restaurant industry. Working with computers was always a hobby. As I got older I realized that the physical demands of restaurant work was not something I could see myself doing all my life so one day I took the plunge and took a job with a company in Lewiston as their Microsoft Office trainer. I took classes on the side and started developing Microsoft Access and SQL server databases. My first position with the State of Maine was with the Bureau of Insurance in 2003. I came to work with the Dept of Education in 2007 as a Statistician and have worked my way through a few different positions.

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

I have been married 38 years to my wonderful wife Tamra. Together we have two grown children. My daughter is a teacher in Milwaukee with two daughters of her own and my son is in the Air Force stationed at Patrick AFB in Cape Canaveral, FL. In addition to being “papa” whenever I can visit my grandkids, my wife and I like to travel whenever we can. We recently moved to Chelsea about a year ago. Previous to that we lived in Poland Springs for 35 years. I also serve my community by being an active Freemason and Shriner.

State Recognizes Middle School Scholars and Leaders

Young scholars and leaders from across the State of Maine were recognized on May 9^th at the Twentieth Annual Scholar Leader Awards Banquet in the Augusta Civic Center. This is currently the only Statewide recognition ceremony in Maine for middle-level students.

The Maine Association of Middle Level Education (MAMLE) and the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) partnered to present awards to students who showed initiative both within and outside of the classroom, as young leaders, academics, and positive forward-thinkers. Both organizations strive to promote student success in education among young adolescents. Students were chosen to receive the award based on the following criteria, as detailed in a press release by MAMLE:

Demonstration of Academic Achievement
Services provided to classmates and school
Being a positive role model for peers
Demonstrating integrity, honesty, self-discipline, and courage

The following is a list the high-achieving awardees:

Veazie Community School, Veazie: Rebekah Jaska, Martin Skacel

Middle School of the Kennebunks, Kennebunk: Matilda Bordas, Maya Flores

Philip W. Sugg Middle School, Lisbon Falls: Maia Tebbets, Levi Tibbetts

SeDoMoCha Middle School, Dover-Foxcroft: Ayda Holyoke, Adam Taylor

Spruce Mountain Middle School, Jay: Chance Brooks, Nora Castonguay

Mount Blue Middle School, Farmington: Mckella Ford, Kamryn Joyce

Reeds Brook Middle School, Hampden: Elise DeRosby, Jack Johnson

Holbrook Middle School, Holden: Kyleigh McCafferty, Jonathon Pangburn

Bruce M. Whittier Middle School, Poland: LiSha Powell, Shane Yorkey

Medomak Middle School, Waldoboro: Michael Mank, Aleah Sebrey

Oceanside Middle School, Thomaston: Theodore Campbell, Cassidy Novicka

T.W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School, Dixfield: Zackary Putnam, Grace Robbins

Joseph A. Leonard Middle School, Old Town: Isabella Bouchard and Hunter Clukey

Valley Rivers Middle School, Fort Kent: Connor Pelletier, Tia Saucier

Orono Middle School, Orono: Abigail Deschaine, Collin Loranger

Telstar Regional Middle School, Bethel: David Goodwin, Cassandra Sylvester

Saco Middle School, Saco: Cole Cochrane, Thalia Tucker

Biddeford Middle School, Biddeford: Krystal Shumate, Richardson Victorino

Jefferson Village School, Jefferson: Aowyn Burbank, Abigail St. Cyr

Mount Jefferson Junior High School, Lee: Zachary Holt, Kaitlyn Watkins

Cony Middle and High School, Augusta: Jasmine Day, Derek Harding

Richmond Middle & High School, Richmond: Max Viselli, Sophia Wells

Medway Middle School, Medway: Randi Richards, Wyatt Stanley

Lewiston Middle School, Lewiston: Benjamin Cloutier, Farid Muhammed-Aceto

Auburn Middle School, Auburn: Landon Cougle, Sarah Morgan

Monmouth Middle School, Monmouth: Holly Hunt, Adam Knell

The event was opened by the Joseph A. Leonard Middle School Jazz Ensemble, at the direction of Shianne Priest, and included welcoming remarks from Erica Gabbianelli and Dr. Katie Rybakova of MAMLE, and from Maine Department of Education Commissioner, Pender Makin. Other speakers included Dr. Gert Nesin of MAMLE, Jeff Rodman of NELMS, and Adam Regan, a Senior at Old Town High School.

This event was reported on by Central Maine and the Bangor Daily News.

Student Nutrition Continues Beyond School Year with Summer Food Service Program

AUGUSTA — With the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maine public schools have long offered a nutritious breakfast and lunch meal program to thousands of children in Maine during the school year. With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out. The Summer Food Service Program, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, operates at hundreds of sites across Maine to ensure children get the nutrition they need when school is out.

“The National School Lunch Program is an important lifeline to our students for whom schools are a needed and consistent source for food. The Summer Food Service Program extends the access to food for children who might otherwise find themselves food insecure during the summer months.” Said Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin.

“We recognize that healthy bodies and healthy minds are needed for learning, and we are committed to assisting schools and communities as they address the needs of the whole child.”

The Summer Food Service Program may be offered statewide in areas or at sites where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced meal benefits under the National School Lunch Program, or where census track data supports the need. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, nonprofit residential summer camps, government agencies, and tax-exempt organizations, including faith-based organizations.

In 2018, 123 sponsors participated in the program, serving meals at 450 sites throughout the state. In 2019, these numbers are expected to grow. Sponsors operate open sites in all 16 counties in Maine; anyone 18 and under may come to eat at no cost. To find nearby Summer Meal sites, please visit USDA’s Summer Meal Site Finder website at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks, text “Summer Meals” to 97779 or call Maine 211.

Information is available mid-June.

For more information about the Maine DOE’s Summer Food Service Program, contact adriane.ackroyd@maine.gov, call 624-6726 or visit https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/nutrition/programs/sfsp.

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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the Agency ere they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, heard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0051. Maine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Regional Think Tanks – Maine Department of Education Wants to Brainstorm With YOU!

Ready for the end of the year? Can’t wait for summer? Before you shift to the summer season, help us to reflect on the 2018/2019 School Year and keep the momentum of discussion for education in Maine.

The Department of Education is hosting several opportunities to collaborate and share experiences in different regions during the 2019 Summer Think Tank series. Join us for half a day to discuss your preferred topic or stay for the day and participate in two sessions. Lunch will be provided in between the morning and afternoon sessions.

All interested members of your school community are invited to attend, however, an RSVP is required in advance. Please be sure to select the activity/activities (including lunch) so we can be best prepared to host you.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

ME Defines School Success: As part of a statewide conversation, this session will focus on how we define the success of our public schools. Participants will contribute to the identification of common values across the state, tell us what makes your schools successful, and propose ideas as to how we can expand the conversation and how we can use the outcomes of the conversation to promote our public schools.

MLTI: Come and join a conversation about the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). Participants will engage in facilitated activities where they will share experiences, ideas, and feedback on the past 18 years of MLTI and discuss hopes for the future of the MLTI program. Considerations may include devices, device distribution and management, infrastructure, professional development, and funding.

Special Education: Join us for a discussion of what’s working well with special education and what we can improve upon. Share your input on how we can better serve our students with disabilities and provide supports for schools and school administrative units.

Educator Excellence: To ensure that all students receive an excellent education that prepares them to succeed in today’s world, we must systematically increase the quantity and quality of our teaching workforce. This session is looking for feedback on issues related to increasing the recruitment and retention of talented classroom teachers. Topics include high retention pathways into the teaching profession, teacher professional development, and teacher leadership (career lattices that allow teachers to assume leadership roles without leaving the classroom). We are looking for school and district administrators as well as educators to participate in small group discussions to explore these topics. These conversations will assist the Department in enhancing policies and programs to attract and retain outstanding educators for Maine students.

Educator Readiness (7/8 PM Only): This session is an opportunity to provide feedback on a number of areas that impact educator readiness including diversity and equity, talent needs, professional development for educators, student teaching, the changing candidate profile, among others. We are looking for school and district administrators as well as educators to participate in small group discussions with representatives from Maine’s educator preparation programs to explore these topics. This conversation will assist the Department in enhancing policies and programs to support the changing needs of our schools, educators, and students.