Category: News & Views

George B. Weatherbee School Earns Prestigious RAMP® Designation for Exemplary School Counseling Program

(Pictured: Rachel Silknitter, George B. Weatherbee School Counselor)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to celebrate George B. Weatherbee School of RSU 22 in Hampden for earning the esteemed Recognized ASCA Model Program® (RAMP®) designation from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This national recognition honors schools that deliver data-driven, comprehensive school counseling programs that support every student’s academic, social, and emotional success.

George B. Weatherbee School joins a select group of 1,300 schools nationwide—and only five in Maine—that have been recognized with this award over the past 21 years. This achievement was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of the school’s educators, students, and community.

“This recognition is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing an education that holistically addresses the social, emotional, and academic needs of every student,” former George B. Weatherbee School Principal Jennifer Cyr said. “I’m incredibly proud of our school and district’s dedication to fostering equity and belonging—critical protective factors that set our students up for lifelong success. Special recognition goes to Mrs. [Rachel] Silknitter, whose exceptional leadership as our school counselor guided our team through this powerful work. I also extend my sincere gratitude to all committee members whose participation and dedication made this achievement possible. This honor affirms that we are on the right path in creating an environment where all students can thrive.”

The RAMP® designation recognizes schools that align their counseling programs with the ASCA National Model®, a framework grounded in data and best practices. Research has shown that fully implemented school counseling programs are associated with improved student outcomes, from academic achievement to positive behavioral development.

“This year’s RAMP® honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” Jill Cook, ASCA executive director, said. “These schools used data to drive their program development and implementation so all students can achieve success. The RAMP® designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to strive for excellence.”

The Maine DOE applauds George B. Weatherbee School for this remarkable accomplishment and extends heartfelt congratulations to the educators, students, and school community whose hard work and passion for student success made it possible. Their achievement serves as an inspiring example of what is possible when schools prioritize the whole child and ensure every student feels supported, valued, and ready to thrive.

For more information about the RAMP® program, please click here.

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

Bring Constitutional Learning to Life: Register Your Third Graders for the Virtual Mock Trial on Constitution Day!

On Constitution Day this year, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Maine third-grade teachers are invited to have their classes take part in a unique national virtual learning experience: the Third Grade Virtual Mock Trial, hosted by Olathe Public Schools in partnership with the Kansas 10th Judicial District Court.

What Is Involved

  • Event Date and Time: September 17, 2025, beginning at 11:30 a.m. EST (10:30 a.m. CT)
  • Format: A live, interactive mock trial designed especially for third graders—offering a fun, civic-themed activity to celebrate Constitution Day and Freedom Week. It’s completely free and accessible to educators across Maine and beyond.

This engaging mock trial supports the Maine third-grade social studies standard—that societies are shaped by the identities, beliefs, and practices of individuals and groups, and that choices have consequences, and individuals have rights and responsibilities. Students will connect with civic concepts such as:

  • Understanding why we have laws and rules
  • Learning about the roles of court officials
  • Exploring how giving back through civic duties, like jury service, strengthens the community
  • Experiencing the workings of the judicial branch and Constitution firsthand

Ready-Made Classroom Tools

To ensure a seamless and enriching experience, participating teachers can access:

  • Instructional materials that support classroom learning before, during, and after the event.
  • Lessons exploring rule-making, the various roles in a courtroom, and even a virtual courtroom tour!

How to Sign Up

  1. Visit the registration page to sign up; once confirmed, you will receive the Zoom event link via email.
  2. Review the instructional materials in advance to fully engage students in this civic learning experience.
  3. Contact the Johnson County Kansas Courts via their email at Johnson-ConstitutionDay@kscourts.gov with any technical or procedural questions.

Launched more than a decade ago by Judge Robert J. Wonnell at Forest View Elementary in Olathe, the Third Grade Virtual Mock Trial has grown from a local classroom activity to a nationwide celebration of civic learning.

In 2024, the mock trial engaged more than 13,000 students across 542 classrooms in Kansas alone, featuring notable appearances by Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert, Governor Laura Kelly, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran via livestream—and even attracted attention from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

For further information, please visit the Olathe Public Schools website or contact the Johnson County Kansas Courts at Johnson-ConstitutionDay@kscourts.gov.

Mainely Play LAB Kicks Off in Brewer This Fall: Two Days of Play-Powered Learning for Early Educators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team is excited to offer a new professional learning opportunity for early childhood educators called the Mainely Play LAB. This dynamic, hands-on event will be held at Jeff’s Catering and Event Center in Brewer on October 27 and 28. It is designed for administrators, teachers, instructional coaches, and support staff working in pre-K through grade 2 in Maine. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 6, 2025.

The Mainely Play LAB offers participants the opportunity to:

  • Explore developmentally appropriate, play-based strategies that spark curiosity and deepen learning.
  • Align classroom practices with Maine’s standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessment goals.
  • Build joyful, engaging learning environments that balance creativity, play, and academic rigor.

Over two in-person days, participants will engage in practical learning, collaborative problem-solving, and leave with actionable tools to strengthen their classrooms and programs.

Schools must apply in teams of three to eight members spanning pre-K through grade 2. Each team must include:

  • At least one administrator (e.g., principal, assistant principal, curriculum leader, etc.)
  • At least two classroom teachers (from the same grade or across different grade levels)

Schools are encouraged to include additional educators such as allied arts teachers, instructional coaches, school counselors, special educators, English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, and educational technicians.

Participatingschools will be eligible for a financial incentive to support, including:

  • Travel costs (including mileage and lodging for individuals traveling 75 or more miles one way)
  • Substitute coverage
  • Implementation of new strategies and materials

The incentive will range from $5,000 for teams of three to five members to $7,000 for teams of six to eight members. Please note: To receive this incentive, the team administrator must attend both days.

Apply here now! The application closes after Friday, October 6. Each team should designate a team lead to serve as the primary contact. The Maine DOE anticipates accepting between 20 and 30 teams with complete applications on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on team size.

If your school currently uses the For ME instructional programs in one or more grades, please reach out before applying. For further information or questions, please contact the following Maine DOE staff members:

Educators Invited to ‘Counted Out’ Film Screenings and Guided Dinner Discussions Across Maine

This October, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM) and the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA), invites educators and school leaders to a series of free, in-person events across the state to watch the film “Counted Out” and participate in a dine-and-discuss event with fellow educators.

These engaging evenings include a screening of the award-winning documentary “Counted Out,” a casual meal, and guided small-group discussions. Together, participants will reflect on how math instruction can either empower or exclude—and how we can make math education more inclusive, relevant, and equitable for all Maine learners.

About the Film

“Counted Out” explores the biggest crises of our time—political polarization, racial and economic inequity, public health, and climate change—through an unexpected lens: math. The film challenges educators to consider how math can be both a gatekeeper and a gateway, and how rethinking its role in society can lead to transformational change in education and beyond.

Event Details

  • Dates/Locations:
    • October 7: Deer Isle, Freeport, North Berwick
    • October 8: Gardiner
    • October 9: Brewer, Caribou, South Paris, Thorndike
  • Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Audience: Maine educators and school leaders
  • Contact Hours: 3 hours awarded
  • Cost: FREE (includes dinner)
  • Registration Deadline: September 30, 2025

An RSVP is required! Space is limited at each site, so please register using the links below.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

  • Deer Isle/Hancock and Washington Counties
    REACH Performing Arts Center, Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School
    249 North Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627
    • Contact: Justine Appel at justineappel@atomim.org
    • RSVP here.
  • Freeport/Cumberland County
    Freeport Performing Arts Center
    30 Holbrook Street, Freeport, ME 04032
    • Contact: Beth Hayden at bethayden@atomim.org
    • RSVP here.
  • North Berwick/York County
    Noble High School
    100 Noble Way, North Berwick, ME 03906
    • Contact: Amanda McIntire at amanda.mcintire@atomim.org
    • RSVP here.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

  • Gardiner/Kennebec County
    Gardiner Area High School
    40 West Hill Road, Gardiner, ME 04345
    • Contact: Stephanie Houdlette at shoudlette@msad11.org
    • RSVP here.

Thursday, October 9, 2025

  • Caribou/Aroostook County
    Caribou Performing Arts Center, Caribou High School
    308 Sweden Street, Caribou, ME 04736
    • Contact: Perrin Chick at pchick@mmsa.org
    • RSVP here.
  • Brewer/Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties
    Brewer Performing Arts Center
    92 Pendleton Street, Brewer, ME 04412
  • Thorndike/Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc Counties
    Mount View Complex
    577 Mount View Road, Thorndike, ME 04986
    • Contact: Glen Widmer at glenwidmer@atomim.org
    • RSVP here.
  • South Paris/Oxford, Androscoggin, Franklin, and Somerset Counties
    Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Auditorium
    256 Main Street, South Paris, ME 04281
    • Contact: Courtney Pierce at courtney.pierce@atomim.org
    • RSVP here.

Why Attend?

  • Explore how math connects to social justice, civic engagement, and real-world problem solving.
  • Discuss how to reduce math anxiety and promote mathematical confidence.
  • Connect with other educators and leaders across regions.
  • Walk away with actionable ideas for reimagining math instruction.

Registration is open now through September 30! Each event is limited in size, and seats are filling fast. Secure your spot today and join this statewide conversation about math, equity, and educational transformation.

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Maine Schools Invited to Participate in Logo Design Contest for Attendance Awareness Month

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to share resources throughout the month of September to draw attention to the importance of attendance and engagement in Maine schools. Our hope is that this will help to set a strong foundation for the 2025-2026 school year.

To help your schools and school administrative units (SAUs) maintain their focus on attendance, we have curated a collection of actionable steps for your consideration:

  • Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed September as School Attendance Awareness Month in Maine! Please share this information with your school boards and communities at-large. You can find a link to the proclamation here. 
     
  • Bookmark the Maine DOE’s Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC) webpage—and encourage an administrator on your team to submit a “good news” story through the linked form. We are hoping to highlight examples of how local schools and SAUs have found success in addressing attendance and engagement among their students.
     
  • Involve your school/SAU in our messaging campaign! Over the summer, MEAC held the Maine Attendance Campaign Name and Slogan Contest. “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!” was selected as the winning campaign name/slogan and will become an integral part of Maine’s attendance celebration, highlighting how educators and staff are supporting their learning communities through increased attendance and engagement. Now, we invite every school in Maine to host their own logo design contest based on this campaign name/slogan and send the winning logo our way by October 10, 2025! Each school can determine the parameters of their contest; we simply want to offer the opportunity for potential statewide recognition. Please keep an eye out for details at the end of the month regarding where to send the winning entry—and in the meantime, create your contest opportunity.
     
  • Check out Maine’s Count ME In! website. Sign up for the monthly newsletter, get data-informed ideas to approach attendance improvement, and learn about ongoing professional development events.
     
  • Sign up for the national Attendance Works 2025 Attendance Awareness Campaign.
     
  • Mark your calendars for the upcoming MEAC Office Hours, a new, year-long series of monthly virtual office hours focused on evidence-based strategies to support increased attendance. These meetings will occur on the third Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Please register here.

MEAC is part of the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports. Please contact Maine DOE Student Engagement Specialist Sarah Nelson at Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov, if you have questions or would like additional information.

Support for SAUs in Adopting Seizure Action Plans to Protect the Health and Safety of Students

During the first session of the 132nd Maine Legislature, Resolve 2025, Chapter 72 was passed. This resolve directs the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to communicate to school administrative units (SAUs) and private schools the importance of adopting Seizure Action Plans. It also directs the Maine DOE to provide information and assistance, if requested.

Why This Matters
According to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, there were approximately 456,000 children under the age of 17 in the U.S. that had epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes seizures. Seizure Action Plans are personalized documents that outline how to recognize, respond to, and care for students experiencing seizures. They are critical tools for fostering safe learning environments for those with a known seizure disorder. Having staff trained in recognizing seizures and seizure first aid can increase the safety and health outcomes of those with known seizure disorders, as well as those who may have a seizure for the first time while at school. This effort aligns closely with the Maine DOE’s commitment to provide guidelines on the provision of school health services.

Guidance and Resources from the Maine DOE
To support schools in implementing Seizure Action Plans, the Maine DOE has compiled a suite of resources as part of its Chronic Conditions Management materials:

How Schools Can Engage

  1. Review the Maine DOE’s Seizure and Epilepsy Resource Guide and implement tailored action plans for students with a known diagnosis, using the sample Seizure Interview tool or a similar tool to inform individualized health plans.
     
  2. Adopt protocols to ensure best practices in training, emergency response, and ongoing monitoring. Free, on-demand training is available through the Epilepsy Foundation for school personnel and school nurses to help them better care for students with seizure disorders.  
     
  3. Contact your School Nurse Regional Liaison for direct technical assistance, if desired:
Nick Oyler BSN, RN, NCSN 
nicholas.oyler@maine.gov
207-592-3536		Northern/Eastern: Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington
Angie Buker MSN, RN, NCSN
angie.buker@maine.gov
207-215-5460   		Central: Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo
Nicole Furlong MSN, RN, NCSN
nicole.furlong@maine.gov
207-592-2518		Western: Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford
Lori Huot BSN, RN, NCSN
lori.hout@maine.gov
207-530-0374		Southern: Cumberland, York

Through this targeted communication to support SAUs and private schools in adopting Seizure Action Plans and accessing existing training resources, the Maine DOE continues its commitment to ensuring student and school safety, health, and wellbeing. The Coordinated School Health Team within the Office of School and Student Supports stands ready to assist schools in measures that strengthen preparedness, empower educators and staff, and—most importantly—protect students who live with seizure disorders.

Please contact DOESchoolandStudentSupports@Maine.gov with any questions.

2025-2026 Information for the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to remind you of two National Board Certification programs, governed by statute:

  • For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a Scholarship Fund exists to help defray certification cost.
  • For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a Salary Supplement Program available.

In both cases, applications are to be submitted to the Maine DOE by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Please see the information below for an overview of these two valuable programs, as well as streamlined application procedures. Applications for both programs will open on August 14, 2025, but you may consider gathering the required information from eligible educators in your SAU/school now.

This is a wonderful way to support and reward teachers, and we would encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, with questions at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

Scholarship Funds for Teachers:
The National Board Certification Scholarship Fund was established by State law to encourage teachers to apply to and enroll in the certification program offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or its successor organization.  

An SAU, or a publicly supported secondary school, may request scholarship funds on behalf of its teachers who meet the eligibility requirements. For further details, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Maine DOE’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards webpage.

Scholarship Funds Application Procedure:
By October 15 of each year, per statute, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, may request scholarship funds on behalf of a teacher who has met all of the eligibility requirements.

Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Scholarship Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, teacher email, school name, position title, number of years teaching in Maine, components submitted to NBPTS, scholarship funds requested, and all other funds received.

Important Dates:

  • August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
  • November 15: Scholarship applicant notification
  • December 15: Scholarship funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE regions

Salary Supplements for NBTS-Certified Teachers: 
Per statute, any public school teacher, or teacher in a publicly supported secondary school, who has attained certification from NBPTS no later than July 1 of the fiscal year, and who meets eligibility requirements, shall receive the annual supplement for the school year.

The amount of the salary supplement for each fiscal year is appropriated by the Maine Legislature. As outlined in statute, free and reduced poverty levels are determined by the annual free and reduced lunch data collection. The Fiscal Year 2025 ED 534 report will be used to determine the 2025-2026 school year salary supplement award amounts.

For further details, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Maine DOE’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards webpage.

Salary Supplements Application Procedure:
By October 15 of each year, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, must file with the Commissioner a certified list of National Board-certified teachers employed by the SAU, publicly supported secondary school, or CTE Region who are eligible to receive the salary supplement.

Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Salary Supplement Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, school name, ED 534 (free and reduced %), position title, and a copy of the NBPTS certificate.

Important Dates:

  • August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
  • By February 15: Salary supplement funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE Regions

Please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, with questions at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Update – September 5, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

2026 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced

Augusta, MAINE—Four Maine educators representing counties from the coast to the highlands are state finalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School; Bridget Wright, an English teacher at Lincoln Academy; Benjamin Johnson, a Latin teacher at Hampden Academy; and Dawn Lee, a school library/media and unified literacy teacher at Morse High School, were selected from the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process. |  More

Maine DOE and Secretary of State Launch ‘Civics on the Road’ Traveling Educational Initiative

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, is excited to announce the launch of “Civics on the Road,” a traveling educational initiative designed to engage students in hands-on civic learning. |  More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Stepping Forward: How the Transition of CDS Services to School Districts is Changing Families’ Lives

Ask South Berwick parent Mary Hayes about this past year, and she would tell you that it has been “life-changing”—particularly for her adopted four-year-old, Matthew. Hayes took Matthew in through foster care when he was two years old and says he experienced some trauma early in life. When Matthew started attending daycare last year, he struggled behaviorally and did not do as well as her older son. |  More

St. George Opens Nation’s First Pre-K–8 Career and Technical Education/Makerspace Building

In 2020, a small but determined team of educators at St. George Municipal School Unit embarked on a bold innovation journey—one that culminated in a major milestone over the summer. Guided by district leadership and a committee of teachers, families, school board members, and business owners, the team grounded its vision of a new, innovative facility in the community’s past, present, and future. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine DOE to Host ‘For ME’ (Pre-K through Grade 2) Professional Learning Communities During 2025-2026 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with teacher leaders from across the state, is once again offering professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators and caregivers implementing the For ME programs, which include Pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME. |  More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE and Secretary of State Launch ‘Civics on the Road’ Traveling Educational Initiative

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, is excited to announce the launch of “Civics on the Road,” a traveling educational initiative designed to engage students in hands-on civic learning.

Kicking off on Constitution Day, September 17, 2025, at Main Street Middle School in Madison, Civics on the Road will bring an immersive mobile learning experience to one school per month across the state throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

This program provides students with an opportunity to participate in the debates, decisions, and responsibilities that shape our democracy. Learners rotate through interactive, interdisciplinary stations, ranging from mock debates and government games to primary source analysis, media literacy, and voting simulations.

Through these experiences, students explore civic identity, practice historical decision-making, and recognize the power of participation, leaving the experience with a deeper understanding of democratic values and their own civic potential.

What Schools Can Expect

  • Interactive Stations: Activities such as Game Show Government, Meet the Declaration, and Debate and Advocacy bring civic themes to life.

  • Culminating Town Hall: Students take on roles as speakers, journalists, or campaign designers in a full-group deliberation and vote.

  • Flexible Scheduling: The core experience can be adjusted to fit the length of time available and can be tailored for elementary, middle, and high school learners.

  • Professional Learning: Schools receive pre-visit background material to prepare students, plus the option for after-school professional development to help educators extend civic learning throughout the year.

Students will leave with tangible takeaways, such as artifacts of their participation, that reinforce the experience.

The Maine DOE, the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, and the Maine Department of the Secretary of State encourage schools, community partners, and local leaders to join in this statewide effort to mark 250 years since the founding of the United States through civic education.

“This is more than a history lesson; it’s an invitation for students to see themselves as civic actors,” Geoff Wingard, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, said. “Through playful simulation and serious engagement, we are building agency, understanding, and a lifelong connection to democracy”.

Schools that are interested in hosting Civics on the Road can fill out this form or contact Geoffrey Wingard at Geoffrey.Wingard@maine.gov for more information. 

Stepping Forward: How the Transition of CDS Services to School Districts is Changing Families’ Lives

RSU 35 students (photo credit: RSU 35)

Ask South Berwick parent Mary Hayes about this past year, and she would tell you that it has been “life-changing”—particularly for her adopted four-year-old, Matthew. Hayes took Matthew in through foster care when he was two years old and says he experienced some trauma early in life. When Matthew started attending daycare last year, he struggled behaviorally and did not do as well as her older son.

“My biggest concern was that he was becoming the ‘bad’ kid,” Hayes said. “[Matthew] was the only one getting kicked out of class. … I was like, ‘Oh no; great start to life.’”

Matthew was placed on a waiting list with Child Development Services (CDS) to receive one-on-one support, and Hayes admits that the wait her family experienced was frustrating. She said it was unclear how long it would be until Matthew got the services, which were essential before starting kindergarten. Hayes had to cut back on hours at her job to dedicate more time to caring for Matthew, taking a toll on her family financially and mentally. 

The “life-changing” moment that Hayes described came with a call one day from Scott Reuning, Director of Special Services at RSU 35. The school district had implemented universal pre-K for 50 years and made the decision to opt into Cohort 1 of the transition of Early Childhood Special Education services for children ages three through five from CDS to school administrative units (SAUs). As a result of this participation, Matthew could enroll in RSU 35.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say it was like a miracle,” Hayes said. “I cried. It was amazing.”

“I wasn’t aware of the pay-off I was going to get until it came,” Reuning said of the CDS transition.

Reuning explained that RSU 35 joined Cohort 1 just three weeks before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. While that tight turnaround was initially somewhat daunting, he said the district was able to get itself in place to begin welcoming children by the time school started. Reuning credited school leadership for being “all in” as a reason for that success.

Throughout the past year, RSU 35 has even been able to accept some children from neighboring districts, as well. Reuning said the feedback from parents about the services that their kids are receiving has been positive.

“Parents are extremely happy,” Reuning said.

RSU 35 students (photo credit: RSU 35)

The long-term benefits of providing these services to children at an early age was another reason that RSU 35 made the choice to join Cohort 1. RSU 35 IEP Coordinator Andrea Biniszkiewicz said that she has seen amazing progress in students so far and believes that will translate to when they are school-aged.

“As they get older, I think we’re going to see students have more skills because in the past, they weren’t always getting the services that they needed,” Biniszkiewicz said. 

RSU 35 teacher Laurie DuBois said she is grateful for the obvious benefits of the CDS transition in the moment, too—like having an opportunity to connect more closely with families.

“Enrichment, inclusivity, relationship, familiarity, consistency, community, and comfort are among many words that I describe as positive impacts,” DuBois said, later adding, “I am incredibly proud that RSU 35 became a Cohort 1 district to meet the critical needs for families within our community.”

Going into this coming school year, Matthew will be in the pre-K class at RSU 35. Hayes said that she is no longer worried about how he might do—and neither are his teachers.

“He feels good about himself. He thinks he’s smart; he wants to go to school. That’s a different kid,” Hayes said.

Hayes said ultimately, she is grateful for the immense support she has received from RSU 35 and hopes that her parent friends in other districts can receive similar help.

“Having all of these professionals who I felt like were on my team was a total game-changer,” Hayes said. “I felt like we were all a team looking out for Matty.”

RSU 35 and the Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education contributed to this article, written as part of a series highlighting the ongoing efforts of CDS and public schools in providing comprehensive educational services to Maine’s children with special needs. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.