Maine DHHS Announces Additional COVID-19 Tests Now Available

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today, February 17, 2022 that it is extending Project Access COVID Tests (ACT), its partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation to mail free COVID-19 tests directly to Maine people, with an order for 50,000 additional tests, after Maine people claimed the remaining initial supply on Wednesday.

The first 125,000 tests in the pilot phase of the project were supported by The Rockefeller Foundation at no cost to the state. That initial supply, which was originally limited to certain vulnerable communities in Maine, became available statewide Wednesday, with every household in Maine eligible to order one set of five at-home rapid tests, regardless of ZIP code of residence. By Wednesday evening, Maine people had ordered all of the remaining approximately 50,000 tests.

Maine has extended the project with the additional supply. Starting earlier this afternoon, an additional 50,000 tests are available to Maine residents. Maine residents can order tests now and anyone who tried but could not order tests in the last 24 hours is encouraged to revisit www.accessCOVIDTests.org to sign up. Delivery delays are possible depending on demand.

Maine is extending Project ACT with Federal funds for COVID-19 testing to make the free tests available to all Maine residents.

No payment information is required — both the tests and shipping are free to residents – and the tests will be delivered through Amazon. The tests require a quick swab inside each nostril, with results available within minutes. Any individual over the age of two can use the tests. The program is limited to one order per residential address.

Maine residents can also order free tests through the national initiative at COVIDtests.gov. More information about accessing free, rapid, at-home tests can be found on the COVID-19 Testing in Maine website.

With February school vacation starting on Monday, February 21, the Mills Administration especially encourages families and school staff to get home tests. Testing before returning to school following February vacation week will help prevent the school-based transmission of COVID-19 as students and staff return on February 28.

MEDIA RELEASE: Education Commissioner Makin Visits Mid-Coast School of Technology to Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, Highlight the Value of CTE Programs

In honor of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin visited Mid-Coast School of Technology to highlight the importance of Career and Technical Education in providing high-quality career pathways, shine a light on the vast array of program offerings for students, and celebrate the powerful teaching and learning happening in CTE schools.

Enrollment in Maine CTE schools has increased by 9.4 percent between the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years, with more than 9100 students now in Maine’s 27 CTE schools.

While at Mid-Coast, Commissioner Makin met with educators and students, visited several classes to see the wide range of programs offered at the school, and got hands on experience alongside students. She engaged with students and educators enrolled in programs focused on auto collision, bakery and pastry, welding, carpentry, design technology, marine technology, machine tool, outdoor leadership, EMT, certified nursing assistant, and small engines. Mid-Coast has seen its highest enrollment ever this school year and serves students from 21 towns. The school has 18 high school level programs plus adult education and college courses taught on site.

“It’s awe inspiring to experience the energy, engagement, and excitement of the students here at Mid-Coast and the passion these educators, who are leaders in their fields, bring to help enable student success both inside and well beyond the classroom,” said Education Commissioner Makin. “Everyone has a way to learn and everyone has a path to success and we want to make sure students and families know that Career and Technical Education is such a vital and vibrant pathway for young people. At schools like Mid-Coast, students use their hands and their minds to gain knowledge and skills in everything from technology and culinary arts to computer design and the skilled trades, while also learning how to collaborate with others, be self-directed, critically think, and find joy in what they do. And they can leave here, often with some level of certificate or credits that give them such a great head start in their careers or at college.”

In her meetings with students, many of them talked about how they had to break through the stigma that still exists around career and technical education and how they want more people to know about CTE as an option. They highlighted the opportunities they have to work toward real world goals, gain experience in their industries, have the safe space to make mistakes and learn from them, and learn life skills. Mid-Coast School of Technology Director Bobby Deetjen said that students “learn skills but also how to have confidence and become leaders.”

Photos from the visit are available upon request and will be featured on DOE social media.

What I Did with my Summer: MSAD 58 Social Studies Educator Finds Teaching Inspiration Through the Story of Ona Judge

(Book image from Amazon)

This past summer, Crystal Polk, a Social Studies Teacher at Strong Elementary School in MSAD 58 attended a 5-day session entitled “Slavery at Mount Vernon” offered through the George Washington Teacher Institute’s 5-day digital, professional development programs designed to educators.

“I applied to participate because I wanted to learn more about George Washington and slavery with a group of experts and teachers, so that we could also discuss how to best teach the content,” Polk explained.

Prior to engaging in the program, participants read a book entitled, The One Avoidable Subject of Regret, by Mary V. Thompson, a compelling book about slavery at Mount Vernon. The program layout consisted of synchronous professional development sessions which were a combination of presentations by historians and teachers, virtual tours of different areas on the Mount Vernon estate, and discussions with other participants. In addition, asynchronous assignments were also given throughout the week to keep participants engaged.

“The ongoing support and professional development provided by the George Washington Teacher Institute is amazing and inspiring,” said Polk after finishing the program.

After fulfilling her goal to learn more about George Washington, Mount Vernon, and slavery in general, Polk purchased and read, Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge, a resource that was discussed during the sessions.

“Ona Judge was a slave who escaped from the Washington’s and lived out her life in freedom in New Hampshire,” explained Polk. “The book was well written, so I used my stipend money from the Teacher Institute and purchased a class set of these books to use with students. I have used the books with a small group of seventh graders, and I am working on developing a whole unit centered around the life of Ona Judge. I am also working on developing a presentation to share with my local and state colleagues.”

Additionally, this year Polk has been working as a teacher leader with the EVER FI professional development series for Maine teachers. She is planning to share her knowledge and resources when the Ever Fi team presents their African American history content and the 306 online course information with Maine teachers.

“After this experience, I was asked to serve as a member of the George Washington Teacher Institute Advisory Group,” added Polk. “This group of ninety-two teachers from around the United States will meet digitally on an ongoing basis to discuss content related to George Washington and professional development opportunities for educators.”

To learn more about the George Washington Teacher Institute visit their website. To learn more about social studies professional development opportunities and more, join Maine DOE’s Social Studies Listserv here. For more information and questions about social studies resources for Maine educators, contact Joe Schmidt at joe.schmidt@maine.gov.

Maine’s National Board Certified Teachers Honored in Virtual Pinning Ceremony

“When I look at each of your faces, I get so excited because I am looking at the best examples of reflective changemakers in the state. I am hoping tonight, you realize how much power you have as an educator and your role as change-maker,” said Hillary Hoyt, National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), 2021 Waldo County Teacher of the Year, and 2022 Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist. Hoyt was the keynote speaker at the February 7, 2022 virtual pinning ceremony honoring and recognizing Maine’s new and renewed NBCT’s.

This week, 16 educators were celebrated for being newly certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. These outstanding educators join more than 400 teachers across the state who have undergone this highly reflective professional learning experience, including 32 of their colleagues who were recognized for renewal of their National Board Certification this year.

The pinning ceremony was hosted by the Maine Education Association (MEA) and the National Board Certified Teachers Network of Maine (NBCTs of Maine). Among those in attendance to celebrate were family members, colleagues, administrators, fellow NBCT’s, state legislators, and Maine Department of Education staff. Education Commissioner Pender Makin; Deputy Commissioner Daniel Chuhta, MEA President and NBCT Grace Leavitt; NBCTs of Maine Chair and NBCT, Heidi Goodwin; Membership and Outreach Coordinator and NBCT Matt Madore; NBCT and Treasurer Susan O’Brien; and Keynote Speaker Hillary Hoyt, NBCT all shared words of admiration and congratulations.

The journey to National Board Certification, described by Maine educators as rigorous, personally reassuring, and professionally rewarding, requires nearly 400 hours of time and effort to achieve. Educators must submit a detailed portfolio that includes examples of student work, video recordings of classroom teaching, a reflection piece focused on student assessment and learning, and demonstrated mastery of the content of their chosen certification area. This evidence must meet the Five Core Propositions and the National Board Standards, a body of knowledge that is maintained by teachers. Practicing teachers, through a peer-review process, assess the portfolios.

Grace Leavitt, MEA President and NBCT reflected on her personal journey to become certified, then addressed the honorees, “You must truly be the most remarkable of most remarkable. Not only did you take on the challenge, but you persisted despite the fact that we have been in a global pandemic for two years.”

Commissioner Pender Makin, just returning from a memorable day in Windham added, “What a complete honor to be able to close out my day in celebration of you. You each thought, ‘I am going to stretch myself to my absolute limit, dig in deep and engage in this process.’ I am in absolute awe of your work, commitment, of your professional integrity and fortitude that got you through this experience. Thank you to everyone for everything you do for your students and the profession!”

NBCT’s and Professional Learning Facilitators Heidi Goodwin and Jennifer Dorman led this year’s pinning ceremony. Attendees each had the opportunity to introduce themselves and be “pinned” by a family member or friend at home.

Closing out the evening, Susan O’Brien shared, “This evening we witness 16 newly certified NBCT’s. Tonight you witnessed 32 veteran NBCT’s being honored for renewing their certificates. These are reflective educators who are forever learning, improving, and leading. I am proud to share a screen with those who go above and beyond with their sparkling pedagogy and engaging content!”

In pursuing and achieving National Board Certification, the following teachers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their students, schools, and districts. Please join us in congratulating them!

16 New National Board Certified Teachers:

Name	District	School	Grade/subject	NB Certificate Achieved
Wyndee Mocciola Grosso	Westbrook	Saccarappa School	1^st Grade/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Carolyn Nichols	RSU 1	Morse High School	11 & 12 Biology	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Mary Carbone	n/a	Thornton Academy	High School Science	Science/Early Adolescence
Joseph Carbone	n/a	Thornton Academy	High School Science	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jessica Cardosi	n/a	Thornton Academy	High School Science	Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Alice Ford				Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jodi Bisson	RSU 22	Earl C. McGraw	2^nd Grade/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Meagan Mattice	Augusta Public Schools	Gilbert School	Kindergarten/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Stacy Jardine LaBree	RSU 22	Reeds Brooks Middle School	English and Math	English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Elizabeth Carlson	RSU 21	Kennebunk High School	Language Arts	English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Kathryn Giampetruzzi	Lewiston Public Schools	Connors Elementary School	ELL Coach	English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Krystle Catell	MSAD 28	Camden-Rockport Middle School	Special Education Teacher Gr 5	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Garrett White	Scarborough Schools	Scarborough Middle School	Art Gr 6-8	Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Kassandre (Kassie) Dwyer	Athens Public Schools	Athens Community School	Gr 6 – 8	Social Studies- History/Early Adolescence
Becky Marks	RSU 12	Windsor Elementary School	Gr. 1	Generalist/Early Childhood
Eva Platt	Portland Public Schools	Multiple schools	Library Media Specialist	Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood

32 National Board Certified Teachers who achieved “Maintenance of Certification” (MOC) – (This is the new “renewal process” for NB)

Name	District	School	Grade/subject	NB Certificate Maintained
Valerie Dominski	RSU 51	Mabel I Wilson School	Gr 3/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Maureen Driscoll	RSU 51	Mabel I Wilson School	Library Media Specialist	Library Media/Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
George “Rad” Mayfield	RSU 34	Old Town HS	Science 9 – 12	Science/Adolescence –& Young Adulthood
Megan Bendson	Five Town CSD	Camden Hills Regional High School	Social Studies 9 – 12	Social Studies/History Adolescence & Young Adulthood
Troy Wagstaff	RSU 26	Orono High School	School Counselor	School Counseling Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Denise Allen	MSAD 51	Greely High School	Health/ Science 9 – 12	Health Education – Early Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Blair Atherton Bacon	Portland Public Schools	Lincoln Middle School	Teaching Strategist	Literacy: Reading Language Arts, Early & Middle Childhood
Jessica Sleeper Rosado	RSU 21	District-wide	ELL Teacher	English as a New Language: Early and Middle Childhood
Paula Bourque	Augusta Public Schools	Multiple Schools	Literacy Specialist	Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Maureen Cooper	Augusta Public Schools	Gilbert School	Gr 1 – all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Caroline Eldridge	Augusta Public Schools	Hussey School	Gr 2 – all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Brenda Longway	RSU 10	Mountain Valley Middle School	Gr 7 – 8	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early childhood through Young Adulthood
Tonya Prentice	Tremont Public Schools	Tremont Consolidated School	Science/Gr 5- 6	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jena Kerns	Portland Public Schools	Longfellow School	Gr 1 -2/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Danielle Waite	Millinocket Public Schools	Granite Street School	Gr 1 – all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Heather Girsa	Millinocket Public Schools	Stearns Jr/Sr High School	Math	Math/Early Adolescence
Tracy Vassiliev	Bangor Public Schools	James F. Doughty School	Science & Applied Science	Science/Early Adolescence
Jennifer Boehmer	Bangor Public Schools	James F. Doughty School	English, Gr 6	English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Heidi Bullen	RSU 44	Crescent Park School	Gr 3/all	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Brenda Wight	RSU 44	Crescent Park School	Gr 2/all	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Alice Lee	RSU 44	Crescent Park School	Gr 2/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Renee Charette	RSU 44	Telstar Middle School	Gr 8/math	Generalist/Middle Childhood
Gina Lavoie	RSU 44	Crescent Park School	Gr 2/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Michelle Fraser	Wiscasset Public Schools	Wiscasset Middle/High School	English Composition Gr 9 & 10	English Language Arts & Young Adulthood
Molly O’Guinness Carlson	Wiscasset Public Schools	Wiscasset Middle/High School	Special Education Teacher 7 – 12	Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Lori Fowler	Lewiston Public Schools	Montello School	Pre-K/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
Robyn Rose	Lewiston Public Schools	Montello School	Special Education Gr 4 – 6	Exceptional Needs Specialist/early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Sara Lucas	RSU 11	Helen Thompson School	Gr 2/all	Generalist/Early Childhood
William Hinkley	RSU 40	Medomak Valley High School	Algebra Gr 10 – 12	Mathematics/ Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Nancy Coty	Wells	Wells High School	Health Education 9 – 12	Health Education/Early Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Kevin O’Shaughnessy	Wells	Wells High School	Psychology, World After 1945 9 – 12	Social Studies – History/Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Cara Colgan	Westbrook	Saccarappa School	Gr 4/all	Generalist/early Childhood

National Board certification is voluntary and open to all teachers who have at least three years of classroom experience and a bachelor’s degree. Certification is available in 25 certificate areas, from preschool through 12th grade.

Maine offers an annual salary supplement for teachers who have achieved National Board Certification and scholarships to support up to 30 teachers, annually, in attaining National Board Certification.

Contact information for National Board Certification in Maine:

NBCTS of Maine:

Heidi Goodwin: nbct.heidi@gmail.com

Susan O’Brien: nbct.susan@gmail.com

Maine Education Association:

Grace Leavitt: gleavitt@maineea.org

Maine Department of Education:

Emily Doughty: Emily.doughty@maine.gov

Webinar: Understanding the Role of Families and Parents in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency

The U.S. Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center will host a webinar on Monday, February 28, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST. This webinar will highlight the role of parents and families in supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.

The 60 minute webinar will:

Highlight the role of parents and families in supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.
Demonstrate the importance of developing a collaborative planning team to support emergency operations plan development, as outlined in Step 1 of the six-step planning process detailed in the Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans.
Discuss the role that parents, parent engagement specialists, and parent advocacy groups play in supporting the National Preparedness System mission areas — prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery — as well as their role in the before, during, and after phases of a potential emergency.
Share resources to assist parents, families, parent engagement specialists, and parent advocacy groups in collaborating and supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.

Presenters:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Beth Yeh, Education Program Specialist

REMS TA Center

Janelle Hughes, Project Director

Questions About the Event?

Contact the REMS TA Center Help Desk at 1-855-781-REMS [7367] or info@remstacenter.org from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Can’t make the live event? This Webinar will be archived on the REMS TA Center’s website within 7 business days.

Maine Students Showcase their Marketing and Hospitality Skills at DECA Conference

Maine DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) held their annual Career and Development Conference in Auburn at the Hilton Garden Hotel on Friday February 11th.

DECA, an association of marketing, hospitality, finance, and entrepreneur students, prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management from high schools and colleges around the globe.

During the DECA Conference, students from Oxford Hills Regional Technical Center competed in marketing and hospitality categories for a chance to earn a seat at the International Career and Development Conference in Atlanta in April. FOCUS training provided workshop activities and team building for an action packed day.

Maine Department of Education Maine School Safety Center’s Wendy Robichaid was one of five judges that helped out at the conference.

Congratulations, Maine DECA!

students seated facing each other at hotel conference room

Webinar: Online Safety Guidance and Resources for K-12 Schools (February 24)

Please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse on February 24 at 3:00 PM EST for an informational webinar on online safety featuring guidance and resources for kindergarten through grade 12 schools.

The session will feature guest speakers from the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center (C3) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). Presenters will provide an overview of how to make the internet a safer place for students and protect children from crimes of victimization.

Schools, educators, and parents can help build resilience against online violence, as well as foster digital ecosystems that are safe and secure for students. Through promoting online safety practices and improving digital literacy and critical thinking skills, the K-12 community can help reduce certain risk factors among youth.

The discussion will feature additional school safety-related resources available through SchoolSafety.gov, as well as a Q&A session.

When: February 24, 2022, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
Where: Adobe Connect (access link to be provided one day in advance of the event)
For: K-12 School Superintendents and Principals; School and District Administrators; Teachers and School Staff; School Counselors and School Psychologists; Emergency Management; School Resource Officers; Parents
Registration: https://schoolonlinesafetywebinar.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions, please contact the School Safety team at SchoolSafety@hq.dhs.gov.

SAVE THE DATE: #SELday on March 11th

Save the Date – Friday, March 11, 2022

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is participating in the International SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Day 2022 by providing all Maine classroom teachers access to ready-made plans to use that day:

Age-appropriate read aloud options
Selected SEL4ME modules
Interdisciplinary lesson plans

Social emotional learning (SEL) changes lives—studies show that SEL improves well-being and academic outcomes, builds a positive school climate, and provides children with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce. Yet many members of our communities don’t know about SEL yet.

Keep your plans light for March 11th as we will be doing the planning – all you’ll need to do is access the links and share with your students. Our goal is to provide the plans to Maine educators by March 1st.

While classroom teachers are accessing SEL activities throughout this international day of celebration, the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports (O3S) is also inviting people to join them for a day-long focus of all-things SEL. Each team member from the O3S is sponsoring an hour throughout the day that will feature articles, podcasts, videos, TED Talks, exercise, office hour time, reading, conversation, and more! From SEL Specialist Kellie Bailey to our newest Nurse Specialists Tammy Diaz and Sarah DeCato, there will be something for every person associated with Maine schools – personnel, parents, caregivers, you name it!

Be on the lookout for a day-long menu of options on March 1st.

Local District SEL Teams are also encouraged to sign up for the international celebration event and create their own plans, as well! Learn more here.

For further information about Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports event, contact Julie Smyth at Julie.A.Smyth@maine.gov.

Maine Teachers and School Staff Highlighted on News Center Maine as part of 2022 #LoveTeaching and #LoveSchoolStaff Campaign

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and News Center Maine have partnered on a two-week campaign to highlight the amazing work of Maine teachers and school staff. This marks the second year in a row for the partnership, with News Center Maine airing video clips of people working in Maine schools, talking about where they work and why they love what they do.

Starting on Valentine’s Day, the first day of the national #LoveTeaching campaign, and running through February 27^th, the videos feature Maine’s education workforce in all regions of Maine working in the many different roles in Maine’s schools. Video messages from teachers will air on News Center Maine’s morning and evening news shows from February 14th – 20th and video messages from school staff videos will air the week of February 21st – 27th.

“Teachers and school staff do heroic work each and every day to teach, nurture, feed, transport, coach, and support our young people,” said Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “And they’ve overcome enormous challenges throughout the pandemic to provide the education and support students need. Teachers and school staff are our heroes and we’re thrilled to partner with News Center Maine so that teachers and school staff can talk about their schools, students, communities, and what drives their passion to work in our schools. And they can get some love from their communities in return.”

During the campaign, News Center Maine will also be soliciting videos from community members across Maine, inviting them to celebrate their local teachers and school staff members, thanking them for all their hard work. Students and their families, as well as fellow educators, are encouraged to give a video shout out to say, “Thank you!” and send along to News Center Maine. One can share a video by:

Using the Near ME tool of their mobile app
Texting them to 207-828-6622
Posting them on social media and using the hashtag # LoveTeaching or #LoveSchoolStaff

Be sure to watch News Center Maine, WCSH 6/WLBZ 2 now through February 27^th to see the faces of the amazing people working to educate young people in our state and hear from students and families who are sending in their messages of appreciation and love.

Videos will continue to be added here once they are highlighted on the air.

Maine Celebrates School Counselor of the Year with a Surprise Assembly at Alfred Elementary

Pictured left to right: Kelly Weaver, MESCA Board chair; Jaclyn Chaplin, Counselor of the Year; Nicole Breton, MESCA board of Directors

The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) recently announced the 2022 Maine School Counselor of the Year as Jacklyn P. Chaplin, the School Counselor at Alfred Elementary School in RSU 57. The Maine School Counselor of the Year Award (SCOY) is a program of MESCA that honors school counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle, or high school level.

“I strongly believe that a school counselor plays an important role in helping students have a positive school experience,” Mrs. Chaplin wrote. She has advocated for the profession and supported students through a comprehensive and data-driven model. She has implemented aspects to create a 5th grade Peer Helper Program. “This leadership program has several components that provide fifth graders with an opportunity to be role models in the school while also enhancing their leadership, decision-making, empathy, and communication skills,” Chaplin said.

Mrs. Chaplin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and obtained her master’s degree in counselor education from Rivier College. She has been working as a school counselor since 2004. She has been at Alfred Elementary School since 2005 and has also been the school counselor at Shapleigh Memorial School and Lyman Elementary School in RSU 57.

“Jackie serves all stakeholders for the greater good of our community. I say community as opposed to school because she has single-handedly helped to make Alfred Elementary a second home for all, where every student and staff member feels safe and at home,” said Mrs. Poulin, the Principal of Alfred Elementary.

Mrs. Kim Raymond, the school counselor at Leroy H. Smith School in RSU 22, was Maine’s 2021 SCOY and was recently honored in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Chaplin will have several speaking engagements and event appearances in the year ahead. She will be invited to a formal Gala in Winter 2023 and honored at the American School Counseling Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in Summer 2023.

The Maine School Counselor of the Year is announced as part of National School Counseling Week (#NSCW), celebrated annually during the first full week in February. This year, the Maine School Counselor Association has events planned from February 7 through February 11th to celebrate National School Counseling Week. For more information, view the MESCA website.

Please contact MESCA Board Chair Kelly O’Brien Weaver for more information: kweaver@rsu22.us.