Maine DOE Update – June 13, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine Expanding K–12 Cybersecurity Grant in the 2025-2026 School Year; SAUs Must Opt in by June 20

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that the state will continue its participation in the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) for a second year. Building on the success of Year One, this initiative will further strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure across Maine’s public K-12 schools. The multi-year SLCGP provides dedicated resources to help school administrative units (SAU) enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure and preparedness | More

Maine DOE Supports Next Generation of Leaders through Student Internships 2025 Maine DOE Interns

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to recognize its nine student interns, working across a variety of Maine DOE offices and teams in the spring and summer of 2025. Many of these interns were selected through the Maine Government Summer Internship Program by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Institute at the University of Maine. These interns contribute to daily operations and projects at the Maine DOE, gaining valuable professional experience, expanding their knowledge base and skillsets, and building meaningful connections. | More

Maine FFA Association Announces 2025 National FFA Officer Candidate

The Maine FFA Association is proud to recognize Delaney McKeen, a 19-year-old recent graduate from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, as its 2025 National FFA Officer Candidate. McKeen was selected following interviews held at the 2025 Maine FFA Association State Convention. | More

No-Cost Student Opportunity at York County Community College: Foundations of Machining Training Bootcamp

Applications are now open for the Foundations of Machining Training Bootcamp this summer for recent Maine high school graduates. Hosted by York County Community College, this 16-day training provides both classroom and hands-on machine time for students to learn how to safely operate mills and lathes and receive an introduction to CNC operations. Students who complete this program will be ready to apply for high-demand careers. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Hampden Academy Soars into the Future with New Drone Education Program

Something exciting is taking off at Hampden Academy! Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Hampden Academy is launching a cutting-edge drone education program, Higher Vision: Sparking Creativity and Careers Through Drones, designed to prepare students for the skies—and for the future. | More

Dirigo Biology Students Make Waves with Ocean Learning

On May 27, students in Dirigo High School’s Marine Biology Class swapped the mountains of western Maine for the salty sea air of Bar Harbor, embarking on an unforgettable cruise that brought their classroom studies to life in the most immersive way possible. | More

Maine Educators Explore the Power of Play in Innovative Professional Learning Experience at Noble Middle School

On May 14, MaineHealth’s Healthy Eating, Active Living Team hosted a full-day professional learning event at Noble Middle School in Berwick that brought together educators from across southern Maine to explore the power of play in schools. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Register for the Maine DOE 2025 Annual Summit on August 5 and 6; Fees Waived for Identified Schools

Registration is now open for the 2025 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit, which will be held on August 5 and 6 at Thomas College. The two-day event, which costs $250 per person, includes breakfast, lunch, and access to nearly 100 sessions from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that registration fees will be waived for identified schools for up to $2,500 (the equivalent of 10 staff members) per school. Identified schools are those that have been identified as part of Maine’s Model of School Supports (MMSS) | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine Educators Explore the Power of Play in Innovative Professional Learning Experience at Noble Middle School

(Educators in action during the Playworks training at Noble Middle School)

Teachers, ed techs, and administrators arrived from Noble Middle School, Sanford Middle School, York Middle School, Marshwood Middle School, Crooked River Elementary School, Saint Thomas School, and Harold B. Emery Jr. Memorial School. Many came curious about how play could shift school dynamics. They left with new tools, new energy, and a renewed appreciation for what it means to build connection through fun.

The day began early, with a check-in and casual conversation over coffee. By 8 a.m., educators were already in motion, diving into the first session, “The Power of Play.” This active morning segment focused on how structured games can promote inclusion, improve school climate, and help students practice critical social skills like communication and teamwork. Participants didn’t just talk about it; they played. They ran, laughed, learned, and rediscovered how powerful it feels to be a part of a team.

After a midday break for lunch and a chance to reflect, the afternoon shifted to “Proactive Group Management.” In this session, educators practiced real-life strategies for supporting students during recess and class time. They learned how to manage groups more effectively, address conflicts in the moment, and make sure all students feel seen, supported, and safe.

The workshop wrapped up around 3 p.m., but the enthusiasm in the room suggested that the lessons and the momentum would carry well beyond the day. One educator said, “Thank you again for the awesome workshop at Noble Middle School. We’ve already started using some things I learned. I’m totally reinvigorated about recess.”

Playworks, the national nonprofit that led the training, has a simple but powerful mission: to help schools use play as a force for inclusion, empowerment, and joy. Thanks to funding from Hannaford’s Eat Well, Be Well initiative and the support of MaineHealth’s Let’s Go! program, this workshop, and others like it, are free to participating schools.

For those who missed the May event, two more full-day Playworks workshops are coming on Friday, October 10. One will take place at Boothbay Region Elementary School for educators working with grades K through five. The other will be held at Guy E. Rowe School in Norway for educators supporting students in grades K through six. If you are interested in attending either of these workshops, please reach out to Sarah Carter at MaineHealth by email at Sarah.A.Carter@mainehealth.org.

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

Maine FFA Association Announces 2025 National FFA Officer Candidate

The Maine FFA Association is proud to recognize Delaney McKeen, a 19-year-old recent graduate from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, as its 2025 National FFA Officer Candidate.

McKeen was selected following interviews held at the 2025 Maine FFA Association State Convention. Candidates were invited to submit applications highlighting their eligibility for the National FFA Officer position, which a panel of judges then reviewed. Once all necessary paperwork was completed, and it was ensured that all criteria were met, candidates were invited to participate in formal interviews before the judging panel. McKeen not only impressed the panel, which consisted of FFA alumni, University of Maine staff members, and Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry partners, but also current FFA members serving on the nomination committee.

McKeen is no stranger to the leadership opportunities within FFA. As a past Maine FFA State Reporter/Sentinel and State Vice President, she helped to lead the organization through various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership skills shine not only within the FFA Organization but in the classroom, as well. Upon her recent graduation, McKeen received a degree in agricultural science and agribusiness. When asked about her experience with agriculture both inside and outside of the classroom, she said, “Being able to work in agriculture as my career has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. I’m so grateful that I had the experiences I did in FFA that led me here”.

Though her time in the FFA blue jacket may have concluded when she retired as the Maine FFA State Vice President in 2022, McKeen has still made herself a prominent part of this organization, by volunteering at the state convention to mentoring the state officer team.

McKeen, originally of the Mars Hill FFA Chapter, will travel to the 98th annual National FFA Convention and Expo, where she will represent the State of Maine as a 2025-2026 National FFA Officer Candidate. If elected to a national office, candidates relocate to Indianapolis in order to begin preparation for their upcoming year of service. They undergo months of training to learn how to properly host workshops, practice their speech-writing skills, and learn about all current agricultural issues and policies. The National FFA Officer team spends the year traveling to different states throughout the country, attending state conventions, taking industry tours, and connecting with FFA members nationwide!

Maine’s last National FFA Officer was Malcolm Ellis, who served from 1952 to 1953. If McKeen is elected, she would become the first National FFA Officer from Maine in more than seven decades. We have the utmost faith that she will gracefully represent herself, her state, and the Maine FFA.

This article was written by Jillian McLaughlin, 2025 Maine FFA State Reporter. For questions and updates regarding McKeen’s journey to national office, please reach out to Jillian at jmclaughlinmeffa@gmail.com or contact the Maine FFA State Liaison, Emily Doughty, at emily.doughty@maine.gov.

Register for the Maine DOE 2025 Annual Summit on August 5 and 6; Fees Waived for Identified Schools

The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that registration fees will be waived for identified schools for up to $2,500 (the equivalent of 10 staff members) per school. Identified schools are those that have been identified as part of Maine’s Model of School Supports (MMSS), including:

TSI-Targeted School Improvement
ATSI-Additional Targeted School Improvement
CSI-Comprehensive School Improvement

Keynote speakers include Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin and 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year Becky Hallowell, a teacher at Wiscasset Elementary School.

This year’s Summit theme, Measure What Matters: The Expanding View of Educational Excellence in Maine, is emphasized through a variety of sessions on early childhood education, student behavior (including a session on The Regulated Classroom), social emotional learning, interdisciplinary instruction, youth engagement, special education and inclusivity, extended learning opportunities, outdoor learning and climate education, school safety, mental health literacy, emotional intelligence, literacy, math, technology in the classroom, and so much more!

Over the course of the two-day event, educators can earn up to 10 contact hours for their State of Maine educator and/or administrator credential renewal before the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the Educational Trip Leader Permit Course, a special training certification, will be offered during the event. This course is required for any educator taking students on field trips involving water.

The Summit also features several information tables, including a booth where the Maine DOE Certification Team will be available both days to provide support and answer questions.

A full list of sessions is expected to be available at the end of June, when Summit participants can begin to customize their personal agenda.

The 2025 Maine DOE Annual Summit is a great place to connect with educational colleagues across Maine, share ideas, and get the high-quality professional learning, tools, and resources needed before the 2025-2026 school year!

Registration Information

The event cost is $250 per participant. Again, registration fees will be waived for identified schools for up to $2,500 (the equivalent of 10 staff members) per school.

If you believe you may work at an identified school and would like to attend the Maine DOE Annual Summit, work with your school administration to confirm your school is identified and coordinate ticket purchasing for the (up to) 10 waived tickets per school.

Once again, this year, the Maine DOE is utilizing Bizzabo, an all-in-one event platform, to support registration and attendance. Through Bizzabo, participants will be able to register for the Summit, create and access their personalized schedule and registration information, and receive access to real-time conference and scheduling updates.

Reserve your tickets here now!(Please note: The event website has a separate “MMSS” ticket for school administrators from identified schools who are bulk registering waived tickets.) After you reserve your ticket(s), you will be provided with one registration number per ticket. To access individual registrations, download the Bizzabo app (Bizzabo in Apple Store | Bizzabo on Google Play) and log in with your email and registration number to access the event.

Lodging Information

2025 Maine DOE Annual Summit attendees are responsible for travel and accommodation during the Summit. The Maine DOE has secured two possible options for accommodation on-site and within a short proximity to the venue:

Thomas College rooms: Lodging and accommodation are available on campus, managed directly by Thomas College. An air-conditioned room on campus costs $45 per night. Reservation information is available here.
Hampton Inn by Hilton: Accommodation is also available at attendee cost at the Hampton Inn by Hilton. The room rate is $189 per night. Reservation information is available here.

For further information or questions about the Summit, please contact Teri Peaslee at teri.peaslee@maine.gov.

Hampden Academy Soars into the Future with New Drone Education Program

(Pictured: Student Pilot Marysssa LaBlanc and RSU 22 School Board member Ellen Hassan.)

Something exciting is taking off at Hampden Academy! Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Hampden Academy is launching a cutting-edge drone education program, Higher Vision: Sparking Creativity and Careers Through Drones, designed to prepare students for the skies—and for the future.

With 67 students already enrolled, this two-course program is about more than flying drones; it is about building real-world skills, exploring emerging industries, and learning to think critically and ethically about powerful new technologies.

For enrolled students, the journey begins with an Introduction to Drones course, where students will start with the fundamentals—FAA regulations, Maine-specific laws, and best practices for safe and ethical drone operation. From flight simulators to piloting real drones, they will gain hands-on experience while exploring how drones are already transforming fields like agriculture, filmmaking, and emergency response.

In the second course, Commercial Drones, students learn advanced flight skills, mission planning, weather impacts, and drone data analysis. They will also prepare for the FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot certification, which will give them a head start on careers in this growing field.

One of the program’s most unique aspects is its strong network of nine local partners—from Hampden Public Safety and Cianbro to News Center Maine and the U.S. Military—who will offer students real-world insights and hands-on learning opportunities in areas like public safety, construction, media, forestry, surveying, and more. (See a full list of partners at the end of this article.)

“This program represents our dedication to providing RSU 22 students with educational opportunities that connect directly to tomorrow’s careers,” Todd Moore, Technology Teacher at Hampden Academy, said. “This is about more than learning to fly; it is about building futures.”

Student Pilot Renee Gray and Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Raymond

Student Pilot Garrett Newey and RSU 22 School Board member Stacey Haskell — Student Pilot Renee Gray and Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Raymond

With its blend of classroom rigor, practical experience, and community engagement, Hampden Academy’s drone program is lifting off—and bringing students along for a thrilling, high-tech ride into the future.

Hampden Academy would like to extend a big thank you to the following partners for helping to make this new program possible:

Hampden Public Safety for demonstrating emergency response applications and public safety uses for drone technology.
Cianbro Corporation for showcasing industrial applications in construction and infrastructure development.
News Center Maine for illustrating journalistic and media applications of drone photography and videography.
Haley Ward Civil Engineering for providing insights on surveying, mapping, and engineering applications.
American Forest Management for highlighting environmental monitoring and forestry management techniques.
Matt Thomas Media Productions: for sharing expertise in commercial drone photography and cinematography.
Allan Gordon Jr. Surveying for demonstrating precision mapping and land surveying applications.
United States Military for offering perspectives on drone operations and career opportunities in defense.
University of Maine at Augusta for advanced drone programs.

For more information about this program, please contact Todd Moore (tmoore@rsu22.us) or Charlie Huff (chuff@rsu22.us), Technology Teachers at Hampden Academy.

Information for this article was provided by Hampden Academy. To submit your good news to the Maine DOE, fill out our Good News Submission Form.

No-Cost Student Opportunity at York County Community College: Foundations of Machining Training Bootcamp

This program is no cost to Maine students, thanks to the generosity of the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce.

Participants will learn:

Shop Safety Blueprint
Reading Math for Manufacturing
Precision Measurement
Lathe and Mill Operation
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Metallurgy Essential Skills for the Workplace

Foundations of Machining Training Bootcamp schedule (Monday-Thursday):

July 7-10: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
July 14-17: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
July 21-24: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 28-July 31: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information and to apply, please contact York County Community College at YCCCworkforce@mainecc.edu or by calling 207-216-4475.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Supports Next Generation of Leaders through Student Internships

These interns span high school to college and are working across a variety of Maine DOE offices and teams in the spring and summer of 2025.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to recognize its nine student interns, working across a variety of Maine DOE offices and teams in the spring and summer of 2025. Many of these interns were selected through the Maine Government Summer Internship Program by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Institute at the University of Maine. These interns contribute to daily operations and projects at the Maine DOE, gaining valuable professional experience, expanding their knowledge base and skillsets, and building meaningful connections.

Brooklynne Blockler of Dexter, Maine is a rising junior at Thomas College. She is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Marketing. As the summer Maine DOE Communications Intern, Blockler will create content for the Maine DOE Newsroom and assist with updates to the Maine DOE website. Blocker says she is excited to expand her knowledge in the communications field and gain experience working at the government level. In her free time, Blockler enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

Brooklynne Blockler

Ellyson Bourgoine of York, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Maine. She is studying Management and Finance with a minor in Legal Studies. As the summer Maine DOE Operations and Events Intern, Bourgoine will support a variety of tasks, including assisting with the hiring process, performance management reporting, and coordinating events. Bourgoine says she is looking forward to learning more about the field of human resources and gaining a deeper understanding of how organizations function. In her free time, Bourgoine enjoys staying active, going on walks, and taking yoga classes.

Ellyson Bourgoine

Vagni Das is a rising senior at Yarmouth High School. She is working as a Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Intern through the end of June. Das was born in India and has lived in Maine for seven years and in America for 15 years. Das says in school, she especially likes learning about history and science. Apart from her regular courses, she also likes doing theater, Model UN, and debate. In her free time, Das enjoys watching movies and singing.

Vagni Das

Olivia Haralson is a graduating senior at Brunswick High School. She is working as a Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Intern through the end of June. Haralson will be attending New York University in the fall to major in Film and Television. Haralson says she has enjoyed writing articles through the Maine DOE about ELO programs at high schools statewide. In her free time, Haralson likes filmmaking, thrifting, and writing.

Olivia Haralson

Adam Hendrix of Mercer, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Maine at Farmington. He is studying Mathematics and Computer Science. As the summer Maine DOE Assistant Financial Analyst Intern, Hendrix will work to automate and optimize the computer-based tasks that those in Education in the Unorganized Territory (EUT) have been performing manually. Hendrix says he is excited to apply his skills to real-world systems that are actively used. In his free time, Hendrix enjoys playing competitive fighting games.

Adam Hendrix

Naomi Lopez of Los Angeles, California is a rising senior at Bowdoin College. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Psychology. As the summer Maine DOE Green Schools and Climate Literacy Intern, Lopez will support efforts to advance Maine’s Climate Literacy Plan and Green Schools Initiative. Her work will include planning the Green Schools Symposium, creating a professional learning credential for climate education, and more. Lopez says she is particularly excited to help organize the Green Schools Symposium and connect with Maine’s vibrant community of environmental advocates, educators, and students. In her free time, Lopez enjoys watching baseball, trying new ice cream flavors, and exploring scenic spots along Maine’s coast.

Naomi Lopez

Bobin Park of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania is a rising sophomore at Bowdoin College. She is a prospective Government and Legal Studies major. As the Maine DOE Bowdoin Public Service Intern, Park will work on outreach for the Seal of Biliteracy. Park says she looks forward to collaborating with students, educators, parents, and administrators to increase awareness about and adoption of the Seal throughout the State of Maine. She says she is excited to see how much she can accomplish over the next few months. In her free time, Park enjoys exploring downtown Portland for cozy bookstores and vintage shops.

Bobin Park

Emma Sirois of Farmingdale, Maine is a rising junior at the University of Maine. She is studying Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. As a summer Learning Through Technology—Data and Media Assistant Intern, Sirois will work with the Maine Learning Technology Initiative team and help to organize information about how schools are using technology. Sirois says she is excited for the opportunity to step into state work, learn about impactful projects, and gain experience that she can take into her future career. She says she is also looking forward to meeting new people on the Maine DOE team. In her free time, Sirois enjoys traveling to beautiful places in Maine and capturing moments with her digital and film cameras.

Emma Sirois

Molly Taub of Brunswick, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh. She is studying Political Science. As a summer Learning Through Technology—Data and Media Assistant Intern, Taub will work on various projects aimed at assisting schools with technology use and implementation. Taub says she is excited about the opportunity to learn how new forms of technology, such as artificial intelligence, are changing the curriculum in Maine. In her free time, Taub enjoys taking her two golden retrievers swimming in Maquoit Bay.

Molly Taub

The Maine DOE is proud to support and mentor the next generation of leaders through these internship experiences. With their diverse backgrounds, strong work ethic, and dedication to education, these interns are already making valuable contributions that will continue throughout the summer and beyond.

Maine DOE Update – June 6, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Second Annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit Empowers Maine Students with Disabilities to Dream Big

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education held its second annual “I Belong” Youth Summit at Central Maine Community College on Thursday, May 29. This event brought together students from across the state with individualized education plans (IEPs) for a day dedicated to empowerment, connection, and celebration of student voice. Student participants ranged in age from 10 to 22 years old. | More

Your Voice Matters: Help to Name Maine’s New School Attendance Awareness Campaign!

As the Maine Department of Education (DOE) makes plans for Attendance Awareness Month in September, we are preparing to shine a spotlight on attendance and engagement in Maine schools with an attendance campaign name and slogan contest. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Bowdoinham Community School Founds Its First ‘Play Club’

Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation” planted a seed that took hold with Bowdoinham second-grade teacher, Kaleigh Frye. While much of the national conversation surrounding Haidt’s book has focused on phone-free schools, a second concept – “play-full schools” – piqued the interest of Bowdoinham Community School staff during professional conversations in August. Soon after, Frye approached Principal Chris Lajoie with a proposal: “I want to start a Play Club.” | More

Empowering Students: Workforce Development and the Dignity of Risk

At the core of teaching is a central question: How can we ensure that every student gets the best education possible? This was the theme of the Maine Department of Education’s Inclusive Education Conference, focused on supporting students with disabilities throughout their pre-K-12 schooling and into meaningful adult lives. One panel was on the topic of “Dignity of Risk for Students with Disabilities.” | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Second Annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit Empowers Maine Students with Disabilities to Dream Big

(Students from the Winslow High School Cheerleading Team pose with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.)

The summit is an initiative that happens through the Transition Maine program, which was developed by the Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education to provide accessible and inclusive transition services for students moving from high school into adulthood. The Executive Student Transition Committee, a team of students who assist with the Transition Maine program, plays a large role in the organization of this event, designed to amplify the voices of youth with varying abilities.“To see our students meaningfully engage and included in hands-on activities to help them imagine their future makes me and our team very proud,” Executive Student Transition Committee Co-Chair Connor Archer said, reflecting on the success of the summit. “As someone who received special education services right here in Maine, I know how unique and powerful this experience is.”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows kicked off the summit by speaking with students about Maine’s new accessible voting machines, known as the ExpressVote.

The system allows voters to mark their ballots using a touchscreen or keypad, and it includes audio instructions for those who are visually impaired. It then prints a paper ballot that can be scanned and counted. Bellows emphasized the importance of civic participation and ensuring that all Mainers, including those with disabilities, have full access to the process.

The daylong event allowed students to discover post-secondary opportunities through engaging, hands-on activities. Career paths in trades, culinary arts, agriculture, health care, media, and more were highlighted throughout the day. Students practiced knife skills with chefs, pulled lobsters from traps, and planted vegetables. They participated in Central Maine Power’s “Safety City” demonstration, regarding safety around power lines, and joined the Maine DOE Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) team, along with the Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine (SLAM) from Nokomis High School, for mock media interviews, designed for those interested in journalism and broadcasting.

L.L. Bean introduced the students to the world of retail through an interactive clothing activity that focused on merchandising and apparel knowledge. The iconic “Bootmobile” was also on display, drawing students in and sparking conversations about careers in retail and outdoor recreation.

“I want to become an EMT. If that doesn’t work out, I want to work in a mortuary,” Abagail Giles, a student from Stearns High School, shared in an interview with NEWS CENTER Maine.

Educators and business partners at the summit emphasized the importance of creating inclusive pathways to employment.

“There is a ton of value, skill, brainpower, and I think it’s essential not to exclude a segment of the population,” Kim Cotta, Talent Development Manager at Darling’s Auto Group, said.

Titus O’Rourke, the Transition Specialist with the Maine DOE, emphasized the goal of the event in an interview with NEWS CENTER Maine: “[These students] belong in every single career pathway, and it’s important for students to understand what is available to them.”

By connecting students with real-world experiences and professional mentors, the “I Belong” Youth Summit helps to ensure that all Maine students with IEPs have the tools and confidence they need to shape their futures.

The third annual “I Belong” Youth Summit is set to take place in the Bangor area next spring. Due to the strong student participation from across the state for this event, Transition Maine and the Executive Student Transition Committee have plans to expand the “I Belong” Youth Summit.

For more information about the Maine DOE Transition Maine program, click here. Educators interested in connecting with someone about the Transition Maine program may contact her Titus O’Rourke at titus.orourke@maine.gov.

Your Voice Matters: Help to Name Maine’s New School Attendance Awareness Campaign!

As the Maine Department of Education (DOE) makes plans for Attendance Awareness Month in September, we are preparing to shine a spotlight on attendance and engagement in Maine schools with an attendance campaign name and slogan contest.

The Attendance Awareness Campaign will highlight what is working to bolster attendance and engagement in Maine schools; the ways in which educators and families are supporting the entire learning community; and how we can learn from and help one another in this work, ultimately leading to increased attendance and engagement in Maine schools.

You may submit up to three catchy naming ideas/phrases that capture the spirit of the importance of attendance and engagement in Maine schools. The Maine DOE will review all submissions, and then superintendents will vote on a winner this summer. The chosen name/slogan will become the heart of the Attendance Awareness Campaign, helping to guide the Maine DOE’s efforts in boosting attendance and engagement throughout the state. The creator of the winning submission will also earn statewide recognition!

Please submit your ideas using this form. Submissions are due by Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. Let your voice be heard, and help us to craft an Attendance Awareness Campaign name and slogan that resonate across Maine!

Stay Tuned

This fall, the Maine DOE plans to continue this initiative with a logo design contest! Once the Attendance Awareness Campaign name/slogan are selected, a new phase of this effort will launch in September, as schools across Maine are invited to host their own logo design contests. Each school’s winning design may then be submitted to the Maine DOE for the opportunity to become the face of the campaign!

Be part of the movement. Inspire increased attendance in Maine schools. Make it count!

The Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC) is the sponsor of the Attendance Awareness Campaign contest. Learn more about MEAC here. With further questions, please contact Julie Smyth, Director of the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports, at julie.a.smyth@maine.gov.