Category: News & Views

Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Announces 2024 Awardees 

Five educators have been named 2024 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) Teachers of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding health education, physical education, and adapted physical education teachers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their students and profession.

This year’s Maine AHPERD Teachers of the Year include:

In addition to Teachers of the Year, Maine APHERD also recognizes individuals and a community partner organization who serve as strong supporters of the Maine APHERD mission. For 2024, they include:

Additionally, Maine APHERD has recognized eight students hailing from seven Maine institutes of higher education as 2024 Outstanding Future Professionals in health and physical education:

  • Megan Dionne – University of Maine, Farmington
  • Emily Factor – University of New England
  • Samantha Fickett – University of New England
  • Olivia Gray – University of Maine, Presque Isle
  • Alexa Peck – University of Maine, Orono
  • Courtney Peltak – University of New England
  • Hannah Richardson – University of New England
  • Jobet Tardiff – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Pictured from left to right: Alexa Peck, Jobet Tardiff, Courtney Peltak, Jamie Dillon (Maine AHPERD President), Samantha Fickett, Megan Dionne, Hannah Richardson. (Absent from photograph: Emily Factor and Olivia Gray.)
Pictured from left to right: Alexa Peck, Jobet Tardiff, Courtney Peltak, Jamie Dillon (Maine AHPERD President), Samantha Fickett, Megan Dionne, Hannah Richardson. (Absent from photograph: Emily Factor and Olivia Gray.)

Check out the Maine AHPERD website for highlights and resources from the annual conference, held on November 2-4, 2024.

 

Applications Open for Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship

Applications for the 2025-2026 Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholarship are now open. This opportunity is available to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American students who will be enrolling in, or who are currently enrolled in, a U.S.-accredited college or university as a degree-seeking undergraduate student. The deadline to complete this application is January 15, 2025.

This scholarship happens through the Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholars program, which seeks to provide a range of scholarship opportunities to underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students, with a special focus on individuals who:

  • Are living at or below the poverty level or who are otherwise of low socioeconomic status.
  • Are a first-generation college student.
  • Represent the diversity, both geographically and ethnically, of the APIA community, especially those who have historically been, and who currently are, underrepresented on college campuses.
  • Have demonstrated commitment to their community through leadership and service.

As of this year, APIA Scholars has streamlined this application to include only one essay question. The application also no longer requires additional documents such as recommendation letters.

You can find more information and a link to the application here.

Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 in one-year awards to $20,000 in multi-year awards. APIA Scholars has a wide range of scholarship opportunities, including those for students currently attending or planning to attend Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.

Registration Open for 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul”

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School and Student Supports’ Employee Health Promotion and Wellness Program is pleased to offer the 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul.” School employees from across the state are invited to join their colleagues and register for this event being held on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.

This event is open to individuals and school teams interested in supporting and implementing a school health promotion and wellness program that will positively impact staff and students. The Winter Wellness Summit is designed to renew and refresh school personnel mid-year by providing access to information, resources, and experiences that will inspire and empower participants to take care of their personal health – and to create healthier, more supportive, and safer school environments for all within the school community.

When school and district employees have positive attitudes and feel healthy, it enhances their ability to do their jobs. This is true for all employees, including central office employees, nutrition and transportation staff, educators, health service providers, administrative assistants, school board members, and all others who perform the day-to-day essential functions that help a school to operate and successfully fulfill its mission.

This year’s agenda includes two educational and inspirational keynotes focused on healthy eating and cultivating relationships. A plenary session will be led by state leaders and health and wellness champions making connections to The Regulated Classroom© and the Wellness Policy. Additionally, there will be engaging workshop sessions on wellness practices for personal and professional growth, creating positive and healthier school environments, and worksite wellness program planning, as well as networking opportunities with colleagues and professionals from across Maine who value health promotion and wellness.

The cost of the two-day event:

  • $175/person for those registering now through January 3, 2025
  • $200/person for standard registration (after January 3, 2025)
  • Accommodations are not included in the registration, but a block of rooms has been secured at a conference rate.

Details, including those pertaining to registration and the agenda, can be found on the Winter Wellness Summit webpage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEBINAR: Teach Maine Center Presents “Practical Strategies for New Teacher Success”

Get ready for an inspiring and transformative experience! Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) are teaming up to launch the Teach Maine Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and elevate the next generation of Maine educators.

To kick things off, we’re offering an exclusive free webinar (“Practical Strategies for New Teacher Success”) for novice teachers who are in their first three years of teaching and interested mentors, featuring Shanna Peeples, the 2015 National Teacher of the Year, on January 14, 2025, from 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.

This dynamic session will focus on:

  • Developing your teaching skills and confidence, as you navigate your early years in the classroom.
  • Setting realistic goals to ensure growth and success.
  • Practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom.
  • Reconnecting with your “why” — the powerful purpose that brought you to teaching in the first place.

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 14 for this webinar via Zoom. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the country’s most-celebrated educators, share insights with fellow teachers, and build lasting connections with your peers!

You can register here and download a flyer about the event here. Please help us spread the word and take advantage of this invaluable event to grow, share, and thrive together.

Maine Surplus Property – December Update for Educational Institutions

If you missed the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Newsroom article posted in November with details about the Maine Surplus Property Donee Program, you can read it here.

Is your school looking for folding chairs or desk sets? Maine Surplus Property has these and other items available! Open this PDF to view some of the current inventory.

Approved donees may stop by Maine Surplus Property at 85 Leighton Road in Augusta Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to purchase items from the warehouse or auction yard.

Not an approved donee yet? Members of the general public may purchase items during the Maine Surplus Property public sale on the second Friday of each month. Check out this flyer for details about the upcoming sale on December 13!

For more information, please visit Maine Surplus Property. You can also sign up here to receive automatic updates!

$7 Million Expansion of Biddeford CTE Center Boosts Career Pathways for Students

Students from Biddeford and surrounding communities are gaining new opportunities to build in-demand career skills, thanks to a $7 million expansion of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT).

This expansion was part of Governor Janet Mills’ Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, which designated $20 million of Covid-era funding to the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to support the 27 Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools in the state—specifically by upgrading infrastructure and equipment.

This project added 17,500 square feet of new space to the high school-adjacent facility. Great Falls Construction completed the work at BRCOT using a mobile studio design.

“This expansion is a major win for Biddeford and surrounding communities,” Ryan Fecteau, former and newly re-elected Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, said when speaking to

“It isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating new pathways to success for students,” Biddeford Schools Superintendent Jeremy Ray told

The new BRCOT wing houses three brand-new CTE programs: culinary arts, hospitality/travel/tourism, and athletic training/sports medicine — the latter being the first of its kind in Maine. This expansion has also allowed the center to grow its existing programs, too, like emergency medical technician training, plumbing, and heating.

“This new wing isn’t just about creating space; it’s about creating opportunity,” Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Director Paulette Bonneau said. “It’s about giving students the tools, resources, and experiences they need to build their futures.”

BRCOT now offers 20 CTE programs and serves around 500 students in grades 9-12 from eight communities. These additional programs will provide students with industry-recognized certifications, college credits, and hands-on training to prepare them for careers and/or further education.

The culinary arts program, for example, allows students to earn their ServSafe certification; the athletic training program offers training in CPR and first aid; and the hospitality/travel/tourism program provides a pathway to Maine’s vital tourism industry.

“We’re not just preparing kids for jobs; we’re preparing kids for careers,” Ray said.

“It’s more than just a building for Biddeford,” Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said.

During the center’s grand opening ceremony, guests were treated to an impressive brunch spread prepared by culinary arts students under the guidance of Chef Steve Ogden. Senior Emma Alward, a hospitality student, served appetizers.

“I think it’s fun,” Alward said of the program when speaking with Saco Bay News.

Eleventh-grader Sophia Auger, who is enrolled in the culinary arts program, said she never expected to have this opportunity.

“It’s an honor to be able to be a part of the first group to get to do this,” Auger said.

Auger’s classmate, Maya Cochrane agreed, noting that the program is a great fit for students interested in cooking and working in a kitchen.

“When students have interest, we don’t want them to wait,” Ray said. “We want to make sure that they’re ready to capitalize on that, so they can dig right in.”

Bonneau noted that the programs at BRCOT also offer dual enrollment, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.

“This grand opening is a monumental milestone for our school and our community,” Bonneau said. “The programs housed here will spark innovation, drive economic growth, and give our students a pathway to success.”

This project was a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response, made possible through the American Rescue Plan. To learn more about Maine’s CTE schools or how the Maine Department of Education used federal emergency funding to support Maine schools, please visit the Maine DOE website.

 

 

 

 

Kate Furbish Elementary School Kicks Off Second Year of Bike/Walk to School Initiative

On Wednesday, October 2, Kate Furbish Elementary School in Brunswick held its first Bike/Walk to School Day of the 2024-2025 school year. This is the second year that Kate Furbish has participated in this program, which is a multifaceted collaboration with Safe Routes to School, a national initiative that connects towns and neighborhoods to safe access points for biking and walking to school.

Brunswick’s Safe Routes to School Committee is a subcommittee of Brunswick’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. This committee works with Kate Furbish to help the school engage in this community activity, which recognizes the importance and joy of safe biking and walking to school.

“We love this for many reasons,” Annie Young, Principal of Kate Furbish Elementary School, said. “One of them is the collaboration that we have with many different groups to make this possible. Our parent group helps us out. We have community members help us out, and the Brunswick Police Department helps us out. We are especially grateful for our transportation [team] because they make sure that all students are able to participate.”

As part of Bike/Walk to School Day, Kate Furbish families have the option to ride or walk to school with their children. Some will gather at a nearby spot and head into school together. For students who cannot ride or walk to school with their families, Kate Furbish arranges to have all 19 of its buses stop at a nearby intersection to let students off slightly before arriving at school.

“We have staff and families along the route to school cheering students, as they walk their way onto our school campus,” Young said. “It is a fully-inclusive event for all 600-plus of our kids!”

Kate Furbish started this initiative to build strong traditions at the school and grow community and family involvement through a simple activity available to everyone.

“The Safe Routes to School movement is a national [movement], so we thought, ‘Let’s hop onto that and see if we can motivate from there,’” Caite McNeil, a Brunswick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee member, said. “I think this is just the beginning of lots more organized efforts.”

Kate Furbish has added more Bike/Walk to School Day dates this year and hopes to continue this tradition for years to come. To further support the healthy lifestyles of its school community members, Kate Furbish also participates in MaineHealth’s 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Initiative.

Learn more about Bike/Walk to School Day by watching this Brunswick TV3 video.

Information for this story was provided by Kate Furbish Elementary School. To share good news from your school, please fill out the Maine DOE good news submission form.

Supporting Black, Indigenous, and Educators of Color: The Maine DOE BIPOC Educators Network

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to promote the BIPOC Educators Network, an independent network the Maine DOE has established, dedicated to empowering and supporting Black, Indigenous, and other educators of color across the state. This network complements the work of The Third Place, which actively fosters inclusive spaces for connection and professional development through efforts like SHIFT Maine by Maine Initiatives.

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the BIPOC Educators Network is holding its next meeting virtually. This will provide another vital opportunity for BIPOC educators to connect, share experiences, and access tailored resources that promote professional growth and community building. This network plays an instrumental role in building a diverse and resilient workforce of educators committed to enhancing equity and excellence in Maine schools.

Educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or people of color are encouraged to get involved by completing the BIPOC educator information form with their career details, expectations, and interests. Please use this link to join the BIPOC Educators Network event on December 10.

This collaboration highlights the Maine Department of Education’s commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for educators of all backgrounds. It celebrates and elevates the unique contributions of Black, Indigenous, and other educators of color, while reinforcing the Maine DOE’s dedication to educational equity and excellence. By supporting educators who reflect the diverse identities and experiences of their students, this initiative advances the Maine DOE’s mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all Maine learners.

Please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov for more information.

‘Falmouth Friends’ Initiative Brings High School and Elementary School Students Together on Friday Mornings

At Falmouth Public Schools, high school students start their Fridays by greeting elementary school students through an initiative called “Falmouth Friends.” Launched at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year by the Service Learning Department, this program continues to bring students from various high school clubs, teams, and classes together with their younger counterparts.

Every Friday morning, a different group of high school students wearing their team uniforms or club apparel welcomes elementary students as they arrive at school. These interactions often include high-fives, and sometimes, the teams bring something to engage with the younger students. For example, the girls’ volleyball team recently played catch with elementary students, and the high school theater group once performed in costume.

“Younger students are immediately drawn to high school students, and the teams always wear their uniform or other team apparel to identify their sport or club,” John Carter, Service Learning Coordinator for Falmouth Public Schools, said.

Falmouth Public Schools’ unified campus setup allows this program to operate smoothly, as high school students with first-period study halls can easily walk to the elementary school to engage with kids. About five to six high school representatives participate each week, greeting elementary students during their school arrival window between 8:30 and 8:50 a.m.

“This is just one way we connect as one campus,” Carter said. “The goal is to create community, and I find that the high school students enjoy it as much as the elementary school students.”

The rotation of high school greeters continues until all sports teams and extracurricular groups have had the opportunity to participate. As Carter noted, “It has been amazing to see students make connections with each other over shared interests across the schools, and it is the best way to start a Friday morning!”

Information for this story was provided by Falmouth Public Schools. To share good news from your school, please fill out the Maine DOE good news submission form.

 

New Guide on Best Practice Primary Prevention Resources and Lessons Available for Maine Health Educators

Maine health educators can now access the new Best Practice Primary Prevention Resources and Lessons for Health Educators Guide in the Maine Prevention Store. This product is available as a free digital download and contains linked information to primary prevention programs, as well as lessons about individual topic areas.

To access this resource, you must “add to cart” and provide some basic information, but there will be no charge.

The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) have partnered to create this repository of evidence-based resources and lessons to support health teachers in delivering current, accurate, and best practice primary prevention education for alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, and other substances. This is not an all-compassing list but rather a helpful start to supporting Maine’s health educators.

The Best Practice Primary Prevention Resources and Lessons for Health Educators Guide identifies the associated National Consensus for School Health Education standards that align with each resource. The information contained therein follows the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Strategic Prevention Framework and is intended to be integrated as a component of a robust health education curriculum.

For more information, please contact Stephanie.Tucker@Maine.gov or Susan.Berry@Maine.gov.