Soliciting comments on Family Cost Participation Fee Policy

The Maine Department of Education is seeking comments from the public on Family Cost Participation Fee Policy, procedure, determination form, and table, which are used in relation to services for young children birth through age two with disabilities.

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Preparing for next tour of schools

A little over a year ago, I outlined a vision for education in Maine, our strategic plan, Education Evolving, at Capital Area Technical Center. A few weeks later, Governor LePage and I laid out the education agenda at the Somerset Career and Technical Education Center in Skowhegan. We at Maine DOE, in collaboration with schools and school districts, have made great progress in changing policies and focus toward a system that supports students in achieving proficiency in rigorous standards that will prepare them to be ready for college and careers.

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Results of 2012 Maine School IPM Survey released

Managing pests, including insects, animals, weeds, and plant diseases, is an essential part of operating a healthy and safe learning environment for Maine’s students and staff. Integrated Pest Management is a proven approach that can reduce leading causes of childhood asthma and asthma triggers and reduce overall pest complaints with no long-term increase in costs. All K-12 schools in Maine are required by law to adopt and implement an IPM policy, notify parents, guardians and staff about pesticide use, and appoint an IPM coordinator.

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Seventh and eighth grade math teachers called to participate in UMaine study

UPDATE: This article was updated on March 27 to reflect the fact that eighth grade teachers can now undergo training too.

In a study offered by the University of Maine and ASSISTments, seventh and eighth grade math teachers will be paid to use a free online system to easily assign and monitor practice problems for homework, either from their textbooks or their own problems. Students will be able to do homework using their school-issued laptops.

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Madison Elem. earns nutrition award

Madison Elementary School staff and students receive the HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Award.
Madison Elementary School earns the HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Award.

RSU 59 received a HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Award at Madison Elementary School, with students and parents in attendance. HUSSC is a voluntary certification initiative established in 2004 to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. Fewer than 4 percent of schools nationally have achieved the award.

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Learn to support ELL students through technology

The University of Maine Project Reach program invites teachers of English language learners to attend a free two-hour workshop to discover how a variety of readily available technology tools (e.g. digital cameras, computers and IPads) can be used in intentional ways to provide new educational opportunities for diverse learners, including young children (grades PreK through third) learning English.

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Maine Charter Commission Approves Two New Charter Schools

The following is a news release from the Maine Charter School Commission.

AUGUSTA — The Maine Charter School Commission approved two new charter schools on Tuesday to open next fall: the Harpswell Coastal Academy and the Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences in Gray.

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