Category: News & Views

Commissioner’s Update – January 2, 2014

From the Maine DOE

We hope you enjoyed the holidays and some well-deserved down time to recharge for the New Year. As our Department looks forward to serving you in 2014, we also wanted to reflect back on our work from a very busy past 12 months.

Of the nearly 600 items posted in our Maine DOE Newsroom in 2013, not surprisingly, our release about Maine’s first school report cards was the most viewed item, with related posts taking up several of the other top traffic spots. While Maine’s first true statewide accountability system caused controversy, it is doing exactly what we at the Department intended.

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News & Views

Maine DOE introduces new Student Assistance Coordinator

Stephanie Galeucia has been named the Maine DOE’s new Student Assistance Coordinator. Among her primary responsibilities in this role are providing indirect support to students being bullied in Maine schools and helping parents and administrators better understand the Restraint and Seclusion of Students rule. | More

Two Maine educators Presidential Award winners

A kindergarten teacher from Cushing and fifth-grade math teacher from Yarmouth are Maine’s recipients of the prestigious 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. | More

Regional school calendars due May 1

School administrative units and private schools approved for tuition purposes are expected to establish regional school calendars, in coordination with their local secondary career and technical education school, by May 1.| More

Final review of national arts standards scheduled

The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) has scheduled a final public review of the draft PreK-12 arts standards in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. | More

Free trainings on school integrated pest management

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is offering six free Comprehensive School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training workshops in early 2014. | More

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

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Dispatches
Press Releases
From the Commissioner

Curtailment impact on schools

Superintendents, business managers and others:

Today Governor Paul R. LePage issued an executive order to reduce State spending by $35.5 million to balance the fiscal year 2013 budget. With this notice, I am now able to share the impact of that curtailment on state education subsidy, including specific amounts for each school district.

Continue reading “Curtailment impact on schools” →

No threat to Maine schools

The Maine Department of Public Safety has just issued the following release. While law enforcement has found no credible threat, all agencies involved, including local school districts working with state and local law enforcement and the Maine Department of Education, remain vigilant and committed to the task of school emergency preparedness and take seriously all possible threats.

NEWS RELEASE from the Maine Department of Public Safety
from Spokesman Steve McCausland – 626-3811

Continue reading “No threat to Maine schools” →

Suggestions on providing feedback on the Next Generation Science Standards

The second draft of the Next Generation Science Standards – the last before the final version is released in the spring – is set for week of Jan. 7. We are encouraging the broadest possible participation by Maine educators, business, and other stakeholders, in reviewing the draft. Continue reading “Suggestions on providing feedback on the Next Generation Science Standards” →

Governor LePage Announces Moment of Silence on Friday, Dec. 21 in Memory of the Victims in Newtown, Conn.

Gov. Paul R. LePage issued the following press release this evening:

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage asks that the people of Maine observe a moment of silence on Friday, Dec. 21, at 9:30 a.m., in remembrance of the victims of the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Continue reading “Governor LePage Announces Moment of Silence on Friday, Dec. 21 in Memory of the Victims in Newtown, Conn.” →

Request, resources, and info in the aftermath of Sandy Hook

Originally posted Dec. 17, 2012

This memo from Commissioner Bowen is intended for superintendents, heads of private schools, and other administrators. It includes links below to key resources on emergency preparedness and talking with children about Sandy Hook.

Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., has shocked and saddened us beyond words. The Governor and I have both expressed our condolences and send our thoughts and prayers. I confess I can’t help but feel that our words seem insufficient within the scope of the tragedy. Still, I know that they are important, and I appreciate the efforts many of you have made to share your thoughts and prayers, and your efforts to communicate with your parents in the aftermath of this national tragedy.

Continue reading “Request, resources, and info in the aftermath of Sandy Hook” →