Category: News & Views

Seeking Educators to Pilot MOOSE Modules

Do you want to explore and implement innovative curriculum this spring? Are you interested in expanding your impact outside your classroom/school? The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently looking for educators to pilot MOOSE modules and would love to have your class participate!

Now in its fourth year, Maine’s Online Opportunities for Sustained Education (MOOSE) platform continues to grow. Last year, we added additional PreK-12 Learning Progressions to our already robust bank of MOOSE modules – created by Maine teachers for Maine students. These modules center on interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and available for free online.

Feedback on the modules themselves and their usability is vitally important as we are constantly improving existing modules and applying lessons learned to new creations. We are looking for Maine educators interested in using an existing MOOSE module in their classroom with five (5) or more students and providing feedback about the experience. You get to decide the module(s) you want to pilot based on what works best for you and your students. Stipends will be provided for up to two modules ($500 each) that you have piloted and provided feedback on. All required elements must be completed by June 30th, 2024.

If you are interested in applying but still have questions please contact Project Manager Jennifer Page (jennifer.page@maine.gov).

If you are ready to apply applications can be found here. Applications are due by Sunday, January 14th, 2024.

Rebecca Wright of Ellsworth High School Named Assistant Principal of the Year

The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) has announced that Rebecca Wright, Assistant Principal of Ellsworth High School in Ellsworth, has been named Maine’s Assistant Principal of the Year. She will be honored by the MPA at its annual awards banquet at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Mrs. Wright received this award because of the contributions she has made over her career at Ellsworth High School. She has a strong ability to build partnerships in the community and maintains those relationships that benefit all the students in her building.

In announcing Mrs. Wright’s selection as 2024 Maine’s Assistant Principal of the Year, MPA Executive Director, Dr. Holly Blair noted, “The MPA is pleased to recognize Rebecca Wright as Maine’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Her incredible commitment to students and staff is tremendous. She takes an active role in not only her school but also throughout the state of Maine. Mrs. Wright’s reflective and collaborative approach to leadership is exactly what we look for in building administrators.”

Mrs. Wright graduated from the University of Maine Orono with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1982. She continued at UMaine and obtained her Master of Arts degree in 1985. Finally, she attended Endicott College and graduated with her Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership in 2020.

Mrs. Wright started her educational career as a k-8 Music Teacher for Veazie School. She then moved to Ellsworth High School and from 1986 – 2017, she served as an English, Theatre, Vocal Music, Dance, VPA Academy Coordinator, Drama and Show Choir Director. In 2017, she became the Assistant Principal of Ellsworth High School. Mrs. Wright has also been the Theatre Methods Instructor for the Maine Educators Consortium since 2019.

This article and photos were provided by the Maine Principal’s Association.

Commissioner Makin Meets with Westbrook High School Future Teachers Academy Students

Commissioner Pender Makin met with the inaugural class of the Future Teachers Academy at Westbrook High School this week. The Academy allows students to explore the teaching profession while still in high school. The experience includes a faculty-directed seminar to explore issues around teaching and education and field-based experiences in school settings. Students spend time every week with a host teacher and prepare and teach their own lesson plans.

Students in this initial cohort are gaining classroom experience in first grade, fourth grade, fifth-grade physical education, ninth-grade science, and ninth-grade social studies.

The Academy provides students with hands-on experience in Westbrook classrooms to explore the ins and outs of teaching, college credit, and a special diploma certificate. Students will continue to receive mentoring support once they graduate, opportunities for student teaching while in college, and the promise of an interview for a Westbrook teaching position when they are ready to pursue their career in education.

The Westbrook Teachers Academy is a fantastic example of Maine “grow your own” efforts to build and sustain the teacher workforce and nurture the passion that students have for teaching.

Wabanaki Studies Website Revamped to Include Curriculum, Units, Lessons, Activities, and More!

After months of collaboration between Wabanaki advisors and educators from across the state, under the direction of the Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Brianne Lolar (Panawahpskek), the website has been revamped to include a plethora of new resources.

Some of the many features include:

  • Links to 7 Wabanaki Studies MOOSE (Maine Online Open-Source Education platform) modules with accompanying resources
  • Additional Wabanaki Studies curriculum, units, lessons, and resources
  • Traditional Knowledge Keepers Directory
  • Wabanaki Studies Specialist office hours sign up
  • Resource database
  • Monthly spotlight with new resources

This work is deliberately designed to be taught year-round. As with all great, meaningful teaching, it is interdisciplinary, connecting with topics that are already being taught, and strengthens learning. Spend some time with all of the resources and find ways to teach this in a deliberate way throughout the entire year. Reach out to the Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Brianne Lolar to share the great things you are already doing, things you have learned along the way, and ways you and your students have grown!

https://www.maine.gov/doe/innovation/wabanakistudies

Maine DOE Selects Claire Ouellette of Caribou and Ryan Hafener of Hampden for United States Senate Youth Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that Claire Ouellette, a student at Caribou High School, in Caribou, and Ryan Hafener, a student at Hampden Academy, in Hampden, were both selected for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). They will each be attending USSYP’s Washington Week in Washington, D.C. during the first week of March where they will meet with the Senate leaders and the Senate parliamentarian and historian; a justice of the Supreme Court, the President, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and other executive agencies, a foreign ambassador to the U.S. and senior members of the media. They are also each awarded a $10,000 scholarship to any undergraduate institution of their choosing.

Photos of Claire Ouellette accepting the honor:

Claire Ouelette with her Superintendent Jane McCall, her Social Studies teacher Allison Ladner (who nominated her), and Principal Jamie Selfridge
Claire Ouelette with her parents Josh and Karen Ouelette
Claire Ouelette with Beth Lambert of the Maine DOE, Trisha House from Senator Collins’ office, and Jordyn Madore from Senator King’s office.

Photos of Ryan Hafener accepting the honor:

Ryan Hafener with Beth Lambert from the Maine DOE and Edie Smith from Senator King’s office.
Ryan Hafener with his Principal Reg Ruhlin

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) provides a yearly opportunity for two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity, to gain an in-depth view of the United States Senate and the federal government as well as a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.

The selection process for this prestigious award is rigorous and competitive and began when teachers and principals nominated qualified students this past fall. Once nominated, students had to complete an application and write an essay on a significant issue they would like the U.S. Congress to consider.

Based on the quality of their essay, ten students were selected as finalists. Those 10 students came to The Margaret Chase Smith library in Skowhegan where they were interviewed by a distinguished panel of judges including Chuck Mahaleris, Constituent Services Representative for Senator Susan Collins; and Ben Tucker, Regional Representative for Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Additionally, they were asked to write and deliver a four-minute senate simulation speech. At the end of the day, both Claire and Ryan rose to the top.

Media Release: New Initiative Provides Welcoming Libraries to 26 Maine Schools, 900 Books to Bangor Schools

Books Highlight Themes of Diversity and Highlight Immigrant and New American Families

In front of hundreds of fourth and fifth grade students at Bangor’s Fairmont School, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), I’m Your Neighbor Books, the Maine Community Foundation, the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, and school officials announced the delivery of 900 books featuring immigrant and new American families for all Bangor schools. The books contained in these Welcoming Libraries are shelved on Maine-made book carts and promote themes of diversity, immigration, and creating welcoming environments for all.

The Maine DOE and I’m Your Neighbor Books also announced a new PINE Project, which will provide no-cost Welcoming Libraries to an additional 16 schools across Maine. Each library contains 60 books allowing immigrant and New American students to see themselves and their families reflected in what they are reading and providing all students with picture books featuring stories of immigrant families and the diversity of America.

The announcement event featured a student-led reading of I’m An American, written by Darshana Khiani and illustrated by Laura Freeman. The book is included in the libraries and highlights the diverse cultures that make up the United States and the ways we define what it means to be American.

“We’re excited to partner with I’m Your Neighbor Books to bring these libraries to schools across Maine and support teachers in bringing this content to life in their classrooms. As Maine welcomes more immigrant and New American families, it’s incredibly important that students see themselves and their families represented in the books in their school libraries. These books also encourage all students to create a welcoming environment and appreciate the incredible diversity in our communities and nation,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin.  

“In recognition of Bangor becoming an official refugee resettlement city, two Maine foundations stepped forward to fund immigration-themed book collections for Bangor Schools. With a $25,000 grant award from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation and a $10,000 Community Building grant award from the Maine Community Foundation, I’m Your Neighbor Books is placing 90 books and a book cart engraved with the invitation, ‘Read to Welcome. Read to Belong.’ in each Bangor School,” said I’m Your Neighbor Books Executive Director Kirsten Cappy.

Educators from across the state applied to receive these Welcoming Libraries and to participate in a series of 2024 workshops hosted by I’m Your Neighbor Books. The workshops will use the cart’s picture books to further teacher training on social emotional learning and the themes embedded in the books. Stories featuring the emotional resiliency of Immigrant and New Generation families will form the basis for exploring the resiliency of all Maine students.

The picture books on the carts include a set of discussion questions created by I’m Your Neighbor Books. The inclusion of those questions in this and other Welcoming Library projects led the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to officially commend the Welcoming Library for “building a stronger culture of welcoming and belonging” in US schools.

The collaborative work of the educators selected from 16 Maine schools and the workshop leaders will culminate in a series of professional development videos that I’m Your Neighbor Books and the Maine Department of Education will use with educators in Maine and share across the nation.

The 16 Maine schools selected for the PINE Project include Fourteenth St. School in Bangor, Biddeford Intermediate School, Kate Furbish Elementary School in Brunswick, Central Community Elementary School in Corinth, Mast Landing School in Freeport, George B Weatherbee School in Hampden, Jonesport Elementary School, Thomas J McMahon Elementary School in Lewiston, Sebasticook Elementary School in Newport, Oxford Elementary School, Pembroke Elementary School, East End Community School in Portland, Gerald E. Talbot Community School in Portland, C.K. Burns School in Saco, Mt. View Elementary School in Thorndike, and Canal Elementary School in Westbrook.

The book carts were designed by Lewiston’s Edgewise Design and manufactured in Lisbon Falls by Orion Woodshop. Engraving on the cart invites students to “Read to Welcome” and “Read to Belong” and welcomes students with the phrase “I’m Your Neighbor” in ten languages.

ESSERF (CRRSA and Emergency) funds received from the US Department of Education (USDOE) supported the implementation of this project. The project has an award from the Maine DOE totaling $119,041.16.

EF-M-39B Adult Education Subsidy Report Due Soon

The EF-M-39B Adult Education report is due on December 15, 2023. All public school administrative units (SAUs), excluding public charter schools, must report even if there are no pupils to report. Data entered into this report is based on the number of Resident Students from SAUs who are attending Regional Adult Education Programs. Students attending Adult Education Programs under Superintendent Agreements are reported by the attending SAU. This report is only intended to include students aged 16-20 years old who have exited regular education and are alternatively taking Adult Education courses. This report covers the reporting range from July 1st to December 30th of adult education students, courses, and credits/hours.

  • Reporting Period: 7/1-12/31
  • Open Date: 12/1
  • Due Date: 12/15

If you have questions about this report please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896

Volunteer Maine Celebrates New and Retiring Community Service Leaders

(Pictured: Dedimus Justice Heather Priest administers the oath of office to three Commission appointees. Pam Proulx-Curry of Old Town [L], Necole Janczura of Cushing [C], and Diane Lebson of Camden [R])

The Maine Commission for Community Service (MCCS), also known as Volunteer Maine, recently celebrated the contributions of five community service leaders who completed terms on the Commission. At the same time, the Commission welcomed five new members appointed by Governor Janet Mills and witnessed the swearing-in of two leaders reappointed for three-year terms.

The Commissioners are a diverse, bipartisan group of citizens, who represent at least one of the 25 volunteer service sectors named in the Commission’s statute. The board is charged with ensuring Maine’s community and volunteer service sector can effectively tackle critical local needs. The Commission awards AmeriCorps grants and oversees training and technical assistance for community volunteer leaders.

The following have been reappointed for 3-year terms:

  • Pam Proulx-Curry of Old Town (left in the photo), Executive Director of Maine Multicultural Center in Bangor. Proulx-Curry is the Chair-elect of the Maine Commission for Community Service.
  • Diane Lebson of Camden (right in the photo), CEO and Co-founder of Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions. Lebson is the Chair of the Communications Task Force.

The following are newly appointed to the Maine Commission for Community Service by Governor Janet Mills:

  • Necole Janczura of Cushing Business Development Officer for First National Bank
  • Kelly Day of Westbrook, Director of Volunteer Services for Catholic Charities Maine
  • William Sedlack of Scarborough, Executive Director of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust
  • Matthew Williams of Ellsworth, City Planner for the City of Ellsworth
  • Michael Williams of Greenbush, County Manager for Piscataquis County

Honored for their service on the Maine Commission for Community Service:

  • Phil Bosse of Winthrop, a retiree from U.S. Senator Susan Collins staff
  • Nate Rudy, now a foreign service officer with the State Department
  • Zakk Maher, Community Development Manager for the City of Auburn
  • Ed Barrett of Lewiston a retired City Administrator in Lewiston
  • Robert Meinders of Benedicta, a retiree from USDA

Volunteer Maine, the Maine Commission for Community Service, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine’s volunteer sector by funding service programs, developing volunteer managers and service-learning practitioners, raising awareness of the scope and the impact of the volunteer sector, and encouraging an ethic of service.

First 10 Community School Informational Session

Has your elementary school and its community partners been interested in collaborating to support children and families in your community? Have you wondered about the positive outcomes such partnerships can afford? If so, the First 10 Community School model may be just such an opportunity to consider.  Join the Maine Department of Education for an informational session to:

  • learn more about the First 10 Community School model,
  • consider being part of an ongoing First 10 Community School pilot, and
  • obtain answers to questions you have about the model.

An informational session will be held on December 14 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. A link to register for the session can be found below. The session will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend the live presentation.

Developed by Education Development Center, First 10 Community Schools bring together school systems, early childhood programs, and community partners/agencies to improve care and education for young children and their families throughout the first 10 years of children’s lives.  This model works to improve teaching and learning, deepen partnerships with families, and provide comprehensive services for children and families.  Typical First 10 practices include, but are not limited to:

  • fostering engagement of families with schools and community partners,
  • providing play and learn groups linked to elementary schools,
  • coordinating connections to health and social services,
  • connecting child care providers with elementary schools,
  • improving the quality of early childhood programs,
  • coordinating the transition to kindergarten,
  • conducting joint professional learning among early childhood, pre-k and elementary teachers, and
  • aligning and improving elementary grade curriculum and instruction.

Information about First 10 Community Schools can be found on the Maine Department of Education’s First 10 webpage and on Education Development Center’s First 10 webpage.  For more information, reach out to Lee Anne Larsen, Director of Early Learning, at leeann.larsen@maine.gov or Sue Gallant, First 10 Community School Consultant, at Sue.Gallant@maine.gov.

Registration is Now Open for the 2024 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit, Give Roots to Wellness!

By mid-school year school personnel are ready for a pick me up that provides information, experiences, resources, and tools to care for one’s self and others. The Maine Department of Education, Office of School and Student Supports, Employee Health Promotion and Wellness Program is pleased to be able to offer the 2024 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit, Give Roots to Wellness! School leaders and employees from across the State are invited to register for this event.

Thursday, January 25 and Friday, January 26
The Samoset Resort in Rockport

This event is open to individuals and teams in schools interested in worksite health promotion and wellness as well as community members supporting schools.

The goal of the Winter Wellness Summit is to inspire and empower participants to take care of their personal health, and to create healthier, more supportive, and safer school environments for all. The Summit agenda supports the promotion of health improvement to enhance well-being and academic achievement.

This year’s agenda includes three educational and inspirational keynote presentations, engaging workshops on personal wellness practices and positive and healthier school environments, worksite wellness program planning, and network opportunities with colleagues and professionals from across the State who value health promotion and wellness.

The cost of the two-day event is $150/person for early bird (through December 22nd) and $175/person for standard registration (after December 22nd) inclusive of five meals. Accommodations are on your own, but we have secured a block of rooms at an excellent rate below the State per diem rates! All the details can be found on the Winter Wellness Summit webpage.

See the agenda.

Register for the Summit and get more info here.

Direct questions to susan.berry@maine.gov.