Category: Priority Notices

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Thursday 4/16

Virtual office hour schedule for Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to join the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations – this includes password protecting meetings and in some cases requiring registration. Thank you for your patience!

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
(meeting times and information for the rest of the week are available here)

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO HOT CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 8:30 AM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov
School Nursing: MaineCare Focus Emily Poland with Trista Collins from MaineCare 8:30 AM Contact Emily Poland for meeting link and password emily.poland@maine.gov
Pre K For ME- Focus on Classroom Environments Nicole Madore 9:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password nicole.madore@maine.gov
Exploring Different Types of Primary Sources in Social Studies Joe Schmidt 9:00 AM Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
PK-12 Social Studies Office Hour Joe Schmidt 10:00 AM Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Special Education: Middle School/High School/Transition Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM Register here roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Adult Education Instructors Open Office Hours Amy Poland 10:00 AM Registration Link amy.poland@maine.gov
Physical Education Office Hours with Grade Span Breakout Rooms Jean Zimmerman & Susan Berry 10:00 AM Register susan.berry@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 10:30 AM Contact meeting host for link and password nicole.madore@maine.gov
Health Education on Suicide Prevention via Distance Learning Susan Berry, Jean Zimmerman, Greg Marley & Karyn Bussell 11:00 AM Register susan.berry@maine.gov
ELA 6-8 Facilitated work session: thought partners to workshop your insructional taks Morgan Dunton 11:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Digital Learning- Best Practices in Video Tutorials and Self-Recording Jon Graham & Emma-Marie Banks 11:00 AM Register here jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov or emma-marie.banks@maine.gov
School Psychology During the COVID-19 Crisis Erin Frazier 11:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password Colene.Oneill@maine.gov
Mathematics: Intro to DESMOS Grades 3-5 Michele Mailhot &  Jen Robitaille 1:00 PM Register michele.mailhot@maine.gov or jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
Elementary Literacy Danielle Saucier 1:00 PM Contact meeting host for link and password danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov
World Language Office Hours (language specific) Lavinia Rogers 1:00 PM Register lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
“Meaningful but Managable” Weekly Session for Music Educators Jason Anderson 2:00 PM Register here jason.anderson@maine.gov
SEL/Mindfulness For Secondary Educators and Staff Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 2:00 PM Contact meeting host for link and password kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Mathematics: Intro to DESMOS Grades 6-8 Michele Mailhot &  Jen Robitaille 2:15 PM Register michele.mailhot@maine.gov or jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
ELA 6-12 Office Hours Morgan Dunton 3:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Digital Learning- Best Practices in Video Conferencing Jon Graham & Emma-Marie Banks 3:00 PM Register here jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov or emma-marie.banks@maine.gov
Mathematics: Intro to DESMOS Grades 9-12 Michele Mailhot &  Jen Robitaille 3:30 PM Register michele.mailhot@maine.gov or jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
ELA 6-12 Office Hours Morgan Dunton 3:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 3:30 AM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE: Spotting Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect During the COVID-19 Emergency: An Updated Guide for Educational Professionals and Others who Care for Maine Children

The Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) issued the following updated guidance for education professionals and others who care for Maine children.

Spotting Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect During the COVID-19 Emergency: An Updated Guide for Educational Professionals and Others who Care for Maine Children

Download this notice as a PDF »
Download an infographic of this information »

SUPPORT FOR MAINE’S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:

In our great state of Maine, we are fortunate to have many talented professionals who positively impact the lives of children on a regular basis, and who continue to do so during this time of intense challenge. Teachers, principals, social workers, mental health providers, and countless other professionals have quickly transitioned to supporting youth and families virtually via phone, video, text, email, and other online resources. Maintaining contact with children and their caregivers is critical to supporting our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), relies on professionals, community and family members, and others to recognize and report child abuse and neglect concerns. OCFS recognizes that the current pandemic may increase stress, fear, isolation, financial instability, potentially creating higher risk for both child abuse and domestic violence within families. Professionals, community and family members, and others must continue networking with families to provide needed support, guidance and outreach, so that any observed concerns of suspected abuse or neglect can be reported.

HOW TO IDENTIFY SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT WHILE WORKING WITH FAMILIES:

First, take a deep breath and know that we are all in this together. As “helpers” who work with children and families you may experience added strain and worry for the families you work with, which takes an additional toll on each of you. Don’t forget to take care of you and your family, while also being there for those you support – be it in a classroom, therapy session, or other environment.

Even from a distance, there are ways to help to connect with children and families during this time:

Regularly engage with children and their caregivers and make it clear how you can be contacted and when you plan to meet, even if virtually. Children thrive on knowing what to expect, and this is particularly important now as children are surrounded by uncertainty and stress in our world and homes.

Acknowledge when working with children and families that virtual contact and communication will look different and is a change for all of us. Explain how video chats, online forums, and phone calls will work and point out what you hope can be familiar for children in these interactions. *See additional resources below regarding how to stay virtually connected to families.

Ensure the ability to have conversations in private when talking to children and families.

Talk to children and their caregivers and listen to their stories. It is important that each person can share their experiences and frustrations, and understand that feeling “upside down” right now is normal and to be expected. Pay attention to the environment during video chats, changes in child or adult behaviors, and to families with whom you are unable to engage or make contact.

Be curious and ask questions of children and caregivers about how they are doing, what is going well, and what concerns them about their current environment. For example, ask children: How are you feeling? What was the best/hardest part of your day? What did you have for breakfast? What do you like best about being home? What do you miss about being at school? What worries you?

Recognize as educators and professionals that you can’t do this alone. It is the responsibility of each of us to collaborate and provide a network of support and resources for families. Suggest resources and refer families to additional support as needed. *See additional resources below.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: TYPES AND REPORTING

There are four main types of abuse: PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SEXUAL, and NEGLECT. Below are some potential signs of abuse and neglect that could indicate a child may not be safe:

PHYSICAL abuse:

  • Child has bruising, welts, burns, bite marks, broken bones or other injuries that are not explained,
  • appear to be inflicted, or are suspicious.
  • Child may report having pain caused by parental behavior, though have no obvious signs of injury.
  • Child has been directly present in a room where domestic violence incidents have occurred.
  • Behaviorally, child may appear to be afraid of caregiver(s) and flinch when around them.

EMOTIONAL abuse:

  • Child may appear withdrawn, sad, or emotionally unattached to caregivers.
  • Caregiver is known or heard to repeatedly blame, belittle, or berate the child.
  • Child is aware of and exposed to domestic violence incidents between caregivers.

SEXUAL abuse:

  • Child may describe being sexually touched by a parent, caregiver, or other person in the home.
  • Child may demonstrate unusual sexual knowledge or behavior for their age.

NEGLECT:

  • Child is witnessing illegal substance use by caregivers, and/or has access to unsafe items in the home.
  • Child is not being supervised adequately for their age and developmental ability.
  • Child’s primary needs for food, education or, medical, dental, or mental health care are not being met

IMPORTANT: Please obtain as much detail as possible regarding any concerns, such as WHEN/WHERE an incident occurred, HOW something made the child feel, or WHAT injuries look like (size, shape, location). Ask open ended follow up questions to clarify information.

Additional information regarding law which defines Maine abuse and neglect can be found here: http://mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22sec4002.html

ANY person can report abuse/neglect. Persons who work professionally with children are required by law to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. It is NOT necessary for a reporter to first verify that the abuse or neglect has occurred. Click here for Maine’s Mandated Reporter Law

The Maine Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) operates the statewide hotline for child abuse and neglect. Trained staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take reports and answer questions.

To Report Child Abuse and Neglect call: 
1-800-452-1999

Deaf/Heard of Hearing Call Maine Relay 711

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR RECOGNIZING AND REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT:

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS AND PROVIDERS TO STAY VIRTUALLY CONNECTED WITH FAMILIES:

OTHER STATEWIDE RESOURCES IN MAINE:

  • Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services 1-877-452-1999 https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/
  • 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. (Free information & Referral): Dial 211 or 1-877-463-6207 (Out of State) https://211maine.org/
  • Office of Financial Independence (OFI) Support and Services: OFI Main Telephone Line 1-(800)-442-6003
  • Maine Unemployment Hotline: 1-(800)-593-8660 https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/
  • Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse: 1-800-624-8404 (Voice) or 711 (Maine Relay)
  • Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 (Voice) 1-877-299-4447 (TTY) Northern New England Poison Center
  • Maine Statewide Crisis Hotline 1-888-568-1112 (Voice/TTY) (Crisis Hotline)
  • Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program
  • Domestic Violence Hotline 1-866-834-HELP (4357) www.mcedv.org

ON BEHALF OF THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, OFFICE OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES, WE APPRECIATE THE ONGOING WORK OF EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN JOINING WITH US TO KEEP MAINE’S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SAFE AND HEALTHY.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Wednesday 4/15

Virtual office hour schedule for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to join the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations – this includes password protecting meetings and in some cases requiring registration. Thank you for your patience!

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020
(meeting times and information for the rest of the week are available here)

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO HOST CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 8:30 AM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov
ELA 9-12 Facilitated work session: thought partners to workshop you instructional tasks Morgan Dunton 10:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password. morgan.dunton@maine.gov
School Clinical Mental Health “Office Hours” Bear Shea 10:00 AM This Meeting Occurs Weekly Register for this and ALL Future Sessions: Register here

Content Hour Certificate

 w.bear.shea@maine.gov
Special Education: Updates K/12 Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM Register here roberta.lucas@maine.gov
A Book Share for Integrating Middle Level Social Studies & Reading Joe Schmidt w/ Crystal Polk/MSAD 58 10:00 AM Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
SPPS/SAC Mary Adley 10:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov
PK-5 Mathematics:  Office Hour Jen Robitaille & Michele Mailhot 11:00 AM Register jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
School Gardens Heather Whitaker (Maine 2020 TOY), Laurie Bowen (UMaine Coop. Ext.), Bryan Murphy 11:00 AM Register here heather.whitaker@gorhamschools.org
PK-12 Social Studies Office Hour Joe Schmidt 11:00 AM Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
PK-8 Earth Day Resources Shari Templeton 12:00 PM Contact meeting host for link and password. shari.templeton@maine.gov
Music K-5 Office Hour Jason Anderson, Visual and Performing Arts Content Specialist 1:00 PM Register here jason.anderson@maine.gov
Advising Adult Learners Online Amy Poland 1:30 PM Registration Link amy.poland@maine.gov
Google Classroom Support Session (creating quizzes) Jason Anderson, Visual and Performing Arts Content Specialist/Judith Michalik, Music Educator 2:00 PM (90-minute session) Register here jason.anderson@maine.gov
World Language Office Hours (K-12) Lavinia Rogers 2:00 PM Register lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
CED and CTE Networking Diana Doiron & Meg Harvey 2:00 PM Contact meeting host for link and password. diana.doiron@maine.gov & margaret.harvey@maine.gov
Health Education & Physical Education on Student Mental Health Supports Susan Berry,  Jean Zimmerman and Bear Shea 2:00 PM Register susan.berry@maine.gov
Digital Literacy – Finding Reliable Sources on the Web Joe Schmidt w/ John Raby/Thornton Academy 2:30 PM Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 3:30 PM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Tuesday 4/14

Virtual office hour schedule for Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to join the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations – this includes password protecting meetings and in some cases requiring registration. Thank you for your patience!

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO HOST CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 8:30 Meeting information available here bear.shea@maine.gov
Pre K for ME- Focus on Thinking & Feedback and Small Groups Nicole Madore 9:00 AM Contact meeting host for meeting link and password nicole.madore@maine.gov
School Counseling: Open Office Hours Bear Shea 10:00 This Meeting Occurs Weekly
Register for this and ALL Future Sessions:
Register here		 w.bear.shea@maine.gov
Special Education: Elementary Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM Register here roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Elementary Literacy Danielle Saucier 10:00 AM Contact meeting host for meeting link and password danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov
Adult Education ELL Instructor Support Megan Dichter 10:00 AM Contact meeting host for meeting link and password megan.dichter@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 10:30 AM Contact meeting host for meeting link and password nicole.madore@maine.gov
Virtual “Hands On History” Joe Schmidt 11:00am Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
School Nursing Emily Poland (Guest host, Patricia Endsley) 11:00 Contact meeting host for meeting link and password emily.poland@maine.gov
Visual Art, K-12 Office Hour Jason Anderson, Visual and Performing Arts Content Specialist 1:00 Register here jason.anderson@maine.gov
Physical Education Office Hours with Teens To Trails Jean Zimmerman and Susan Berry 1:00 p.m. Register here susan.berry@maine.gov
6-12 Mathematics:  Office Hour Michele Mailhot &  Jen Robitaille 1:00 PM Register here michele.mailhot@maine.gov
SEL/Mindfulness Content For Elementary Educators and Staff Kellie Bailey 2:00 PM Contact meeting host for meeting link and password kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Health Education on Sexuality Education via Distance Learning Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 2:30 p.m. Register here susan.berry@maine.gov
ELA 6-12 Learning Goals and Feedback: meaningul learning in the pass/fail format Morgan Dunton 3:00 Contact meeting host for meeting link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Taking a Risk! With Game-Based Learning Joe Schmidt w/ Derek Carroll/SeDoMoCha MS 3:30 Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 3:30 Meeting information available here bear.shea@maine.gov
Google Classroom Support Session (follow-up to using the “classwork” tab) RESCHEDULE FROM LAST FRIDAY Jason Anderson, Visual and Performing Arts Content Specialist 4:30 PM (90-minute session) Register here jason.anderson@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE (UPDATE): Virtual Meeting Schedule – Friday 4/10

UPDATE: Many of today’s meetings may be canceled due to wide spread power outages across the state. If a session is not available today it is likely because the host does not have power – we apologize for the inconvenience. 

Virtual office hour schedule for Friday, April 10, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005  kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Pre K for ME- Focus on SWPLN & Math Nicole Madore 9:00 AM https://zoom.us/j/288501942  nicole.madore@maine.gov
Healh Education and Physical Education Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 9:00 a.m. https://zoom.us/j/341148318

See email from Susan Berry
for password or request password from Susan

 susan.berry@maine.gov
Social Studies: Sharing No Tech & Interdisciplinary Ideas Joe Schmidt w/ Jenn Lagasse/Ellsworth Elementary School 10:00am Contact Joe Schmidt for meeting link and password joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Special Education: Weekly Wrap Up Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/184810547 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Alternative Education                   *email Heather for zoom password Heather Whitaker (Maine 2020 TOY) 12:00 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/752839765?pwd=akMxTVVXdnZxalpva05pUHZLY0R5UT09 heather.whitaker@gorhamschools.org
PK-12 Science Networking/Office Hours Shari Templeton 12:00 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/412002677 shari.templeton@maine.gov
Google Classroom Support (FOLLOW UP TO using the “classwork” tab) Jason Anderson, VPA Specialist 1:00 p.m. (90 minute session) https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uZ
AkcuChqToudhHjPJfacsntyfWrLEUXjw		 jason.anderson@maine.gov
SEL Content Hour – social distancing vs emotional distancing Kellie Bailey 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
CED and CTE Networking Diana Doiron & Meg Harvey 2:00 PM Contact Diana or Meg for link & password diana.doiron@maine.gov & margaret.harvey@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Thursday 4/9

Virtual office hour schedule for Thursday, April 9, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005  bear.shea@maine.gov
School Nursing: with focus on puberty education/reproductive health resources Emily Poland 8:30 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/615139238 

Password required, please email Emily

 emily.poland@maine.gov
Healh Education – Apps and Websites Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/462706067

See email from Susan Berry for password or request password from Susan

 susan.berry@maine.gov
MUSIC, 6-8 Office Hour Jason Anderson, VPA Specialist 10:00 Links and passwords are emailed nightly through the VPA Listserv jason.anderson@maine.gov
Physical Education – Apps and Websites Jean Zimmerman 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/462706067

See email from Susan Berry for password or request password from Susan

  susan.berry@maine.gov
Adult Education: Support for AE Instructors Amy Poland 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/8097107454 amy.poland@maine.gov
Special Education: High School/Transition Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/455923434 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
SPPS/SAC Mary Adley 10:00 AM https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/461510694 tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov
MUSIC, K-5 Office Hour Jason Anderson, VPA Specialist 11:00 AM Links and passwords are emailed nightly through the VPA Listserv jason.anderson@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices in Video Tutorials and Self-Recording Jon Graham & Emma Banks 11:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/962503394

Email Jon for password

 Jonathan.M.Graham@maine.gov or Emma-Marie.Banks@maine.gov
PK-12 Social Studies Office Hour Joe Schmidt 11:00am Contact Joe Schmidt for meeting link and password joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Elementary Literacy Danielle Saucier 1:00 PM Please email Danielle (Dee) for a link and password danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov
Online Resources to Teach About WWII Joe Schmidt w/ Shane Gower/Maranacook Community High School & The World War II Museum 1:00 Contact Joe Schmidt for meeting link and password joe.schmidt@maine.gov
“Meaningful but Manageable” for Arts Educators Follow-up #2 (No PD Credit) Jason Anderson, VPA Specialist and Rob Westerberg, York High School 2:00 https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uZYpc-uvpzotdSZ0BuRmu7Qs77oQBUx0XA jason.anderson@maine.gov
SEL Content Hour – social distancing vs emotional distancing Kellie Bailey 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
PK-12 Science Networking/Office Hours Shari Templeton 2:30 https://zoom.us/j/288624294 shari.templeton@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices Around Video Conferencing Jon Graham & Emma Banks 3:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/796303782

Email Jon for password

 Jonathan.M.Graham@maine.gov or Emma-Marie.Banks@maine.gov
ELA 6-12 Office Hours Morgan Dunton 3:00 Email Morgan for link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE: Expanded Authority of Reserve Funds

An Act Regarding the Reserve Funds of Certain School Organizational Structures was signed by Governor Mills on March 12, 2020 and will become effective on June 16, 2020.

The contents of the new legislation are summarized below and may be of interest to leaders of some School Administrative Unit (SAU)s. Administrators may wish to consult with legal counsel regarding the procedures for establishing reserve funds for their school organizational structure.

School Administrative Units included in this act are School Administrative Districts (SADs), Regional School Units (RSUs), Community School Districts (CSDs), and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Regions.

Previously, School Administrative Units were able to establish a reserve fund for school construction projects and for financing the acquisition or reconstruction of a specific or type of capital improvement. This new legislation provides additional flexibility to create reserve funds for any of the following: regular education, special education, career and technical education, other instruction such as summer school and extracurricular activities, student and staff support, system administration, school administration, transportation and buses, facilities maintenance, debt service and other commitments; and all other expenditures including school lunch. The request for the reserve fund must be included in the district budget and have a description of the purpose for the reserve fund. The governing board is the trustee of the reserve fund, and in the cases of SADs, RSUs and CSDs, the fund must be deposited or invested by the treasurer as directed by the governing board.

Previously, Boards of Directors of any of these SAUs were able to expend money from reserve funds only if they were authorized to do so by a vote at a district budget meeting and an article for the purpose for the reserve fund had been in the warrant calling the meeting. However, this legislation now also provides the Boards of Directors with the ability to expend funds when the expenditure is required by law or in an emergency where the cost of a district vote is prohibitive. The governing board of the SAUs may expend the funds after providing public notice of a regular or special meeting, at which a vote to expend funds from the reserve fund will be taken. A public hearing must be held prior to the vote to expend funds from the reserve fund, and the vote must be recorded in the meeting minutes.

Step 1 – Reserve fund proposed in the budget for specific purpose is approved

Step 2 – Reserve fund set aside in SAD, RSU, CSD organizations

Step 3 – To expend the funds in the budget year, provide notice and:

  1. Hold a district meeting, OR
  2. Hold a regular or special meeting of the governing board with a public hearing, vote, and recorded vote.

For CTE regions, the cooperative board may expend the reserve fund if permitted by any indebtedness secured by the reserve fund and if approved in the region budget. A separate article for that purpose must be included in the budget proposal.

Please reference PL 2019 Chapter 588 for additional information.

Expanded Authority of Reserve Funds

Download a PDF of this graphic

 

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Wednesday 4/8

Virtual office hour schedule for Wednesday, April 8, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005  kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Pre K for ME- Focus on Centers Nicole Madore 9:00 AM https://zoom.us/j/142611875  nicole.madore@maine.gov
Physical Education Jean Zimmerman and Susan Berry 9:30 https://zoom.us/j/580974456

See email from Susan Berry for password or request password from Susan

 susan.berry@maine.gov
School Clinical Mental Health “Office Hours” Bear Shea 10:00 https://zoom.us/j/975637699 w.bear.shea@maine.gov
Special Education: Elementary/Middle School Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/841008831 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Adapted Physical Education Jean Zimmerman and Susan Berry 10:15 https://zoom.us/j/580974456

See email from Susan Berry for password or request password from Susan

 susan.berry@maine.gov
ESEA Federal Programs Update and Office Hour Shelly Chasse-Johndro 10:30am See email from the GEMS system for link. Link and password can also be requested via email shelly.chassejohndro@maine.gov
Pk-5 Mathematics Office Hour: Networking Jen Robitaille & Michele Mailhot 11:00 AM Register jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 11:00 AM https://zoom.us/j/257654032  nicole.madore@maine.gov
PK-5 Science: ME Audubon & PBS Shari Templeton 12:00 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/385026278 shari.templeton@maine.gov
PK-12 Social Studies Office Hour Joe Schmidt 1:00pm Contact Joe Schmidt for meeting link and password joe.schmidt@maine.gov
School Psychology During theCOVID-19 Crisis Ann Belanger 1:00 PM https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/381739019 ann.belanger@maine.gov
6-12 Mathematics Office Hour: Networking Michele Mailhot & Jen Robitaille 2:00 PM Register michele.r.mailhot@maine.gov
School Nursing/How to Host a Vaccine Clinic, Part 2 Emily Poland, Patricia Endsley,  & MeCDC 2:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/253041016

Password required, please email Emily

  emily.poland@maine.gov
Health Education Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 2:30 https://zoom.us/j/662765411

See email from Susan Berry for password or request password from Susan

 susan.berry@maine.gov
CED and CTE Networking Diana Doiron & Meg Harvey 2:00 Contact Diana or Meg for link & password diana.doiron@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov
English for Speakers of Other Languages April Perkins 4:00 https://zoom.us/j/407031543 – Contact April Perkins for password. april.perkins@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Friday 4/3

Virtual office hour schedule for Friday, April 3, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to hack into the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations.

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME Join Meeting CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey 8:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Health Ed and Physical Ed with grade span breakout rooms Susan Berry and Jean Zimmerman 9:00 https://zoom.us/j/790086867

Password required, email Susan Berry

 susan.berry@maine.gov
ESEA Federal Programs Update and Office Hour Shelly Chasse-Johndro 9:00 See email from the GEMS system for link. Link and password can also be requested via email shelly.chassejohndro@maine.gov
Special Education: Weekly Wrap Up Special Ed Consultants 10:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/723182562 roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Digital Learning – Best Practices Around Video Conferencing Jon Graham & Emma Banks 11:00 https://zoom.us/j/830817204 jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov
MTSS Lunch and Learn Andrea Logan 12:00 Please email Andrea for a link and passcode. andrea.logan@maine.gov
SEL Content Hour Kellie Bailey 1:00 https://zoom.us/j/5080785422 kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Career and Education Development Networking Diana Doiron 2:00 https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/549688895 diana.doiron@maine.gov 
PK-12 Low/No-Tech Science Shari Templeton 2:00 https://zoom.us/j/987629444 shari.templeton@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Bear Shea 3:30 https://zoom.us/j/689251005 bear.shea@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE:  Unified Guidance Regarding Executive Orders and School Personnel:  All School Services and Employees are Essential

As our state and nation face unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, it is more critical than ever that Maine schools and school employees work together to provide the deeply needed services of continuity of education, communications, connectivity, payroll, other administrative activities, custodial services, transportation/deliveries,  and student nutrition. The Governor has directed SAUs to pay hourly employees for their previously contracted hours throughout the remainder of this school year, and this decision was predicated on the understanding that all school employees would continue to have important roles in limited, alternative, ongoing operations. The Department of Education has also stated that all school employees are essential.  The Priority Notice from the Dept of Education on 3/27/20 says: “All school employees are considered to be ‘essential’ under the Governor’s Executive Order #19 and should be expected to complete all duties and tasks assigned to them.”

On March 31st, Governor Mills instituted Executive Order 28 further restricting public contact and movement, schools, vehicle travel and retail business operations.  In addition, cities and towns are also putting new provisions in place, which restrict operations of non-essential businesses, new questions have arisen about the definition and what it means for public-school employees to be essential.

Although school employees are essential, their physical presence at school is not always necessary during this emergency, as there are many tasks and trainings that could be completed remotely.  In light of the Governor’s “Stay Healthy At Home” order at this critical juncture to flatten the curve, physical presence in schools should be restricted to a bare minimum in order to provide essential functions – such as providing educational and nutritional services to students, payroll, certain cleaning and maintenance staff, certain administrative assistant staff where communications cannot occur remotely, IT staff to support remote learning functions, transportation staff  – and only as long as social distancing and other CDC recommendations (including hand washing protocols) are being implemented. The fewest numbers of employees possible should be on premises, and only during the necessary time frame required for conducting such services. All functions that do not require in-person staff in schools should be done remotely.

It is possible that some hourly staff members will not have enough immediately purposeful work to do (either on site or remotely) to fill the contracted hours for which they are paid. In that case, these employees should be considered to be “on standby”, ready to assist as work does become available for them. Administrators and supervisors should determine when/if certain positions are needed to perform tasks.  While on standby, employees will continue to receive hourly wages as contracted prior to the COVID emergency.

Given the Governor’s most recent Executive Order, the Department of Education (DOE), Maine School Board Association/Maine School Superintendents Association (MSBA/MSSA), Maine Principals Association (MPA), Maine Education Association (MEA), Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) and Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA), would like to clarify the roles and responsibilities of public-school employees during this time.

  • Employees who are able and assigned by supervisors to work remotely should continue to do so, and raise any concerns they may have with their local district leadership.  Administrators and staff are encouraged to collaborate and problem-solve to foster telework options during this crisis.

  •  School employees should continue to go to work if they  must be there to perform essential functions. CDC guidelines should be strictly followed including social distancing of at least 6 feet from all other people.  School employees working onsite should be kept to the bare minimum necessary to execute the functions that require their physical presence.

  • Employees  whose services are not immediately needed, as determined by supervisors, or whose work cannot be done remotely, should continue to receive their regular wages and should remain ready to perform tasks as they become necessary and assigned by supervisors.    Employees on standby leave should be ready to help schools meet their basic needs, and may be assigned to participate in a rotation of duties during this time.

  • Any  school employees who are sick, in a high risk group, or feel unsafe for any reason, should have access to their own sick leave, the new federal leave program, a district sick leave bank, if applicable, or any other paid leave that a district may be providing.

We can all take common sense steps to ensure that only staff whose physical presence is required  to provide services and who are engaged in immediately necessary services are in our schools, and that those who are in our schools are being protected by following the most current CDC guidelines for social distancing, cleaning, hand washing, and ventilation.

We so appreciate all the work being done to help students during these challenging times.  We know our public schools are wonderful places filled with amazing, hard-working and dedicated staff.  Please be sure to take care of each other during this crisis.