Build Academic and Social Emotional Skills with SpiritCorps Maine (Funded Through ARP Grant)

Through a partnership with Spirit Series, the Maine Department of Education is offering SpiritCorps, a three-week, project-based, narrative writing and self-discovery program designed for students from 7th to 10th grade. First-time participating schools receive 100% funding through January 1, 2024, thanks to a federal ARP grant. Openings for the fall remain available on a first-come, first-served basis!

The SpiritCorps experience–as students identify, craft, record on video and share with their classmates personal stories of Courage, Conscience or Compassion–is often profound, building self-efficacy and strengthening connection at a moment when mental health crises and alienation plague our youth.

Here are some examples of the power of the SpiritCorps experience:

At Camden Hills Regional High School, Patti Forster & Her 10th Graders Find Self-Compassion with SpiritCorps
- Mrs. Forster’s Story of Compassion
- Isabella’s Story of Compassion
Mt. Ararat 7th Gr. Summons Courage with SpiritCorps – “Reluctant writers truly believe they have something important to say.”
- Sawyer’s Story

Powerful data collected last year by SpiritCorps shows strong academic and social-emotional gains, as do comments like these from students who have felt the influence of this program on their lives:

“I learned that my story is important and interesting… It helped me learn that other people are struggling with the same things I am and made me feel less alone.” – Bobby, 8th Grade, ME

“Doing SpiritCorps, I’ve learned what it actually means to be compassionate and courageous not just for myself, but for others as well.” – Sara, 10th Grade, ME

“This gave me the chance to really open up around my pain… It helped me let go, just a little, which means a lot to me. Thank you SpiritCorps!” – Randy, 8th Grade, ME

And partner teachers say this about the impact of SpiritCorps:

“I would absolutely recommend SpiritCorps to any educator. It was easy to use, fun and so well organized. It was great! It was so easy from an educator’s perspective to integrate this curriculum into my classroom…And it was a masterclass in self-reflection.” – Scott Arritt, Gr. 7 & 8 ELA, Durham Community School

“By providing an authentic audience and utilizing the peer feedback process, kids who do not consider themselves writers find that their voice has value and their stories are worth telling. And kids who love to write get expert advice on how to hone their craft. Time after time, our students produce their best writing of the year, hands down, during the SpiritCorps program.” – Sarah Abbott, Gr. 5-9 ELA, Noble Flex

“For those who engaged deeply in the process, writing stories about real compassion for themselves or others, this experience was truly a “gift to themselves”. I saw students forgiving a parent for hurting them and forgiving themselves for how they hurt themselves with their own thoughts. A truly powerful gift. A bonus to this experience is how it helped them see their classmates in a different light.” – Patti Forster, Gr. 10 ELA, Camden Hills Regional High School

To learn more, watch our brief video Introduction to SpiritCorps. For further information and/or to schedule an engagement at your school, email Dr. Christina O’Neal, Director of Program Partnerships for SpiritCorps, at coneal@spiritseries.org.

Maine DOE Hosts Second Annual, “Supporting Adult Multilingual Learners Summer Institute”

The annual “Supporting Adult Multilingual Learners with their Educational and Career Pathways Summer Institute” was held at Sugarloaf from July 10th – 12th and brought together adult multilingual educators, directors, advisors, and other interested stakeholders from across the State of Maine. This year’s theme was “Building Bridges” and encouraged participants to seek connection across programs and inside the classroom.

This is the second year Maine DOE’s Adult Education Team has hosted the Summer Institute, also affectionately known as “Camp Sugarloaf.” Leaders of the institute worked to empower adult education professionals to support their students by increasing empathy and efficiency in four areas of growth: 1) Cultural Competence and Humility; 2) Overcoming Barriers to Education and Employment; 3) Teaching Practices that Reach All Learners; and 4) Workforce Development. Over the course of three days, participants were able to increase network connections and resources and focus on implementing best practices back into their own programs and community organizations.

This year, around 80 participants attended – nearly doubling in size from the previous year – and included 17 presentations, two whole group workshops, a workforce development panel, and a series of networking activities such as learning Kinyarwanda during breakfast, yoga, board game night, movie night, arts and craft night, and more.

The event was kicked off by Kelli Park, University of Southern Maine/Merrymeeting Adult Education teacher, who encouraged participants to consider best practices to increase Cultural Competence and Humility in the classroom. Other sessions included, “Integrating Technology at Every Level” by Lewiston Adult Education Instructors Melanie North and Jen Brown, “Understanding Immigration Law Challenges that Affect Multilingual Learners and Immigrants” by Michelle Gentry (Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project Senior Asylum Program), “Language and Identity Connections Across Cultures and Contexts” by Sarah Wagner (Frederick Community College Academic Advisor), “Mapping Resources in Your Community: MLL Edition” by Jeanne MacDonald-Johnson (Noble Adult & Community Education Assistant Director, Hub 9 MCCA Coordinator), and more.

Participants (or rather, Campers) were encouraged to embrace the spirit of personal growth, learning, and development during the three-day long event. Participant and Workforce Development Panel member Jennifer Tiner commented that Camp Sugarloaf helped her “make connections with other programs and staff to improve and refine [her] own practices.” “It’s an opportunity,” said Joseph Catalano, Workforce Development Panel member, “to think outside the box to solve problems.”

Presenter Jen Brown remarked that “the amount of fun stuff to process and connect, to be creative and have fun together” was one of the highlights of the institute. It allowed a structure to meet people and to ignite similar passions and, as presenter Briana Bizier later commented, understand that, as educators, “we’re all facing the same challenges. You feel like you’re alone sometimes.” Camp Sugarloaf gave educators a sense of community and a way to bring some of the most passionate educators across the state together to solve challenges creatively and collaboratively. “It feels like connecting together as people – authentically – rather than professionals” observed participant, Tekia Cox.

Back Row: Steven Airoldi, Lana Sawyer, David McDonough, Kelley Heath, Mike Emery Front Row: Cora Saddler, Amy Poland, Megan Dichter, Amy Hatch, Christy Le — Meet the Maine DOE Adult Ed Team – Back Row: Steven Airoldi, Lana Sawyer, David McDonough, Kelley Heath, Mike Emery and Front Row: Cora Saddler, Amy Poland, Megan Dichter, Amy Hatch, Christy Le

New School Nurse Orientation Registration Now Open!

If you have hired or will be hiring a new nurse for your school over the summer? Be sure to include this workshop in their new hire work plan. The Maine Department of Education’s New School Nurse Orientation is a specialized program, designed to help nurses transition into the unique specialty of school nursing.

This one-day event will be followed up with a monthly virtual Community of Practice for continued learning, connection, and support.

When: August 16, 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Where: Camp Chamberlain, Maine National Guard Joint Force Headquarters – 23 Blue Star Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
Cost: $25
Register in Advance: http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=newschoolnurseorientation2023

For more information reach out to Emily Poland at emily.poland@maine.gov

Summer Training – SY23-24 State Reporting

This year, the Maine DOE Data Team is bringing back Summer Training! Several locations throughout the state have graciously agreed to host us to provide on-site training. All of the trainings will be held from 8:30 am – 12 pm. This year’s training topics will include new resources from the Helpdesk, staff reporting tools, and Synergy error logs. We look forward to collaborating with you!

Training Dates & Locations
August 3rd: Presque Isle
August 14th: Ellsworth
August 15th: Eastport
August 16th: Union
August 17th: Auburn
August 21st: Biddeford
August 22nd: Norridgewock
August 23rd: Corinth

For questions about Summer Training and/or other data training opportunities please contact Alexandra.Cookson@maine.gov – 207-446-3897

Graduation Reporting Opens July 1st; Webinar Available on August 1st

Reporting of 2022-2023 graduation data will open on July 1st. This report allows districts an opportunity to review and certify their graduation data. All graduation certifications are due on August 30th.

There will be a webinar on Tuesday, August 1st at 10 am regarding this report. No registration is required, the webinar link below will be live at the time of the webinar. This webinar will be recorded for district use.

Join the Graduation Reporting Webinar here (no registration required)

Report information:

Reporting Period: SY 2022-2023
Report Opens: 7/1
Report Due: 8/30
Reporting Resources: Graduation Reporting Instructions

For questions about data team webinars please contact Data Quality Trainer – Alexandra.Cookson@maine.gov

Maine PBIS Advanced Tiers Cohort Training Opportunity

The Maine PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) team is excited to announce applications are open for our first Advanced Tiers Cohort Training starting in fall 2023!

If your school has been implementing Tier 1 with fidelity and are ready for next steps, this opportunity is for you.

This two-year training sequence will lead school teams through developing the systems and practices to support positive outcomes for students with more intensive (Tier 2 and Tier 3) behavioral needs.
Each year will include four in-person team training days, four virtual coach meetings, and ongoing external coaching support. For more information, including application requirements and a link to our Listen & Learn presentation.

Download the flyer here

Please contact us at pbis@maine.edu if you have any questions!

The Maine Department of Education partners with the University of Maine System to provide Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) training and coaching for schools and school administrative units (SAUs) throughout the state. PBIS is a multi-tiered approach to supporting the social, emotional and behavioral development of students in K-12 settings. The purpose of PBIS is to improve the social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities and students from underrepresented groups. Learn more about PBIS here.

Registration Details for the DOE’s 2023 Educator Summit

The countdown is on for the start of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 2023 Educator Summit, which is being held August 7-10 at the Augusta Civic Center. Last year’s inaugural Summit attracted more than 600 educators from across the state. This year’s theme is Inspiration, Innovation, and Inclusion and participants will have access to more than 140 sessions and professional learning opportunities.

Registration is open through July 19 and can be accessed here.

Here’s a full rundown of the exciting opportunities happening during the Summit:

View the full Summit schedule and presentation descriptions here.
School Safety Summit. The second annual School Safety Summit will be held in conjunction with the Educator Summit over all four days. All educators, administrators, school personnel, school transportation providers, school nurses and counselors, school social workers, school resource officers, local law enforcement working with schools, juvenile community corrections officers, local emergency management providers, first responders, and all stakeholders involved in school safety are welcome to participate. The safety presentations are listed within the larger Summit, but are also offered in a separate list identified by the own “button” on the Summit landing page.
Community Schools. Is a School-Based Health Center a Community School? What do First Ten Schools and Communities have in common with the community school model? Should Maine invest energy in the community school model for the whole student/whole educator to be realized? Whether you have never heard of community schools, are currently in a pilot plan, or are fully immersed in any form of community school, join us and have your voice become part of the vision of Maine’s community school approach. This professionally facilitated day will be interactive and highly engaging. Make sure your community is represented!
The Transformational Leadership Network (TLN) will be holding their 2023-2024 “kick-off” for building principals during the Summit and is an all-day event. To have a better understanding of what the TLN is and how it can enhance your success as a building principal please click here.
EASE Maine Collaboration. RSU 12, RSU 24, RSU 54, RSU 73, RSU 79, AND RSU 85, Eastport School Department, Jefferson School Department, and Lewiston School Department are invited to attend this session. This session is for EASE Maine SAUs and building leadership, mental health providers, and teacher leaders who can take the knowledge gained and replicate it for your own district staff! EASE Maine SAU should have AT LEAST TWO PARTICIPANTS IN ATTENDANCE. Please select one of 2 three-hour sessions, either morning or afternoon, on Wednesday, August 9. Sessions will guide the best support possible for your mental health providers to begin the year supporting trauma-informed practices for students and school personnel. Further opportunities to connect with Advisory and Core Team EASE members will be provided.
Teach in Maine. The 2023 Educator Summit is also initiating an opportunity for those interested in entering the world of public education to come to the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, August 10th from noon to 4 p.m. to receive immediate help and information regarding the certification process.
Poster Contest. The DOE is excited to offer an opportunity for each school and/or SAU to showcase what they have to offer to a new teacher in terms of location, activities, professional development opportunities, etc. The theme of the contest is “Why I love living and teaching in my community.”
To participate in this friendly competition, you must: Submit on a laminated standard poster board with pictures/art that features the best of your community. The poster must be laminated and have the following information on the back of the poster: name, number, contact information, and location of your SAU. We will be hanging these posters on the hall walls of the Civic Center to add to the experience for attendees. An award will be given to the entry that receives the most votes from attendees. The award will be announced during lunch on August 10. You can bring the poster with you to the registration table upon arrival. DO NOT MAIL TO THE DOE.

For more information contact teri.peaslee@maine.gov.

Early Childhood C.O.A.C.H. Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team is excited to announce a new opportunity for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers to network during the 2023-2024 school year.

Continued Outreach to Assist ChildHood (C.O.A.C.H.) Educators will meet with Early Learning Team members once a month to discuss topics related to research-based high-quality early childhood classrooms, Pre-K through Kindergarten.

Who might be interested in attending?

The focus audience for this training is educators who are new to the early childhood field in pre-k and K classrooms. This might include teachers, ed techs, assistant teachers, and childcare providers. Additionally, those who may have shifted into Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms from older grades could benefit.

When will C.O.A.C.H. Educators meet?

Virtual kickoff meeting on August 24th from 3:30-4:30 PM

Virtual one-hour meetings on the second Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30 PM

September 14, 2023
October 12, 2023
November 9, 2023
December 14, 2023
January 11, 2024
February 8, 2024
March 14, 2024
April 11, 2024
May 9, 2024

Possible discussion topics

Implementing play strategies and interdisciplinary instruction
Formative assessments
Classroom environments
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Student inclusion
Building relationships with students
Family engagement
And more….

How can you sign up?

Complete this registration form by August 17, 2023.

Additional questions can be directed to Early Childhood Specialist, nicole.madore@maine.gov

REMINDER: 2023 Summer Symposium on Inclusive Practices for Students with Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Join the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) groups face-to-face at UMaine Orono or join via Zoom on July 21st from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm for a full day of inclusion-building topics in education centered around two strands of learning- 1) access to the curriculum and 2) quality of life. There are multiple ways of joining and learning. Get more information and register HERE now!

Contact hours are available. For more information please reach out to Anica Miller Rushing anica.miller.rushing@maine.edu.

SpiritWorks Professional Learning Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education and SpiritSeries have partnered to offer Maine educators the opportunity to join an in-person professional learning opportunity. The SpiritWorks program is designed to increase the capacity for educators to deepen self and social awareness, a sense of belonging, and more, to strengthen their social and emotional knowledge and well-being.

Research supports the importance of educator well-being on the capacity for educators to support the well-being of students. Over two days spent at The University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus, educators will experience the SpiritWorks Model. Over the course of the next nine months, educators will then spend 15 hours engaging with their learnings, understandings, and application of learnings from the summer institute through cycles of peer-to-peer coaching sessions, and group calls.

After participating in the 2-day institute, educators may then join the 9-month, SpiritYear program. The institute is also available as a stand-alone summer professional learning opportunity.

The opportunity to join the institute and the 9-month cohort is open to any educator; there is no requirement to then have one’s class participate in SpiritCorps or SpiritSeries.

2-Day Summer Institute: