Maine Youth Action Network Offering Free Trainings Focused on Youth Engagement, Social Emotional Learning, and more!

For the 2019-2020 academic year, Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) is hosting 26 free Continuing Education Trainings that are focused on Youth Engagement, Social Emotional Learning, and more. Each of these trainings are free to attend, offer CEUS, and provide lunch.

Transforming Knowledge into Action

Participate in a learning cohort with other emerging leaders in the youth engagement field. This three-part series provides participants with train-the-trainer content on youth mentoring best practices, engagement & retention strategies, and youth facilitation strategies. You’ll leave with training materials, strengthened skills, and deeper connections to other youth workers in your community.

This series follows a cohort model. Over the course of the three trainings, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with a consistent community of professionals in your field to share strategies and challenges, build connections, and develop new skills to take back to your work.

For those unable to commit to a cohort, each training will be offered individually in the Augusta area:

Emerging Best Practices of Youth Prevention

Join the MYAN team for a three-part series focused on leveraging prevention best practices to effectively engage youth within our communities. Learn the neuroscience behind why scare tactics miss the mark in adolescent brains, strategies for directly involving youth in prevention-focused research, and how to grow and sustain lasting, supportive relationships with any young person.

For those unable to commit to a cohort, each training will be offered individually in the Augusta area:

Two-Day Intensive Workshops

Join us for four certificate based training programs designed to offer in-depth and youth-focused learning opportunities for Maine adults. Learn advanced facilitation skills, how to help adolescents through mental health challenges, incorporate restorative based practices into everyday work with youth, and learn how to navigate differences in culture and identity along with their impact on youth engagement.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Bangor Feb 25-26 – Bangor Registration
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Advanced Youth Facilitation Skills
Portland Jan 28-29 – Portland Registration
Bangor Feb 11-12 – Bangor Registration

Fill your toolbox with activities, skills and facilitation strategies intended to grow your practice working with youth groups. Learn the skills to help groups solve complex problems, leverage diverse points of view, practice social-emotional skills and build engaging sessions for your team.

Practicing with a Restorative Lens
Bangor Mar 3-4 – Portland Registration
Portland Mar 24-25 – Bangor Registration

Are you incorporating social emotional learning into your teaching practice? Working with colleagues to build a trauma- or healing-informed approach? Join fellow educators and youth facilitators in layering a restorative lens onto youth engagement practices. Workshop participants will explore restorative frameworks, build foundational skills, and strategize opportunities to promote restorative approaches in relationships and communities.

For further information visit the MYAN Continuing Education web pages or contact MYAN.

Keep Kids Moving, Keep Kids Learning!

During these cold winter days of cabin fever in the classroom, we want to support educators with resources to keep kids moving and engaged. Evidence suggests a positive impact of physical activity on academic achievement and in reducing behavioral challenges. Active recess time, physical education classes, and utilizing action-based learning strategies in the classroom can all be part of the regular school day.

We share the following as a resource.

Programs to explore

Healthy Kids Healthy Futures: Staff can learn about the benefits and best practices of physical activity in child care and early education (including pre-school) settings. Physical activity habits learned in early childhood can last a lifetime.

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program: This guide is for schools and school districts to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive physical activity programs. School-age youth should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and schools have a significant role to play in helping students achieve this recommendation. This guide will help schools identify how to establish more active school environments.

Let’s Go: Let’s Go! is a childhood obesity prevention program found across Maine and in Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire. These programs use evidence-based strategies to increase healthy eating and physical activity among children from birth to 18. The foundation for change is the 5-2-1-0 healthy habits message, developed in Maine and recognized nationally.

Explore Physical Activity: School staff can learn about the five components of a comprehensive school physical activity program and how this new national model can support a culture of physical activity at your school.

I Can Do It (ICDI): The “I Can Do It” program is a strategic physical activity program for students with disabilities in the K-12 school setting designed to provide access, equity, and facilitate and encourage opportunities for students with disabilities to be physically active for 60 minutes a day.

Specific Class Motor Break Ideas

Classroom Exercise Breaks for Elementary Students: Classroom exercise break suggestions for elementary school classrooms.

Reading: Literacy and movement suggestions to engage middle school students in acquiring knowledge. The suggestions require minimal materials and teacher preparation.

Scholastic Teachers: Suggestions for combining both exercise and movement in early childhood classrooms across the content areas.

Math: quick physical activity games: Movement suggestions to engage students while improving number sense.

Physical Activity Math Games: A list of possibilities for supporting kinesthetic learners during mathematics instruction.

Classrooms in Motion : A review resource hub for teachers committed to infusing movement into their instructional plans.

For more information or to share ideas, contact Jean Zimmerman, Health and Physical Ed. Consultant, at Jean.zimmerman@maine.gov or 207-624-6687.

Reminder: Register for Maine School Winter Wellness Summit on Jan 31

Life is Good, Wellness Makes It Better! The goal of the Winter Wellness Summit is to prepare and empower participants to create healthy, positive and safe schools for all school personnel and students by promoting policies and environmental practices that support healthier schools, improve personal health and well-being, and enhance academic achievement.

When: Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31
Where: The Samoset Resort, Rockport, ME
Audience: Any Individual and/or Wellness Team interested in tools and resources for supporting the health and well-being of Staff, Students and the School
Communities
Cost: Early registration until Dec 27 – $125/person*
Regular registrations after Dec 28 – $145/person *

~~ Contact Hours Awarded ~~

*Morning refreshments and lunch both days and dinner Thursday evening included in all registrations.

Sessions will address Physical-Emotional-Mental-Social-Spiritual & Occupational
dimensions of health with a special emphasis this year on Mental Wellness for all!

Engaging Workshops on Personal Wellness Practices
Programs & Leadership Skills
Action Planning
Positive School Environments
Wellness Exhibit Expo
Worksite Wellness Program Planning

Check out info on the two outstanding keynotes, Murray Banks and George Manning along with up-to-date details and a draft agenda for the 2020 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit on the Maine DOE Website’s Employee and Student Wellness web page.

Time is built into the schedule to practice taking care of YOU and to network with colleagues and professionals from across the state who value schoolsite health promotion and wellness.

DON’T MISS THIS AWESOME PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY!
Join us for the first Winter Wellness Summit, a component of the Maine Schoolsite Health Promotion Program, a program of the Maine Department of Education!

Register here for the Winter Wellness Summit

Accommodations:

Accommodations are on your own, but we have secured a block of rooms at an excellent rate at The Samoset Resort for the State per diem rate of $122 prior to taxes for Single/Double Occupancy. Please note that in order to be tax exempt you must bring documentation.

To book a room at The Samoset Resort:
1 – Click on this link: The Samoset Resort (Do not call for reservations)
2 – Enter the date(s) of your reservation, have a credit card ready
3 – Ignore the next two dropdown buttons
4 – Click on the SEARCH button
5 – Proceed with instructions
The last day to book from the block of reserved rooms is Friday, December 27, 2019.
After December 27, the rate will be honored if rooms are still available.

For more information and questions contact Susan Berry, Maine Department of Education Health Education and Health Promotion Coordinator at 207-624-6695 or susan.berry@maine.gov.

School-Based Services Training Survey, Due December 31.

In partnership with our colleagues at Department of Health and Human Services(DHHS), we are asking special education directors to complete a brief survey regarding MaineCare, so we can better tailor professional development for special education providers.

MaineCare will be proposing a new section of the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 106, School-based Services. We anticipate the rule will go into effect July 1, 2020. To help ensure successful implementation of this rule, MaineCare is offering a series of trainings to school district personnel, agencies, and any other stakeholders who would like to know more about what health-related services may be billed to MaineCare through this new section of policy.

We are asking all school-based services providers to complete a survey regarding training needs. The survey results will allow MaineCare to provide access to support and resources, and adequate training prior to implementation.

In-person trainings will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and grouped geographically whenever possible. Because there are over 200 school districts and hundreds of stakeholders who need training, we will do our best to meet the needs of your staff. Preference will be given to current MaineCare providers. We will also provide two online, self-directed MaineCare Basics trainings, along with an updated MaineCare in Education Pre-Implementation Training Guide for Providers, which will be posted and available on the day that the new Section 106 policy is legally adopted. The online MaineCare Basics self-directed trainings will be prerequisites for individuals attending the in-person training.

Please complete the School-Based Services Training Survey by December 31, 2019. Please, only one response per agency or school administrative unit. One of the questions asks you to identify the number of staff in need of each of the training courses offered. Please refer to the Section 106 Policy Guides, Presentations, and Training document for the training descriptions on the MaineCare in Education webpage.

Please contact Trista Collins with questions.

Trauma Informed Readiness and Response Workshop

The Maine Department of Education would like to send one last reminder that the applications for the Trauma Informed Readiness and Response Workshop are due Friday, December 20, 2019.

From the competitive pool of applicants, 65 teams will be selected for an interactive workshop with their team of three. The day will be focused on Trauma Informed Practices and Culture, with the outcome of each team developing their own plan, or Road Map, that will help guide their schools. Selected teams are eligible for mileage reimbursement and stipends for any substitutes needed for this event. As this event is slated to reach capacity, unfortunately, only teams of three can participate so that we can maximize the number of school teams.

Trauma Informed Readiness and Response Workshop Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 Registration / Coffee

8:30 – 9:00 Welcome and Introduction

9:00 – 10:00 Trauma Informed Perspective and School Culture

Outcomes: Shared language and understanding of Trauma Informed Culture and best practices.

10:15 – 10:30 Break

10:30 – 10:45 Trauma Informed Readiness and Preparation Road Map Overview

Outcomes: Using an existing understanding of Multi-Tiered System of Supports to employ Road Map in identifying Trauma Informed practices and needs.

10:45 – 12:00 Using the Road Map w/ School Teams

Outcomes: Teams will employ Road Map tool to capture existing supports and their relationship to an overall Trauma Informed Culture for their specific school.

12:00 – 12:45 Lunch with Keynote

12:45 – 1:30 Report out from individual groups

1:30 – 3:00 Using the Road Map w/ School Teams

Outcomes: Teams will develop a practical overview of Trauma Informed Culture for their school that will outline concise steps in the form of a unique Road Map. The Road Map they develop will be a tool to help guide their school in continuing the process towards implementing Trauma Informed Perspectives.

3:00 – 4:00 Closing Reports Out

APPLY NOW!

Maine Music Educators Help Root Modern Band Curriculum into Maine Schools

Educators from across the state gathered at Orono High School recently for their Modern Band 102 lesson, a second professional learning opportunity available through the Maine Kids Rock Program. Delivered by Little Kids Rock Educator Spencer Hale, the class gave educators the opportunity to fine tune their technique, and to build upon what they had learned in the previous modern band lessons they’ve been participating. Through the Maine Kids Rock program, each of these educators accepted $5,000 worth of modern band instruments, along with resources and hands-on learning opportunities to help them run modern band programs in their schools, an opportunity they would otherwise not be able to give to their students.

There are currently 35 Maine schools offering modern band programs through the Maine Kids Rock program. To be eligible for participation, districts agreed to offer modern band – taught by a certified music teacher, with priority given to schools who serve 50% or more free or reduced meals to eligible students.

During introductions at Modern Band 102, educators in attendance shared their name, school, the age group they are teaching, and the music the kids are working on. Their students were learning a wide-range of modern music selections, of their choosing, like Lost Boy by Ruth B., Count on Me by Bruno Mars, Best Day of My Life by American Authors, Ho Hey by The Lumineers, and Happy People by Little Big Town, on a variety of modern band instruments provided through the Maine Kids Rock Program.

Orono High School Music Teacher and Band Director Jen Acosta, who has been hosting the modern band professional learning in her music room for the past 3 years as a central location in Maine, only recently joined the program and currently offers modern band programming and instruments to her students.

“This is revitalizing [music] programs,” said Acosta. “It gives people the opportunity to use whatever resources they have to get kids playing music,” she added. Acosta went on to explain that it also serves as a gateway to music education in general. Being able to play and sing the songs they are listening to on the radio and on TV gets so many more students interested in music education than otherwise would be. Once they learn how to play one instrument, they most likely will pick up another she explained.

“The approach is so open it gives teachers a lot of autonomy,” added Maine DOE Visual and Performing Arts Specialist Jason Anderson. New to the Department, Anderson recently came from his long-time position as Vocal Music Director at Houlton High School, one of the original 10 pilot schools awarded instruments and modern band resources when Maine Kids Rock was created.

Developed between the Maine Department of Education and national nonprofit Little Kids Rock in 2017, the Maine Kids Rock program is funded through a combination of Little Kids Rock donors and a portion of the State of Maine’s education budget, which is approved each year by the Maine State Legislature.

“I think the biggest standout – from top down – is that it represents the ‘do’ approach. Getting them [the kids] to do something,” said Acosta. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” She went on to explain that music education like this is going to change music culture. While students are still in the midst of learning modern band right now, they will eventually graduate and move on to post-secondary options and careers, having learned modern music at a much earlier age than students have been able to previously. This will more than likely result in new and innovative music creations and performances to come from our next generation of musicians.

Save the Date: Training Opportunity on Serving Highly Mobile Students (Homeless, Foster, Migrant, Military)

Join us for an interactive session on the educational provisions designed to promote the educational stability of highly mobile students. Please complete this survey to register and share with us what you would like to get out of the training. Thank you!

Intended Audience: McKinney Vento Homeless Liaisons and Foster Care Points of Contact (Please be sure your information is updated in NEO if you are the SAU contact).

Hosted by Maine Department of Education’s Office of School and Student Support Team members, Gayle Erdheim gayle.erdheim@maine.gov and Amelia Lyons amelia.lyons@maine.gov.

Portland: March 9, 2020, at the Italian Heritage Center

Bangor: March 10, 2020, at United Technologies Center

Houlton: March 13, 2020, location TBD

Trauma Informed Readiness and Response Planning Workshop

As the most requested support topic from the field, we at the Department of Education hear of the extensive impact that trauma, mental health and the opioid crisis are having on our schools. We are taking action to support educators in addressing the increased needs of our students through the use of trauma informed practices. To begin this partnership and support, we will be hosting an interactive conference on Trauma Informed Readiness and Response Planning.

When: Friday, January 24th, 2020

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch is provided)

Location: University of Maine, Wells Conference Center, Orono.

This is a grant funded opportunity for schools to receive guided support in the development of their individualized emergency plans for a trauma free and trauma responsive environment. Funding for this opportunity is available for up to 65 teams, and can include covering the costs of travel and substitutes for the day. An application and commitment to attend are required; these will be accepted until December 20th, 2019.

Application for Individual School Participation

A preview of questions in the application is below:
Name of School:
School District:
Primary Contact (person with whom all communication and arrangements go through):
Contact Phone/Email/Address:
3 Team Members and their roles at the school (3 people are required for the activities planned):
Describe the top three areas of need for your school around this topic, and why work on a responsive plan will help you overcome these.

A final agenda and confirmation for teams will be forthcoming after the closing of the application window. For questions, contact Jessica Nixon at Jessica.Nixon@maine.gov.

Professional Learning Opportunity: Early Mathematics Diagnostic Interview (EMDI), A Diagnostic Interview Tool

Registration: 8:00 am, Session 8:30 am – 3:15 pm

Who is invited?

This professional learning opportunity is specifically designed for Pre-K-5 mathematics educators, including classroom teachers, special education teachers, Title 1 teachers, math or instructional coaches, and math support staff.

Why participate?

Learn about and practice using a diagnostic interview tool for mathematics and how to plan for instruction based on results
Recognize the developmental progression of and misconceptions in mathematics learning
Strengthen your own pedagogical and content knowledge in mathematics
Compare assessment practices and ways to use assessment to improve student learning
Take away the EMDI tool, ideas, resources, and materials to use in your school and classrooms

What are our key goals?

The key goals are to provide you with experiences, information, and resources to guide you in the areas of diagnostic assessment, identifying students’ mathematical needs, and developing knowledge of instructional strategies that have an impact on students’ mathematical learning.

What is our approach to professional development?

Do the math: Using video and hands-on explorations, delve into key elementary mathematics concepts using multiple approaches, including identifying types of questions and responses and varying types of mathematical
Connect to research: Discuss readings that connect each topic to research and take away powerful research-based approaches, tools, and resources to use in your school and
Collaborate: Work together and share ideas with other Pre-K-5
Leading change: Set goals and generate a plan for ongoing mathematics improvement for your school and

Cost: $90.00 per person for the 3-day series (includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials)

Contact hours: 24 hours

When?

Locations:	Dates (Must attend all dates):	Registration Links:
Big Cat’s Events Center, Ellsworth	2/4/20; 2/5/20; 4/9/20 Storm Date: 2/25/20	Register for Ellsworth Event
Northeastland Hotel, Presque Isle	2/6/20; 2/7/20; 4/10/20 Storm Date: 2/11/20	Register for Presque Isle Event
The Green Ladle, Lewiston	3/10/20; 3/11/20; 4/29/20 Storm Date: 3/19/20	Register for Lewiston Event
Hampton Inn, Saco	3/12/20; 3/13/20; 4/30/20 Storm Date: 3/25/20	Register for Saco Event

Space is Limited! Register by January 10, 2020

Questions? Please contact: Jen Robitaille, Elementary Mathematics Specialist: 624-6673, jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov

Mid-winter Boost: 2020 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit, Life is Good, Wellness Makes It Better!

Taking care of the health and well-being of staff and students has become more and more critical given the many stresses of the world in which we all live. Register today for the Maine School Winter Wellness Summit, Life is Good, Wellness Makes It Better! being held January 30 & 31, 2020 at The Samoset Resort, Rockport, to bolster your school wellness program. Attendees will learn strategies and be exposed to tools and resources available from state and national sources that address the six dimensions of wellness: mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and occupational health. However, this year there will be a special emphasis on Mental Wellness for all! The Summit will include inspiring, interactive keynote presentations each day, engaging workshops on personal wellness practices, creating positive school environments, healthy school culture and climate for staff and students, leadership skills, emerging health issues and action planning for wellness!

January 30^th OPENING KEYNOTE:

grey haired man, laughing Murray Banks is a motivational speaker and world champion athlete with roots in teaching school. He lives life with a passion for health and well-being every day. This year he will focus his message on the importance of positivity on one’s overall health using hilarious images, imaginative videos, and poignant classroom and personal stories that will inspire all of us.

Salt and pepper haired man with moustache and glasses, smiling January 31^st OPENING KEYNOTE: George Manning returns to the Wellness Summit with more tools, resources and insights focused on life, work and the pursuit of balance. He will engage the audience with his enchanting personality and stories that come from more than 40 years of experience teaching psychology at the collegiate level and traveling the country helping organizations and businesses develop healthy and productive work environments.

The goal of the Summit is to prepare and empower participants to create healthy, positive and safe schools for all school personnel and students by promoting policies and environmental practices that support healthier schools, improve personal health and well-being, and enhance academic achievement. Click here for up-to-date details, draft agenda and session information on the 2020 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit and follow The Samoset Resort link to reserve rooms at the special group rate.

Individuals and teams interested in Schoolsite Health Promotion and wellness are encourage to attend. One low cost for two-days, meals included. Early registration is open through December 27 for $125/person and regular registration after December 28 is $145/person.

Join us for the first fully engaging and educational Winter Wellness Summit, a component of the Maine Department of Education’s Schoolsite Health Promotion Program.