From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Dropout Reporting Certification for Federal Reporting Year 2019-2020 to Open December 14th, 2020

On December 10, 2019 the DOE Data Governance team voted to bring Maine’s dropout reporting into compliance with USDOEs guidance, starting with the 2019-2020 school year. As a result, our state level dropout reporting, and your review of your district’s data, will include all compulsory age students that meet the dropout definition of being enrolled as of 10/01/2019 and not enrolled on 10/01/2020 and were expected to be in enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year (i.e. – did not graduate, exit to home instruction, etc.) | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

Androscoggin, Oxford, and York counties remain in yellow designation; Cumberland and Kennebec counties closely monitored in green The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support to students safely. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed COVID-19 data and trends for all counties. | More

Priority Notice: Public Comment Welcomed on Additional Title IV, Part A Waiver Opportunities

Recognizing that many schools and communities continue to face unprecedented challenges this year, the federal government has provided states with additional waiver opportunities related to Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Pursuant to the authority granted under section 8401(b) of the ESEA, the U.S. Department of Education has invited states apply for waivers for one or more of the following Title IV, Part A program requirements: | More

Priority Notice: Taking Care of our School Community Members

Recognizing the possible emotional impact on students and educators early on, your Maine Department of Education worked to prioritize mental health and social-emotional supports. Since March, the DOE’s Office of School and Student Supports has been deeply committed to bolstering the emotional well-being of our school communities by providing resources, technical assistance and general support. | More

Joint Statement of Commitment and Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Maine Schools

The Maine Department of Education, Maine School Boards Association, Maine School Superintendents Association, Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities, Maine Education Association, Maine Principals Association, and Maine Curriculum Leaders Association enthusiastically affirm the right of every student to an equitable education.  We proudly and steadfastly support the educators and districts in Maine who are taking on the work of understanding and dismantling racism and inequity in our schools and communities. We urge all Maine schools and educators to accept their role and responsibilities in examining and addressing the inequities that have long existed in our society and institutions. | More

Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team Provides USDA with Virtual Tour of Culinary Classroom

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition team provided a virtual tour and presentation of its Culinary Classroom recently in an effort to showcase to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) how the classroom has benefited Maine schools since its initial launch in September of 2019.   | More

Get to Know the DOE Team: Meet Lee Anne Larsen

Maine DOE team member Lee Anne Larsen is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Lee Anne. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Portland High School Seniors Create Online Historical Journal to Publish Student Research Papers
• Hannaford Expands ‘Fuel Kids at School’ Pantry Initiative to Maine’s Community Colleges

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Thoughts from a Virtual Session with 2020 National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, the Maine Department of Education welcomed 2020 National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy for a virtual question and answer session with Maine educators. Joining from her home in Kansas, Tabatha introduced herself and greeted a group of early childhood educators from the public, private, and special education sectors in Maine and beyond. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Special Education Consultant- Education Specialist II

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for all counties.  Based on this assessment, Oxford County is now categorized as yellow, joining Androscoggin, Somerset and York counties, which were designated previously. Franklin and Washington Counties are now designated as green, along with all other counties. | More

Priority Notice: Input Sought for Teacher Shortage Areas

As part of a federal requirement, the Maine Department of Education submits to the U.S. Department of Education teacher shortage areas for designation, based on collected data and public input.  The U.S. DOE annually designates teacher shortage areas for purposes of deferment of loan repayments or reductions of teaching obligation. | More

Maine Department of Education Announces New Team to Support Contact Tracing in Schools

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Team recently released information regarding Pilot C for implementing Middle School CTE programs. Middle School CTE provides an opportunity for Maine middle school students to experience hands on learning, workplace skills, and career exploration. CTE empowers students to explore interests and discover activities that are inspiring, experience potential career pathways, and gives them an awareness of the many options that are available. | More

Middle School Career and Technical Education: New Grant Information and Resources

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) today announced the finalists for the recently enacted, national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award. This new award, passed by the United States Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service. | More

Computer Science Education Week Starts Dec. 7th

Monday Dec. 7th kicks off the start of Computer Science Education Week, 2020! Join the computer science community in celebrating computer science in education. Whether you’re new to the world of computer science or have been involved since its inception, you’ll find many interesting events and activities that are ongoing throughout the week. | More

Maine DOE Farm to School Cook-off Takes on New Format

The Maine Department of Education, Child Nutrition team is holding its annual Farm to School Cook-off in SY 2021 as usual, except this year it will look a bit differently. The cook-off is a statewide culinary competition for teams of school nutrition professionals and students to promote local foods in school meals. This voluntary competition is made available to all school districts in the state. | More

Student Learning Opportunity: Thomas Cup Competition for High School Students

It has been a tough year for many students and Thomas College (and partnering sponsors) want to help by providing a fun and engaging opportunity for students that can be done from the safety of their own homes. The 6th Annual Thomas Cup will include several chances to participate from December 7th, 2020 through January 30th, 2021. It will feature five (5) FREE virtual competitions where students will engage in coding, innovation, esports, robotics, crime scene investigation, and cyber defense. | More

MEDIA RELEASE: RSU 38 Students Create Ornaments for National Christmas Tree Display in Washington, D.C.

Students from 56 schools across the country, including Maine Regional School Unit (RSU) 38 serving Maranacook area students, have designed one-of-a-kind ornaments for the 2020 National Christmas Tree display on the Ellipse in President’s Park. These unique ornaments will adorn 56 smaller trees that surround the National Christmas Tree. The trees represent each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia as part of the America Celebrates ornament display. This year, several ornaments from each school will also be displayed inside the White House.| More

PODCAST: How Schools are Addressing the Growing Digital Divide

Chief Innovation Officer Page Nichols from the Maine’s Department of Education (DOE) participated in a podcast recently with Taher Behbehani, General Manager and Head of Mobile B2B Business at Samsung Electronics America. The national podcast features a discussion about how the Maine DOE and Maine school systems have been navigating the ongoing COVID-19 crisis that has caused schools to deliver instruction in many different ways, including the partnership between Samsung and Maine that gave preK-12 students across the state access to the virtual classroom with Samsung Knox for Education. | More

Get to Know the DOE Team: Meet Maryalice Crofton

Maine DOE Team member Maryalice Crofton from Volunteer Maine is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Campaign. Learn a little more about Maryalice| More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• ‘Operation Panda Drop’ Warms the Hearts of Prescott Memorial School Community
• Honoring RISE Award Finalist Jim DuDevoir From Auburn
• Honoring RISE Award Finalist Rebekah Stephens From Lewiston
• Honoring RISE Award Finalist Susan Lombardo From Westbrook
• Honoring RISE Award Finalist Andrew Hutchins From Mt. Blue
• Honoring RISE Award Finalist Debra Baldacci From Bangor

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Educator Learning Opportunity: Creating Circles of Wellness for Ourselves and Our Communities

Join us for a collaborative endeavor where PEAR (Partnerships in Education and Resilience), out of Harvard University, will facilitate an online event focused on celebrating individual and community wellness — and it’s 100% free and open to all educators across Maine. | More

Dec. 10 Webinar: Maine Ethnic Community Based Organizations Share Connection & Social Support Services Available During COVID-19

A coalition of Maine’s Ethnic Community Based Organizations (ECBO) will share the structure, content, and scope of the work they are doing to support their communities, particularly during the pandemic. | More

Free Webinar: Addressing Challenges and Safety Concerns for Non-attending or Truant Students

The Maine Department of Education’s(DOE) Maine School Safety Center (MSSC) is pleased to offer a webinar concerning Maine schools’ current challenges and concerns for students that are non-attending or truant. The webinar will offer an opportunity for school and district staff to talk about their current concerns and issues in a forum style webinar, where stakeholder experts will be available to inform and answer questions.  Present at the webinar will be representatives from the legal field, school administration, law enforcement, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to walk through the legal and practical process of connecting with and re-engaging students and their families. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for all counties. | More

Giving Thanks to Our School Staff: Maine Honors RISE Award Finalists

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) today announced the finalists for the recently enacted, national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award. This new award, passed by the United States Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Denise Towers

Maine DOE team member Denise Towers is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Denise | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Moscow Elementary School Connects with Families Through Video
• Honoring RISE Award Nominee Bonnie Fortin From Moscow
• Honoring RISE Award Nominee Betty Newman From Baileyville

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for all counties. | More

Additional Cloth Face Masks Available for SAUs

The Department of Education is thrilled to notify School Administrative Units (SAUs) of the availability of an additional 1 million cloth face coverings, to be distributed immediately. | More

US Department of Education Approves Waiver for Maine DOE to Allow 21st CCLC Programs to Operate During School Hours

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has received federal approval on its request to waive section 4201(b)(1)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.  Approval of this waiver grants Maine DOE the temporary authority to allow 21st CCLC programs to provide supplemental services to students during school hours, provided that such services do not supplant, conflict with, or compete with classroom instruction or other services provided by school personnel.  This waiver is meant to offer significant flexibilities to 21st CCLC program providers in addressing challenges brought on by COVID-19 through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. | More

Learning Facilitator Program- Great Resource for Schools, Free for Trainees!

In order to be responsive to critical staff shortages in Maine schools as a result of the pandemic, Governor Mills created additional flexibilities and opportunities for educators in Executive Order #7. Based on the Executive Order, the Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with Maine Community College System and Eastern Maine Community College, has developed the Learning Facilitator Program, a fast-track training program for paraprofessional level educators to expand, strengthen and support a high quality educator workforce. | More

Yarmouth Superintendent Named 2021 Superintendent of Year

The Maine School Superintendents Association (MSMA) has named Yarmouth School Department Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dolloff as the 2021 Maine School Superintendent of the Year. | More

Anita Bernhardt Named Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year

Anita Bernhardt of the York School Department has been named Maine’s Assistant Superintendent of the Year for her work to improve academic performance, attendance, and graduation rates and her dedication to meet the needs of all students in the district. | More

Bonny Eagle Middle School Nurse Named 2020/2021 School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) recently announced that Donna Jordan from Bonny Eagle Middle School is the 2020/2021 Maine School Nurse of the Year. This award acknowledges a member of the MASN who demonstrates excellence in school nursing practice, and leadership in the profession. More

Two Maine Educators Honored with 2020-2021 Financial Educator of the Year Award

The Maine Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy has awarded two Maine educators for their outstanding work in financial education. The Maine Jump$tart Financial Educator of the Year Award, established in 2012, was created to recognize an individual who has distinguished themselves through their efforts to improve the financial capability of the students and families they serve. The Maine Jump$tart Coalition is pleased to honor Sheree Inman and Joe Schmidt as the 2020-2021 recipients of the Financial Educator of the Year Award for their leadership and accomplishments in personal finance education. | More

Meet the 2020 National Teacher of the Year

Tabatha Rosproy, a 10-year veteran teacher from Kansas, is the first early childhood educator to be named National Teacher of the Year. She teaches preschool for Winfield Early Learning Center (WELC) in Winfield, Kansas. The preschool is housed in Cumbernauld Village, a local retirement community and nursing home. | More

Nominations Open for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The National Science Foundation is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for k-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Awardees serve as models to their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education. | More

Virtual Construction Trades Career Fair – November 19

Join us as we promote career opportunities in Maine! This is the first of our Trades Virtual Career Fair Series and it takes place on Thursday, November 19th, from 9am-11am via Zoom. We ask teachers to challenge and encourage your students to participate. Use this event as an assignment, earning credit! Whether they are at home (remote learning) or in your classroom, this is an opportunity you don’t want your students to miss! | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Free Inclusive Practices Training & Technical Assistance for Public Preschool Programs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce a professional development opportunity designed specifically for Public Preschool Programs. This initiative will support a third cohort of public preschool educators and administrators in providing inclusive practices within high quality preschool environments for 4-year-olds. | More

Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) preK-12 101 Train-the-Trainer (TtT)

The REMS TA Center is excited to offer the NEW Developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) preK-12 101 Train-the-Trainer (TtT) Training, Virtual Training by Request (VTBR) created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools (OSSS). This 2.5-hour training presents important Federal guidance on school emergency management planning. | More

Maine Forum on Outdoor Learning

Join the Nature Based Education Consortium and other Maine co-hosts to hear from Maine schools about their experience of Outdoor Learning this fall and beyond, and share about your own challenges and solutions. Learn from the Maine Department of Education about the new $17 million ‘Rethinking Remote Education Ventures’ (RREV) grant program. Connect with other schools and organizations who are building support for life-changing outdoor learning opportunities in Maine. Build your network, gain new resources, and be inspired! | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Reminder annual audits due December 30, 2020

Maine Department of Education wishes to provide School Administrative Units (SAUs) with a gentle reminder of the upcoming deadline of December 30, 2020 for the required annual audits. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for all counties. | More

School Bus Purchase Program Applications Open Nov. 1st to 25th

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications to receive subsidy for new school buses purchased through the School Bus Purchase Program.  The application period is November 1 through November 25, 2020.| More

Court of Appeals Decides in Favor of DOE Commissioner

On October 29, 2020, the Maine Department of Education received word of the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit’s decision in favor of Commissioner Pender Makin in Carson v. Makin. This decision of the Court of Appeals affirms the earlier decision of the United States District Court for the District of Maine. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Everyone Has a Story: Lewiston Mom Finds a New Passion and Career Through Local Adult Education Program
• RSU 22 Arts Educators Transform Curriculum to Provide Safe and Meaningful Music Education
• Helping Young People Find Their Voice Through Public Media – An article by Mid-Maine Technical Center Instructor David Boardman

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Reminder annual audits due December 30, 2020

Maine Department of Education wishes to provide School Administrative Units (SAUs) with a gentle reminder of the upcoming deadline of December 30, 2020 for the required annual audits. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for all counties. | More

School Bus Purchase Program Applications Open Nov. 1st to 25th

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications to receive subsidy for new school buses purchased through the School Bus Purchase Program.  The application period is November 1 through November 25, 2020.| More

Court of Appeals Decides in Favor of DOE Commissioner

On October 29, 2020, the Maine Department of Education received word of the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit’s decision in favor of Commissioner Pender Makin in Carson v. Makin. This decision of the Court of Appeals affirms the earlier decision of the United States District Court for the District of Maine. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Everyone Has a Story: Lewiston Mom Finds a New Passion and Career Through Local Adult Education Program
• RSU 22 Arts Educators Transform Curriculum to Provide Safe and Meaningful Music Education
• Helping Young People Find Their Voice Through Public Media – An article by Mid-Maine Technical Center Instructor David Boardman

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

MEDIA RELEASE: Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for all counties. Based on this assessment, Somerset and Washington counties are now categorized as yellow, joining Waldo County, which was designated yellow last week. All other counties remain green. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Maine DOE Launches Social Emotional Learning Curriculum

The Maine Department of Education is excited to announce the release of Maine’s first, state owned and free, PreK-12th grade Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum. | More

U.S. DOE Seeks Maine Educators for National School Ambassador Fellowship

This opportunity is for school-based educators. The Fellowship is designed to improve educational outcomes for students by leveraging the expertise of school-based practitioners in the creation, dissemination, and evaluation of national education policy. Founded on the principles of partnership, collaboration and cooperation with school-based educators, the Fellowship seeks to: | More

Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey Administration Postponed

The Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) has been conducted in the February of odd-numbered years since 2009, with the next administration due in February 2021. Given the extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MIYHS will be postponed to Fall 2021. With a significant portion of students learning remotely in some capacity, high quality data collection is not feasible for the 2020-2021 academic year. | More

Educators Honored at Unique Teacher of the Year Tailgate Gala

The Maine Teacher of the Year Program hosted a unique celebration this year to honor its 2020 Maine County Teachers of the Year and the 2021 Maine Teacher of the Year. With COVID-19 health protocols in mind, the innovative team of people behind Maine’s Teacher of the Year Program planned a safe, in-person tailgate event this year in place of the traditional indoor evening gala. | More

Updated Resources Available in COVID-19 Toolkit for Schools

The Maine Department of Education has transformed the Back to School Toolkit rolled out at the beginning of the year into a COVID-19 Toolkit with additional tools to help schools as they face the challenges and realities of providing education during the COVID-19 pandemic.  | More

Computer Science in Maine: Updates and News

Resilient even amidst a pandemic, the computer science education community is continuing to grow and expand computer science opportunities throughout Maine.  Many partners including the Maine Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), Maine Department of Education, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA), Educate Maine, and others are working together to make sure that computer science education is available to Maine students throughout the state. Check out these upcoming computer science learning opportunities for students and educators below! | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Finding Creative Ways to Extend Career Development: Portland High Internships Go Virtual

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

MYAN Hosting Fall and Winter Virtual Training Series & Youth Action Forum

This year, MYAN (Maine Youth Action Network) has eight new virtual trainings across three topic areas: Supporting Social Justice Movements, Community Based Action, and Positive Youth Development. | More

Early Childhood Text Studies: Free Professional Development for Educators

Specialists from the Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team are excited to offer a web-based professional development opportunity for early childhood educators in the Pre-K and Kg grade span.| More

Community Learning for ME Offers November Wellness Wednesdays for Educators

Community Learning for ME will be hosting wellness related workshops and activities for teachers on Wednesdays in November.  All workshops are FREE to attend and participants will receive contact hours for participation in live sessions. More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

National Board Certified Teacher Salary Supplement Request Due November 6, 2020

Do you have National Board Certified Teachers on your staff? Awesome! We are sending along a reminder to those fortunate superintendents, or directors of a publicly-supported secondary school or CTE region, with eligible staff who have attained National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification prior to July 1, 2020. Please let us know so we can provide you with their legislatively allocated salary supplement. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and that is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for all counties. Based on this assessment, Waldo County is now categorized as yellow. All other counties remain green. | More

Students, Parents, and Schools Celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week Oct. 19-23

Nationally, while school buses are the gold standard of safety and considered the Titans of Transportation, school bus drivers are the heroes of safety that go above and beyond the call of duty as they deliver the most precious cargo – our students. | More

U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Seeks Nominees

The Maine Department of Education invites school districts to nominate graduating high school seniors for the U. S. Presidential Scholars Program. Each district may nominate one senior who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent U.S. resident and has demonstrated excellence in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and one senior who had scored exceptionally well on either the College Board’s SAT or the ACT of the American College Testing Program. Application materials will be sent directly to superintendents and CTE directors by Wednesday, October 28. Applications are due to the Maine DOE by Friday, November 13. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Jason Libby

Maine DOE team member Jason Libby is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Jason. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Gorham Middle School Music Educator a Semifinalists for GRAMMY Association’s Music Educator of the Year Award
• An Innovative Approach to School Drama: Filming Begins on the MDI High School’s Fall Musical

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Important Reminder and Webinar Assistance: Due Date Approaches for Quarter 1 (Q1) Attendance, Behavior, Bullying, and Truancy Data Review

In order to assist SAUs with their legislatively mandated data reporting, the Maine Department of Education Data Team is offering a free webinar to review the requirements and new features. The webinar is strongly encouraged for those responsible for the compilation and entry of the required data. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Verification of Minimum Teacher Salaries

Due Date: November 30, 2020  In 2020-21, the State will provide each qualifying school administrative unit with the funding necessary to achieve the minimum salary for certified teachers established in Title 20-A, §13407. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission by color and that is provided to assist schools as they continue with their plans to deliver instruction and support students safely this fall. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) assessed the data and trends for the counties. Based on this assessment, York County will be moved from yellow to green. All other counties remain green. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: USDA Extends School Meal Flexibilities Through 2020/2021 School Year; Webinar Available 10/14 at 1pm 

The State of Maine has accepted 12 waiver extensions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allowing for continued flexibilities in the federal Summer Food Service Program/Seamless Summer Option (SFSP/SSO) programs through the 2020/2021 school year. Originally set to expire on December 31, 2020, the waiver extensions will allow schools and other local program operators to continue to leverage SFSP/SSO federal food service programs to provide no cost meals options to all children through June 30, 2021.   | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Public Comment Period for Science and Alternative Science Waiver from Public Reporting Now Open

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking thirty (30) days of public comment from October 16 – November 14, 2020, on a waiver application (waiver from §8401(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015) to the U.S. Department of Education (USED). The request seeks a waiver from publicly reporting student general and alternate science test data from the Spring 2021 assessment administration. | More

Maine DOE and DHHS Release Dashboard of COVID-19 Cases in Maine Schools

Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released an online dashboard of COVID-19 cases in Maine schools, complementing the information provided by schools to help parents, students, and staff make informed decisions about their health and safety. | More

Outdoor Learning Grants up to $1500 available to Maine PreK-12 Schools – Apply by 10/19

The Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) is pleased to be offering mini-grants to Maine educators and schools to support outdoor learning during the 2020/21 school year. Teachers and schools from across Maine who need support to build and expand their classes outdoors are encouraged to apply. | More

Maine State Board of Education Chairman Wilson G. Hess Receives National Public Service Award

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) today announced that Maine State Board of Education Chairman Wilson G. Hess is one of three  national recipients of NASBE’s 2020 Distinguished Service Award. This national award honors current and former state board members who have made exceptional contributions to education. It is given to three outstanding leaders each year and is the highest award NASBE can bestow on a state board of education member. | More

UTC Business Leadership Instructor Named CTE Teacher of the Year

Amanda Peterson, the Business Leadership Instructor at United Technologies Center (UTC) in Bangor has been named the 2020 Maine Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year by the Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE). Mrs. P, as her students call her, was honored by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Pender Makin and Maine Community College System President David Daigler at the annual MACTE conference which was held virtually on October 8th. | More

Funding Available for New or Expanding Pre-K Programs in 2021-2022!

If your SAU is opening or expanding a Pre-K program in the 2021-2022 school year, you are eligible to receive funding on your FY22 ED279 for children you enroll in these new or expanding Pre-K programs in 2021. This means you will receive the funding for enrollment in the same year that you enroll the Pre-K children, without a year delay.  | More

Registration Open for FREE Virtual Future Teachers Academy Oct. 20-21

Open to Maine high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this free, virtual Future Teachers Academy will be held on Oct. 20, 1:00 – 3:00 pm and Oct. 21, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. The event is for students who are interested in exploring the field of education.  | More

Free and Simple Motor Break Activates for Maine Schools

If your SAU is opening or expanding a Pre-K program in the 2021-2022 school year, you are eligible to receive funding on your FY22 ED279 for children you enroll in these new or expanding Pre-K programs in 2021. This means you will receive the funding for enrollment in the same year that you enroll the Pre-K children, without a year delay.  | More

Get to Know the DOE Team: Meet Karen Kusiak

Maine DOE Team member Karen Kusiak is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Karen | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Nokomis High School “Tech Sherpas” Maintain Global Presenter Status During Pandemic
• MSSM Graduate Working to Bring Commercial Suborbital Launch Market to Maine

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Resilience Strategies for Educators: Techniques for Self-Care and Peer Support

Created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools (OSSS), the Resilience Strategies for Educators: Techniques for Self-Care and Peer Support (RSE) Train-the-Educator (TtE) Virtual Training by Request (VTBR) is a virtual learning opportunity for caregivers in schools and school districts to better understand, and teach others, resilience strategies following emergency events. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Public Service Manager II – Assessment Team Leader

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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