From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Scheduled System Upgrade: NEO Unavailable from 3pm on 5/15 through 5/17

As part of a scheduled outage, NEO will not be available to users starting at 3pm on Friday May 15th to allow the Department to complete a system upgrade to new servers. NEO will be back and open for business on Monday morning, May 18th. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Priority Notice: USDA Pandemic EBT Program

On May 5, 2020 the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that Maine, North Dakota, West Virginia and Vermont were approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the closure of classroom-based instruction. | More

Priority Notice: Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children Meeting

The next meeting of the Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children will be held on Wednesday May 27th at 9:30am. Interested parties may email Tyler Backus at tyler.backus@maine.gov to receive a meeting invite. | More

Priority Notice: Executive Order Revises Permitted Use of School Bus Flashing Lights During Remote Learning

Today Governor Mills signed Executive Order #52, An Order Regarding Certain Education Matters, found here, which included the easing of restrictions for the use of flashing red lights on school buses during the state of emergency due to COVID-19. | More

Priority Notice: Executive Order Regarding Educator Certification

Governor Mills has issued Executive Order #52, to assist educators impacted by the COVID-19 disruptions with completing their certification and/or Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) processes.  The Executive Order includes the following | More

Mills Administration Secures WiFi & Learning Devices for 100 Percent of Maine Students Reporting a Need In Face of COVID-19’s Impacts on Schools

Governor Janet Mills and Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin announced today that the Maine Department of Education has secured internet access and devices to facilitate at home learning for 100 percent of Maine school children for whom there was a reported need. The success comes as Maine educators have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and creativity in response to the suspension of classroom-based instruction as a result of COVID-19, providing invaluable and meaningful personal connection and assurance to students in a time of great uncertainty. However, it is still difficult for educators to offer equitable online learning opportunities without individual student internet access. | More

MLTI Virtual Student Conference to Feature New “Innovation Challenge” – Registration Open! 

The Maine Department of Education is excited to share that the registration for the much anticipated Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) student conference is open. The conference will be held on May 28th, in virtual format, and it is FREE to Maine students! | More

2020 County Teachers of the Year Announced in Virtual Ceremony

Teachers from all 16 of Maine’s counties were honored today in a virtual announcement that was broadcast live on the Maine Department of Education Facebook Page. | More

Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 MAHPERD Teacher of the Year Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) Teacher of the Year awards. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Daniel Weeks

Maine DOE team member Daniel Weeks is being highlighted as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Camping. Learn a little more about Daniel in the brief question and answer. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Lyseth Wins ‘School of the Year’ Award for Spanish Immersion Program
• What the World Can Learn from Maine’s One-Room Island Schools
• RSU 14 Senior Spotlight: “This is How I was Raised”

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Virtual Meeting Schedule: May 18 – May 21, 2020

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

Professional Learning Opportunities for Education Technicians

Through ongoing efforts to support the needs of Maine schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is responding to requests for professional learning for Education Technicians with a series of online opportunities scheduled through the month of May and early June. Based on feedback from Maine schools, offerings will consist of series (each being 1-5 parts) delivered in hour-long sessions at regular times each week. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Office Administrator (Secretary Specialist)
• EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION TECHNICAL ADVISOR ( Public Service Coordinator 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

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule for Next Week; PL for Ed Techs Now Available

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

In Celebration of School Lunch Heroes Day, Maine’s Governor and Department of Education Release Special Thank You Video

In recognition of May 1, 2020 being designated National School Lunch Heroes Day, Governor Janet Mills and the Department of Education have created a special thank you video for school nutrition teams, volunteers and all school staff across Maine, who have stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure Maine kids have nutritious and healthy meals while learning remotely at home. More

Get to know the DOE Team: Meet Rachel Paling

Maine DOE team member Rachel Paling is being highlighted as part of the Get to know the DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Rachel. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Maine Community College System Students Honored

| 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

• Education Specialist III – State Agency Client/State Ward/Educational Surrogate Coordinator
• Emergency Management Planner (Regional Education Representative)
• Maine School Safety Center Training Officer (Regional Education Representative)
• Secretary Specialist Supervisor

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

Priority Notice: Seeking Public Comment to Waive Requirements Related to Carryover Limitation, Period of Allowability, Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, and Professional Learning Definition

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking a waiver pursuant to section 3511 of Division A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), P.L. 116-136 (H.R. 748), 34 Stat. 281 (Mar. 27, 2020 from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). | More

Commissioner Makin Does a Reading in Celebration of National Poetry Month

In celebration of National Poetry month, Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin wrote and recorded a reading of one of her own poems, Kintsugi in a Pandemic. | More

Maine Teachers to Host New Educational Program Called “The Learning Space” on Maine Public Television

Maine Public, the Maine Department of Education, and Educate Maine have joined forces to create original, educational programming for grade school students in Grades 3 to 5. | More

Nominations Open for 2020 Maine Instructional Coach of The Year

Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) Coaching Co-Op, a collaborative that provides a range of support and advocates for instructional coaches and learning communities across the state through networking and professional development, is currently accepting nominations for 2020 Maine Instructional Coach of the Year. | More

Nominations Open for 2020 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year

Maine Curriculum Leaders Association is currently accepting nominations for 2020 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year | More

SAVE THE DATE: MLTI Student Conference – May 28th

Save the date for May 28, 2020 to attend the MLTI (Maine Learning Through Technology) Student Conference! That’s right, the MLTI Student Conference is ON!! We’re going virtual.  Further details about the virtual student conference are coming soon. | More

MDI and Camden Hills High Schools Named Green Ribbon Schools by U.S. DOE

The U.S. Department of Education today released the names of the 2020 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport and Mount Desert Island High School in Bar Harbor are among the 2020 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS). | More

McKinney-Vento Subgrants: COVID-19 Emergency Mini-Grant

The Maine Department of Education is offering Maine schools a unique opportunity to apply for McKinney-Vento Mini-Grants. The Mini-Grants are to be specifically dedicated to supporting the needs of students experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maine school administrative units (SAUs) may submit one application for multiple schools for the mini-grants with a $5,000 cap per school. Resources and services can be delivered at sites other than at the SAU’s schools and can be provided by subcontractors, but the applications may only be submitted and administered by Maine SAUs. | More

NAMI Maine Launches Teen Peer Support Text Line

Maine’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Maine) has announce the launch of the Teen Text Support Line, a new mental health program for youth 14 – 20 years of age living in Maine. | More

Public Notice of Task Force Meeting

The Task Force on Kindergarten Readiness for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing will meet on April 30, 2020 starting at 1pm. In compliance with current guidance for physical distancing, the Task Force will meet virtually. | More

Get to know the DOE team: Meet Tracy Whitlock

Maine DOE team member Tracy Whitlock is being highlighted this week in the Department’s Get to know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Tracy in the brief question and answer.. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Maine Community College System Students Honored
• Six Maine Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Preview of Next Week’s Virtual Sessions

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours, meetings and PD! For a preview of next week’s sessions please visit the meeting schedule listing on our website: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. As a reminder, due to the need to heighten security for online conference sessions, the Department is requiring password protection or pre-registration for most of our virtual sessions. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Education Specialist III – State Agency Client/State Ward/Educational Surrogate Coordinator
• Emergency Management Planner (Regional Education Representative)
• Maine School Safety Center Training Officer (Regional Education Representative)
• Secretary Specialist Supervisor

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

NEO will be unavailable as of April 16th at 3PM

NEO will be unavailable as of Thursday, April 16th at 3:00 pm due to a system upgrade. NEO is expected to be back online on Tuesday April 21st. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Maine Department of Education Announces Maine School Safety Center!

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce the creation of The Maine School Safety Center(MSSC)! Although the MSSC is newly created, it is quickly adding staff and the ability to assist all Maine schools with their emergency planning. | More

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

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. | More

College Board Releases Free Parent Resources for Upcoming AP Exams

The College Board has released the new AP® Exam (Advanced Placement) schedule, which includes optional free, online AP classes and take-at-home AP Exams to support the challenge

UPDATE: PAEMST 2019-2020 Awards

The PAEMST Team decided to delay the application deadline from May 1 to October 26 due to COVID-19. To qualify for the October deadline, teachers must complete the eligibility component of the application by May 1. Teachers can begin an application for PAEMST by going to http://www.paemst.org. The eligibility component consists of seven easy questions and only takes a few minutes to do. | More

Reminder – April is Month of the Military Child

April is designated nationwide as Month of the Military Child. Maine honors the sacrifices made by military families statewide by encouraging school districts to engage in a variety of activities of their own choosing to celebrate Month of the Military Child. | More

Maine Educators Win $400 Each in First Drawings of Bicentennial Curriculum Sharing Initiative

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Bicentennial Commission (maine200.org) and the Maine Historical Society launched the online resource in February as a way to help Maine teachers integrate Maine’s Bicentennial into their lessons. | More

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Education Information

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. The relief promised by the CARES Act is desperately needed statewide, and the Maine Department of Education is eagerly waiting for the US Department of Education (USDE) to issue a notice inviting applications from State Education Agencies to apply for the funding. | More

Get to know the DOE team: Meet Lori Freeman

Maine DOE team member Lori Freeman is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to know the DOE team. Learn a little more about Lori in the question and answer.. | More

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Commissioner Updates Regarding Covid-19 Response

• April 7th – Updated Recommendations and Guidance from Commissioner Makin for Remainder of 19-20 School Year
• April 3rd – Executive Order and School Personnel
• April 1st – CARES Act, Remote, Instruction, Budget

| See All Recent Covid-19 Updates from Commission Makin |

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• RSU 4 Maintains Open Communication with Community Through Bi-weekly Online Forums
• Bath Tech Center Students Partner With Community Organizations to Build Low Income Housing
• MSSM Student and Faculty Member Use 3D Printers to Create Medical Equipment
• Locker Project Joins in To Feed PPS Families During COVID-19 Crisis 
• Bonny Eagle Middle School Challenges You for Earth Day! #QuarantineRoadsidePickup

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Early Child Care and Public Preschool Providers Caring for Children Birth-5 – No Cost Professional Development Training

Maine Resilience Building Network (MRBN) will once again offer free professional learning opportunities focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and resilience building. | More

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Next Week’s Virtual Office Hours

With many schools taking a well-deserved vacation from remote learning next week for April break, the Maine Department of Education will not be sending out daily notifications about the virtual office hours, meetings, and professional development opportunities occurring from Tuesday, April 21st through Friday, April 24th. Next week’s schedule is available at all times on the Maine DOE website. |More 

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Public Service Coordinator II – Threat Assessment and Mental Health Program Officer (Anticipated Vacancy)

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

EF-S-214 Data Entry Deadline Extended to May 15.

The Department’s School Finance Team needs the EF-S-214 data in order to calculate and apply any adjustments to the ED 279s prior to year-end. The EF-S-214 was opened to Maine School Administrative Units (SAUs) on March 1^st for data entry.  We are providing as much time as we can to SAUs to get this data entry completed, but it MUST be entered no later than May 15^th. This timeline will allow us to apply eligible adjustments to the current year High Cost Out-of-District allocation prior to the end of the fiscal year. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Public Notice Emergency Declaration FEMA-344-EM-ME

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is giving public notice of its intent to provide financial assistance to the State of Maine, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations under the national emergency declaration issued by the President on March 13, 2020, as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). FEMA is also giving public notice that, in some cases, it may provide financial assistance for activities that may affect historic properties, may be located in or affect wetland areas or the 100-year floodplain, and/or may involve critical actions within the 500-year floodplain.| More

Virtual Office Hours: A Preview of Next Week

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. Here is a preview of the schedule for next week. Please note that additional meetings will be added. | More

NOTE TO SELF: Remember to Breathe

During this Difficult Time Filled With Great Uncertainty- Please remember to take moments each day and Breathe On Purpose. A note from Kellie D. Bailey, Maine DOE SEL Specialist and Bear Shea, Maine DOE Mental Health / School Counselor Specialist | More

Maine DOE Increases Flexibility to School Meal Programs Feeding Children in Need

With the approval of yet another waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and additional bulk packaging options, the Maine Department of Education has been able to add significant flexibility to its school food service programs, enabling schools to provide meals to students all over Maine, increasing the potential to reach even more hungry children in a more meaningful way. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Update and Guidance From Commissioner Makin: April 1, 2020

As we close in on the third week of remote instruction, please know that your resilient leadership and ongoing efforts are making a huge difference for Maine students and families. While everything is so suddenly chaotic and unfamiliar to everyone, our schools continue to shine like a beacon of hope. | More

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. | More

Broadening the Path: Design Principles for Middle Grades CTE

The middle grades have become the agreed upon starting point for high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, as this represents a critical time for students making important decisions that may have a lasting impact on their careers. Yet, there remains a lack of consensus among state and local leaders on what makes up a high-quality middle grades CTE program or policy. | More

Celebrating National Poetry Month

The Maine Department of Education is celebrating National Poetry Month throughout the month of April. Find resources for accessing poetry, prepared lessons, and activities for educators and parents to supplement remote learning, and to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of poetry all month. | More

Get to know the DOE Team: Meet Erin Frazier

Maine DOE team member Erin Frazier is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to know the DOE team campaign. Learn a little more about Erin.  | More

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Commissioner Updates Regarding Covid-19 Response

• April 3rd – Executive Order and School Personnel
• April 1st – CARES Act, Remote, Instruction, Budget
• March 27th – Waivers, Resources and Essential Staff
• March 25th – Accountability, Certification, Special Services
• March 23rd – Laws, Rules, Expectations
• March 22nd – Video Message from Commissioner Makin

| See All Recent Covid-19 Updates from Commission Makin |

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Students Participate in Virtual Maine State Science Fair on 3/28
• Narraguagus Students Support Community

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Virtual Meetings Available Again Next Week

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended school closures. 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. | See the Schedule

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Public Service Coordinator II – Threat Assessment and Mental Health Program Officer (Anticipated Vacancy)

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

April 1 Enrollment Count, as Required by Statute

As we are all aware, these are unprecedented times with unique challenges, however the Maine Department of Education is asking schools to submit and have their superintendents certify their April Enrollment Count Report. While many Maine state reporting requirements have been suspended, there is need for these data for purposes of calculating public school tuition rates. | More

New Webinar: April Enrollment Count Report

To assist those who are responsible for the important task of reporting student data to the Maine Department of Education, the DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar on Tuesday April 7th, from 1pm to 2pm. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Maine Receives Approval to Waive Assessment, Accountability and School Identifications

The Maine Department of Education  is excited to announce that the request submitted to the U.S. Department of Education to waive assessments, accountability and school identifications (SY 20-21) has been granted with formal written approval to be received in the coming weeks. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Urging States to Continue Educating Students with Disabilities, Secretary DeVos Publishes New Resource on Accessibility and Distance Learning Options

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today the Department has released new information clarifying that federal law should not be used to prevent schools from offering distance learning opportunities to all students, including students with disabilities. This new resource from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) explains that as a school district takes necessary steps to address the health, safety, and well-being of all its students and staff, educators can use distance learning opportunities to serve all students. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Meals-to-You: Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Policy

Meals-to-You is an alternative method available to school districts to provide meals during unanticipated school closures. Originally started as a pilot program, Meals to You is a collaboration between the United States Department of Agriculture and Baylor University wherein eligible students unreached by traditional Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) receive shelf stable, nutritious meals right at their door step that children can prepare on their own. This program is directed towards rural families, for whom traditional SFSP options are a challenge due to distance and transportation. The program is at no cost to the district. | More

Open Invitation for Maine School Staff: Brain Centered Emotional Support Sessions Available Twice Daily

All Maine school staff (admins, educators, bus drivers, nutrition staff, nurses, ed techs, and support staff) invited to join Maine Department of Education Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist Kellie D. Bailey and Mental Health/School Counselor Specialist Bear Shea for virtual mental wellness sessions bookending the beginning and end of each day. | More

Maine DOE Stays Connected with Educators Through Daily Virtual Office Hours

In an otherwise isolating time, Maine Department of Education (DOE) staff have never felt more connected to Maine’s education field. Through daily virtual office hours, Maine DOE staff have been hosting content specific and mindfulness online meetings with school staff in an effort to answer questions, connect teachers and other school staff with one another… | More

Virtual Meetings Available Again Next Week

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended school closures. 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. | See the Schedule

Mitchell Scholarship for Maine High School Seniors Extends Deadline

Given the current circumstances, the Mitchell Institute is extending the Mitchell Scholarship application deadlines by one month. | More

School Transportation: FMCSA Emergency Declaration and CDL Waiver-3.24.20

Questions and Answers detailing waivers and exemptions, drug and alcohol testing and medical examiner certificates.  | More

March 27th is International SEL Day

Urban Assembly and SEL4US encourage educators around the World to recognize the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) on this International SEL Day. | More

Get to know the DOE Team: Meet Susan Wilson

Maine DOE Team member Susan Wilson is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to know the DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Susan in the brief question and answer below. | More

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Commissioner Updates Regarding Covid-19 Response

• March 27th – Waivers, Resources and Essential Staff
• March 25th – Accountability, Certification, Special Services
• March 23rd – Laws, Rules, Expectations
• March 22nd – Video Message from Commissioner Makin

| See All Recent Covid-19 Updates from Commission Makin |

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• LRTC Culinary Program Expands Meal Service to Elderly, First Responders, and Disabled Vets
• Gorham High School Students Create Social Distancing PSA
• Five Town CSD Creates Social Distancing Infographic
• Calais Elementary School Nurse Creates Video for Students
• RSU 16 Teacher Creates YouTube Channel to Connect with Families #RSU16Learns
• Tri-County Tech Center Instructor Makes 3D Printed Masks for Health Care Professionals
• Check out Maine DOE Facebook and Twitter pages to see more good news – Tag us on good news social media posts and we will share!

| 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

Maine Schools Providing Meals to Students During Extended Remote Learning; Interactive Map Now Available

Through a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Maine Department of Education is able to extend the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) allowing school districts and community partners to provide meals to students during extended remote learning due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Guidance for Governor’s Executive Order Regarding Employees in Maine’s Public Schools

Guidance for the Governor’s Executive in an Question and Answer format.  | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Proposed Rulemaking for Rule Chapter 112

Chapter 112 contains procedures guiding the operations of the Professional Standards Board in its role under Title 20-A, Chapter 502-B to make recommendations to the State Board of Education and advise the Department of Education on certification issues. The rule was filed with the Secretary of State’s Office on March 13, 2020. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meetings Available Again Next Week

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended school closures. 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. A schedule for early next week is expected to be ready Friday afternoon (3/20). | See the Schedule

PRIORITY NOTICE: Important Message From Commissioner Makin (Originally Issued March 15, 2020)

As determined by Governor Mills’ declaration of a civil emergency, we recommend that schools cease classroom based instruction as soon as practicable and for an indefinite period of time. Local communities may manage this in different ways in terms of scheduling time and logistical support for students and families to access belongings left at school and to receive remote or distance learning materials if applicable. | More

2020 MLTI Student Conference Cancelled

Due to the rapidly evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the State of Maine and across the U.S., the Maine Department of Education has decided to cancel the 2020 MLTI Student Conference, which was scheduled for May 21, 2020. | More

Federally Required State Assessment- An Update

As many Maine school districts are working proactively to protect students and educators amid the COVID-19 issue by either implementing non-traditional instruction or closing schools, the Maine DOE is actively working on behalf of Maine schools and students.  Due to school district closures at this time, the following has transpired: | More

Guidance from CDC for School-Based Operations

A message from Emily Poland, Nurse Consultant with Maine Department of Education, relaying guidance from the CDC around nutrition, health and supplies.  | More

Get to know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Deqa Dhalac

To assist those who are responsible for the important task of reporting dropout data to the Maine Department of Education, the DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar on Wednesday March 18th, from 1pm to 2pm. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Young School Community: Teamwork at The Heart of What We Do
• Check out Maine DOE Facebook and Twitter pages to see more good news – Tag us on good news social media posts and we will share!

| 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

MaineCare Seed Adjustments to be Made, Review Q2 20 Reports by April 10, 2020

The recovery of Q2 20 MaineCare Seed will occur in the April 2020 subsidy payment and the Maine DOE is asking School Administrative Units (SAUs) to review their reports by April 10, 2020 to ensure accurate adjustments to subsidy. SAU staff must review student by student claims on both the public and private MaineCare reports for Q220 by April 10, 2020. | More

New Webinar: The EF-S-05 Part II Special Education Staff Certification Report

To assist those who are responsible for the important task of reporting Special Education Staff data to the Maine Department of Education, the DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar on Thursday March 12th, from 10am to 11am. | More

New Webinar: New Dropout Certification and Details Reports

To assist those who are responsible for the important task of reporting dropout data to the Maine Department of Education, the DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar on Wednesday March 18th, from 1pm to 2pm. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Comments Sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B Application

The Maine Department of Education is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services to children with disabilities, ages 3-20. | More

Registration is Open for the 17th Annual MLTI Student Conference

Registration for the 2020 MLTI Student Conference will be open from Monday, March 11^th  until Friday, April 10^th. The Conference will take place on Thursday, May 21^st at the University of Maine campus in Orono. | More

County Teachers of the Year Meet with Legislative Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs

The 2019 County Teachers of the Year and the 2020 State Teacher of the Year met with the Legislative Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs last week. An annual event of the Maine State Teacher of the Year Program, the educators spent over an hour discussing relevant topics from their region with Maine legislators. | More

USDA Approves Waiver from Maine DOE to Allow Schools Flexibility in Meal Services During School Closures

The Maine Department of Education’s Child Nutrition Team today received approval for a waiver from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services. The waiver will allow schools the ability to provide meals offsite to students, if the school or community currently has, or qualifies for, a USDA Summer Food Service Program(SFSP). The Department of Education applied for the waiver as they continue to assist Maine schools in the proactive planning for a disruption to schools in the face of the concerns of COVID-19. | More

Reconvening and Implementation of ESSA Advisory Work Groups – Members Wanted!

The Maine Department of Education is excited to announce the reconvening and expansion of  the ESSA Advisory work groups to four (4) regional locations. The ESSA Advisory work groups will meet with the specific goal of being a collaborative thought partner, providing feedback regarding the development and refinement of Maine’s Model of School Supports (formerly known as the accountability model) to ensure the model is in the best interest of Maine schools and students, while ensuring compliance with federal requirements.  | More

TechHire Maine Grant Underway! Training to Join Maine’s Information Technology Workforce!

In July 2016, Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc. (CCWI) was awarded $4,000,000 through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to highlight Maine’s Information Technology (IT) industry and create a pipeline of skilled workers. TechHire Maine a five-year grant, recruits, assesses, trains and places individuals in occupations in Maine’s IT industry. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Westbrook High School Hosts Bicentennial Commemoration of Women’s Suffrage
• Veazie Community School Awarded $30,000 Grant from Walmart Corporation
• Thomaston Grammar School Educator Selected for National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award
• SMCC, Cumberland County Adult Education Programs Form Partnership to Help Students Overcome Obstacles to College

| 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

• Education Specialist II – Special Education Consultant

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

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