For students in RSU 74’s Alternative Education program, learning this spring started in the forest and ended with maple syrup on ice cream.

A month-long maple sugaring project gave students an opportunity to experience the full process of making maple syrup while building skills in observation, data collection, problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance.

Serving students from Anson, Embden, New Portland, and Solon, RSU 74’s Alternative Education program began the project on March 6 by heading outdoors to identify maple trees using the Forest Trees of Maine book. Once they identified the right trees, students drilled the trees, installed spiles, and connected the tubing to the collection buckets.

From there, the students took responsibility for monitoring their sugarbush each day. They collected sap, recorded the quantity gathered, and documented the day’s temperature and weather conditions. They also developed a plan for storing the sap until they had collected enough to begin boiling.

Their goal was to collect 40 gallons of sap and turn it into approximately one gallon of maple syrup.

They surpassed that goal.

By the time they began boiling on March 30, students had collected 53 gallons and 5 ounces of sap. After several days of boiling, they finished on April 3 with approximately 1½ gallons of maple syrup.

The process wasn’t always easy.

The students faced cold, wind, rain, and snow throughout the project. At one point, strong winds blew away about half of their buckets, requiring them to work together to find a solution. During the boiling process, students used tarps to help preserve heat when temperatures dropped.

Rather than letting the challenges stop them, students adapted and kept going.

“The weather was not on our side sometimes, but we made it, and that’s what matters,” one student reflected.

The boiling process itself became another lesson in patience and perseverance. Students spent a total of 25 hours and 53 minutes working through the process, learning that making maple syrup requires much more time, labor, and fuel than they might have expected.

They learned vocabulary associated with maple sugaring, tracked data, and observed how weather conditions affected the process. They also gained a firsthand understanding of the resources required to turn a natural product into something ready for the table.

“The whole process took us 25 hours and 53 minutes,” one student reflected. “This was a fun experiment. I would like to do this again.”

Another student recalled tasting the sap for the first time: “It tasted like water with a hint of a sugary taste.”

As the syrup production progressed, students began thinking creatively about how they could use what they had made. Ideas included maple syrup on ice cream and ployes, as well as candied nuts and snack cakes. The school’s culinary class also joined in, baking a traditional Tarte su sirop d’érable—a maple syrup pie—for the Alternative Education students.

The project culminated in a celebration where students enjoyed their maple syrup on ice cream and with ployes. Each student was also able to take a container of the syrup home.

For the students, however, the biggest takeaway may not have been the syrup itself.

“It was a long process, but I enjoyed it even if it was freezing outside,” one student said. “Working outside was good.”

The project gave students an opportunity to see how persistence, teamwork and problem-solving can turn a challenging process into something tangible they could be proud of. From identifying trees and collecting data to troubleshooting equipment and enduring unpredictable spring weather, students were engaged in learning that connected the classroom to the land and to their own community.

RSU 74 also extends a special thank-you to Moscow Maple for its generous donation of buckets and lids, spiles, tubing, and a drill bit. The equipment and supplies helped make the hands-on learning experience possible.

In the end, the students didn’t just make maple syrup. They experienced patience, teamwork, and the grit it takes to make something from start to finish—and got a sweet reward for their efforts.

This story was written in collaboration with RSU 74’s Alternative Education program. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

St. George Municipal School Unit (MSU) has been recognized as a national leader in education innovation after being named a top 10 finalist in the annual global recognition program, ASU+GSV Summit Education Innovation Showcase. The award celebrates St. George MSU’s groundbreaking work to develop the nation’s first preK-12 career and technical education (CTE) program, in partnership with MidCoast School of Technology.

As part of this project, St. George MSU opened the GRACE Innovation Center in August 2025, which includes shop spaces for boatbuilding, woodworking, and metalwork, as well as a Makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, computer numerical control (CNC) routers, robotics, and sewing machines. The goal is to provide ALL students, preK-12, with access to career and technical education (CTE) to re-engage them in their learning, prepare them with the skills to thrive in today’s workforce and create the businesses and industries of the future, and strengthen the local economy.

Organizations from around the world apply each year to participate in the ASU+GSV Education Innovation Showcase. St. George MSU was selected as one of the top K-12 education leaders for its efforts to advance innovation within its community, create new approaches to delivering education and workforce skills, and foster meaningful change at the systems level.

At the heart of St. George MSU’s vision is the belief that the future of education is built on understanding and honoring the community’s people, history, traditions, and values. This innovative approach is deeply rooted in place and inspired by the legacy of the Lillius Gilchrest Grace Institute, a nonprofit founded in 1936 by the Grace family in memory of Lillius Grace, a St. George native. With the help of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) grant, a $16.9 million federal grant awarded to Maine in 2020, St. George MSU received $350,000 to kick-start its building design process, curriculum development, and capital campaign. The GRACE Innovation Center, which opened last year, was named in honor of the original Grace Institute and continues a long legacy of hands-on/minds-on learning and innovation rooted in people and place.

“Our work and vision are rooted in this place – in the history, values, traditions, and people of St. George,” Mike Felton, Executive Director of the GRACE Innovation Center, said in a statement to the community. “Even as we expand our impact, we always remember our roots. The GRACE Innovation Center is the result of a community that had the courage and heart to dream BIG for their kids.”

Rather than simply introducing a new program, St. George MSU is reimagining what education can look like when students have opportunities to create, build, and learn through meaningful experiences. Through the GRACE Institute, students and teachers collaborate with Makerspace Director Paul Meinersman, CTE Coordinator John Clark, local tradespeople, business owners, parents, and community volunteers to help turn ideas into reality.

Check out this video of St. George MSU students talking about the GRACE program:

Students are developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom as they use both their hands and minds to design, problem-solve, and create. These experiences allow students to explore potential career pathways while building confidence, collaboration skills, creativity, and a strong connection to their community.

The recognition as a finalist highlights the impact of St. George MSU’s commitment to innovative, place-based education. The school’s approach demonstrates that meaningful change does not have to begin in a large city or a major institution but can start in a small community with a bold vision, dedicated educators, and a commitment to giving students opportunities.

This story was written in collaboration with St. George MSU. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form. To learn more about the Grace Innovation Center, visit their website.

Community Regional Charter School (CRCS) is redefining what modern learning can look like by intentionally blending advanced technology with outdoor, nature-based education. Through its “Innovation Inside and Out” approach, CRCS ensures learners develop technological fluency while building deep connections with the natural world. At CRCS, the philosophy is simple: It’s not technology or nature—it’s both.

Learners regularly engage with proven and emerging technologies as they grow into confident problem solvers and design thinkers. Through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), CRCS has long provided one-to-one Apple devices for all learners. In recent years, additional MLTI Teach with Tech grant funding has expanded access to digital storytelling tools, including 360-degree cameras, action video equipment, and livestreaming technology. The same grant enhanced wide-format printing capabilities, introduced AR/VR workstations, and brought a 30-learner-capacity mobile planetarium to the school community.

Most recently, CRCS was awarded a competitive federal grant to upgrade its 3D printing fleet, establish a mobile PC lab, and begin developing virtual reality environments to support remote learning and mental health access in rural communities. These opportunities are further supported by full access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Wacom Art Displays, Unreal Engine, Unity, Fusion 360, and other industry-standard tools.

At the same time, learners benefit from robust outdoor learning and nature-based education. Whether working with the outdoor learning facilitator or the school garden coordinator, learners explore local ecosystems through tree observations, weather and climate studies, and hands-on garden work. These experiences cultivate empathy and stewardship while strengthening science learning.

In the school garden, learners connect life science concepts to real-world skills, such as growing whole foods, preparing healthy meals, and building lasting knowledge about wellness and nutrition.

This year, Director of Design and Innovation Dan Ryder and Coordinator of Garden-Based Education and Experiential Learning Selina Greene Warren began collaborating to intentionally weave together technology and nature-based education. Their two-pathway framework, known as Compass and Canvas, guides the work.

The Compass Pathway focuses on mentoring learners to discover their interests, strengths, and areas for growth. Through guided exploration, learners develop strategies for self-regulation, resilience, and perseverance while discovering their “true north.”

The Canvas Pathway emphasizes creativity and expression. Whether working in visual arts, music and movement, graphic design, or nature art, learners are encouraged to explore ideas across a wide range of mediums—from paper and cardboard to computer screens and garden plots. The goal is to help learners communicate ideas, express creativity, and strengthen problem-solving skills.

To support this work, Ryder established RavenWorks Problem-Solving Studios at both the Overman and Dimensions Academy campuses. Based on the award-winning Success and Innovation Center model he co-founded, RavenWorks blends makerspace practices with social-emotional support and flexible learning environments.

Meanwhile, Warren is expanding the school garden program at Dimensions Academy to include a perennial garden and a therapy garden—spaces designed to support self-regulation, inspiration, and creative thinking. Additionally, a play-based garden is being developed at the Creative Children’s Academy, ensuring CRCS’s youngest learners can begin exploring the Compass and Canvas pathways.

“When facilitators model innovation, learners become more confident problem solvers,” Ryder said.

“By balancing the Compass and the Canvas, we help learners recognize and celebrate differences while working toward both individual and collective growth,” Warren said.

Ryder and Warren presented their collaborative work at the Every Teacher a Leader Conference at Thomas College on July 30-31, 2026.

This story was submitted by Community Regional Charter School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

At its best, education does more than transfer knowledge; it sparks wonder. That spirit was alive across the state throughout Space Week Maine 2026 this spring, as classrooms, auditoriums, and learning spaces were transformed into launchpads for discovery—not by rockets alone but by curiosity.

At the heart of Space Week is Sharon Eggleston, founder of Space Day Maine and the guiding force behind what has become a meaningful educational tradition in the state. Now in its 28th year, this program reflects Eggleston’s enduring vision: creating opportunities for students to engage directly with scientists, engineers, astronauts, educators, and innovators whose work expands how young people see the world and the universe beyond it. Those who know Eggleston understand that her focus has never been on recognition but on students. Quietly, steadily, and with remarkable dedication, she built a program that has inspired tens of thousands of young learners across Maine to think bigger, dream boldly, and look upward.

Throughout Space Week Maine 2026, and into the following days, young learners statewide built, tested, explored, questioned, and imagined their way through immersive lessons in space education, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning, astronomy, environmental science, and innovation. Through hands-on workshops, demonstrations, keynote lectures, classroom presentations, and interactive experiences, students were invited not simply to learn science but to experience it—to see themselves in futures shaped by discovery, creativity, and possibility.

An extraordinary coalition of educators, presenters, volunteers, and organizations from across North America came together for Space Week Maine 2026, as well. This year’s collaborative team included participants from Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Montreal, Colorado, and communities throughout Maine—each contributing expertise in aerospace, engineering, astronomy, robotics, environmental science, aviation, and experiential education. Together, they represented a shared belief that learning is strongest when it is collaborative, hands-on, and connected to real-world possibility.

Space Week Maine 2026 reached its capstone on Friday, May 1, 2026, with the 28th anniversary of Space Day Maine, hosted at Mt. Ararat Middle School in Topsham. Maine Senate President Mattie Daughty introduced the celebration, followed by welcome messages from Senator Angus King and Maine native astronaut Jessica Meir, who is serving aboard the International Space Station as commander of NASA’s Crew-12 mission. Meir’s remarkable journey—from marine biologist and researcher in extreme environments to astronaut, spacewalker, and mission commander—stood as a powerful reminder that extraordinary paths in science often begin with simple curiosity.

Featured keynote speaker Brian Ewenson challenged students to think boldly about humanity’s future in space, while the closing presentation connected students with living history through remarks from Logan Jaeren and Fred Haise, whose leadership during Apollo 13 helped define resilience in the face of adversity.

Among the many educators who shared their expertise, Dianea Phillips (Mars Desert Research Station astronaut) invited students to think like planetary explorers through immersive analog Mars mission experiences, while Dr. Danny Jaques highlighted entrepreneurial pathways into aerospace innovation. Also featured was James Falletti, M.A., of New Jersey, an award-winning science educator, photographer, and forthcoming author whose presentation explored how Maine’s native birds have influenced aerospace engineering through biomimicry—from wing structure and feather mechanics to flight efficiency—illustrating how the natural world often serves as humanity’s first blueprint for innovation.

They represented only part of a much larger educational tapestry. Space Week Maine 2026 was shaped by dozens of educators, scientists, engineers, presenters, community leaders, partner organizations, and volunteers, each contributing their expertise, passion, and time to create meaningful learning experiences for students. From astronomy and robotics to materials science, geology, aviation, environmental stewardship, engineering design, and space medicine, the breadth of programming reflected a deeply collaborative effort in which every presenter, volunteer, and partner organization played an essential role in the week’s success.

Additional programming and support from organizations including the Maine Space Grant Consortium, Challenger Learning Center of Maine, 021 Squadron Civil Air Patrol, Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, Lockheed Martin, and many local educational and community partners further strengthened the week’s mission of inspiring future innovators.

Perhaps what made Space Week Maine 2026 most meaningful was its reminder that inspiration belongs to everyone. In participating classrooms were future NASA engineers, astronauts, aerospace technicians, mission planners, pilots, robotics designers, marine biologists, environmental scientists, educators, innovators, and problem-solvers whose careers are shaping not only space exploration but also life here on Earth.

For 28 years, Eggleston has helped Maine students look up—to the stars, to science, and to the limitless possibilities ahead. And somewhere among the students who built, discovered, questioned, and dreamed during Space Week Maine 2026 were future explorers already beginning their journey.

This story was written by James Falletti, on behalf of Space Day Maine, in collaboration with Mt. Ararat Middle School (MSAD 75). To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

This spring, the Bruce M. Whittier Middle School “MidKnight FireSlayers” celebrated the completion of their 15th season in partnership with Poland Fire Rescue. The MidKnight FireSlayers program provides middle school students with hands-on learning experiences in fire safety and fire science, guided by a dedicated team of firefighters and educators.

Throughout the season, students participated in weekly sessions at the fire station, where they gained firsthand experience through realistic emergency response scenarios. Activities included cold-water rescues, 911 dispatch simulations, search-and-rescue operations in smoke-filled environments, vehicle extrication exercises, hose deployment drills, and training with firefighters’ hand tools.

The season concluded with the program’s annual cook-off event and graduation ceremony.

During the cook-off, students teamed up with firefighters in a friendly competition against a rival team of parent volunteers. The MidKnight FireSlayers emerged victorious once again, earning bragging rights and retaining the coveted “Golden Spoon” championship trophy.

Over the past 15 years, more than 250 students have participated in the MidKnight FireSlayers program. Many alumni have continued their studies in fire science through the Lewiston Regional Technical Center and postsecondary programs, with some ultimately pursuing careers in the fire service.

Teachers Shannon Shanning and Tami Wight expressed their sincere appreciation for the members of Poland Fire Rescue and their commitment to this work.

“Their impact extends far beyond the skills they teach,” the teachers shared in a joint statement. “Through their mentorship and encouragement, they help students build self-confidence, improve attendance, set meaningful goals, and strengthen their connection to the community.”

This story was submitted by Bruce Whittier Middle School (RSU 16). To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Image courtesy of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

This article was written by Waterville Senior High School rising senior Penelope Graham, who is also a co-chair of the Waterville Youth Council (a volunteer organization for the Maine State Civics Bee Finals).

The Maine State Finals for the National Civics Bee were held on June 17, 2026, at the Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts on the Colby College campus in Waterville. The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Civics Bee in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Civic Trust, marking the first year Maine has participated in the national competition.

Open to sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students, the competition required contestants to each write an essay about a community issue and offer a solution that demonstrates understanding of both civic virtues (e.g., humility, responsibility, etc.) and a founding principle (e.g., natural rights, consent of the governed, rule of law, etc.).

The final round of competition for the state brought together 17 students from five Maine schools. The top three winners were selected based on their demonstrated civic knowledge, as assessed through two rounds of multiple-choice questions and a spoken presentation of their essay.

The overall winner was Marin Larsen from Mt. Ararat Middle School, whose essay proposed consolidating schools in her home district and making key repairs to others. Larsen received $ 1,000 and will advance to the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., this fall.

The second-place winner was Ryan Coulon, also from Mt. Ararat Middle School, whose essay identified speeding in the Cundys Harbor area in Harpswell as being a key community issue. Coulon received $500.

The third-place winner was Tristan Singh from Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias. His essay addressed the need for a city website in East Machias. Singh was the only contestant who answered every question correctly in both rounds. Singh received $250.

The top three winners all received a trophy, certificate, and Civics Bee T-shirt.

The first Civics Bee took place during the 2022-2023 school year, and states from across the country have participated every year since then.

The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce says it plans to host the Civics Bee again next year. The application portal for those interested in participating will open in the early fall. More information will be available here.

This article was submitted by Penelope Graham on behalf of the Waterville Youth Council. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.