Category: Good News from Schools

Maine DOE ConCEPT Pilot Spotlight: A Transformative Professional Learning Journey

This year has been transformative for Leslie Denton, the seventh-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Mt. View Middle School in Thorndike. Leslie’s professional learning journey, marked by a commitment to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), was significantly influenced by her attendance at a ConCEPT Professional Development conference hosted by the Maine Department of Education. The conference, featuring renowned educator Katie Novak, equipped Leslie with valuable skills and strategies that she diligently implemented.

“My professional learning journey this year has centered on embracing and implementing UDL principles to create a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environment for my seventh-grade ELA students,” she shared.

The journey has brought several significant takeaways, notably the communication of clear learning targets. By breaking down these targets into student-friendly terms and clearly defining expectations, students gain a concrete understanding of each lesson’s objectives. This clarity fosters student focus and motivation, allowing for improved self-assessment and reflection. Additionally, incorporating goal setting into teaching practices has encouraged students to take ownership of their learning.

“I have begun to integrate regular self-assessment and peer feedback sessions, fostering a growth mindset and a culture of continuous improvement,” Leslie noted.

By diversifying assessments and allowing students to choose their preferred method of demonstrating understanding, Leslie has successfully catered to the diverse needs of their students, creating a more inclusive learning environment.

Managing the time commitment involved careful scheduling and maintaining motivation through clear, achievable goals. Leslie set aside regular, manageable blocks of time dedicated to professional development, ensuring consistency without becoming overwhelmed. By maintaining a well-organized schedule, she was able to balance lesson planning, grading, and other responsibilities efficiently. This approach allowed for professional growth without sacrificing the quality of day-to-day teaching. Additionally, setting clear goals for both professional development and classroom instruction provided a sense of purpose and direction. Celebrating small victories and reflecting on progress helped sustain momentum and reinforced the value of ongoing learning and growth.

This journey underscores the importance of continuous professional development in staying current with best practices and evolving student needs. “It is imperative as teachers that we continue to learn and grow in this profession. By embracing continuous learning, we not only enhance our own teaching effectiveness but also ensure that we are providing the best possible education for our students.”

ConCEPT is a professional learning opportunity designed by the Interdisciplinary Instruction team.  To learn more about the professional learning opportunities available to Maine educators, visit the Interdisciplinary Instruction page.

 

Eight Maine Students Awarded Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship 

The Alternative Education Association of Maine has selected eight students to receive this year’s Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship.

The Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship was established by the Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine in 2022 after the passing of Martin Mackey, beloved education colleague and champion. The scholarship recognizes Mackey’s dedication to education as a career and his passion for working with students on Alternative Education pathways. Each year, AEA aims to award as many funds as possible to support students.

Each student will be awarded $500 when they graduate. Each graduate’s inspirational story and passion for their education makes them more than deserving of this award.

Aidan ConleyAidan Conley
Endeavor Program, Freeport High School

Aidan moved into the Endeavor Program at Freeport High School in the middle of 10th grade, after he was struggling with traditional high school classes. Endeavor gave him the confidence he needed to pursue further education. He has demonstrated immense growth over the course of the rest of his high school career. Aidan is currently a volunteer firefighter in Pownal and will be attending Southern Maine Community College to pursue Fire Science. The alternative education pathway changed his high school experience completely; he and his family are both very grateful. Congratulations to Aidan!

AlexisAlexis Foss
Machias Memorial High School Alternative Education Program

Alexis struggled with the traditional high school setting, but Machias Memorial High School offered her the chance to move to an alternative education program, where she made slow and steady improvements in attendance and academics. With these changes she consistently demonstrated a strong interest in art and in the field of Health/human services. She has recently been accepted to Southern Maine Community College to pursue a degree in liberal studies with a concentration in art. Alexis has worked through significant challenges to achieve her high school diploma. She is a kind, warm and thoughtful young woman who truly wants to succeed in her academics and make the world a better place.

Gavin HowieGavin Howie
Windham High School Katahdin Program

Gavin Howie is an alternative learner who, in just one year at the Windham High School’s Katahdin Program, has blossomed into a motivated leader with future aspirations. He has grown tremendously and developed his voice as a learner.  Gavin also shares Martin’s Mackey’s love of “human-powered transportation,” and can often be found on a bike, skateboard, pair of skis, or with a backpack on climbing up a mountain. He intends on enrolling at Kennebec Valley Community College to pursue licensure as an Electrical Line worker. Congratulations to Gavin!

Riley TibbettsRiley Tibbetts
Marti Stevens Learning Center, MSAD 54

Riley Tibbetts joined the alternative education program, Marti Stevens Learning Center in MSAD 54 halfway through her freshman year and has since grown into an amazing beekeeper and an extraordinary student. She has even earned a principal award through her former high school due to her welcoming nature, acceptance, and civic work.  She is not only the first in her family to graduate from high school, but she is also graduating with honors and has already completed three college courses.  Aside from challenging coursework, she works 25 hours a week at Dunkin. This fall, Riley will be living on campus at Southern Maine Community College and is working toward a career as a special education teacher. Congratulations to Riley!

Kai VoyeKai Voye, Brewer
Nu Program, Brewer School Department

Kai Voye is a part of the Nu program at Brewer. Kai is a driven student who has succeeded in 6 advanced placement courses, taken online. This year, Kai’s shined best as classroom volunteer, playing a vital role in building a middle school alternative education program. Kai is consistent, kind, knowledgeable, and students adore him. When the program grew from 9 to 24 students, Kai’s presence was a huge reason that the students continued to thrive and came to school excited to learn. Kai hopes to take college classes in the fall and pursue a career in a science field. Congratulations to Kai!

Ann PrickettAnn Prickett
Waterville Alternative High School Program

Ann Prickett is a part of and a strong advocate for the Waterville Alternative High School Program. She is a passionate art student and has used her work to connect with the community and draw awareness to important issues. Ann has used the healing power of art to help her process trauma from her past. She has engaged in many extracurricular art programs and is respected by many outside her peer group in the local Central Maine Art Community. Ann’s dedication to her community is evident in her advocacy and volunteer work, as she would sell her art to raise funds for local families in need. She also was invited to speak at public events to support the Waterville Alternative High School Program. Ann has been accepted to the Maine College of Art B.A. program, where she will continue to share her talent with her community and advocate for alternative education. Congratulations to Ann!

Ayla GaytonAyla Gayton
Gray-New Gloucester High School’s ExCEL Alternative Education Program

Ayla Gayton pursued an alternative education at Gray-New Gloucester High School’s ExCEL alternative education program during her sophomore year. She came into the program very low on credits, self-esteem, and was at a high risk of dropping out of high school. In this program, she quickly bonded with her peers, which allowed her to show her knowledge and feel successful. Ayla has an incredible work ethic and has had a job since she was able to get a job permit. She has worked very hard to balance home life and work life with her coursework and was able to earn 7.5 credits. This progress helped her get accepted into the Early Childcare program at Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) for her junior & senior years. She has earned several accolades from PATHS: student of the month, admission to a summer program at the University of New England, and the completion of certifications and courses for a Behavior Health Professional (BHP). Ayla will be attending Central Maine Community College as part of the Liberal Studies program and hopes to become an early child educator. Congratulations to Ayla!

Kamdynn HardgroveKamdynn Hardgrove
Pathways Alternative Education Program, Presque Isle

Kamdynn Hardgrove has faced extreme adversity while trying to navigate his education. Despite these burdens, Kam has always had a passion for helping others especially since becoming part of the Pathways Alternative Education program in Presque Isle. He helps the community with many events, such as the Balloon Festival, food deliveries for those in need, and the Chamber of Commerce for the Holiday Light Parade. In 9th grade, he walked three miles to help build the Santa float in five-degree weather. Kam has also been an active member of Presque Isle High Band for four years. He will be attending Northern Maine Community College for Welding in the fall. Congratulations to Kamdynn!

To learn more about the Alternative Education Association of Maine visit their website or reach out to Alternative Education Association of Maine President Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org.

 

 

 

TeachWithTech Grant Allows for Enthusiastic, Independent Learning with Lego Sets at Chelsea Elementary School

(Pictured: Students in the Maker Space with Lego SPIKE kits and iPads, which were purchased through the Maine Department of Education’s TeachWithTech grant)

Students at Chelsea Elementary School were overjoyed at the sight of twenty new Lego sets as they walked into the classroom this year.

Through the Maine Department of Education’s TeachWithTech  grant, Chelsea Elementary School was able to receive twenty Lego SPIKE Essentials Kits. These Lego sets were accompanied by iPads, which were preloaded with the SPIKE app.

#TeachWithTech provides additional supplemental technology to schools that are part of Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), to support the initiative to teach and learn with technology. The grant encourages school districts to think of how to create transformative learning experiences for students with technology.

Rosie Del Tejo Williamson (Learning Commons Teacher) and Helen Wright (Learning Commons Education Tech) hoped that students would be able to work independently but were available for assistance.

As soon as the students walked into the MakerSpace room, their excitement was palpable as soon as they and noticed the Lego and iPad setup. They immediately dove into exploration. Despite having no prior experience with the SPIKE app or Lego Spike Essentials, students confidently used coding to bring their Lego creations to life. When difficulties occurred, many students were adept at experimentation and troubleshooting, and many helped their peers. Williamson and Wright were impressed by the students’ confidence in this new situation, as well as their enthusiasm for learning in action.

6th grade students have the opportunity for leadership
6th grade and Pre-K students collaborate

Williamson and Wright are grateful that TeachWithTech allowed their students to have this transformative learning experience and hope to continue to use technology for engaging learning.

The #TeachWithTech grant is available to any school district that is a part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative. Priority is given to applicants who focus on greatest student impact, serve socioeconomically disadvantaged districts, prioritize student populations traditionally underrepresented in technology, and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing high-quality teaching and learning through technology.

The next grant window will open in the Fall of 2024. Check TeachWithTech | Department of Education (maine.gov) for updates.

MADSEC Names 2024 Special Education Honorees of the Year

Every year, the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) announces Honorees of the Year, who are individuals who work in the field of Special Education within Maine schools.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) joins MADSEC in congratulating the 2023-24 awardees in addition to thanking all educators within the Special Education division. Congratulations to Angela, Kendra, Scott, and Erin, and read more about them below.

To learn more about MADSEC, these awards, and the honorees, visit their website:

Home (madsec.org)

Turner Elementary School Principal Shares How She Increased the Feeling of Safety at School

Working with the students is what Kristen Levesque, Principal of Turner Elementary School in MSAD 52, describes as the absolute best part of her job. However, she knows that to successfully reach students meaningfully at school, everyone in the building needs to feel safe.

“I wanted to make sure I was providing students and staff with the best care possible in regard to safety,” said Levesque.

Kristen Levesque is one of the 114 dedicated people working in schools and districts across Maine who have taken the School Safety Specialist course offered by the Maine Department of Education’s Maine Schools Safety Center (MSSC). The course helps fulfill State statute Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §1001, sub-§16 (LD892), which states there must be a “designated employee having oversight regarding school safety.”

After completing the 8-week, asynchronous course in April 2023, Levesque instituted many changes that have had a big impact on the Turner Elementary School community.

One of the most impactful changes has been leading the charge on completing the CSTAG assessments to ensure safety. CSTAG stands for Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines, and it is a comprehensive approach to early identification of students who may be on the pathway to violence by assessing problem behavior and offering interventions before the behavior escalates. CTSAG training is part of the MSSC’s larger Maine Safe School’s Initiative.

“The use of the CSTAG for threat assessments has greatly increased the feeling of safety within the school, and this has been communicated by staff,” Levesque explained.

In addition to the changes she has implemented at the school level, the district has been doing meaningful work with the district safety committee, including work to revise emergency handbooks.

Levesque extends a thank you to all staff in MSAD 52, including Superintendent Cari Medd, Asst. Superintendent Theresa Gillis, School Resource Office Sheriff Ham, and School Technology Director Walter Morris.

The School Safety Specialist course is a program of the Maine DOE’s Maine School Safety Center and is available at no cost to Maine schools. Cohorts start at the beginning of every month and complete in 8 weeks. All work is done asynchronously through Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and takes approximately 20-25 hours to complete. 

For more information, visit the Maine DOE website, fill out an interest form, or reach out to Maine DOE School Safety Training Coordinator Wendy Robichaud at Wendy.Robichaud@maine.gov.

Bon Voyage! Bath Students Headed to Paris

(Pictured: Morse High School freshman Rose Strelneck, Isla Polizotto, and Hannah Keller with their painting, a reimagined version of a FAMA mural done in Paris.) 

Three students from Morse High School have won the 2024 French American Friendship Contest sponsored by The French Consulate in Boston.

This esteemed competition, open to high school students studying French and their teachers across New England, is a testament to the enduring bond between France and the United States.

Organized by the Cultural Service of the Consulate General of France in Boston and the Lounsbery Foundation, the contest blends education with enjoyment, inviting participants to explore the historical, cultural, artistic, and personal dimensions of Franco-American relations. This year’s theme commemorated significant milestones, including the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s final journey to the United States and the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

The highlight of the contest is undoubtedly the grand prize: a one-week trip to Paris and Normandy, generously funded by the Lounsbery Foundation. During the trip, the winners will immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of French history and culture. From cruising along the Seine River to admiring the iconic Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero esplanade, their itinerary promises a blend of iconic landmarks and poignant historical sites, including the Musée des Armées, Pointe du Hoc, and the Caen Memorial Museum.

The winning trio spearheaded the creation of the FAMA mural painting. Comprising three talented freshmen—Rose Strelneck, Isla Polizotto, and Hannah Keller.

Congratulations to Rose, Isla, and Hannah for their outstanding accomplishment!

Learn more about the contest here.

This story was submitted by Morse High School French teacher, Rebecca Deschaine. To submit a good news story to the Maine Department of Education, please use our submission form.

#TeachWithTech Grant Makes 3D Printing Accessible and Ecological at MDIRSS/AOS #91

The Mount Desert Island Regional School System’s (MDIRSS/AOS #91) Filabot Full Recycling initiative is creating new opportunities and ways of engaging in innovative educational practices in environmentally and economically conscious ways that foster interdisciplinary collaboration, improve engagement, increase student motivation, promote the growth in critical thinking skills, and stimulate thinking about ecologically sustainable practices in a high-tech world.

Funded by a $35,322 #TeachwithTech grant from the Maine Department of Education (DOE), the initiative is part of a project led by MDIRSS/AOS #91 IT Lead Luis Jones-Rodriguez, working with MDIRSS K-8 Educational Technology Lead Cindy Lambert and Pemetic Elementary School IT Integrator Mike Brzezowski, to reignite the district’s use of 3D printers for curricular purposes in ways that are more economical, ecological, and innovative. The district is one of 33 schools or school districts that received this grant.

What could be more fun and engaging than learning some of the principles of the scientific method and physics by making and launching your own rocket? While many students have done some iteration of the bottle rocket task using a plastic soda bottle and some type of launcher, students at the Pemetic Elementary School can design and create their own rockets using the school’s 3D printers, marrying curriculum, practical application, and innovation.

“The 3D printed rockets are part of science class.  This year they will do data collection on a standard ‘control’ rocket and be introduced to a few physics’ principles.  Next year they learn more about the principles governing rockets and will create a modified design to compete in either an accuracy or a distance challenge,” said Brzezowski.

Projects like these can be exciting and interesting for teachers and students alike, but they also can be costly and wasteful. According to 3D4Create, a spool of filament will print 20-30 five- to six-inch tall models with 15-20% infill (“infill” refers to the internal structure of a printed item that gives it weight and strength). Each one kg spool can cost between $19-$32, which makes errors, a natural part of learning, and the inevitable production of waste byproducts costly. Jones-Rodriguez’s grant-funded project will allow the school district to make filament from discarded 3D printed projects otherwise destined for landfill, printing waste, and recyclable plastics that can be used in every school. The Teach with Tech grant has enabled Jones-Rodriguez to purchase the equipment needed to establish a complete recycling system that, besides producing savings in the schools’ budgets, will “also allow the kids to make mistakes” without having to worry about the cost of those errors and promote sustainable practices island-wide. The new equipment can produce recycled filament in any color and in 1.75mm and 2.85mm thicknesses.

A 3D printed vase made from recycled plastics turned into filament.
Recycled plastics must be ground twice before they can be turned into filament.
From material to finished product: plastic products are cleaned, ground twice, baked, and fed into an extruder to create filament for 3D printers.
Luis Jones-Rodriguez, the MDIRSS/AOS #91 IT Lead, inserts discarded 3D printed items into the grinder to prepare to convert it into printer filament.
A 3D-printed tumbler made with filament created from recycled plastics. The filament can be made in any color.

The goal, said Jones-Rodriguez, “is that no school will buy filament whatsoever and to have a place where plastics can be recycled instead of put into a landfill.” The recycling and production process will serve all of the MDIRSS/AOS #91. Schools have recycling containers to collect commercial food-grade plastics like soda bottles and milk jugs, and Jones-Rodriguez aspires to collect materials community-wide one day. Once it is fully operational, he estimates that the district could save an estimated $1,250 a month or $15,000 a year on filament costs.

Sustainability concerns and frustration with limiting resources also were driving factors behind this project. There had been pushback and 3D printing had started to fall out of favor because “anything that is printed was not recyclable,” said Jones-Rodriguez. In 2015, there was at least one 3D printer in one of the ten schools in MDIRSS/AOS #91. By 2022-2023, the eight schools on Mount Desert Island had “maybe two each,” according to Jones-Rodriguez. Not only were four schools left out of luck, but the ones in place were old and took a long time to print. Their use had fallen because “the old ones would take a week or more” to print items for just one class because they “were prone to failure and very slow.” In the pre-COVID era, some of the district’s schools were using some printers, including MDI High School, whose Maker Space students produced “ear savers” for face masks during the COVID period. Today the district’s schools have been outfitted with new printers that can print up to a “full class’s worth” of projects in one day, he said.

While the complete recycling process is time-consuming, it will be worthwhile.  The home-grown filament project opens the door to a greater variety of items the students can create through the types of recycled plastics that are collected. “Different plastics have different uses,” he said. While filament made from food-safe plastics can be more durable, for instance, they have a low heat resistance, which can make them unsuitable for outdoor use. “Nylon from fishermen is what I’m really excited about because that’s the most durable.”  The plastic nylon used in nets and lines has higher heat resistance and is UV-resistant, making it ideal for filament that can be used for products like lampshades and outdoor furniture. “Everyone is excited that it’s making 3D printing eco-friendly,” Jones-Rodriguez said.

Ultimately the goal is to incorporate 3D printing projects across the curriculum and in different subject areas, Jones-Rodriguez said. At Pemetic Elementary School, that has already started under Brzezowski’s guidance. While the Pemetic science class is working with rockets, one of the school’s French classes is printing chocolate molds that will be used to create chocolate bars with custom wrappers. The wrappers will “have reference to French culture, history, and symbology” and once the students make and wrap the bars using the molds, they will hold a “French Chocolate Market” at Birch Bay Retirement Village, where students will be able to talk to the residents about their chocolates and French culture, and residents will be able to “purchase” the chocolates with tokens they have been given, said Brzezowski. From a French classroom to a Maker Space and then into the community, all wrapped up in a chocolate bar, what student could argue with that?

The Maine Department of Education’s TeachWithTech grant is part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). The grant is awarded to MLTI schools through a formal grant process and provides supplemental technology and related professional learning to support innovative teaching and learning with technology. Learn more about the TeachWithTech Grant here.

This story was submitted by Mount Desert Island Regional School System (MDIRSS/AOS #91). To submit good news about your school to the Maine Department of Education, complete our Good News Submission form.

Virtual Reality Enhances Cultural Learning in Cony High School’s German Class

Deb Backman’s German 3 class at Cony High School in Augusta is leading the way in educational technology by integrating virtual reality (VR) into their curriculum, thanks to the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) TeachWithTech grant.

To immerse students in German culture and language, Mrs. Backman conducted a virtual field trip using VR headsets to explore the columns of STOA 169 in Polling, Germany. This innovative approach exposed students to Germany’s rich artistic scene and provided a unique opportunity for linguistic practice and cultural exploration.

The student response to the VR experience was overwhelmingly positive. They observed the intricate designs of the columns and engaged in thoughtful discussions about their significance while honing their German language skills.

Following the virtual excursion, students participated in a hands-on activity during which they created their own interpretations of columns using paper towel rolls. This practical exercise reinforced their understanding of the architectural elements discussed during the VR journey and encouraged creative expression.

Mrs. Backman observed a notable increase in student engagement and comprehension following the VR field trip and subsequent activity. Students demonstrated a deeper appreciation for art and culture and an enhanced ability to articulate their observations and interpretations in German.

Integrating VR technology into the classroom exemplifies Cony High School’s commitment to providing innovative and immersive learning experiences that empower students to broaden their horizons, develop cultural competency, and strengthen their language proficiency in an engaging and impactful manner.

The Maine Department of Education’s TeachWithTech grant is part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). The grant is awarded to MLTI schools through a formal grant process and provides supplemental technology and related professional learning to support innovative teaching and learning with technology. Learn more about the TeachWithTech Grant here.

This story was submitted by Cony High School, Augusta School Department. To submit good news about your school to the Maine Department of Education, complete our Good News Submission form.

Celebrating & Welcoming Our Military Families at School 

(Pictured: Kittery School Department Superintendent Eric Waddell with ninth-grade students Mary Auman and Aubrey Jackson) 

Since 1999, May has been recognized as Military Appreciation Month after former Senator John McCain proposed this during the legislative session. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger first designated April as the “Month of the Military Child,” acknowledging the significant role military-connected students play in our communities. In 2011, the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program started the “Purple Up! for Military Kids” to encourage communities to support military children for their strength and sacrifice.  

Purple references the joint environment of the military, encompassing all service branches, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Veterans. Purple combines each branch’s colors into one: the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard all use shades of blue, the Army uses green, and the Marines use red. 

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is located less than a mile from Traip Academy, which is part of the Kittery School Department. Kittery’s school communities are made up of about one-third of military families. To honor these families during this time of year, Shipyard School Liaison Officer Kirsten Ferullo and staff planted purple tulip bulbs last fall that will bloom soon. 

“Being a military child is not always easy, but when you get a nice community you can thrive in, it lightens the load a bit,” said Mary Auman, a first-year student at Kittery School Department’s Traip Academy.    

Another Traip Academy student, Aubrey Jackson, added, “It’s so important to get to know your new community before you move.” 

Kittery School Department supports and empowers military-connected students and families. This spring, we celebrate their resilience, strength, and unique contributions to Maine’s education system.  

“We have created a district video for those families who are moving into the area,” said Kittery Superintendent Eric Waddell. “Our goal is to ensure that every military family feels supported and welcomed as they become part of our Kittery family.”  

Visit the U.S. Department of Defense website for more information and resources on the Month of the Military Child. You can also find more information about Military Appreciation Month here. 

KVCC College and Career Success Coordinator Eases the Transition from Adult Education to College

What do you get when you combine adult education students, a tour of Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), and a variety of delicious pies? The answer is Brighter Futures!

A successful, immersive event occurred earlier this spring when 18 students from four local adult education programs spent two hours on the KVCC campus. In addition to touring the campus, students met the dean of students, key student success support staff, and a Maine Educational Opportunity Center advisor. After the tour, they enjoyed pie and ended the day with a fun activity led by a faculty member. The event was so successful that there are plans to offer it at least once a year.

Carolyn Haskell, the College and Career Success Coordinator (CCSC) at KVCC, a position funded through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, played an integral part in planning the event and worked closely with Teresa Smith, KVCC Director of Enrollment, to make it a success. Area adult education directors and staff marketed the event and accompanied students to the campus.

Part of Haskell’s role is to be the on campus contact for adult education students interested in attending KVCC. Haskell is a resource for students navigating the college process and adult education. Being on campus gives her a unique perspective and informs how she advises students. She helps ease the transition from adult education to college and supports students along their college journey to help them succeed. She also connects current KVCC students to adult education for services to help them while they are in college.

Haskell has seen the power of getting adult learners to college campuses and believes that allowing them to see themselves as college students is monumental. She said, “Once they tour the campus, it is much easier for them to think of college as a goal to be accomplished rather than a dream.”

This story was submitted by Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC). To submit good news about your school to the Maine Department of Education, complete our Good News Submission form.