Students at Cushing Community School ended their 2024-2025 school year not just with completed assignments and cleaned-out desks but with a meaningful act of kindness, bringing together learning and community service in a powerful way.

On June 12, 2025, a handful of students (the “Sea Store Team”), along with advisor Ms. Jennifer York, delivered a donation of $374 to the Pope Memorial Humane Society in Thomaston. That generous gift was made even more impactful through the Humane Society’s Sherman Medical Fund matching program, bringing the total value to $748. These funds will directly support medical care for animals in need, making a lasting difference in the lives of local pets awaiting adoption.

This donation was the result of a year-long effort by the school’s Sea Store Team, a dedicated group of fourteen students who operated a small but vibrant store at the school each Friday morning during arrival time. The Sea Store offered essential school supplies, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, stickers, rulers, glue sticks, and more. It quickly became a popular stop for student shoppers and was a highlight of the weekly routine during the school year.

Running the Sea Store gave students real responsibilities. They took on roles as cashiers and customer support helpers, learning to handle money, give change, assist customers, and do mental math—all in a supportive, real-world setting. The experience gave both team members and shoppers the chance to strengthen practical skills in a fun, meaningful way.

The lessons learned from the Sea Store extended far beyond the cash register, too. Students on the Sea Store Team learned what it takes to run a small business, from choosing which items to sell and setting prices, to promoting the store, to working together to keep the store running smoothly. This project offered valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—and all for a great cause.

The Sea Store Team chose to donate the store’s profits to Pope Memorial Humane Society, transforming their business into a school-wide community service project. When it came time to deliver the donation, the students were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter and even got to spend some time with puppies and kittens. This up-close opportunity with the animals they were helping made the experience feel even more rewarding.

The Sea Store has been more than just a school fundraiser; it has been a project rooted in learning, leadership, and compassion. Through their efforts, students gained real-world skills, contributed to a cause they care about, and experienced the joy of giving back.

As the school year came to a close, the Sea Store Team walked away with business experience and a sense of pride, purpose, and a reminder that even small actions can create big, positive change.

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

A once-plain hallway at Waterboro Elementary School has been transformed into a vibrant mural, thanks to the creativity and teamwork of LearningWorks students. What began as a request from school administration to “add some color” quickly evolved into a full-scale art project that reflects the spirit of the entire school community.

From the start, students approached the project with purpose. After learning about the power of public art and its ability to communicate without words, they understood their mural needed to speak to everyone, no matter their age or language. A visit to the mural’s future site—a hallway connecting the gym and cafeteria—sparked the realization that this space was the perfect place to celebrate everything that makes Waterboro Elementary School special.

Students decided on a theme of community, highlighting art, music, reading, healthy food, friendship, and the school’s core values. Drawing inspiration from artists like Keith Haring and Romare Britto, they blended ideas and styles to make sure every student’s voice was reflected. When it came time to present their plan to school leaders, they created visuals, practiced their roles, and walked in with confidence—and a few nerves.

The administration was impressed by their preparation and passion, offering full support for the project.

Painting the mural was a journey filled with memorable moments: spilled paint, sock prints, ladder adventures, and plenty of laughter. While there were challenges—like balancing individual ideas and learning how to compromise—the students grew as artists, teammates, and leaders.

Now, the mural stands as a lasting symbol of student voice, creativity, and connection. Staff, students, and families have praised the work, and the hallway has become a place where kids pause to admire, or even pose with, the art.

Although the paint has dried, the inspiration has not. These young artists are already dreaming about what wall they might paint next.

This story was written in collaboration with Waterboro Elementary School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

In a stirring display of patriotism, tradition, and student leadership, the cadets of Sacopee Valley High School’s Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program proudly led a moving “Two Lights” ceremony and historical reenactment to honor the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Held on April 17, 2025, the event captivated an audience of approximately 550 students, educators, and community members, transforming the school grounds into a living tribute to a pivotal moment in American history.

At the heart of the ceremony was a reenactment of Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride. In a scene that transported the crowd back to April of 1775, one of Sacopee Valley’s own teachers rode on horseback, passionately portraying Revere’s urgent mission to warn the colonists of the advancing British forces. The moment was brought to life by the dedication and planning of the JROTC cadets, whose attention to historical detail—from colonial costumes to lantern displays—created an unforgettable experience.

The ceremony was part of the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” curriculum, a nationwide initiative developed by America250 to mark this significant anniversary and inspire a deeper understanding of America’s fight for independence. The students honored tradition by reading Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s iconic poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,” infusing the event with a sense of reverence and historical significance.

The primary architect behind the event’s success was Major Dan Bartlett, U.S. Army (ret.), senior JROTC instructor at Sacopee Valley High School. His leadership and dedication, alongside the tireless efforts of the cadets, ensured the ceremony not only educated but also profoundly moved all who attended.

“This was more than a reenactment; it was a community celebration of our shared history,” Major Bartlett said. “Our cadets worked hard to make this an immersive and meaningful event, and they did it with pride and precision.”

The powerful gathering at Sacopee Valley High School served as a vibrant reminder that the echoes of Paul Revere’s ride still resonate today, reminding new generations of the courage, urgency, and unity that helped shape a nation.

“We all had a wonderful time planning and executing this event. It was awesome to have the opportunity to perform this in front of our middle school and high school. I was told by many children there that it was a really cool event, and they were glad they got to come—especially because of the real horse that we had for Paul Revere to ride,” Cadet Gage Wilson said.

Information for this story was provided by Sacopee Valley High School. To submit a good news story to the Maine Department of Education, please fill out the good news submission form. 

Photo courtesy of Edmunds Consolidated School, one of the four Life Happens Outside® Challenge-winning schools

To promote mental health awareness and build lifelong habits of outdoor time, Teens to Trails hosted its second-ever Spring Life Happens Outside® Challenge for Maine middle and elementary schools (grades 5-8). The Challenge ran from May 9-16, 2025, and encouraged students, staff members, and teachers from across the state to get outside, as research shows that spending time outdoors significantly benefits both mental and physical health.

This year’s Challenge was a tremendous success, with 30 schools from 12 counties and one Maine Indian Education school participating and collectively recording nearly 5 million minutes of outdoor time. That equals more than 82,000 hours–or nearly 9.5 years spent outside in just one week!

During the Challenge, 6,454 students enjoyed outdoor classes, playing sports, spending time with friends and pets, riding bikes, and simply taking moments of quiet in nature. Here’s what some students shared about their experiences:

“I like outside.” – 6th grader, Saco Middle School

“Stepping away from screens and routines gives my brain a reset.” – 8th grader, Marshwood Middle School

“I now know that even short moments outdoors make a big difference in how I handle stress and stay focused.” – 8th grader, Boothbay Region Elementary School

“Spending time outside made me more happy and focused.” – 8th grader, Messalonskee Middle School

Thanks to the generous support of lead sponsor Unum and legacy sponsor First National Bank, the four schools with the most outdoor minutes per student were awarded $1,000 each to invest in future outdoor programming.

The winning schools are:

• Sipayik Elementary School, Pleasant Point
• Washburn District Elementary School, Washburn
• Edmunds Consolidated School, Dennysville
• The Ecology Learning Center Bridge Program, Unity–recognized by Teens to Trails as a Trailblazer in Alternative Education for logging more than 4,000 minutes of outdoor time per student during Challenge week!

“We’re incredibly proud of these schools and all the students who participated,” Alicia Heyburn, Executive Director of Teens to Trails, said. “The stories we heard about feeling refreshed, happier, and more relaxed confirm what research tells us: Time outdoors is essential to mental and physical wellbeing. We hope these students continue to embrace the outdoors long after the Challenge.”

Teens to Trails would like to extend a special thanks to everyone who made this event possible and who helped foster a culture of outdoor time in schools across Maine.

To learn more about the Challenge or winning schools in your area, please reach out to Connor Huggins, Teens to Trails Outreach and Communications Manager, at connor@teenstotrails.org.

The original Maine DOE Newsroom article for the Challenge can be found here.

At Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, students aren’t just being asked what they want to be when they grow up; they’re being shown how to get there. On April 17, 2025, more than 500 students in grades five through eight participated in the school’s second annual Career Day, a highlight of a month-long career exploration effort that has become a cornerstone of the district’s advisory program.

This event capped off a series of advisory lessons designed to help students explore their interests, discover career pathways, and understand how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s opportunities. It’s part of MSAD 15’s three-year initiative to build a comprehensive advisory program that prepares students not only for high school but for life beyond graduation.

Career Day began with an engaging keynote by Betsy Libby, President of Central Maine Community College, who shared career trends, educational pathways, and information about Maine’s community college programs—all in a style that was interactive and accessible for middle schoolers. Her session set the tone for a day full of hands-on experiences and personal connections.

Students then rotated through four sessions, each offering a menu of career presentations. With more than 50 professionals volunteering their time, including engineers, firefighters, Zumba instructors, oyster farmers, journalists, therapists, and even FBI agents, students had no shortage of inspiration. The school’s four wings transformed into career exploration hubs, allowing students to interact with professionals in a wide range of fields.

Breakout sessions included interactive demonstrations like flower arranging with a florist, learning bus maintenance from a district mechanic, coding, and meeting animals brought in by the local humane society and therapy dog handlers. Unsurprisingly, the sessions with animals were among the most popular.

Student feedback painted a clear picture: Career Day was a hit. Many said they liked “everything!” Others shared that they appreciated “learning more than regular schoolwork” and being able to “actually experience jobs.” One student remarked, “I learned what I want to do for my backup job if the NFL doesn’t work out.” Several noted how presenters “answered all our questions” and that it was “interesting to learn what jobs do for the community.” The biggest takeaway was how many students walked away saying, “Now I know what to do when I’m older.”

Behind the scenes, Career Day was a true all-hands-on-deck effort. From custodians and kitchen staff to school counselors, teachers, and administrative assistants, every part of the school community contributed to making the day a success. Planning took nearly four months, but the result was a meaningful, memorable experience that left students inspired and informed.

Grounded in Maine’s Life and Career Ready standards, the advisory program at Gray-New Gloucester Middle School continues to connect classroom learning to the real world. With plans to make Career Day an annual event, the school is helping students to dream big and understand the steps it takes to get there.

This story was submitted by Gray-New Gloucester Middle School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

On May 27, students in Dirigo High School’s Marine Biology Class swapped the mountains of western Maine for the salty sea air of Bar Harbor, embarking on an unforgettable cruise that brought their classroom studies to life in the most immersive way possible.

The two-hour Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching Tour, operated by Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, was more than a scenic ride along Maine’s coast for these students. It was a dynamic learning experience, as they engaged with real-world applications of marine science concepts. After studying marine ecosystems, the impact of climate change, and population regulation in class, this trip was a chance for these students to see the living proof of those lessons just beyond the boat rails.

As the boat glided across Frenchman Bay, students watched in awe as lobster traps were hauled in, revealing not only lobsters but also the important role that sustainable practices and long-standing community traditions play in Maine’s fishing industry. The crew explained the complex rules and etiquette of lobstering, emphasizing conservation efforts and the way that climate shifts are changing lobster migration patterns and yields.

One of the biggest thrills for students was the chance to see and hold a live, pre-banded lobster, a hands-on experience that sparked laughter, excitement, and surprise.

“The lobster tickles!” one student shouted, adding a memorable and light-hearted moment to a deeply meaningful day.

The educational impact didn’t stop with lobsters. The timing of the tour couldn’t have been better; it was seal pup season, and students were treated to views of harbor seals with their young, lounging on coastal rocks and swimming alongside the boat. The tour guides shared information about the life cycles, behaviors, and habitats of Maine’s native seal species, deepening students’ understanding of marine mammals and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.

This experience was made possible entirely through grant funding, meaning the trip came at no cost to students or their families. For a rural district like RSU 56, where many families face economic challenges, the opportunity to offer this kind of enrichment is rare and deeply valued. By taking learning outside of the classroom and into a real-world marine setting, this field trip helped students form lasting connections between science content and the environment around them. From biology of lobsters and seals to the socioeconomic realities of Maine’s fisheries, students were able to see, touch, and understand their curriculum in a completely new way.

This is the second time that Dirigo High School’s students have been able to participate in an experience like this, thanks to grant support. Each time, it opens new doors, for curiosity, for confidence, and for a deeper sense of place. By connecting lessons from western Maine to the ecosystems of the coast, Dirigo’s Marine Biology Class proves that the best learning happens when students explore beyond the classroom and into the world.

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

(Educators in action during the Playworks training at Noble Middle School)

On May 14, MaineHealth’s Healthy Eating, Active Living Team hosted a full-day professional learning event at Noble Middle School in Berwick that brought together educators from across southern Maine to explore the power of play in schools.

Teachers, ed techs, and administrators arrived from Noble Middle School, Sanford Middle School, York Middle School, Marshwood Middle School, Crooked River Elementary School, Saint Thomas School, and Harold B. Emery Jr. Memorial School. Many came curious about how play could shift school dynamics. They left with new tools, new energy, and a renewed appreciation for what it means to build connection through fun.

The day began early, with a check-in and casual conversation over coffee. By 8 a.m., educators were already in motion, diving into the first session, “The Power of Play.” This active morning segment focused on how structured games can promote inclusion, improve school climate, and help students practice critical social skills like communication and teamwork. Participants didn’t just talk about it; they played. They ran, laughed, learned, and rediscovered how powerful it feels to be a part of a team.

After a midday break for lunch and a chance to reflect, the afternoon shifted to “Proactive Group Management.” In this session, educators practiced real-life strategies for supporting students during recess and class time. They learned how to manage groups more effectively, address conflicts in the moment, and make sure all students feel seen, supported, and safe.

The workshop wrapped up around 3 p.m., but the enthusiasm in the room suggested that the lessons and the momentum would carry well beyond the day. One educator said, “Thank you again for the awesome workshop at Noble Middle School. We’ve already started using some things I learned. I’m totally reinvigorated about recess.”

Playworks, the national nonprofit that led the training, has a simple but powerful mission: to help schools use play as a force for inclusion, empowerment, and joy. Thanks to funding from Hannaford’s Eat Well, Be Well initiative and the support of MaineHealth’s Let’s Go! program, this workshop, and others like it, are free to participating schools.

For those who missed the May event, two more full-day Playworks workshops are coming on Friday, October 10. One will take place at Boothbay Region Elementary School for educators working with grades K through five. The other will be held at Guy E. Rowe School in Norway for educators supporting students in grades K through six. If you are interested in attending either of these workshops, please reach out to Sarah Carter at MaineHealth by email at Sarah.A.Carter@mainehealth.org.

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