Upper Kennebec Valley Students Cultivate Life Skills in the Greenhouse

At Upper Kennebec Valley Junior/Senior High School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door; it grows, quite literally, from the ground up. What began as a student-built project in 2021 blossomed into a fully functioning greenhouse by the spring of 2022. Now, it serves as a living classroom rooted in responsibility, sustainability, and community engagement.

The Upper Kennebec Valley’s agriculture elective, led by nature-based educator Isaac Davis, immerses students in real-world learning experiences. Since launching his program in 2021, Davis has guided students through every stage of greenhouse and garden care—from soil testing and transplanting to pest control and harvesting. With class sizes averaging ten to twelve students, the program fosters a strong sense of teamwork and independence, all while exploring the science and systems behind sustainable agriculture.

Inside the greenhouse, students grow a wide variety of plants from seeds and cuttings. Colorful flowers like geraniums, marigolds, and snapdragons fill the space, alongside hearty vegetables, including tomatoes, brassicas, tubers, and even corn. The lessons, however, go far beyond plant care. Students learn how to identify and treat nutrient deficiencies and plant diseases, manage inventory, and apply best practices for integrated pest management. It is a full-circle approach that connects students to both science and the purpose behind what they grow.

In 2025, the program reached an exciting milestone: its first soft opening to the public. Students took the reins with everything—from pricing and marketing to customer service and sales—putting their learning into action and gaining invaluable entrepreneurial experience. While formal leadership roles exist, the course places greater emphasis on developing self-reliance. Students are expected to manage time-sensitive tasks and to see them through with care, pride, and ownership—skills that often carry over into their personal lives, with some students returning each fall to share how they’ve started their garden at home.

The greenhouse now operates year-round, with sections dedicated to both potted plant sales and in-ground cultivation. Support from the local community has been strong and steady. A recently introduced honor-system donation box at the entrance gives visitors a chance to contribute on their own time. All donations go toward essential operating costs, such as heating, helping the program to become increasingly self-sustaining.

That goal—true sustainability—is central to the greenhouse’s future. Davis is currently researching funding opportunities to support the addition of solar or wind power and a rainwater collection system. These upgrades are part of a larger five-year vision to make the greenhouse energy- and water-independent. In the short term, the program aims to broaden its plant selection and form partnerships with local growers, particularly for species that are difficult to start from seed.

One of the most heartening developments has come directly from the community. After several residents began donating extra plants and greenery, Davis was inspired to create a dedicated space within the greenhouse called, “The Good Will Greenhouse.” This is a place where generosity meets growth, and students take charge of managing a diverse and ever-changing inventory.

While still early in its public operations, the greenhouse is steadily gaining momentum. Social media has been the primary tool for spreading the word, and Davis anticipates more open houses and community events in the coming years. Each new class brings fresh ideas and energy to the table.

“My goal with this course is to teach patience, determination, and faith in the eventual payoff of one’s hard work,” Davis said. “It was Audrey Hepburn who once said, ‘To be a gardener is to hope in tomorrow,’ and I want my students to walk away understanding the importance of planning and investing in the future.”

At Upper Kennebec Valley, that future is already taking root—and it’s growing stronger every season.

This story was written in collaboration with Upper Kennebec Valley Junior/Senior High School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Maine DOE Update – August 1, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

2025-2026 Information for the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to remind you of two National Board Certification programs, governed by statute: For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a Scholarship Fund exists to help defray certification cost. For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a Salary Supplement Program available. In both cases, applications are to be submitted to the Maine DOE by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). | More

For ME Trainings Support Early Educators Across Maine

Across the State of Maine, educators are coming together this summer to strengthen the foundations of early learning through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) “For ME” instructional programs. These programs, which support pre-K through grade 2 classrooms, are part of a growing initiative to provide developmentally appropriate, play-based, and standards-aligned instruction for Maine’s youngest learners. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Ocean Avenue’s LearningWorks AfterSchool Students Celebrate a Year of Growth – In and Out of the Garden

At Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland, the final days of the 2024-2025 school year didn’t just mark the start of summer; they marked the culmination of something far more meaningful. On May 28, 2025, students, families, and staff gathered for a joyful celebration that bloomed with laughter, learning, and the unmistakable smell of fresh basil. | More

Orono High School Student’s Artwork to Be Featured During Wild Blueberry Weekend

The artistic talents of an Orono High School student will take center stage the weekend of August 2 and 3, 2025, as the State of Maine celebrates its fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

An Invitation to School Principals to Join Maine’s 2025-2026 Transformational Leaders’ Network

Maine DOE 2025 Annual Summit is Next Week! There is Still Time to Register!

Registration is still open for the 2025 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit, which will be held on August 5 and 6 at Thomas College. The two-day event, which costs $250 per person, includes breakfast, lunch, and access to nearly 100 sessions from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that registration fees will be waived for identified schools for up to $2,500 (the equivalent of 10 staff members) per school. Identified schools are those that have been identified as part of Maine’s Model of School Supports (MMSS). | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

For ME Trainings Support Early Educators Across Maine

(Pictured: Teachers work together during the “Building Beautiful Things” activity, bringing in classroom items to build, collaborate, and reflect on the importance of play-based learning.)

The Maine DOE recently hosted two of its signature summer trainings in Augusta: K for ME and 1st and 2nd Grade for ME. Over four days (two days for each grade level), nearly 140 educators participated in sessions designed to build confidence, encourage collaboration, and support high-quality instruction using the Maine DOE’s open-source curriculum. These training sessions weren’t just about introducing materials; they were about empowering educators to bring those lessons to life in their classrooms. Pre-K for ME trainings were held during the same week in Hampden and Falmouth.

The For ME instructional programs have been steadily expanding since their initial launch in 2018. What began with a focus on pre-K has now grown into a full suite of resources for the early elementary years. This summer is especially exciting, as it marks the official introduction of 2nd Grade for ME, completing the pre-K to grade 2 continuum.

Each summer, the Maine DOE invites educators from across the state to join these trainings and become a part of a professional learning community that extends into the school year. This year’s sessions are supporting more than 240 professionals across the pre-K to grade 2 span, including classroom teachers, ed techs, instructional coaches, special educators, and administrators from about 30 school districts and 10 private childcare programs.

What makes these trainings particularly powerful is the leadership behind them. Many sessions are led by experienced teacher leaders—practicing educators from RSU 22, as well as school systems in Falmouth, Sanford, Brunswick, and other communities. These educators bring firsthand experience from their classrooms and help to mentor peers through model lessons, classroom visits, and professional guidance.

Later this summer, the Maine DOE will also offer a special “deeper dive” session for pre-K educators who have been using the program for more than three years. This one-day training was created using direct feedback from participants and is tailored to help veteran educators to explore the curriculum in new and meaningful ways.

With each training session, the Maine DOE continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing not just student learning but also the professional growth of those guiding them. The energy, collaboration, and innovation on display this summer highlight a shared goal across Maine’s education community: ensuring that every child has a strong, joyful start to their educational journey.

Ocean Avenue’s LearningWorks AfterSchool Students Celebrate a Year of Growth – In and Out of the Garden

Throughout the year, the LearningWorks AfterSchool program at Ocean Avenue was a place for students to grow—in every sense of the word. One of the most popular features of the program this spring was the health and wellness cooking club, where students rolled up their sleeves and discovered just how empowering (and tasty) healthy eating can be. Whether whipping up simple seasonal dishes or learning how to navigate a kitchen with confidence, they found pride in preparing food they could enjoy and share.

The lessons didn’t end at the table! Earlier this spring, families joined students for a creative project that planted the seeds for something special—literally. Caregivers and kids sat side by side, painting flowerpots in bright colors and bold designs, knowing that they would soon be home to basil plants that they would nurture together.

Two months later, those same pots were filled with life. At the program’s year-end gathering, students tucked basil seedlings into the soil with careful hands and eager hearts. With a quick crash course in how to tend to their new leafy friends, they headed home with plants, pride, and a few new favorite recipes.

“We’ve seen incredible growth this year,” Site Coordinator Stephanie Bethel said. “Not just in what students can do but in how they see themselves. From painting pots to planting basil, everything we’ve done has helped students—and families—to feel more connected, more confident, and more capable.”

As part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, LearningWorks AfterSchool continues to foster safe, inspiring spaces that stretch beyond academics. At Ocean Avenue, those spaces came alive this year with the smell of pesto, the sound of laughter, and the roots of something that will keep growing long after summer begins.

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

An Invitation to School Principals to Join Maine’s 2025-2026 Transformational Leaders’ Network

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to invite school principals to register for a year-long professional learning experience called the Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN). The TLN offers principals an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and network with fellow principals across the state. This dynamic, learner-centered program, facilitated by experienced educational leaders, has a rich history of success and is open to all Maine principals.

The most important aspects of the TLN are summed up in these words: connection and community, learning and reflection, and safety and support. Unlike a typical professional development program, the TLN is a professional lifeline, providing a trusted community where school leaders find belonging, clarity, and collective wisdom. The TLN’s structure of reflective practice, peer validation, and collaborative problem-solving transforms how changes are implemented and sustained. Leaders move from isolation to connection, from reactive decisions to strategic action, and from centralized control to shared leadership.

Each session involves sharing challenging issues, experiencing tools for leading at your school, and exploring relevant leadership literature in a community of like-minded learners. As turbulent times in public education continue, filled with challenging situations, this year’s TLN will focus on the theme: Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Positive Change.

What the Research Says
In February of 2021, a research report commissioned by the Wallace Foundation was released. This report suggests that the way in which principals approach school leadership directly affects schools’ outcomes. These outcomes are defined as “drivers of principals’ impact.” They include:

Forms of engagement with teachers that center on instructional practice
Practices that encourage a school environment marked by trust, efficacy, teamwork, engagement with data, organizational learning, and continuous improvement
Facilitating productive collaboration and professional learning communities
Managing personnel and resources strategically

This research supports the importance of leadership in maintaining the climate and culture of a school. As Jason A. Grissom, co-author of the Wallace Foundation report, noted this year in a webinar: “The best evidence we have is that the best way to support principal growth is to lean on what we already know is important from studies of adult learning: Professionals learn complex roles when they get development opportunities that are ongoing, collaborative with their peers, and closely connected to their needs in their day-to-day work.”

Evidence from a 2025 case study of the TLN showed that over the years, as principals remained in the TLN program, they could see a pattern of increased retention of staff members. Focusing on culture and respectful leadership helped to attract and retain quality staff. “It’s how people are treated that draws them in,” one TLN participant stated. “[The TLN] helped me learn to connect with a person, so they’re more than just an employee.”

Pre-K—grade 12 principals are encouraged to apply for the TLN. Those who participate must commit to six in-person, full-day sessions (at places to be determined, based on the locations of participants). There will also be four sessions with the option of attending virtually or in-person. The 2025-2026 TLN program schedule is as follows:

Full-day sessions (in-person from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) are on:

September 19, 2025
October 24, 2025
December 5, 2025
January 30, 2026
March 27, 2026
May 8, 2026

Remote and/or regional meetings will take place the weeks of:

November 17, 2025
February 23, 2026
April 13, 2026
June 15, 2026

Successful completion of the TLN may result in contact hours for re-certification purposes. Additional highlights include:

Continuous, job-embedded professional development for a shifting role
A collaborative learning community with practice/support for conflict management
Emotional intelligence learning and reflection, helping to shift leadership mindsets
Enhancement of school climate and culture with strategies to build trust, communicate openly, and support and engage staff more effectively
Implementation of systems and structural change by using concrete tools and supports for sustainable procedural changes
School leadership teams that prioritize the distribution of leadership, helping others to feel valued and empowered, building capacity, and nurturing future leaders
Intentional, equity-focused analysis and techniques

Registrations for the TLN will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply for the 2025-2026 TLN here. To receive materials by the first session, participants are encouraged to register by September 10, 2025.

The TLN registration fee is $295 per participant for the full year of professional learning, including all TLN content, activities, and materials. If you are the leader of an identified school under Maine’s Model of School Supports (TSI-Targeted School Improvement, ATSI-Additional Targeted School Improvement, CSI-Comprehensive School Improvement), please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov for a discount code to cover your registration fee. Participants will be responsible for travel expenses.

With general questions, please contact christina.l.oneal@maine.gov. For specific program details, please contact Fran Farr, Lead TLN Facilitator, at franfarr522@gmail.com.

For more information, and to read comments from past TLN participants, please click here.

Orono High School Student’s Artwork to Be Featured During Wild Blueberry Weekend

The artistic talents of an Orono High School student will take center stage the weekend of August 2 and 3, 2025, as the State of Maine celebrates its fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend.

On July 17, 2025, at Brodis Farm in Hope, Governor Janet Mills made the official proclamation of Wild Blueberry Weekend, a tradition since 2021 to celebrate the state’s berry and the growers and processers who harvest it. This statewide event features farm tours and other activities at more than a dozen wild blueberry farms across ten counties, as well as wild blueberry-themed offerings at restaurants, ice cream shops, and breweries.

This year, the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine announced a T-shirt design for the fifth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. During her Brodis Farm visit, Governor Mills celebrated Orono High School student Elena Weaver, whose winning design will be featured on T-shirts to be sold at participating farms during Wild Blueberry Weekend.

“We launched the T-shirt design contest this year in celebration of Governor Mills’ proclamation of 2025 as the ‘Year of Youth in Agriculture’ in Maine,” Jennifer Maskala, Director of Programs for the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, said. “We reached out to more than 100 Maine schools to encourage student participation and were proud to receive submissions from across the country.”

Maskala said that a selection committee reviewed all entries using a judging rubric and evaluated them based solely on the artwork itself.

“We were honored to recognize a youth winner from Maine and an adult winner from Washington state at the Governor’s Wild Blueberry Weekend proclamation event—a meaningful way to celebrate creativity, agriculture, and the next generation of leaders in our industry,” Maskala said.

Thirty-one people total submitted designs for the Wild Blueberry Weekend T-Shirt Design Contest. Maskala said the Commission selected Weaver’s design based on its strong visual impact, creativity, and clear appeal to young audiences. Maskala said that Weaver’s design stood out for its originality and the way it captures the spirit of Wild Blueberry Weekend in a fun and engaging way.

“I love doing art, and it is special to have my work seen by so many people. There are a lot of subtle colors to wild blueberries as they ripen, and this influenced my design,” Weaver said. “My favorite thing about blueberries, though, is eating them!”

In 2024, more than 10,000 people attended Wild Blueberry Weekend events in Maine. If turnout is similar this year, that will make for quite the platform for Weaver’s artwork.

You can learn more about Wild Blueberry Weekend, and find a map of participating locations, here.

2025-2026 Information for the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to remind you of two National Board Certification programs, governed by statute:

For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a Scholarship Fund exists to help defray certification cost.
For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a Salary Supplement Program available.

In both cases, applications are to be submitted to the Maine DOE by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Please see the information below for an overview of these two valuable programs, as well as streamlined application procedures. Applications for both programs will open on August 14, 2025, but you may consider gathering the required information from eligible educators in your SAU/school now.

This is a wonderful way to support and reward teachers, and we would encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, with questions at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

Scholarship Funds for Teachers:
The National Board Certification Scholarship Fund was established by State law to encourage teachers to apply to and enroll in the certification program offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or its successor organization.

An SAU, or a publicly supported secondary school, may request scholarship funds on behalf of its teachers who meet the eligibility requirements. For further details, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Maine DOE’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards webpage.

Scholarship Funds Application Procedure:
By October 15 of each year, per statute, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, may request scholarship funds on behalf of a teacher who has met all of the eligibility requirements.

Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Scholarship Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, teacher email, school name, position title, number of years teaching in Maine, components submitted to NBPTS, scholarship funds requested, and all other funds received.

Important Dates:

August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
November 15: Scholarship applicant notification
December 15: Scholarship funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE regions

Salary Supplements for NBTS-Certified Teachers:
Per statute, any public school teacher, or teacher in a publicly supported secondary school, who has attained certification from NBPTS no later than July 1 of the fiscal year, and who meets eligibility requirements, shall receive the annual supplement for the school year.

The amount of the salary supplement for each fiscal year is appropriated by the Maine Legislature. As outlined in statute, free and reduced poverty levels are determined by the annual free and reduced lunch data collection. The Fiscal Year 2025 ED 534 report will be used to determine the 2025-2026 school year salary supplement award amounts.

For further details, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Maine DOE’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards webpage.

Salary Supplements Application Procedure:
By October 15 of each year, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, must file with the Commissioner a certified list of National Board-certified teachers employed by the SAU, publicly supported secondary school, or CTE Region who are eligible to receive the salary supplement.

Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Salary Supplement Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, school name, ED 534 (free and reduced %), position title, and a copy of the NBPTS certificate.

Important Dates:

August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
By February 15: Salary supplement funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE Regions

Maine DOE Update – July 25, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Semifinalists

Eight exceptional Maine educators are state semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. As members of the 2025 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort, they embody the dedication, innovation, and leadership in the classroom synonymous with this recognition. These educators serve as ambassadors for their students, colleagues, and school communities, celebrating and elevating the entire teaching profession. | More

Maine DOE Hosts Summer Institutes on Integrating Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum

From July 14-16, 2025, educators from across Maine gathered on the coast for an immersive professional learning experience, designed to reimagine how literacy and numeracy are taught—not as isolated subjects but as essential, interconnected tools for deep learning across the curriculum. | More

Inside the Early Childhood Summit: Big Ideas for Maine’s Youngest Learners

In July, early childhood educators, family advocates, childcare providers, and community leaders from across Maine gathered in Brewer and in Portland for the 2025 Early Childhood Summer Summits—two days full of connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Marshwood Middle School Students Lead the Way at Wellness Summit

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Marshwood Middle School came alive with energy, excitement, and purpose, as students and staff participated in the school’s first annual Wellness Summit, a full-day celebration of mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Built around the theme, “Mindful and Strong,” the summit created a space for students to explore healthy habits, reflect on their wellness, and develop positive connections with their peers and the community. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Reminder: Register for the Maine DOE 2025 Annual Summit on August 5 and 6; Fees Waived for Identified Schools

Registration is now open for the 2025 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit, which will be held on August 5 and 6 at Thomas College. The two-day event, which costs $250 per person, includes breakfast, lunch, and access to nearly 100 sessions from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that registration fees will be waived for identified schools for up to $2,500 (the equivalent of 10 staff members) per school. Identified schools are those that have been identified as part of Maine’s Model of School Supports (MMSS). | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Marshwood Middle School Students Lead the Way at Wellness Summit

Organized by school staff with the help of community partners, the event featured more than twenty presenters, including local yoga instructors, mental health advocates, golf professionals, and student leaders. Students participated in a rotating schedule of interactive, hands-on workshops that focused on various topics, such as mindfulness and movement, stress management, nutrition, and creative expression. Sessions included painting, gratitude journaling, yoga, breathing exercises, healthy snacking, and even a visit from local K-9s.

“Middle school can be a challenging time for students, and we wanted to create a day where students could pause and reflect on their wellness in a fun, supportive environment,” Marshwood Middle School Principal Christine Goulet said. “The energy and engagement we saw were incredible.”

The summit’s goal was to empower students—not only as participants but also as leaders in their wellness journey. The event emphasized building skills in resilience, self-care, and emotional awareness, all within a positive, encouraging setting. Students had opportunities to try new practices and discover tools that they can continue to use long after the event.

“You could really see students connecting,” Kathleen Ring, a school counselor who helped to coordinate the summit, said. ”Some of them tried yoga or meditation for the first time and loved it.”

The event concluded with a school-wide field day that brought students together for fitness challenges, yard games, and an inflatable obstacle course, ending the day on a high note, filled with movement, teamwork, and fun.

With strong support from the school community and positive feedback from students and staff, Marshwood Middle School hopes to make the Wellness Summit an annual tradition.

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

Inside the Early Childhood Summit: Big Ideas for Maine’s Youngest Learners

Family Partnership Panel (pictured left to right): Jeannette Umugwaneza, April Tardiff, Cori Cantrell, and David Motel share lived experiences and insights to strengthen early childhood systems across Maine.

The events focused on strengthening early childhood systems through innovation, partnership, and family engagement, with a special emphasis on meeting the needs of Maine’s rural communities. Similar agendas were followed in both locations, with Maine educators from across the state sharing powerful examples. The summits were funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG), which supports coordinated efforts across Maine’s Early Care and Education Systems.

The day in Brewer began with a warm welcome from leadership at Maine School Administrative District 54 and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, setting the tone for an engaging and impactful agenda. One of the highlights early on was the Fireside Chat, where representatives from Regional School Unit 14 and two community-based child care programs, Tu Casa and A Child’s World, shared success stories and real-life challenges from their work in early care and education. Their insights showcased how community-rooted approaches and cross-sector teamwork can lead to stronger outcomes for children and families alike.

During the breakout sessions, attendees had the chance to explore targeted topics in smaller settings. In the session “Planning, Partnerships and Progress: Meeting the Rural Early Care and Education Challenges,” leaders from the Aroostook County Action Program shared how partnerships with local schools and providers, such as their collaboration with Easton Community School, are expanding access and offering comprehensive services in rural areas.

Mark Hatch, Assistant Superintendent in MSAD 54 and Nicole Chaplin, Early Childhood Program Manager at Kennebec Community Action Program

Jason Parent, Executive Director/CEO of the Aroostook County Action Program, leads a breakout session on rural early care and education challenges.

Summit participants share reflections and ideas during post-session table conversations.

“It was amazing to see how engaged everyone was, especially during the breakout sessions where people were truly excited to share ideas and learn from one another. It showed just how invested these communities are in supporting young children and their families,” Brooklynne Blockler, Communications Intern for the Maine Department of Education, said. She was onsite capturing pictures and videos throughout the event.

A second breakout session, “Preschool Special Education Services Partnerships,” offered insight into Regional School Unit 29’s work with Laugh & Learn Academy, highlighting the value of inclusive preschool models that serve children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in integrated settings.

After lunch, keynote speaker Elaine Zimmerman, former Regional Administrator for the Administration for Children and Families, brought a powerful perspective to the room. Her remarks encouraged attendees to think beyond programs and toward long-term systems change, emphasizing the role of public policy, family voice, and sustainable funding in driving progress.

The afternoon Family Partnership Panel was a standout session. Parents shared personal stories about their experiences navigating Maine’s early education landscape. Their honesty and passion underscored just how vital strong family-program relationships are—and how impactful those partnerships can be for both child development and family wellbeing.

Likewise, the Portland Summit featured wonderful examples of school system and community coordination in support of children and families, followed by Elaine Zimmerman and the panel of parents. School/community partner presentations in Portland featured:

Brunswick Public Schools, Family Focus, and the Midcoast Maine Community Action Program—focused on public pre-K partnerships
The First 10 Community School initiative in Sanford
Wiscasset Elementary School and Midcoast Maine Community Action Program

Throughout both days, table discussions and group report-outs created space for idea-sharing, networking, and regional collaboration. The event celebrated what’s working in early childhood care and also inspired new momentum for what’s next. The 2025 Early Childhood Summits proved that when communities come together with shared goals, open dialogue, and a focus on family, meaningful change is not only possible but already happening across Maine.

For more information and resources about early childhood, please visit this webpage. You may also contact Maine DOE Director of Early Learning Lee Anne Larsen at Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.