St. John Valley Technical Center Honors Anthony Pelletier as CTE Student of the Year

St. John Valley Technical Center has named (SJVTC) Anthony Pelletier as the SJVTC’s CTE Student of the Year. Anthony continually demonstrates a high level of leadership, organizational skills and responsibility in his academic and career pursuits within the Allied Health pathway. Anthony has successfully attained through this time at SJVTC the following achievements/certifications: Certified Nurse Assistant (C.N.A.), Personal Support Specialist (P.S.S), First Aid & CPR/AED certifications. He currently works as a Nursing Assistant at Crosswinds Residential Care Facility in Fort Kent.

Anthony enjoys challenges and is not afraid of hard work, always having a positive attitude and outlook on life. He is a strong advocate for providing community service and has been involved in the following Career and Technical Student Organizations: Health Occupation Students of America, National Honor Society and SkillsUSA.

Anthony is the top academic student within his Health Occupations program and continues to take advanced college courses within UMFK’s BSN program. Following graduation, Anthony plans to pursue enrollment within the Maine National Guards to help pay for his college expense. His career plans are to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Learn more about St. John Valley Technical Center by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

Build Community Through Writing – Summer Institute for Educators

The following opportunity is being hosted by The Telling Room as a resource for information and opportunities; is not an endorsement of any product or program.

Summer Institute for Educators 2021 seeks to build community through writing.

This year’s institute will take place from 6/28/21 – 6/30/2021. We will be running the Institute virtually over ZOOM.

Join us for three days to learn The Telling Room’s proven method for improving literacy skills while building confidence and a sense of community. We offer tools and techniques to teachers, artists, and nonprofit leaders in a professional development setting.

We gear our forum to educators who work with students 6-18, and seek deliverables that can be taken back to any community or student population.

Cost: $250 for full registration

What is included with registration:

Three days (10-3) of intensive workshops led by Telling Room staff & teaching artists. There will be a mix of presentations, small group work, and breaks throughout the day.

Opportunities to network with like-minded educators
Classroom-ready writing and publishing curricula

For more information and to register visit: https://www.tellingroom.org/program-reservations/summer-institute-for-educators-2021

Region Two School of Applied Technology Honors Alyssa Drake as CTE Student of the Year

Southern Aroostook County Region Two School of Applied Technology is pleased to name Alyssa Drake as the 2020/2021 CTE Student of the Year.

Alyssa Drake is currently a student in the Intro to Medical Professions course. This program includes a college level Nursing course as well as a Phlebotomy course that will give her a national certification.

Alyssa is a highly motivated student with goals of becoming a Registered Nurse, and will become a wonderful, competent, and caring nurse that has the ability to connect with patients. Alyssa will be attending Husson College this Fall. Alyssa has exhibited dedication, participation, and hard work with excellent study habits. Alyssa comes to school prepared and with a smile on her face and a positive attitude, every day.

In addition to her work in CTE, Alyssa works on her High School yearbook, manages the cheerleading squad, is a participating member of Olympia Snowe’s Women’s Institute, The National Technical Honor society, and in the process of becoming a member of the National Honor Society.

When Alyssa graduates in the spring, she will hold three college credits for Medical Terminology, CNA certification, National Phlebotomy certification, OSHA 10, BLS, along with completion of her first year Nursing Fundamentals class.

We are beyond proud of Alyssa and all of her accomplishments!

Learn more about Region Two School of Applied Technology by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

Virtual Workshop for Teachers: Middle School Science & Engineering Fair

The below opportunity is being hosted by the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance.

When: Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Where: Online (Interactive)
Benefits: Participation stipend, Subscription to Science News
Registration Deadline: May 28, 2021
FMI, Contact: Stefany Burrell

Did you know that Maine has a science fair for grades 6-8? The Maine State Middle School Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) provides youth with a chance to share their independent STEM projects with judges and their peers. The event encourages students to explore their own area of interest, engage in authentic science and engineering practices, and hone their science communication skills.

Late each spring, the MSSEF welcomes middle schoolers from around the state to present their work in a supportive environment. Students can work alone or in teams of 2-3. There is practically no limit to the topics a student can pursue. If it falls somewhere in the realm of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), it fits within the mission of the MSSEF!

As a middle school teacher, you may love the idea of giving your students this opportunity. But how do you start? Join us on Wednesday, June 23 to learn how. We will convene an interactive Zoom session where you’ll learn some tips for getting your students started on their projects and take away some activities to help them make the most of their independent work.

The top 10% of our state’s projects are invited to participate in the national Broadcom MASTERS competition. Although the prestige of winning is reserved for a handful of projects, all students who participate learn invaluable STEM and 21st century skills. Because the MSSEF is affiliated with the MASTERS competition, the Broadcom Foundation has provided MMSA with a grant to pay stipends to teachers who attend this training.

Learn more and register here: https://mmsa.org/2021/05/middle-school-science-fair-teacher-workshop/

Four Middle School Students Honored in Statewide Science & Engineering Fair

The Middle School Science & Engineering Fair announced its winners on recently in a livestreamed awards ceremony. Approximately 40 middle school students from Maine submitted projects to the fair, and four projects were recognized:

Lemelson Young Inventors Award ($100)

Ian Blackwell and Nik Horton – James F. Doughty School, Bangor
Ian and Nik’s project was entitled “Nanocellulose and sawdust particle boards”

Grand Awards:

1st Place – Adriana Rogow – Falmouth Middle School
Adriana’s project was entitled, “Insta-depressed?: the effects of social media on middle school students”
2nd Place – Grace Muffett – James F. Doughty School, Bangor
Grace’s project was entitled, “Can Tardigrades Survive a High Altitude Balloon Flight?”
3rd Place – Alex Busco – James F. Doughty School, Bangor
Alex’s project was entitled, “Microplastics in Bottled Water: Searching for a Common Correlation Between Bottle Size and Microplastic Concentration”

These three grand award winners will represent Maine in the Broadcom MASTERS competition.

For more information about the Maine State Middle School Science & Engineering Fair visit https://msmssef.blogspot.com/ or sign up for a virtual workshop hosted by Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance is running in June for teachers interested in learning more about the Middle School Science & Engineering Fair. Learn more or register here.

Somerset Career & Technical Center Honors Emma Huntley as CTE Student of the Year

Somerset Career & Technical Center (SCTC) has named Emma Huntley as CTE Student of the Year for 2021.

Emma is the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Huntley of Canaan. She attends Skowhegan Area High School. She is on the National Honor Society and participates in Track and Field and Upward Bound.

As a student in the Early Childhood Education Program, Emma had perfect attendance for the two-year program and earned two program leader awards. She is a natural leader in the classroom. Her peers often look to her for assistance with projects, technology and to help solve problems. Emma will always jump in to help with whatever is asked of her.

Emma is very active at SCTC. She participated in SkillsUSA, the Student Leadership Team and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She is a member of a team of peer facilitators who met with students to gather input. The team was instrumental in changing the districts focus on student mental health.

Emma’s goal is to become a High School English Teacher. She has been accepted into the 8 colleges where she applied.

Learn more about Somerset Career & Technical Center by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

MSAD 42 Adult Education Program Partners with A.R. Gould Hospital for an Innovative Approach to Fill CNA Workforce

Central Aroostook’s MSAD 42 Adult Education Program has a successful innovative partnership with local Northern Light AR Gould Hospital in Presque Isle to help fill an important workforce need in the area. Together they have a 7-week program that gives participants the opportunity to apply for a position that will give them not only the skills needed to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) but a guaranteed job as well.

Designed to take the stress out of training for a job as a CNA, the program has been training and employing CNAs for nearly 4 years. Participants can apply for the program just like they were applying for a regular position by filling out an application and undergoing an interview process. Accepted applicants get paid work full-time during training and are guaranteed a position upon graduation.

The program offers both didactic and hands-on skills, which is followed by a certification exam. Upon passing they are put onto the CNA registry and can fulfill clinical hours at Mars Hill nursing home where a position is waiting for them.

Like other regions throughout the state, Northern Maine has struggled with finding CNAs to work at the local nursing home. The goal behind this partnership is to build the workforce in the region by providing paid training and positions for residents.

“The program has worked out great, and the team effort between our Adult Ed staff and Northern Light ARG staff has gone very well,” said Kathy Miller, MSAD 42 Adult Ed Secretary.

This program has also provided the opportunity for summer classes that are available to juniors and seniors in high school. They are able to work part time until they finish high school. Upon graduation, they can begin working full time at the Mars Hill Facility.

Celebrating Foster Care Month in Maine

May is National Foster Care Month across the nation. It is a time to recognize that everyone can play a part in enhancing the lives of children and youth in foster care. Starting in 1988, U.S. Presidents issued annual proclamations in recognition of National Foster Care Month to show appreciation and gratitude to foster parents. Maine is committed to ensuring all children grow up healthy and safe and would like to take time to show appreciation for the incredible role foster parents have in lifting up the children in their care.

The purpose of National Foster Care Month continues to evolve based on the needs of the time. Current activities focus on increasing the visibility of the needs of children and youth in foster care and highlighting how the child welfare system can prioritize foster care as a service to families and promote reunification.

Below are resources for schools and families about celebrating foster care month and about fostering and adopting children in Maine:

Region 9 School of Applied Technology Names Jasmine Dixon CTE Student of the Year

Region 9 is proud to present Jasmine Dixon as our 2020-2021 Student of the Year. Jasmine is a second year Building Construction student. Her instructor, Jeff Rainey, shared:

“Sometimes you find your calling, and Jasmine has found hers. Her natural skills and abilities, along with her ability to follow instructions have launched her to the top of the class. In all my years of Building, I’ve never seen anyone come so far so quickly.”

Outside of school, Jasmine enjoys painting, wood burning and embroidering. She also likes riding snowmobiles and four-wheelers and going on motorcycle rides.

After graduating high school, Jasmine will be attending Eastern Maine Community College and participating in their Fine Woodworking and Cabinet Making Program.

Jasmine is passionate about supporting women in non-traditional careers. Her goal is to open a fine woodworking shop, and offer a place where women can demonstrate their skills and passion for the field.

Congratulations, Jasmine, from the staff, students, Board members, and the Director of Region 9 for being selected as our CTE Student of The Year!

Learn more about Region 9 School of Applied Technology by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

Sanford Regional Technical Center Honors Mary Lombardi as CTE Student of the Year

Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) is pleased to announce that Mary Lombardi has been named Career and Technical Education Student of the Year.

Mary Lombardi is a senior who attends SRTC from Traip Academy in Kittery. During Mary’s time at SRTC, she has achieved her Associates Certification in SolidWORKS and is working toward earning the CAM-F industry certification. In addition, Mary is dual enrolled through York County Community College.

At Traip, Mary is a member of Student Council, a founding member of Bring Change to Mind (a group designed to educate others about mental health), a four-year member of the Varsity Football Team, a member of the Civil Rights Team and Team Captain of the Traip FIRST Robotics Team. Mary used her free time during virtual schooling last spring to make over 200 reusable masks for the community.

In the words of Russell Clark, SRTC EAD Instructor, “Mary is exceptionally smart and talented. She uses every second of class time working on the most difficult 3D Engineering problems I can offer. Then she will use our most advanced textbooks to push herself harder.”

In Mary’s words, “My enrollment in EAD opened my eyes to my true passion in engineering and has allowed me to focus on this passion while still in high school. SRTC has truly been a magical experience.”

Learn more about Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video: