Locker Project Joins in To Feed PPS Families During COVID-19 Crisis 

In addition to the meals being provided to students by the Portland Public Schools (PPS), the nonprofit Locker Project is offering free bags of food to families at school meal distribution sites on Wednesdays and Thursdays on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Locker Project takes a whole-family approach to child hunger by providing healthy foods to take home for evenings and weekends, the times youngsters are most likely to experience hunger.

During the pandemic crisis, the district’s Food Service Department is serving free breakfast and lunch meals for anyone age 18 and under. Both can be picked up together anytime between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, Monday through Friday, from the bus loops at each participating school. No I.D. is necessary and youngsters do not need to be present or to qualify for free or reduced-price lunch or be PPS students to receive these meals.

The nine school distribution sites are: Deering High School, East End Community School, King Middle School, Lyman Moore Middle School, Peaks Island Elementary School, Portland High School, Presumpscot Elementary School, Riverton Elementary School and Rowe Elementary School. 

The Locker Project is offering free food bags from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Presumpscot, King, Rowe, and East End schools and on Thursdays at PHS, DHS, Riverton, and Lyman Moore schools.

“We are very grateful to the Locker Project for joining us to help families experiencing food insecurity during this crisis,” said PPS Food Service Director Jane McLucas. “We don’t want any students or families to go hungry.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine is offering additional dinner Grab & Go meal options for those 18 and under and their family members at their clubhouses. However, beginning Monday, April 13, the meals will be offered only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, instead of each weekday, in order to protect staff by limiting time spent in the kitchen. Families can pick up additional meals for Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends during the new three-day schedule.

The clubhouses are currently closed for regular use but families can pick up the dinner meals at those sites from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The clubhouses are in Portland, South Portland, Riverton Park, Sagamore Village and Auburn/Lewiston.

Anyone who wants to help students and families coping with hunger in this crisis can donate to the PPS Food Fund. The fund is a collaboration by the Foundation for Portland Public Schools and Food Fuels Learning to help ensure food security for PPS students. Learn more: https://foundationforpps.kindful.com/?campaign=1046737

For a full listing of schools and locations offering meals to students visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/meals

This story was submitted by Tess Nacelewicz, Communications Coordinator for Portland Public Schools as part of the Maine Schools Sharing Success Campaign. To submit a story or an idea, email it to Rachel at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

MSSM Student and Faculty Member Use 3D Printers to Create Medical Equipment

Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) has two community members working toward being part of the solution in the Covid-19 pandemic. Eli Wales, a sophomore from Mount Desert Island and Dr. Greg Hamlin, Computer Science Instructor at MSSM, have been using 3D printers to create full-face shields and ear strap holders for local hospitals. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designates full-face shields as preferred Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Eli joined a team of about 5 members with skills in 3D printing and an interest in helping the situation. Prior to the Governor’s edict to stay home, Eli and his team went around to schools in the Mount Desert Island area and borrowed Flashforge Finder 3D printers that have been donated to many Maine schools by the Perloff Family Foundation. Eli said, “each member of the team has created a small production line where we make as many ear strap holders as possible.” The purpose of the ear strap holder is to keep the face shield’s elastic band off the ears, which can hurt after wearing it for a number of hours. Eli has personally produced around 700 of the strap holders and other members have made about the same. He noted they have only made about 3 face shields and taken them to local hospitals to make sure they will be acceptable.

Dr. Hamlin, using 3D printers and materials from Maine School of Science and Mathematics, has been producing protective face shields for use by local healthcare providers. He has been running two of the school’s printers 24/7 producing plastic frames, which are then fitted with a transparent front panel made from overhead transparencies or similar material. An initial set of 40+ units has been provided to Cary Medical Center in Caribou.  Dr. Hamlin said, “We were fortunate that the school had the supplies and equipment on hand for the project, so it was just a matter of setting things up in my guest room and keeping the printers supplied with filament.

This article was submitted by Ryan McDonald, Public Relations Coordinator for Maine School of Science and Mathematics as part of the Maine Schools Sharing Success Campaign. To submit a story or an idea, email it to Rachel at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

Bath Tech Center Students Partner With Community Organizations to Build Low Income Housing

On March 25, 2020, Bath Housing Development Corporation undertook a project to move a newly constructed house, built by local students, to 57 Chestnut Street in Bath, Maine. This unique project is the result of a partnership between Bath Housing, the Bath Regional Career and Technical Center (BRCTC), Bath Rotary Charitable Trust, and Vaillancourt Construction.

Video credit:  Keegan Denery.

With financial support from the Bath Rotary Charitable Trust, students in the BRCTC Carpentry program are introduced to basic residential construction techniques through hands on application of theories taught in the classroom and applied in the construction of a modular home. Students experience framing the home, laying out and building risers, interior trim, sheetrock, roofing, and siding installing cabinetry, windows, and doors. At the conclusion of the two-year carpentry program, students leave with the skills to enter the field of residential construction and/or continue their education at the Community College level – along with the pride in knowing they built a house.

The home is 720 square foot with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings in the kitchen/living area. The house will have a zero-step entry into the home and a simple front porch. The house will go on the market early this summer and will be sold to a family at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.  Funds to acquire the site were provided by MaineHousing through its Land Acquisition Program.

Bath Housing purchased the BRCTC-built house from Bath Rotary Charitable Trust, and contracted with Vaillancourt Builders LLC – a long-term partner of the BRCTC Program – to oversee the sitework, building move, and finish work. Working with Dirigo Structures, the building was moved from its worksite on Congress Avenue to Chestnut Street on March 25.

This article was submitted by Julie Kenny, Director of the Bath Regional Career & Technical Center as part of the Maine Schools Sharing Success Campaign. To submit a story or an idea, email it to Rachel at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

UPDATE: PAEMST 2019-2020 Awards – Nominate a Teacher Today!!

UPDATE: The PAEMST Team decided to delay the application deadline from May 1 to October 26 due to COVID-19. To qualify for the October deadline, teachers must complete the eligibility component of the application by May 1. Teachers can begin an application for PAEMST by going to www.paemst.org. The eligibility component consists of seven easy questions and only takes a few minutes to do.

Should you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact the Department’s Mathematics Specialist, Michele Mailhot at Michele.R.Mailhot@maine.gov or the Department’s Science Specialist, Shari Templeton at shari.templeton@maine.gov.

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The National Science Foundation is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Since 1983, more than 4,800 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Awardees serve as models to their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education. Up to 108 awardees may be recognized each year.

The PAEMST program is open to outstanding STEM teachers in the 50 states; Washington, D.C.; the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. territories as a group.

Anyone–principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public–may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form available on the PAEMST website. To submit a nomination, you will need the teacher’s name, email address, and school contact information. If you know more than one teacher deserving of this award, you may submit more than one nomination. Teachers may also apply directly at www.paemst.org.

Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities; and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. They also join a network of award-winning teachers from across the country. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on the behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Friday 4/17

Virtual office hour schedule for Friday, April 17, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to join the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations – this includes password protecting meetings and in some cases requiring registration. Thank you for your patience!

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 8:30 AM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov
Health Education and Physical Education Susan Berry, Jean Zimmerman and Dan Chuhta 9:00 AM Register susan.berry@maine.gov
Special Eduction: Weekly Wrap Up Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM Register here roberta.lucas@maine.gov
SPPS/SAC Mary Adley 10:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password tracey.whitlock@maine.gov
Alternative Education Heather Whitaker 12:00 PM Join this session. heather.whitaker@gorhamsschools.org
PK-12 Science Networking/Office Hours Shari Templeton 12:00 PM Contact meeting host for link and password shari.templeton@maine.gov
Mindfulness Session (catered to Visual Arts Educators, but all are welcome) Jason Anderson, Visual and Performing Arts Specialist (MDOE); Kellie Bailey, SEL Specialist (MDOE); Hannah Bailey, Visual Arts Educator 2:00 PM Register here jason.anderson@maine.gov
CED and Middle School CTE Networking Diana Doiron & Meg Harvey 2:00PM Contact meeting host for link and password diana.doiron@maine.gov & margaret.harvey@maine.gov
Maine Seal of Biliteracy Roundtable Lavinia Rogers 2:30 PM Register lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 3:30 PM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov

 

RSU 4 Maintains Open Communication with Community Through Bi-weekly Online Forums

Every other week, RSU #4’s Superintendent Andrew Carlton and Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction, Kathy Martin, have been hosting an online community forum.  In order to create two-way communication with families, students and other community members, the two district administrators have been hosting a zoom meeting to allow constituents the chance to get information, ask questions, give comments and provide feedback on various topics that have affected our students during this COVID-19 pandemic.

RSU #4 started these zoom meetings during their first phase of the continuity of education plan as part of their communication efforts.  It was an opportunity to discuss food distribution, device pick-up procedures, and explain the educational plans for that phase of skills maintenance efforts.  During this meeting, parents could better understand responsibilities for parents, students and teachers during each phase of the plan. The meeting also allowed parents to give suggestions on how to support the learner with creating a daily schedule, for example.

By the second meeting, the district was in the Phase II portion of the continuity education plan.  Topics included questions about new learning in a remote setting, expectations for a typical school day, how to pick up personal belongings in our school buildings, and discuss what April vacation will look like.  In addition to discussing topics related to the remote learning plan, it was also a chance to discuss some business as usual events. For example, there was a discussion about the budget, the budget process and how the district will proceed over the next few months.    

All the zoom meetings have been recorded and shared through the district’s website and social media sites so community members could view the recording if they could not attend the actual meeting.  In addition, parents and students could send questions, comments or feedback ahead of time to ensure their questions or concerns would be addressed during the zoom.

The community forums are going to continue as one measure to open communication between the school system and community.  The zoom meetings can also leverage opportunities to better support and continue the vision of “inspiring our learners for future success” even in these unprecedented times.

This article was submitted by RSU 4 Superintendent Andy Carlton as part of the Maine Schools Sharing Success Campaign. To submit a story or idea, email it to rachel.paling@maine.gov.

MEDIA RELEASE: Reminder – April is Month of the Military Child

April is designated nationwide as Month of the Military Child. Maine honors the sacrifices made by military families statewide by encouraging school districts to engage in a variety of activities of their own choosing to celebrate Month of the Military Child.

As schools utilize remote learning to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts are encouraged to engage in activities via social media. The Maine State Council of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) has created the following alternatives for districts to participate in a virtual Purple Up! Month:

  • Wear purple to an online classroom via Zoom, Skype, and/or Teams.
  • Purple Up Selfie!  School staff, students, family members, and legislators are encouraged to wear purple, take selfies, and post them on social media.
  • Encourage your social community to participate in Purple Up! Month

Persons posting materials are encouraged to tag Maine DOE and MIC3 and to use the hashtags #PurpleUp and #MOTMC. Families can post pictures about their experiences as a military family to Facebook, Twitter and tag the Maine Department of Education at @mdoenews (Twitter) and at @MaineDepartmentofEducation1 (Facebook) as well as the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) at @MIC3.Compact (Facebook) and @MIC3Compact (Twitter).

PRIORITY NOTICE: Virtual Meeting Schedule – Thursday 4/16

Virtual office hour schedule for Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Maine Department of Education continues to schedule virtual office hours with Department Specialist to support educators and administrators during extended remote learning. During these meetings, our specialists will be available to provide support and guidance regarding distance learning and school supports, as well as to facilitate networking and resource sharing between educators.

As a reminder, virtual meeting schedules are regularly updated on this web page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/contentmeetings. The Department will continue scheduling content specific office hours as needed.

Please note that Department staff hosting the virtual meetings have ramped up security measures to keep out participants that are attempting to join the meetings for reasons other than to participate in education related conversations – this includes password protecting meetings and in some cases requiring registration. Thank you for your patience!

Virtual Office Hours:

(Please note: some meetings have a 100 person max capacity.)

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
(meeting times and information for the rest of the week are available here)

FOCUS AREA SPECIALIST TIME MEETING INFO HOT CONTACT INFO
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 8:30 AM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov
School Nursing: MaineCare Focus Emily Poland with Trista Collins from MaineCare 8:30 AM Contact Emily Poland for meeting link and password emily.poland@maine.gov
Pre K For ME- Focus on Classroom Environments Nicole Madore 9:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password nicole.madore@maine.gov
Exploring Different Types of Primary Sources in Social Studies Joe Schmidt 9:00 AM Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
PK-12 Social Studies Office Hour Joe Schmidt 10:00 AM Complete this form to register and to receive more information. joe.schmidt@maine.gov
Special Education: Middle School/High School/Transition Special Ed Consultants 10:00 AM Register here roberta.lucas@maine.gov
Adult Education Instructors Open Office Hours Amy Poland 10:00 AM Registration Link amy.poland@maine.gov
Physical Education Office Hours with Grade Span Breakout Rooms Jean Zimmerman & Susan Berry 10:00 AM Register susan.berry@maine.gov
Pre K Open Office Hours Nicole Madore 10:30 AM Contact meeting host for link and password nicole.madore@maine.gov
Health Education on Suicide Prevention via Distance Learning Susan Berry, Jean Zimmerman, Greg Marley & Karyn Bussell 11:00 AM Register susan.berry@maine.gov
ELA 6-8 Facilitated work session: thought partners to workshop your insructional taks Morgan Dunton 11:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Digital Learning- Best Practices in Video Tutorials and Self-Recording Jon Graham & Emma-Marie Banks 11:00 AM Register here jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov or emma-marie.banks@maine.gov
School Psychology During the COVID-19 Crisis Erin Frazier 11:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password Colene.Oneill@maine.gov
Mathematics: Intro to DESMOS Grades 3-5 Michele Mailhot &  Jen Robitaille 1:00 PM Register michele.mailhot@maine.gov or jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
Elementary Literacy Danielle Saucier 1:00 PM Contact meeting host for link and password danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov
World Language Office Hours (language specific) Lavinia Rogers 1:00 PM Register lavinia.m.rogers@maine.gov
“Meaningful but Managable” Weekly Session for Music Educators Jason Anderson 2:00 PM Register here jason.anderson@maine.gov
SEL/Mindfulness For Secondary Educators and Staff Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 2:00 PM Contact meeting host for link and password kellie.bailey@maine.gov
Mathematics: Intro to DESMOS Grades 6-8 Michele Mailhot &  Jen Robitaille 2:15 PM Register michele.mailhot@maine.gov or jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
ELA 6-12 Office Hours Morgan Dunton 3:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Digital Learning- Best Practices in Video Conferencing Jon Graham & Emma-Marie Banks 3:00 PM Register here jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov or emma-marie.banks@maine.gov
Mathematics: Intro to DESMOS Grades 9-12 Michele Mailhot &  Jen Robitaille 3:30 PM Register michele.mailhot@maine.gov or jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov
ELA 6-12 Office Hours Morgan Dunton 3:00 AM Contact meeting host for link and password morgan.dunton@maine.gov
Brain Centered Emotional Support Kellie Bailey/ Bear Shea 3:30 AM Join this session. bear.shea@maine.gov

PRIORITY NOTICE: Spotting Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect During the COVID-19 Emergency: An Updated Guide for Educational Professionals and Others who Care for Maine Children

The Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) issued the following updated guidance for education professionals and others who care for Maine children.

Spotting Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect During the COVID-19 Emergency: An Updated Guide for Educational Professionals and Others who Care for Maine Children

Download this notice as a PDF »
Download an infographic of this information »

SUPPORT FOR MAINE’S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:

In our great state of Maine, we are fortunate to have many talented professionals who positively impact the lives of children on a regular basis, and who continue to do so during this time of intense challenge. Teachers, principals, social workers, mental health providers, and countless other professionals have quickly transitioned to supporting youth and families virtually via phone, video, text, email, and other online resources. Maintaining contact with children and their caregivers is critical to supporting our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), relies on professionals, community and family members, and others to recognize and report child abuse and neglect concerns. OCFS recognizes that the current pandemic may increase stress, fear, isolation, financial instability, potentially creating higher risk for both child abuse and domestic violence within families. Professionals, community and family members, and others must continue networking with families to provide needed support, guidance and outreach, so that any observed concerns of suspected abuse or neglect can be reported.

HOW TO IDENTIFY SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT WHILE WORKING WITH FAMILIES:

First, take a deep breath and know that we are all in this together. As “helpers” who work with children and families you may experience added strain and worry for the families you work with, which takes an additional toll on each of you. Don’t forget to take care of you and your family, while also being there for those you support – be it in a classroom, therapy session, or other environment.

Even from a distance, there are ways to help to connect with children and families during this time:

Regularly engage with children and their caregivers and make it clear how you can be contacted and when you plan to meet, even if virtually. Children thrive on knowing what to expect, and this is particularly important now as children are surrounded by uncertainty and stress in our world and homes.

Acknowledge when working with children and families that virtual contact and communication will look different and is a change for all of us. Explain how video chats, online forums, and phone calls will work and point out what you hope can be familiar for children in these interactions. *See additional resources below regarding how to stay virtually connected to families.

Ensure the ability to have conversations in private when talking to children and families.

Talk to children and their caregivers and listen to their stories. It is important that each person can share their experiences and frustrations, and understand that feeling “upside down” right now is normal and to be expected. Pay attention to the environment during video chats, changes in child or adult behaviors, and to families with whom you are unable to engage or make contact.

Be curious and ask questions of children and caregivers about how they are doing, what is going well, and what concerns them about their current environment. For example, ask children: How are you feeling? What was the best/hardest part of your day? What did you have for breakfast? What do you like best about being home? What do you miss about being at school? What worries you?

Recognize as educators and professionals that you can’t do this alone. It is the responsibility of each of us to collaborate and provide a network of support and resources for families. Suggest resources and refer families to additional support as needed. *See additional resources below.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: TYPES AND REPORTING

There are four main types of abuse: PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SEXUAL, and NEGLECT. Below are some potential signs of abuse and neglect that could indicate a child may not be safe:

PHYSICAL abuse:

  • Child has bruising, welts, burns, bite marks, broken bones or other injuries that are not explained,
  • appear to be inflicted, or are suspicious.
  • Child may report having pain caused by parental behavior, though have no obvious signs of injury.
  • Child has been directly present in a room where domestic violence incidents have occurred.
  • Behaviorally, child may appear to be afraid of caregiver(s) and flinch when around them.

EMOTIONAL abuse:

  • Child may appear withdrawn, sad, or emotionally unattached to caregivers.
  • Caregiver is known or heard to repeatedly blame, belittle, or berate the child.
  • Child is aware of and exposed to domestic violence incidents between caregivers.

SEXUAL abuse:

  • Child may describe being sexually touched by a parent, caregiver, or other person in the home.
  • Child may demonstrate unusual sexual knowledge or behavior for their age.

NEGLECT:

  • Child is witnessing illegal substance use by caregivers, and/or has access to unsafe items in the home.
  • Child is not being supervised adequately for their age and developmental ability.
  • Child’s primary needs for food, education or, medical, dental, or mental health care are not being met

IMPORTANT: Please obtain as much detail as possible regarding any concerns, such as WHEN/WHERE an incident occurred, HOW something made the child feel, or WHAT injuries look like (size, shape, location). Ask open ended follow up questions to clarify information.

Additional information regarding law which defines Maine abuse and neglect can be found here: http://mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22sec4002.html

ANY person can report abuse/neglect. Persons who work professionally with children are required by law to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. It is NOT necessary for a reporter to first verify that the abuse or neglect has occurred. Click here for Maine’s Mandated Reporter Law

The Maine Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) operates the statewide hotline for child abuse and neglect. Trained staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take reports and answer questions.

To Report Child Abuse and Neglect call: 
1-800-452-1999

Deaf/Heard of Hearing Call Maine Relay 711

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR RECOGNIZING AND REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT:

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS AND PROVIDERS TO STAY VIRTUALLY CONNECTED WITH FAMILIES:

OTHER STATEWIDE RESOURCES IN MAINE:

  • Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services 1-877-452-1999 https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/
  • 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. (Free information & Referral): Dial 211 or 1-877-463-6207 (Out of State) https://211maine.org/
  • Office of Financial Independence (OFI) Support and Services: OFI Main Telephone Line 1-(800)-442-6003
  • Maine Unemployment Hotline: 1-(800)-593-8660 https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/
  • Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse: 1-800-624-8404 (Voice) or 711 (Maine Relay)
  • Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 (Voice) 1-877-299-4447 (TTY) Northern New England Poison Center
  • Maine Statewide Crisis Hotline 1-888-568-1112 (Voice/TTY) (Crisis Hotline)
  • Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program
  • Domestic Violence Hotline 1-866-834-HELP (4357) www.mcedv.org

ON BEHALF OF THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, OFFICE OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES, WE APPRECIATE THE ONGOING WORK OF EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN JOINING WITH US TO KEEP MAINE’S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SAFE AND HEALTHY.

Get to know the DOE team: Meet Lori Freeman

Maine DOE team member Lori Freeman is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to know the DOE team. Learn a little more about Lori in the question and answer below.

What are your roles with DOE?  

I work for Special Services of DOE.  I process the EFS-04’s which are State Agency Client Reimbursement Forms.  Special education costs for state agency clients.

What do you like best about your job?

I enjoy working with all the school districts, getting to know them all.  My position requires quite a bit of research and organization which I truly enjoy.  I work with a great team that really cares.

How or why did you decide on this career?

I am here to serve.  I’ve worked in the service field for years, including working for the homeless shelter and animal shelter. I enjoy working for the greater good.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

My passion is gardening, planting, and maintaining flowers and vegetables.  I just love being outside with my two Labs, taking long walks in the woods behind my house.  At the moment I am teaching myself how to play the guitar.