Student Nutrition Continues Beyond School Year with Summer Food Service Program

AUGUSTA — With the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maine public schools have long offered a nutritious breakfast and lunch meal program to thousands of children in Maine during the school year. With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out. The Summer Food Service Program, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, operates at hundreds of sites across Maine to ensure children get the nutrition they need when school is out.

“The National School Lunch Program is an important lifeline to our students for whom schools are a needed and consistent source for food. The Summer Food Service Program extends the access to food for children who might otherwise find themselves food insecure during the summer months.” Said Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin.

“We recognize that healthy bodies and healthy minds are needed for learning, and we are committed to assisting schools and communities as they address the needs of the whole child.”

The Summer Food Service Program may be offered statewide in areas or at sites where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced meal benefits under the National School Lunch Program, or where census track data supports the need. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, nonprofit residential summer camps, government agencies, and tax-exempt organizations, including faith-based organizations.

In 2018, 123 sponsors participated in the program, serving meals at 450 sites throughout the state. In 2019, these numbers are expected to grow. Sponsors operate open sites in all 16 counties in Maine; anyone 18 and under may come to eat at no cost. To find nearby Summer Meal sites, please visit USDA’s Summer Meal Site Finder website at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks, text “Summer Meals” to 97779 or call Maine 211.

Information is available mid-June.

For more information about the Maine DOE’s Summer Food Service Program, contact adriane.ackroyd@maine.gov, call 624-6726 or visit https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/nutrition/programs/sfsp.

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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the Agency ere they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, heard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0051. Maine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Regional Think Tanks – Maine Department of Education Wants to Brainstorm With YOU!

Ready for the end of the year? Can’t wait for summer? Before you shift to the summer season, help us to reflect on the 2018/2019 School Year and keep the momentum of discussion for education in Maine.

The Department of Education is hosting several opportunities to collaborate and share experiences in different regions during the 2019 Summer Think Tank series. Join us for half a day to discuss your preferred topic or stay for the day and participate in two sessions.  Lunch will be provided in between the morning and afternoon sessions.

All interested members of your school community are invited to attend, however, an RSVP is required in advance. Please be sure to select the activity/activities (including lunch) so we can be best prepared to host you.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

ME Defines School Success: As part of a statewide conversation, this session will focus on how we define the success of our public schools. Participants will contribute to the identification of common values across the state, tell us what makes your schools successful, and propose ideas as to how we can expand the conversation and how we can use the outcomes of the conversation to promote our public schools.

MLTI: Come and join a conversation about the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). Participants will engage in facilitated activities where they will share experiences, ideas, and feedback on the past 18 years of MLTI and discuss hopes for the future of the MLTI program.  Considerations may include devices, device distribution and management, infrastructure, professional development, and funding.

Special Education: Join us for a discussion of what’s working well with special education and what we can improve upon. Share your input on how we can better serve our students with disabilities and provide supports for schools and school administrative units.

Educator Excellence: To ensure that all students receive an excellent education that prepares them to succeed in today’s world, we must systematically increase the quantity and quality of our teaching workforce. This session is looking for feedback on issues related to increasing the recruitment and retention of talented classroom teachers. Topics include high retention pathways into the teaching profession, teacher professional development, and teacher leadership (career lattices that allow teachers to assume leadership roles without leaving the classroom). We are looking for school and district administrators as well as educators to participate in small group discussions to explore these topics. These conversations will assist the Department in enhancing policies and programs to attract and retain outstanding educators for Maine students.

Educator Readiness (7/8 PM Only): This session is an opportunity to provide feedback on a number of areas that impact educator readiness including diversity and equity, talent needs, professional development for educators, student teaching, the changing candidate profile, among others. We are looking for school and district administrators as well as educators to participate in small group discussions with representatives from Maine’s educator preparation programs to explore these topics. This conversation will assist the Department in enhancing policies and programs to support the changing needs of our schools, educators, and students.

JOIN US AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

June 11th – Lewiston

Ramada Lewiston and Conference Center
490 Pleasant Street
Lewiston, ME

AM/PM Topics will include:

  • Redefining School Success
  • MLTI
  • ME Special Education
  • Educator Excellence

To Register: http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=doespringthinktanklewiston

June 12th – Saco

Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center
5 Morris Ave
Saco, ME

AM/PM Topics will include:

  • Redefining School Success
  • MLTI
  • ME Special Education
  • Educator Excellence

To Register: http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=doesummerthinktanksaco

June 13th – Bangor

Bangor Banquet & Conference Center
701 Hogan Rd.
Bangor, ME

AM/PM Topics will include:

  • Redefining School Success
  • MLTI
  • ME Special Education
  • Educator Excellence

To Register: http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=doesummerthinktankbangor

June 19th – Winter Harbor

Schoodic Institute
9 Atterbury Circle
Winter Harbor, ME

AM/PM Topics will include:

  • Redefining School Success
  • MLTI
  • ME Special Education
  • Educator Excellence

To Register: http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=doesummerthinktankwinterharbor

June 20th – Presque Isle

Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center
116 Main Street
Presque Isle, ME

AM/PM Topics will include:

  • Redefining School Success
  • MLTI
  • ME Special Education
  • Educator Excellence

To Register: http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm
?name=doesummerthinktankpresqueisle

July 8th – Augusta

Senator Inn & Spa
284 Western Ave
Augusta, ME

AM/PM Topics will include:

  • Redefining School Success
  • MLTI
  • ME Special Education

PM Only:

  • Educator Readiness

To Register: http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=doesummerthinktankaugustawrapup

Maine Schools Selected for Peer to Peer Jazz Education Program

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz brought its Peer-to-Peer jazz education program Maine this week as part of a weeklong tour to New England public schools. The “informances” are a combination of performance with educational information will be presented by five of the country’s most gifted high school music students along with internationally acclaimed trumpet recording artist Sean Jones, Kansas City jazz and blues vocalist and a former winner of the Institute’s International Jazz Vocals Competition Lisa Henry, and renowned jazz educator Dr. JB Dyas.

Each school visit included an assembly program featuring a musical performance for all students, followed by workshops for each school’s jazz band and choir with the visiting student performers playing alongside and sharing ideas with their New England counterparts. The program took place at Portland High School on May 23rd, Deering High School on May 24th.

Immediately following the informances jazz workshops were held for each host school’s jazz band and choir in which the visiting students played side-by-side with Maine students, providing tutelage peer to peer.

The week-long tour will conclude with two performances open to the public on May 25 at Portland’s premier jazz club, Blue (650A Congress St.), where Portland residents and visitors are invited to enjoy an evening of music with Jones and Henry alongside jazz’s future “young lions.” The septet will perform standards, jazz classics, and contemporary jazz, including compositions from Jones’ and Henry’s latest recordings. The shows begin at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. For further information call 207-774-4111 or visit https://portcityblue.com.

Saco Middle School Hosts “Sebago Speaks” Event to Showcase Student Work

Saco Middle School co-teachers Andrew Fersch and Kaitlyn Leeman hosted an innovative student event recently called, Sebago Speaks. The event featured a series of talks given by students and community members on various issues, each about having a positive impact on the world and their community.

The Sebago Speaks student presenters were selected by their peers and teachers among the entire 7th grade class who all completed a class assignment which challenged them to conduct interviews, research, reading, and writing to create an inspiring presentation on a topic of their choice.

The event featured topics such as, plastic use, income inequality, drug abuse, technology addiction, football, melting ice caps, obesity, animal shelters, recess, music, survival, and kindness, among others.

Check out some of the videos from the event:

Melting Ice Caps – Rory

Girls Playing Football – Madalyn

Music – Lily

Animal Shelters – Laura

Money – Troy

 

Interdisciplinary, Exciting and Cost Effective Professional Development for Educators: Learning for the 21st Century

Join the Maine Department of Education as we explore knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for 21st century careers as well as the intentional actions of educators that support students’ skill and will to fuel their learning. During these day-long workshops, participants will delve into the principles of formative assessment as they examine strategies for building units of instruction that integrate multiple content areas. Sessions will be led by teams of the Department’s content specialists. Units will integrate combinations of world language, social studies, visual and performing arts, science, English language arts, health education and physical education, and mathematics. Units will also incorporate strategies for technology integration and family engagement.

Structure of the Day:

School districts are strongly encouraged to attend as teams of three or more people. Teams will gather at the beginning of the day for a panel presentation and discussion. Then, team members will attend breakout sessions where they will experience integrated lessons and units incorporating the principles of formative assessment drawn from Hattie, Fisher and Frey’s (2018) Developing Assessment Capable Learners text. Finally, at the end of the day, teams will reconvene to share, process, and apply what they experienced in the breakout sessions, as well as have opportunity to connect with other teams to gather additional ideas.

Team Configuration:

Teams may include PK-12 educators, administrators, instructional coaches, and special education instructors.  Schools are encouraged to include representation from multiple grade levels and all content areas when forming teams, and to divide up team members across breakout sessions.  The time at the end of the day will be more productive if participants attend as part of a team, but if an educator attends without a team, accommodations will be made to group single participants for sharing and planning. When registering participants, be sure to gather information about which breakout session each will attend.  Session descriptions are included below.

Registration Dates/Locations/Links:

Elementary (Pk-5):

July 9th at the Ramada in Lewiston, 8:30-3:30

July 24th at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, 8:30-3:30

Secondary (6-12):

July 10th at the Ramada in Lewiston, 8:30-3:30

July 25th at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, 8:30-3:30

Registration Cost:

$75/team of 3 or $30/ person.  Individual registrations are accepted, but teams are strongly encouraged.  Register by June 28, 2019.  Credit or debit cards are necessary for registration.  Cancellations must be made at least a week prior to the event to be eligible for a refund.  A morning snack and lunch will be provided. Participants will earn 6 contact hours.

For more information please contact Lee Anne Larsen, leeann.larsen@maine.gov or Beth Lambert, beth.lambert@maine.gov.

PK-5 Breakout Session Selections

Session 1: Laying a Foundation for Future Learning

Wendy L. Ostroff describes curiosity as being aware and open, checking things out, experimenting and interacting within one’s surroundings. Come explore with us ways to create the conditions for curiosity in the PK-5 classrooms. Together, specialists in Career and Education Development, Early Childhood Learning, Physical Education, and World Languages have designed learning experiences to pique curiosity about inventors, inventions and innovations and how they change daily life.  Presented by Maine DOE Specialists Jean Zimmerman (Physical Education), Lavinia Rogers (World Languages), Nicole Madore (Early Childhood), and Diana Doiron (Career and Education Development).

Session 2: Mimicking Animals

Humans have imitated and mimicked animal characteristics for as long as man has walked the earth. In this strand we will explore how humans use strategies inspired by nature to solve health and safety problems, then to communicate those out while embracing strategies that are proven to advance student learning and develop assessment capable learners.  Presented by Maine DOE Specialists Danielle Saucier (English Language Arts), Susan Berry (Health Education), and Shari Templeton (Science).

Session 3: Putting the You in Comm_nity

It takes a community to raise a child and this includes making sure that students understand that they are part of a bigger world. Take a look at what it means to be part of a community through the eyes of early childhood, visual and performing arts, and social studies as we explore an integrated approach to instruction that focuses on helping students take ownership in their own learning. Presented by Maine DOE Specialists Joe Schmidt (Social Studies), Nate Menifield (Visual and Performing Arts), and Sue Reed (Early Childhood).

6-12 Breakout Session Selections

Session 1:  To Tell the Truth: Using Decision-Making to Your Advantage

As the rate of change in the world increases faster than ever imagined, students need to be able to think on their feet, process new information, and make good decisions. Come explore with us ways to support students to think critically about the world around them by examining how Career and Education Development, Health Education, and Social Studies could use problem solving to develop decision-making skills that are necessary for success both in and out of the classroom.  Presented by Maine DOE Specialists Susan Berry (Health Education), Joe Schmidt (Social Studies), and Diana Doiron (Career and Education Development).

Session 2:  Graphical Literacy, S’il Vous Plait

World Languages, Mathematics and Science all build upon knowing how to read and interpret data found in a variety of graphical formats. We will utilize graphs to tell a story and to explore the intersections between content areas while practicing proven strategies that move the needle on student learning. Presented by Maine DOE Specialists Lavinia Rogers (World Languages), Michele Mailhot (Math), and Shari Templeton (Science).

 Session 3:  Strength And Stamina: Supporting Assessment Capable Students In Visual & Performing Arts, Health & Physical Education, and English Language Arts

 Building learning strength requires a growth mindset to set goals that are challenging and reachable. Building leaning stamina involves persistence, problem solving, planning, and practice. VPA, HPE, and ELA specialists will provide support for evaluating learning to set growth goals and model strategies for building stamina while focusing on the student’s overall experience throughout the school day, the school year, or the education pathway. Presented by Maine DOE Specialists Jean Zimmerman (Physical Education), Morgan Dunton (English Language Arts), and Nate Menifield (Visual and Performing Arts).

 

 

Quarter 4 Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism Webinar 

The final quarter of attendance reporting for school year 2018-2019 is coming soon. Quarter 4 attendance (end of year attendance certification) will finalize data for federal reporting of Chronic Absenteeism data to EDFacts, and for the calculation and reporting of the ESSA non-academic indicator of Chronic Absenteeism. This information is required to be made available to the public on the ESSA dashboards for each school. It is important for each school and district to verify that the attendance data is accurate and complete, prior to submitting by June 30th. Once we pass into July, the school year will then roll over into the 2019-2020 school year. This will finalize all the information from the 2018-2019 school year, and no changes  to the attendance or chronic absenteeism data for the 2018-2019 school year will be possible.

Open Date: June 1st, 2019

Due Date: June 30th, 2019

On June 5th, the Maine DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar for Quarter 4 attendance reporting. This would be beneficial for data compliance staff and district leaders. The purpose of this webinar is to provide the following:

  • a refresher on how to complete the Quarter 4 Attendance reporting
  • a brief overview of how this data is used for DOE reporting
  • why the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of this data matters to your district & community.

Webinar Registration: 
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3377460425957327627

More Information On Attendance Reporting:
https://www.maine.gov/doe/data-reporting/collection/helpdesk/resources/attendance

For assistance accessing attendance reporting, please contact the MEDMS Helpdesk at 207-624-6896

For questions regarding attendance certification or chronic absenteeism, please contact Student Data Coordinator Trevor Burns at 207-624-6678

 

MEDIA RELEASE: 1200+ Students Attend Annual MLTI Student Conference at UMaine Hosted by Maine DOE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kelli Deveaux (207) 624-6747 or kelli.deveaux@maine.gov

Orono – More than 1200 middle and high school students from schools across Maine gathered today at the University of Maine at Orono for the Maine Department of Education’s Annual Maine Learning Through Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference. The event is held each year to engage students in technology related learning.

The opening of the event featured Abby Sanborn from Sacopee Valley Middle School, in addition to student-led sessions where participants can learn a skill from their peers, and then create something using technology to take back to their schools. This year, in a special surprise for students, mascots from Maine’s public universities were on hand as part of a fun technology challenge and to highlight how a young learner can “apply yourself,” through the university system’s youth development and early college programs.

“Maine’s public universities provide a tremendous and growing number of youth development opportunities on our campuses, at our 4-H camps, and in partnership with local schools,” said Dr. Carol Kim, Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for the University of Maine System.  “This year 3,500 Maine high school students earned low and no cost college credit through our early college programs and we will provide enrichment and learning programs for 20,000 Maine youth through our 4-H camps and community programs.”

In a fun and interactive story line, UMaine’s mascot, Bananas, got himself trapped in a virtual world, and needed help!  His friends Augustus, Chompers, Benny, Hootie, Champ- the mascots from University of Maine Augusta, University of Maine Farmington, University of Maine Fort Kent, University of Maine Presque Isle, and University of Southern Maine, respectively- arrived on the scene, but needed the students to assist. Divided into teams, the students all worked collaboratively to solve puzzles and gather keys in order to free Bananas.

In addition to a great experience and new learning, 10 students left with $1,000 scholarships, should they choose to attend University of Maine in the future, and each campus raffled off their own swag bags. Educate Maine got into the mix when 5 more students got cool electronics, and all left with their eyes on future opportunities in Maine.

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Maine DOE Update – May 23, 2019

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

End of School Year 18’-19’Checklist for Completing Reports

The following checklist is designed to assist districts with publicly funded students in completing required end of year reports.  The dates listed after each report are when the report is open for entry and due for certification, if required. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Seeking Public Comment for a Tydings Amendment Waiver

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking 30 days of public comment from May 22 – June 20, 2019, on a Tydings amendment waiver application (waiver from §421(b) of the General Provisions Act) to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE).  | More

Maine Educators Honored for Excellence in Mathematics and Science

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. | More

Free Training, Technical Assistance, Equipment and Materials for Public Preschool Programs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has received a grant from the US Department of Education to support public preschool teachers, special educators, principals and special education directors in providing high quality classroom environments and inclusion practices for 4-year-olds. | More

CDC Notifies Public of Confirmed Measles in Maine

Maine Department of Education is sharing the notice provided by the Maine Center for Disease Control regarding a school aged student with a confirmed case of Measles. Schools that were directly involved/at risk have been contacted and have received guidance from the CDC epidemiologist. | More

Maine DOE Employee of the Week: Walter Beesley

Maine DOE’s Director of Child Nutrition, Walter Beesley is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Walter | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Maine DOE Data Management Systems Summer Training

The Maine Department of Education Data Team is holding their annual summer training during the first two weeks of August.  The focus of the training this year will be on tips and resources to assist districts with their data reporting, and viewing/certifying their reports. | More

Reinvigorate Your Science Classroom

Science & Technology Specialist, Shari Templeton will hosting a multi-faceted summer science lesson for PK-12 Science Teachers. This two-part summer series will consist of a book study and face-to-face training with Peter McLaren.  | More

Transformational Leader’s Network Summer Conference

School principals, this is all about YOU! Join us for a great professional development opportunity that allows you to focus on goals that matter to you. Therefore, please come with two goals for your school and two goals for your personal professional development!  | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine Educators Honored for Excellence in Mathematics and Science

The Maine Department of Education honored two educators at an annual dinner event held at the Maple Hill Farm Inn, located in Hallowell, earlier this month. Kirsten Gould, the District Assessment for Learning Coach at Buxton Center Elementary School (MSAD 6), and Heather Dorr, a 5th Grade Teacher at Ella Lewis School in Steuben (RSU 24) were both named state finalists for the 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

The evening event included social networking with past awardees, dinner, and official congratulations from Wilson Hess, Chair of the Maine State Board of Education and Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Coordinator of Secondary Education and Integrated Instruction.  The keynote address was delivered by Leigh Peake, Chief Education Officer at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, whose message to the audience was to “embrace messy,” when it comes to quantifying often-times messy data and taking on the inevitable challenges of an ever changing and anarchic fields of math, science, and beyond.

Kirsten Gould
District Assessment for Learning Coach
Buxton Center Elementary School in MSAD 6

Kirsten has a passion for effective STEM education at the elementary level. Her support of professional development for her colleagues has made her a committed and powerful teacher-leader in her community and beyond. In addition to her leadership with the Maine Elementary Sciences Partnership, Kirsten collaborates as part of her district’s vertical science team, provides school and district-level professional development around teaching and assessing at the elementary level, and this year, does Assessment for Learning work for her district colleagues.

Heather Dorr
5th Grade Teacher
Ella Lewis School in Steuben (RSU 24)

A tireless advocate for students, Heather is skilled at meeting all her students where they are and advancing their learning. She is fluent with the curriculum standards and has an impressive management system imbedded with standards-based learning. A highly sought out mentor teacher to countless beginning teachers and student teachers, she is always eager and willing to share her knowledge and expertise with others. More recently, Heather has served as a leader in her work to develop a Collaborative Response Model (CRM) alongside her colleagues at RSU 24. Heather Door was unable to make it to the event but is expected to be honored at a special ceremony next month.

The state finalists were presented with certificates from the PAEMST program and will be in the running for a trip to Washington, DC, which will include professional development experiences and networking with other math and science educators from around the nation.

Honoree Kirsten Gould (middle) with her mother Shari Gould (left) and Shari Temple from the Maine DOE (Right)
Leigh Peake, Chief Education Officer at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute delivering the keynote.
Wilson Hess, Chair of the Maine State Board of Education
L to R: Honoree Kirsten Gould, with Michele Mailhot from the Maine DOE and members of her family
Former PAEMST awardees (L to R): Shawn Towle, Jenny Jorgensen, Marielle Edgecomb, Brian Twitchell, Marshalyn Baker, Laura Stevens, Pamela Thompson, Laurette Darling, Tonya Prentice

For more information about the PAEMST Program, contact the PAEMST State Coordinator for mathematics, Michele Mailhot, at michele.mailhot@maine.gov, or for science, Shari Templeton, at shari.templeton@maine.gov.

 

Employee of the Week: Walter Beesley

Maine DOE’s Director of Child Nutrition, Walter Beesley is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Walter in this brief question and answer:

What are your roles with DOE?

I work with several Food and Nutrition Services USDA programs.  They include USDA Food Program for schools, National School Lunch/Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program and the newly acquired Child and Adult Care Food Program.  This includes several hunger related projects/committees all related to the best interest of Maine children.

What do you like best about your job?

The job is great because I work with a number of people to help Maine children and the job is constantly changing.  We at Child Nutrition have an excellent team which makes the job so much more enjoyable.

How or why did you decide on this career? 

I worked for years in the restaurant side of food service but as my family grew I wanted to spend time with them so switched to School Food Service, which was a great move.

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

When not working, I enjoy camping with my wife and grandchildren, traveling and doing woodworking projects.  My six grandchildren keep me busy and entertained, they span from one entering college, entering high school and youngest entering kindergarten.