The Maine DOE encourages 2013 high school graduates to apply for the 2013 National Youth Science Camp, a residential summer program that encourages the development of thoughtful scientific leadership. Two students are selected annually to represent each state.
Continue reading “Calling 2013 grads for future science leaders camp”
The fourth cohort of the Maine Governor’s Academy for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education Leadership, comprised of 26 teacher leaders from around the state, met for the first time in December. Continue reading “Governor’s fourth STEM academy brainstorms best practices”
Thanks to the Challenger Learning Center of Maine for sharing this article with the Maine DOE for publication.
Sixth and seventh grade students from Caribou Middle School and Limestone Community School worked together to become astronauts and mission controllers at the Challenger Learning Center of Maine in Bangor on Nov. 15.
Their simulated space science mission took them into orbit to encounter a comet. As they shared the thrill of discovery, students had to effectively communicate, follow directions, solve real-world problems, and work remotely in mission control and space lab simulators.
Individual teams focused on space communication, navigation, medicine, aeronautical engineering, weather, robotics, HazMat, life support, and biology. Continue reading “Caribou and Limestone students rendezvous with a comet”
We hope you enjoyed the holidays and some well-deserved down time to recharge for the New Year. As our Department looks forward to serving you in 2014, we also wanted to reflect back on our work from a very busy past 12 months.
Of the nearly 600 items posted in our Maine DOE Newsroom in 2013, not surprisingly, our release about Maine’s first school report cards was the most viewed item, with related posts taking up several of the other top traffic spots. While Maine’s first true statewide accountability system caused controversy, it is doing exactly what we at the Department intended.
More Notices
Administrative Letters
Reporting Calendar
Stephanie Galeucia has been named the Maine DOE’s new Student Assistance Coordinator. Among her primary responsibilities in this role are providing indirect support to students being bullied in Maine schools and helping parents and administrators better understand the Restraint and Seclusion of Students rule. | More
A kindergarten teacher from Cushing and fifth-grade math teacher from Yarmouth are Maine’s recipients of the prestigious 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. | More
School administrative units and private schools approved for tuition purposes are expected to establish regional school calendars, in coordination with their local secondary career and technical education school, by May 1.| More
The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) has scheduled a final public review of the draft PreK-12 arts standards in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. | More
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is offering six free Comprehensive School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training workshops in early 2014. | More
Superintendents, business managers and others:
Today Governor Paul R. LePage issued an executive order to reduce State spending by $35.5 million to balance the fiscal year 2013 budget. With this notice, I am now able to share the impact of that curtailment on state education subsidy, including specific amounts for each school district.
The Maine Department of Public Safety has just issued the following release. While law enforcement has found no credible threat, all agencies involved, including local school districts working with state and local law enforcement and the Maine Department of Education, remain vigilant and committed to the task of school emergency preparedness and take seriously all possible threats.
NEWS RELEASE from the Maine Department of Public Safety
from Spokesman Steve McCausland – 626-3811
The events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., continue to be a challenging and painful presence for many of us, especially in education. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of the victims and the entire Newtown community.
Maine DOE has created a Sandy Hook web page with a number of resources for school districts, parents and families, including: information about emergency planning and preparedness, how to talk with children, a Q&A, and other materials. We will add to the page as we discover appropriate resources.
Continue reading “Commissioner’s Update – December 20, 2012”
The second draft of the Next Generation Science Standards – the last before the final version is released in the spring – is set for week of Jan. 7. We are encouraging the broadest possible participation by Maine educators, business, and other stakeholders, in reviewing the draft. Continue reading “Suggestions on providing feedback on the Next Generation Science Standards”
Gov. Paul R. LePage issued the following press release this evening:
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage asks that the people of Maine observe a moment of silence on Friday, Dec. 21, at 9:30 a.m., in remembrance of the victims of the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
This memo from Commissioner Bowen is intended for superintendents, heads of private schools, and other administrators. It includes links below to key resources on emergency preparedness and talking with children about Sandy Hook.
Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., has shocked and saddened us beyond words. The Governor and I have both expressed our condolences and send our thoughts and prayers. I confess I can’t help but feel that our words seem insufficient within the scope of the tragedy. Still, I know that they are important, and I appreciate the efforts many of you have made to share your thoughts and prayers, and your efforts to communicate with your parents in the aftermath of this national tragedy.
Continue reading “Request, resources, and info in the aftermath of Sandy Hook”
Maine DOE Newsroom 