Congratulations to Portland Public Schools who received the NSBA Magna Award for districts with 5000 - 20000 students. Make It Happen was recognized as a college readiness & academic support program for multilingual students. NSBA announced this at their recent conference.
Register today for the NSBA 2021 Online Experience to be held April 8-10, 2021. Buy one registration and get one free! Click the link below for additional information.
https://www.nsba.org/Events/NSBA-2021-Online-Experience
Governor Mills and Dr. Shah Thank Maine Teachers https://youtu.be/S89t1M5kKb4
Postponed - the Region V (Mid-Coast) Regional School Board meeting scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, February 2 has been postponed due to the inclement weather. The meeting will be rescheduled at a later date.
The Maine Broadband Coalition has launched a statewide “Get Up To Speed” internet speed test mapping initiative. The goal is to gather data from across the state to generate the most comprehensive map of both the presence and quality of internet in Maine to date. Click the link below to take the 1-minute test to map your own speed.
https://www.mainebroadbandcoalition.org/speedtesting-link
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion combined statement and events of the last week
https://mainedoenews.net/2020/12/11/joint-statement-of-commitment-and-support-for-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-maine-schools/
School Not A Major Source Of COVID-19 Spread, Study Indicates
https://consumer.healthday.com/12-16-schools-day-cares-not-big-factor-in-kids-getting-covid-study-2649493164.html
CCI Session 3 Postponed Tonight - Due to the impending rain and wind storm as well as the concern about power outages and loss of internet access across many parts of the state, Session 3 has been postponed tonight and has been rescheduled for Monday, December 14th at 6 p.m.
Click on the following link to view the November/December 2020 issue of the MSBA Update: https://5il.co/nc6q
Registration is now open for the 47th Annual MSMA Fall Conference. Registration should be made through the Superintendent's office. We hope you can join us virtually on Oct. 30-31. #MSMAFC2020
Click on the following link to view the September 2020 issue of the MSBA Update: https://5il.co/lkk4
Lots of great energy and questions at the Cultural Competence Institute initial session tonight! Great representation from across the state. There is still time to sign up for the September session or the full series!
Announcing the Cultural Competence Institute for all Maine educators – click the link below for additional information.
https://5il.co/jl4e
Secretary DeVos Awards More than $180 Million to States Rethinking K-12 Education to Better Meet Students’ Needs During Coronavirus Disruption
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-awards-more-180-million-states-rethinking-k-12-education-better-meet-students%E2%80%99-needs-during-coronavirus-disruption
PRIORITY NOTICE: Coronavirus Relief Funds Allocations, Update
https://mailchi.mp/maine/crf-allocation-update?e=2cff93feff
To Protect Health of Students & Staff, Mills Administration Provides Public Health Guidance & Financial Support to School Systems Across Maine https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/protect-health-students-staff-mills-administration-provides-public-health-guidance-financial
Support Question 1 on expanding internet on July 14
https://www.msmaweb.com/article/268893?org=msma
Working Draft: Return to Classroom Instruction Framework
https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/reintegrate
Maine’s Educational Organizations Stand Together and pause to honor Juneteenth
https://5il.co/he53
Click on the following link to view the May/June 2020 issue of the MSBA Update: https://5il.co/h072
We All Benefit by Responding to the 2020 Census - counting everyone in the 2020 Census can help communities receive funding for health care, education, emergency services, and more. Your Response Can Make a Difference.
https://2020census.gov/en.html?utm_campaign=20200518chc20s1ccallrs&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Click the link below to view the Joint Regional Meeting with Washington (Region III) and Hancock (Region IV) on May 14, 2020.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qx12u0094f51eu5/MSBA%20Joint%20Regional%20Meeting%20Regions%20III%20and%20IV%205-14-2020.mp4?dl=0
Mills Administration Secures WiFi & Learning Devices for 100 Percent of Maine Students Reporting a Need In Face of COVID-19’s Impacts on Schools
https://mailchi.mp/maine/media-release-maine-doe-celebrates-april-as-the-month-of-the-military-child-1321400?e=2cff93feff
PRIORITY NOTICE: USDA Pandemic EBT Program
https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1321372?e=2cff93feff
FREE Webinar Opportunity - Coping with COVID-19: Mental Health Tips for Children and Families – May 12 at 1 pm – Registration Required
https://ww2.keenan.com/coping-with-covid-19?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=200427.K_CopingwithCOVID-19_WBN_Promo_Msg01&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_p950fsYHpv6JwTewmMrSC1EJcRKqLgzj7UgqlUDIkzdJRizu4_OaBxKoIx75M43yv24sijdklLFDRLVsXlxYDQp12eQ&_hsmi=2
PRIORITY NOTICE: Covid 19 Responsive Guidance on Graduation Ceremonies https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1321328?e=2cff93feff
How to Support Teachers’ Emotional Needs Right Now
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_support_teachers_emotional_needs_right_now?utm_source=Greater+Good+Science+Center&utm_campaign=82289ae3b6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_GG_Newsletter_April_30_2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ae73e326e-82289ae3b6-50895243
Don’t Forget to Respond: 2020 Census Reminder Postcards Arriving
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/28a13c5
Click on the following link to view the April 2020 issue of the MSBA Update: https://5il.co/fw9a
PRIORITY NOTICE: Pending Guidance for Decision Making https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=a582edd6473e477ef6307c769&id=e08e70d317
Don’t Forget to Respond: 2020 Census Reminder Postcards Arriving
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/reminder-postcards.html?utm_campaign=20200427msc20s1ccnwsrs&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Resources for CARES Act Grant Fund Distribution
https://www.msmaweb.com/article/237708?org=msba
Click the link below for tips for School Board members to look and sound your best online during remote meetings https://5il.co/fgez
Center for Safe Schools COVID-19 Webinar - Navigating Virtual Education -- with Calm, Connectedness and Compassion Roundtable Discussion Bios - https://5il.co/fd2n Roundtable Discussion Overview - https://5il.co/fd2o
Please take time to complete the 2020 Census Survey! So important for schools, state and local agencies to have a Complete Count for Maine.
Your Response Today Can Shape Your Future
The 2020 Census is underway. Over 70 million households have responded to date, representing 48.1% of all households in America. Make sure that you and your friends and family are included in this once-a-decade count.
https://2020census.gov/?utm_campaign=20200413chc20s1ccallrs&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
How Census Data Help the Nation Respond to Disasters https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/04/how-census-data-help-the-nation-respond-to-disasters.html
Cyberbullying Is On The Rise During The Coronavirus Pandemic
https://www.digitaltrends.com/news/coronavirus-cyberbullying-distance-learning/
PRIORITY NOTICE: Unified Guidance Regarding Executive Orders and School Personnel: All School Services and Employees are Essential
https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=a582edd6473e477ef6307c769&id=169f6e9329
Click on the following link to view the March 2020 issue of the MSBA Update: https://5il.co/ejho
Update from Commissioner Makin 3-27-20
https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1321000?e=ebadcd071b
Video Message From Commissioner Makin Regarding Pandemic: March 22, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF562moq1yY&feature=youtu.be
Guidance from CDC for School-Based Operations
https://mainedoenews.net/2020/03/19/guidance-from-cdc-for-school-based-operations/
Proposed Rulemaking for Rule Chapter 112
https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1320899?e=2cff93feff
Why Outbreaks like Coronavirus Spread Exponentially and How to "Flatten the Curve"
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/
DOE Commissioner’s Message to the Field https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1320895?e=2cff93feff
Governor Mills, Maine Congressional Delegation Convene Call on COVID-19
https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-maine-congressional-delegation-convene-call-covid-19-2020-03-19
Governor Mills Takes Further Steps to Respond to COVID-19, Protect Health and Safety of Maine People
https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-takes-further-steps-respond-covid-19-protect-health-and-safety-maine-people
Governor Mills, Legislature Spearhead Emergency Legislative Package to Respond to COVID-19
https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-legislature-spearhead-emergency-legislative-package-respond-covid-19-2020-03-17
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the country, more schools are canceling classes and shifting their in-person instructional time online. Many teachers are now trying to understand the ins-and-outs of distance learning. The good news is: help is available! Many companies are offering teachers and schools access to their online platforms for free for the duration of their closure. The Center for Safe Schools has put together a list of free online resources.
This list can be accessed here: https://schoolchoiceweek.com/37-free-online-resources-for-schools-shifting-online-during-coronavirus/
Coronavirus and school closures - the importance of social distancing. Linked below is an article from Ariadne Labs on the benefits of social distancing.
https://5il.co/dtoi
Please click the link below to read the priority notice from Commission Makin regarding the close of schools due to COVID-19.
https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/closeofschools
Governor Announces Significant Recommendations & Signs Civil Emergency Proclamation to Respond to COVID-19 in Maine
https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-announces-significant-recommendations-signs-civil-emergency-proclamation-respond
The most up-to-date information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Schools can be found on the Maine DOE website. Under "Important Links" you can also find a webinar with guidance for schools.
https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19
Governor Mills convened her Coronavirus Response Team charged with coordinating State government’s response across departments and local agencies and health authorities to the potential spread of novel coronavirus. Click the link below for additional information. https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-convenes-coronavirus-response-team-2020-03-02
Click on the following link to view the January/February 2020 issue of the MSBA Update: https://5il.co/dbcc
Please click the link below to read the Priority Notice from the Maine DOE - Reminders for School Communities Regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
https://mainedoenews.net/2020/02/26/priority-notice-reminders-for-school-communities-regarding-the-2019-novel-coronavirus/
Save the Date for the MaineSpark and MSBA Equity in Education Summit on May 18th at Thomas College in Waterville. Registration and event details will be sent at a later date.
President Sue Hawes and President-Elect Becky Fles all ready for the NSBA 2020 Advocacy Institute.
Gene Robinson, of the Washington Post and MSNBC, addresses NSBA Advocacy Institute. MSBA’s Sue Hawes, Becky Fles, and ED Steve Bailey prep for their trip to Maine’s Congressional Delegation on Tuesday. #NSBAAI20, @MSMA207, @MSBA_MSSA_MSMA
Am learning here today at NSBA Equity Symposium with MSBA President Sue Hawes and Pres-Elect Becky Fles at ending panel session - very powerful.
DOE Commissioner Pender Makin discusses department initiatives for the new year with the MSBA Board of Directors at their January 4, 2020, meeting.
Members of the MSBA Resolutions Committee look ahead to the work that ultimately will be discussed by Delegate Assembly.
School Board members and superintendents spend time at collective bargaining workshop learning about impacts of new legislation. Important learning as they prepare to share with colleagues.
Click below to view the November/December issue of the MSBA Update
https://5il.co/bkag
President Sue Hawes and I spoke with newly elected MSBA Director Sarah Thompson of the Portland School Board this morning welcoming her to the MSBA Executive Board. A second meeting will be held with new members Natalie Andrews of RSU 17 and Jamie Bohanon of the Baileyville School Board on the 19th of December. Looking forward to their contributions to the work of the Board. The MSBA Board of Directors hold their next meeting on Saturday, January 4th.
Phone and Internet services have been restored to our offices. We apologize for any inconvenience this interruption in communication may have caused.
We are experiencing difficulty with our phone reception this morning. Please try to communicate with us via email. We will post a new message when the problem has been resolved.
Maine Education Center for.the Deaf and Hard of Hearing school board members participate in professional learning as part of their Saturday November 16 retreat - this session led by MSMA Executive Director Steve Bailey.
Meet MSBA’s 2019-2020 Officers and Past President: Kim Bedard, Vice President Lucy Richard, President Sue Hawes, and President-Elect Becky Fles.
Great afternoon at the Board Chair PreConference with 48 board chairs and aspiring chairs. Thanks to presenters Sue Hawes, Maureen King, Terry McCabe and Steve Bailey.
The October MSBA Update Newsletter is now available
https://5il.co/avl3
The Fall Conference clinic program is now available. https://5il.co/ara0
Regional meetings for school board members will be held at Fall Conference on Thursday, Oct. 24th from 1:25-2:25 p.m. Join other members from your region to meet, connect, and share successes/challenges with each other.
This year’s Delegate Assembly is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Thursday, October 24, the first day of the MSMA Annual Fall Conference, in the Kennebec/Penobscot Room. Since the Delegate Assembly is responsible for proposed Constitution and Bylaws changes and considers resolutions of the Association, your election of a local delegate is strongly encouraged.