
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/

Click on the following link to read the Fall 2020 issue of MSMA School Law News: https://5il.co/nrfp

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.

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 read the Fall 2020 issue of the MSMA Labor Relations News: https://5il.co/lolh

Lots of great energy and questions tonight at the Cultural Competence Institute’s opening session. Great attendance from across the state. Still time to sign up for September session or the 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

Click on the link below to read the updated May/June 2020 issue of the Policy Development News https://5il.co/i4f1

Click on the following link to read the Summer 2020 issue of the MSMA Labor Relations News: https://5il.co/hmdc

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 read the Summer 2020 issue of MSMA School Law News: https://5il.co/hctw

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

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

Don’t Forget to Respond: 2020 Census Reminder Postcards Arriving
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/28a13c5

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

Click the link below for tips for School Board members to look and sound your best online during remote meetings
https://5il.co/fgez

Click on the following link to read the March/April 2020 issue of MSMA Policy Development News:
https://5il.co/fdv3

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 and state 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

Click on the following link to read the Spring 2020 issue of MSMA Labor Relations News: https://5il.co/f0dl

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/

Click on the following link to read the Spring 2020 issue of MSMA School Law News: https://5il.co/evkn

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

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

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/

Poverty Simulation - MSBA and MaineSpark are cosponsoring this learning event at the MaineSpark Summit. Look for details to sign up for this event to be held on May 18 at Thomas College!

Click on the following link to read the January/February 2020 issue of MSMA Policy Development News - the Annual Index Issue. https://5il.co/d3mc

*Change in status on punitive transfer bill*
There has been a change in status on L.D. 1857, An Act To Protect Teachers from Punitive or Retaliatory Transfers. MSMA will keep you posted on the bill's status, but there is no need to submit testimony today.

Click on the following link to read the Winter 2020 issue of MSMA Labor Relations News: https://5il.co/d0of

Click on the following link to read the Winter 2020 issue of MSMA School Law News: https://5il.co/cp1t

The MSMA offices will be closed today December 3 due to worsening storm conditions. Should you need someone to respond to a question please call 800-660-8484 and leave a message. Phone messages will be checked periodically.

The MSMA office will be closed Dec 3 until 11 a.m. due to the storm. If it is necessary to close for the day this message will be updated.

Great to be at the Viles House with the Augusta Board of Education and administrators at their education retreat and Board workshop. Doing great work to refine goals and action steps within their strategic plan.

Maine’s New Superintendents spend the morning learning about budget development and marketing your budget with Dr. Webb from Bangor and MSMA’s CFO Deb Roberts. The afternoon was spent talking about Organizational culture and climate. 2020 New Superintendents are enthusiastic and committed to their work. Great conversations! . Amazing Educational Leaders!

Phone and Internet services have now been restored to our offices. We apologize for any interruption in communication that may have occurred.

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.

MSMA Offices are closed 11/12 until 11:00 am. Please be safe and drive carefully.

Peter Vigue addresses MSMA Fall Conference attendees learned about leadership and the importance of Mrs Earle, his Latin teacher who taught him to never say can’t., a message he carries with him every day.

Special thanks to the many presenters who provided valuable information within the 68 clinics at the 46th Annual MSMA Fall Conference! The conference is made meaningful through your contributions. Thank you!

MSMA 2020-2021 budget approved this morning at the MSMA Annual Meeting by the two executive committees of MSBA and MSSA and the Action/Policy Committees of MSMA. Thanks to all who helped in this process.

Apptegy representative Mark, is set up at a vendor booth in the auditorium. He will be available to answer any questions about MSMA’s new website and app or other Apptegy products. A clinic will also be offered introducing the new website and app Friday at 9:45 in the Capital Room. Stop by and say hi!

Looking forward to MSMA 46th Annual Fall Conference tomorrow and Friday, October 24th and 25th! Great speakers, 68 clinics, wonderful exhibits for school board members and superintendents!

Clinic Room Change - Thursday at 3:40 p.m. - Please note that Clinic V.C., Keeping Problems out of Problem-solving Negotiations and Your Interests in Interest-based Bargaining has been moved to the Cumberland Room.

The Fall Conference clinic program is now available. https://5il.co/ara0