Over the next three weeks I’ll be traveling the state visiting schools and programs to showcase the Maine DOE’s strategic plan which we developed last year with input from hundreds of teachers, parents, students, taxpayers, and others. Whereas last time I was listening for ideas, this time I’m sharing the product of those ideas so we can talk about how to make this vision happen.

Like the last time, I’ll be taking to the road to see some of the best of what Maine schools have to offer – examples of learner-centered classrooms, inspired use of technology, and programs that engage students and meet them exactly where they are at.

I’ve actually already started this spring tour: I had the chance on Wednesday morning to visit one such program that is not in a public school – the Ferry Beach Ecology School. FBES provides hands-on, interactive programming to teach about the ecology of Maine and provides week-long residential programs and day-long field trips.

ACTION ITEMS

Administrative Letters

• No administrative letters this week.

Notices

• Please report school bus order cancellations
• School bus VIN numbers requested

Reporting

• School Bus Purchase Report (EF-T-20), June 30

NEWS & VIEWS

State offers facilities, maintenance staff training

The Educational Plant Maintenance Association of Maine will deliver the 44^th Annual Maintenance Conference this summer to provide free training to maintenance and custodial staff in all Maine school districts. | More

Interested in creating/expanding a Chinese language program?

The College Board and Hanban (Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters) are pleased to announce the 2012 Chinese Bridge Delegation, a one-week education trip hosted by Hanban and designed to help education leaders start and expand Chinese language and culture programs and to facilitate ongoing China-related research and exchanges. | More

Deer Isle, Stonington get creative in seeking plan ideas

The schools in Deer Isle and Stonington want input from the community so the school system can craft a long-term strategic plan. Turns out, a sandwich board is part of the solution. | More

• Best practices for school pesticide use now available online

More