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Old Town, MAINE-- Governor Janet Mills today kicked off Dairy Month in Maine with a celebratory toast -- of Maine milk -- in honor of the dairy farmers, students, researchers, and Maine people behind a cornerstone of Maine's agricultural economy and rural communities.
The Governor urged Maine people to show their support for
Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation” planted a seed that took hold with
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive
At the core of teaching is a central question: How can we ensure that every student gets the best education possible? This was the theme of the Maine Department of Education’s Inclusive Education Conference, focused on supporting students with disabilities throughout their pre-K-12 schooling and into meaningful adult lives.
Held at the Augusta Civic Center, the conference provided an opportunity for attendees to sit in on a variety of panels and workshops, centered around some key questions: How can we rethink classroom spaces to make them more accessible to students who are receiving special education services? How can we rework individualized education plans (IEPs) to ensure inclusion across all settings? How can we ensure that students with disabilities have the same opportunities in school as other students?
One such panel was on the topic of “Dignity of Risk for Students with Disabilities.” The panelists included a variety of people from different backgrounds, including educators, employers, employment specialists, and a young employee with lived experience, each offering valuable perspectives on how risk impacts the development and success of students with disabilities.
Janet May, Coordinator of Transition and Adults at the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, opened the discussion asking panelists, “What is dignity of risk?” Each panelist responded with varying perspectives on the discussion; however, a common thread emerged: Students should be allowed to take risks, make mistakes, and fail, because it is often in that moment of failure that people truly grow. Panelist John Post, a vocational rehabilitation counselor said, “It is okay to have a negative impact from a risk. What’s important is to learn how to come back from it.”
Each panelist shared their own experiences, encouraging students to embrace manageable risks. Kamron King, who works in an apprenticeship program for high-skilled labor jobs, shared that starting out in the program was tough, but being allowed to fail helped him to grow. Danica Wooster, a Student Support Specialist at the Mid-Coast School of Technology, is a woman working in a male-dominated field. She emphasized the importance of pushing yourself and learning from personal challenges; Arnold Bulley, a Human Resources and Safety Manager at Shiretown Solutions in Houlton, noted that he always sets goals for students to help them grow, letting them take risks. Liam Danaher, Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator at Noble High School, recalled his six-year-old son learning how to mountain bike with the mantra, “No risk, no reward.”
The panel went on to address many other questions about the balance between growth and support. In the end, it was a productive conversation about how to tackle these delicate and necessary challenges.
Another panel question involved striking the right balance between providing necessary support, while still allowing for the dignity of risk and personal growth. As discussed by Wooster and Danaher, this balance is rooted in the belief that meaningful learning and growth happen through experience, especially through mistakes. The support should be individualized and dynamic, adapting to each student’s needs. King’s experience further emphasized this. He talked about how his vocational rehabilitation counselor supported him in his journey to becoming a welder at a shipyard, which, with many ups and downs, demonstrates how support helps individuals to flourish.
Bulley added, “To me, a balanced support means pulling back on those parents and job coaches and employment specialists in order to let a person learn and grow.”
Ultimately, balancing support with risk is about building a toolkit that, as Kay Fearon, Diversified Occupations Instructor at Portland Arts and Technology High School described, helps students to adapt and find their own ways of achieving success, even in the face of limitations and challenges.
Conference panelists emphasized that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about guiding students to recognize their strengths, confront their fears, and know that setbacks are part of the path to confidence, independence, and personal fulfillment.
For both employers and individuals alike, inclusive workplaces are essential. When people with disabilities and other diverse backgrounds are fully included, organizations across industries unlock greater potential—for their teams, individual employees, and the broader workforce.
This article was written by Vagni Das, a rising senior at Yarmouth High School. As part of her extended learning experience, she is working as an intern at the Maine DOE.
WESTBROOK, Maine, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synergy CHC Corp. (NASDAQ: SNYR) (“Synergy” or the “Company”), a provider of
Tessa Lee McCue, a talented Hampden figure skater whose life was claimed by addiction in 2022, pictured here during a competition that inspired her family’s creation of Tessa’s House.
Trauma-informed, women-only facility honoring Tessa Lee McCue’s legacy and funded by a $1.1 million Maine Recovery Council grant.
WASHINGTON, ME, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Addiction remains one of the most urgent women's health crises in Maine and across the country. Women are dying not only from overdoses but
The Last Whaler
IRDA Award
Cynthia Reeves
(L-R) Architect Tom Platz; President of Bates College Garry Jenkins; Golden Gloves champion Ilyas Bashir; Governor Janet Mills; Mayor Carl Sheline; City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath; artist Charlie Hewitt; and sculptor Zenos Frudakis. Photo: John Xuereb
“The people of Lewiston get up every morning and fight every round for their families and their communities. They will not be knocked down. That is what we celebrate." - Charlie Hewitt. Photo: John Xuereb
Sculptor Zenos Frudakis with his Muhammad Ali statue in Lewiston, Maine. Photo Credit: Russ Dillingham
New public monument by acclaimed sculptor Zenos Frudakis honors the legacy of ‘The Greatest’ near site of iconic 1965 rematch with Sonny Liston
LEWISTON, ME, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A 10-foot bronze statue of boxing legend Muhammad Ali—the largest in the world—was unveiled Saturday, May 31, in downtown Lewiston, Maine,
Columbia Falls, Maine, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announces the kickoff of its annual Giving in July campaign! For WAA, this
PORTLAND, Maine and SAN DIEGO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Civitas Networks for Health (Civitas) today announced that the agenda and registration are live for its 2025 Annual Conference, taking place September 28–30 in Anaheim, California. Hosted in partnership with
Maine - Join Joshua Chard, Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow, for an engaging 45-minute webinar on how nature-based and ephemeral art can ignite creativity, deepen content learning, and strengthen students’ connection to place.
Chard will be joined by special guest Becky Hallowell, 2025
Maine - Is your school in need of laptops, desktop computers, multi-device charging stations, monitors, or standard and multifunction printers/copiers/scanners? What about unused ink toner cartridges (HP and other brands), projectors with carrying cases (Epson, InFocus brands), white boards, desks, folding tables, chairs, or other furniture?
If so, Maine Surplus Property has these and other items available! Open this PDF to view the May Maine Surplus Flyer: Power Up Your Summer Learning Programs.
Approved donees may purchase items from Maine Surplus Property at 85 Leighton Road in Augusta between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Are you not an approved donee yet? The general public may purchase items during the Maine Surplus Property public sale on the second Friday of each month.
For more information, please visit Maine Surplus Property or check out this Maine DOE Newsroom article about the Maine Surplus Property Donee Program. You can also sign up here to receive automatic updates!
Maine - The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to announce the launch of its new Global Partners Network webpage, a central hub highlighting Maine’s six active international agreements with China, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Taiwan. This
WESTBROOK, Maine, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synergy CHC Corp. (NASDAQ: SNYR) (“Synergy” or the “Company”), a provider of consumer health care and lifestyle products, announced today that Erik Shields has been named Vice President of Beverage of Synergy, effective May 26, 2025.
“We’re excited to welcome Erik to the team and look forward to his contributions,” said
Zenos Frudakis with his 10-foot bronze statue of Muhammad Ali at the Laran Bronze Foundry in Chester, Pa., prior to its move to Lewiston, Maine, where it will be installed on May 31
Statue by acclaimed Philadelphia artist Zenos Frudakis honors Ali's legacy and celebrates the 60th anniversary of the iconic 1965 rematch with Sonny Liston
LEWISTON, ME, UNITED STATES, May 29, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A towering 10-foot bronze statue of Muhammad Ali will be unveiled at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, in downtown Lewiston, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Ali’s historic 1965 rematch with Sonny Liston.
The work, by renowned Philadelphia
The organizers of Drive Fore Kids announced that Gary LeVox lead singer of Rascal Flatts will headline the annual “Down On the Range” concert at the 2025 Drive Fore Kids Celebrity Golf Invitational.
New England Country Music Artist of the Year in 2023, Houston Bernard, will be the opening act!
PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, May 27, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The organizers of Drive Fore Kids announced that Gary LeVox lead singer of Rascal Flatts will
Portland, Maine – MaineHealth announced today it has selected Dr. Alex Keuroghlian as the new Chief of MaineHealth Behavioral Health (MHBH) and Chair of Psychiatry at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC). As Chief, Dr. Keuroghlian will be responsible for the
Maine - After a long week of learning inside of the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom, students at Phippsburg Elementary
This year, the work of the Sources of
AUGUSTA – Attorney General Aaron Frey today won a court order stopping the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). On March 13, Attorney General Frey joined a coalition of 20 other
Shanna is a visionary, student-centered
Maine - The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is celebrating a successful 2025 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference, which culminated Thursday afternoon at
Maine - In the fall of 2024, students at Tremont Consolidated School (TCS) embarked on an exciting, real-world science project just steps from their classroom—a Salt Marsh Restoration Project, focused on restoring and protecting the fragile coastal ecosystem that borders their school on Mount Desert Island, Maine.
This year, seventh and eighth grade students are exploring how sea level rise is
Governor Mills, state economic and tourism officials, and business leaders discuss tariffs and relations with Canada ahead of summer season and summit meeting with Canadian premiers next month
Kennebunk, MAINE -- Governor Janet Mills and state economic and tourism officials today met with York County business leaders about the effects of tariffs and relations with
Fifth-grade students in Mrs. St. Onge’s
JJAM Holdings Inc. announces the launch of the Riverside Keys to the Grill contest, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people across the United States.
DOVER-FOXCROFT, ME, UNITED STATES, May 21, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- JJAM Holdings Inc. proudly announces the launch of the Riverside Keys to the Grill contest, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, culinary
(Bar Harbor, Maine – May 20, 2025) – Patients with rare mitochondrial diseases already face a host of serious health issues, from muscle weakness to
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) has submitted an amendment to the House GOP’s budget reconciliation bill to create accountability for proposed health care cuts, should they be passed into law.
“The health care cuts Congress is
Husson University’s next athletic director already knows what it’s like to step into Newman Gymnasium on game day.
That’s because Amanda Nelson, class of 1997, was a star athlete for Husson while studying toward her bachelor of science degree in business teacher education. A
The budget for Maine’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development is dependent upon State appropriation proposed by Governor Mills being provided by the Legislature, a modest tuition increase and employee attrition
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Amid unprecedented uncertainty, Trustees approved a University of Maine System (UMS) budget for next year but
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, introduced the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act. This bipartisan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining bipartisan legislation to ensure the United States is well positioned to mitigate potential
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), Ranking Member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) are calling on the
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), received commitment from General David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, to
By Alexandra DeMarco
Maine - Seeking to honor both Bates and the community that has been the Class of 2025’s home for four years, E.J. Holm ’25 of Hamilton, N.Y., found inspiration for this year’s ivy stone design in the grid of city streets surrounding campus.
Departing from the traditional campus
Right at Home of Maine and PocketRN have partnered in the Medicare GUIDE program to provide respite to caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and dementia.
PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, May 19, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Right at Home of Greater Portland Maine and Kennebunk is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with PocketRN, a leading
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to have successfully concluded its Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series, a
Are you ready to grow your Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) knowledge and practice? This summer, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of
As more Maine elementary schools
On May 6, 2025, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) formalized a new partnership with the Portuguese
Hyde Students Can Now Take College Courses and Earn Credits
BATH, ME, UNITED STATES, May 20, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Hyde School is proud to announce that beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, students will
New station is dedicated to former Rumford Deputy Fire Chief and Town Selectman Peter Chase, who passed away in 2022.
The University of New England celebrated its 190th Commencement on Saturday, May 17, awarding degrees to nearly 1,300 graduates during a ceremony at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson delivered the keynote address, sharing
Maine - Next month, Bigelow Laboratory will officially celebrate the opening of the Harold Alfond Center for Ocean Education and Innovation, which will transform the institute’s education and solutions-focused work. The new space is being named in honor of Harold Alfond to celebrate the generous support that has made this significant investment possible.
The $8 million gift from the Harold
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced the release of $1.6 million in previously frozen funds for airport terminal upgrades previously awarded to the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport.
“This project will support the growth and success of Androscoggin County,” Golden
U.S. Department of Transportation will collaborate with UMaine to support the Center’s development of low-cost, composite bridge materials.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advanced Research Projects Agency–Infrastructure (ARPA-I) is moving forward with an $8 million partnership with
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $23 million for the Maine Army Corps of Engineers to prevent erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco. This funding, which
President Safa Zaki will preside over Commencement and award degrees on the terrace of the Bowdoin College Museum of Art on the Quad.
In the event of very severe weather,
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Dr. William Greenwalt, the former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy, on the wide-ranging benefits of the United States’ collaboration with allies to bolster American defense modernization. During the
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