URock to Bring Gifted and Talented Graduate Education from UMF to Mid-Coast

Rockland, Maine -  University College at Rockland and the University of Maine at Farmington will collaborate to bring graduate continuing education opportunities to the Rockland area.

On Thursday, March 27 at 4:00PM an information session will be held at URock at 91 Camden Street to outline programming for UMF's Graduate Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education. Members of UMF's faculty will talk about the courses and their content as well as develop a proposed schedule that works for interested students. Most likely, a single course will be offered each semester in a hybrid format. It is likely that each course will have several face-to-face meanings in Rockland each term and the rest of the instruction will be online. The sequence is expected to start this fall.

According to URock's Director, Deborah Meehan, " This is the format we have found most successful for busy teachers.  The face-to-face meetings will most likely be on Saturdays. But we are eager to hear feedback from those who want to enroll in the certificate program and we will work to accommodate their requests.

This four course graduate sequence is designed for practicing educators interested in pursuing opportunities in teaching gifted and talented students. Courses in the sequence include: SED 530, Educational Principles for Learners Who Are Gifted; SED 531 Curriculum and Instruction for Learners Who Are Gifted; SED 532 Developing and Implementing Programs for the Gifted Learner; and, SED 533 Teaching Critical and Creative Thinking in Gifted Programs and Classroom Settings.

Graduate students will be able to take individual courses in the sequence but only those who take all four courses will be awarded the certificate and the state's endorsement.

The State of Maine requires 12 credit hours of study in gifted and talented coursework among its requirements for the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) Endorsement 690, Gifted/Talented Teacher.  UMF has developed the above four graduate courses for the UMF Gifted and Talented Certificate to address MDOE’s Endorsement 690 requirements.

Interested students may contact University College at Rockland at 596-6906 to RSVP for the information session or email Meehan at deborah.meehan@maine.edu.

Lecture by Journalist and Author Robert Whitaker at Husson University

Address the History, Science and Effects of Psychiatric Medications
Bangor, Maine - Approximately 50 million people - one in five Americans - are taking at least one psychiatric medication. Could our drug-based paradigm of psychological care, in some way, be fueling an epidemic of disabling illness?

In an effort to help members of the public better understand the use and abuse of prescription medicine, the College of Health and Education at Husson University is presenting a lecture by noted journalist and author Robert Whitaker. Much of Whitaker’s writing has focused on psychiatry, the pharmaceutical industry and mental illness.

“Robert’s research into mental illness and medication challenges conventional notions about the long-term value of psychiatric drugs,” said Paula Tingley, interim dean of the College of Health and Education at Husson University. “Anyone who is interested in the field of psychiatry and how mind and mood-altering drugs are affecting individuals should attend this eye-opening lecture.”

In his book, Anatomy of an Epidemic, Whitaker investigates the astonishing rise in the number of people enrolled in government disability due to mental illness over the past 20 years.  As part of this lecture, he will share his research into psychiatric medications and their long-term effects on patients suffering from depression, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. He’ll also highlight innovative programs in Europe that could be adopted here in the United States as part of an effort to reform mental health care.

“Exposure to new paradigms from national thought leaders like Robert Whitaker enriches the content of our

UMA Architecture Exhibit Features Innovative Projects by Students

The University of Maine at Augusta will be hosting a Juried Student Exhibition featuring the work of its Architecture students March 3rd – 28th in the Charles Danforth Gallery. There will be an opening reception on March 6th from 4:30 – 6:00pm.

The student projects include design ideas for a music lab for Water Street specifically aimed at engaging Augusta's downtown context and revitalization, a mixed-use housing project for the elderly, sited on Water Street in Hallowell, thesis projects done in collaboration with the City of Bath, measured drawings of the Lithgow Library, and the UMA Greenhouse project, done in collaboration with UMA’s Office of Civic Engagement.

Juried by Professors Emeritus Judith Bing and J. Brooke Harrington, and the practicing architect Tobias Gabranski, approximately 20-25 projects of the 60 students enrolled in UMA’s Architecture programs will be represented in the exhibit. The exhibition is a chance for students from UMA’s new Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree to showcase their work since the program began in the fall of 2013. Previously, UMA offered a successful four-year Bachelor of Arts in Architecture; the new B.Arch program is a five-year professional architecture degree program that provides students with a path towards architectural licensure.

The Charles Danforth Gallery is located in Jewett Hall at the University of Maine at Augusta.  Gallery hours are Monday through Wednesday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Thursdays 9:00am to 7:00pm and Fridays 9:00am to 1:00pm.

For more information about the exhibit or the program contact Eric Stark, Director of the Architecture Program: eric.stark@maine.edu

Governor LePage, Maine Department of Education and schools recognize Digital Learning Day

Maine is an international leader in advancing digital learning opportunities for its students, and schools across the state will celebrate that innovation Wednesday
Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage has proclaimed Wednesday as Digital Learning Day throughout Maine and his Administration will be joined by the state’s students and schools in recognizing the important opportunities digital learning provides.

Organized by the Alliance for Excellence Education, the third annual national Digital Learning Day spotlights innovative teaching and effective applications of education technology that improve learning and support teachers.

Husson University to Unveil New Southern Maine Campus with Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bangor, Maine - Husson University announced today that it will showcase its new Southern Maine campus at 340 County Road in Westbrook, Maine at a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, February 4 at 12:00 p.m.  The event, featuring a ribbon cutting, will celebrate the variety of advanced educational opportunities now available to Southern Maine area students and employers through this respected institution of higher learning.

The new three-acre Southern Maine campus has over 17,000 square feet of space, offering students both undergraduate and graduate degrees in 20 professional-oriented programs. With 15 classrooms, the renovated and modernized facility can offer more classes, to more students, than the previous location in South Portland.  This is the first time Husson University has owned property and educational facilities outside of Bangor.

“In addition to serving our current students, we look forward to serving the more  than 200,000 Maine adults who have earned some college credits but have yet to complete a degree,” said Charles P. Collins, Ed.D., Executive Director of Husson University’s Southern Maine Campus. “Degrees enhance the earning power of individuals. In addition, a more educated workforce makes our state more attractive to businesses interested in relocating. The investment Husson University has made in this facility, clearly demonstrates our commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of individuals, families, and businesses in the ‘Pine Tree State.’”

Collins will be a featured speaker during the grand opening ceremony. Other presenters include:

·        Robert A. Clark, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Husson University

·        Lynne Coy-Ogan, Ed.D, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Husson University

·        Carol C. Kanar, Chair, Husson University Board of Trustees

·        Colleen Hilton, Mayor of Westbrook, Maine

·        Matthew Cook, President, Allied Cook Construction

In reflecting on the benefits of the new Westbrook location, Collins said, “We’re just a little over a mile from Interstate 95 at the corner of County Road and Spring Street. That makes our new campus both convenient and accessible to the thousands of high school graduates and working professionals in Southern Maine who are interested in furthering their education.”

Undergraduate degree programs open to students through Husson’s Southern Maine Campus include: Accounting; Business Administration; Business and Professional Studies; Criminal Justice; Elementary Education; Hospitality Management; Paralegal Studies; and Software Development.

Graduate degree programs are also available. They include: Business Administration (MBA); Criminal Justice Administration; Human Relations; Nursing; Pastoral Counseling; and School Counseling. A certificate program in Paralegal Studies as well as an Alternative Teacher Certification program are also offered at the Southern Maine campus.

Husson University’s Southern Maine Campus offers courses in traditional classroom settings; online; and in hybrid configurations that feature a mixture of both.

“We understand that students are often trying to earn their degrees while juggling competing career and family obligations. The flexible formats of Husson’s educational offerings are designed to meet the needs of today’s busy professional while respecting individuals’ personal learning style preferences,” said Collins.

More About Husson University

For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Today, Husson has over 4,000 alumni in Southern Maine and a network of more than 20,000 alumni nationwide. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education.  Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication.  In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program.  For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.

Charter Commission advances 3 applications, schedules public hearings

Following committee reviews, three proposed public charter schools including one in Lewiston and two virtuals have moved to the next stage in the State’s application process, which includes public hearings next week
Augusta, Maine - The public will have the opportunity to weigh-in next week on three public charter schools proposed to open in Maine this fall.

Earlier today, Maine Charter School Commission (MCSC) members working in small review teams presented their recommendations on four applications, with the entire seven-member Commission then voting to advance applications from Lewiston-Auburn Academy Charter School, Lewiston; Maine Connections Academy; and Maine Virtual Academy. The application for Many Hands Montessori School in Windham did not move forward.

The Commission will now consider the proposed public schools, and hold in-person interviews and a public hearing on each application next week before voting at its March 4 meeting whether to enter into contract negotiations with each applicant or deny the application. All proceedings are open to the public.

The in-person interview for the applicants proposing the virtual Maine Connections Academy will be held on Monday, Feb.3 from noon to 3 p.m., also in the Richard J. Randall Student Center Lounge at the University of Maine at Augusta. A public hearing will follow at the same location from 4 to 7 p.m. and written comments will be accepted by the Commission through 1 p.m. on Feb. 11.

The in-person interview for the applicants proposing the online Maine Virtual Academy will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Richard J. Randall Student Center Lounge at the University of Maine at Augusta. A public hearing will follow at the same location from 4 to 7 p.m. and written comments will be accepted by the Commission through 1 p.m. on Feb. 12.

The in-person interview for the applicants proposing the Lewiston-Auburn Academy Charter School will be held on Friday, Feb. 7 from noon to 3 p.m. in Room 103 of Kirk Hall at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. A public hearing will follow at the same location from 4 to 7 p.m. and written comments will be accepted by the Commission through 1 p.m. on Feb. 15.

Written public comment on any of the applications can be sent to mcsc@maine.gov or the Maine Charter School Commission, 182 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0182. Submissions can also be delivered in-person to the 5th Floor of the Burton Cross State House Office Building in Augusta.

In 2011, Governor Paul R. LePage signed legislation making Maine the 41st state to allow charter schools and establishing the seven-member Commission as an authorizer of up to 10 public charter schools through June 30, 2022. Local school boards can additionally authorize public charter schools.

Currently, there are five charter schools effectively serving more than 400 Maine students including Cornville Regional Charter School, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Hinckley, Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland, Fiddlehead School of Arts and Science in Gray and Harpswell Coastal Academy.

For more information about the Maine Charter School Commission or to see the current applications under review, visit www.maine.gov/csc.

Oceanside East Names December Students Of The Month

Rockland, Maine - Oceanside High School East has announced their December students of the month

The students named are Samantha Calamari, Jacob Bartlett, Jarrod Leonardi.

Governor LePage Asks State Education Board to Review Commissioner Candidate

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that he hopes to make his Acting Education Commissioner permanent.

In a letter sent Monday morning to the State Board of Education, Governor LePage said he intends to nominate Jim Rier, of Topsham, to be Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, pending that 10-member board's evaluation of the candidate.

While most gubernatorial Commissioner appointments go directly to the legislative committee of jurisdiction, State statute requires the Governor's nomination for Education Commissioner be interviewed by the State Board of Education, which is currently chaired by Nancy Perkins, of Cornish.

The State Board is expected to interview Acting Commissioner Rier at its next regular meeting on Jan. 15, something traditionally done in executive session. The Chair will them deliver the Board's written appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate within 10 days to the Governor, who will consider the feedback before formally posting the nomination for the Legislature's consideration.

Acting Commissioner Rier is no stranger to the State Board of Education and a familiar face at the Department and the State House.

A former Senior Project Engineer at Buick who worked for 25 years as President of his family's car dealership in his native Machias, Rier served two terms on the Board including as Chair from 1997 to 2000.

He joined the Maine DOE as its Director of Finance and Operations in 2003 and became Deputy Commissioner in 2011. In his tenure, Acting Commissioner Rier has established himself as the state's foremost expert in education funding, and has led reforms to the School Funding Law, Child Development Services and the Department that have increased transparency and fiscal accountability to Maine taxpayers.

He has also volunteered extensively to support efforts that advance education and economic development, and has been honored for his leadership and service by groups including the Maine School Management Association, the Maine Municipal Association and the American Lung Association.

Rier has served as Acting Education Commissioner since October. In that time, he has worked to successfully implement the student-centered reforms of the LePage Administration, including ensuring school choice and accountability, and that the Maine DOE is effectively supporting school improvement.

He lives in Topsham with his wife, Linda, and has three grown children and seven grandchildren.

UMA Senior College Hosts Forum on Issues of Later Life

Augusta, Maine - The University of Maine at Augusta Senior College will be hosting its first Forum on the Future event of 2014, “Six Feet Under: Funeral Choices” at 2:00 PM on Sunday January 19, 2014 in Jewett Hall.

The forum will be lead by featured speaker, Cushman Anthony, an attorney, former state legislator and President of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maine.  Following Anthony’s talk, there will be a panel discussion with guest speakers, Kitsy Winthrop, Hospice Chaplain and Chuck Lakin, woodworker and home funeral educator.

Drawing on years of experience, these experts will discuss, legal documents, principle options for funerals including cremation, traditional funeral with burial in a cemetery of home plot, arrangements without a funeral director, body donation and green cemeteries, and many related topics.  The speakers will deal squarely and sensitively with issues that all families must address at the end of someone’s life journey.

The forum is free and open to the public.  A snow date is scheduled for Jan. 26th.

BEST OF 2013: Camden Hills Regional High School Graduation Gallery

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." CHRHS 2013 Class Moto

Camden Hills Regional High School graduated 159 on Friday.  With 15 Honor Graduates, 27 National Honor Society and 3 National Technical Honor Society graduates it is clear this is a class that will go far.

BEST OF 2013: 2013 Oceanside High School Graduation.Video and Gallery

Oceanside High School graduates 152 on Tuesday evening.

Rockland, Maine - On June 11th, 2013 the Oceanside High School class of 2013 graduated. Oceanside
High School graduated 153 students.

Congratulations To All Those Who Graduated!!

**Video Report**
Our video report can be found by clicking here.