Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family leave, medical leave, safe leave, or leave related to a family member’s impending military deployment. Maine Law (Title 26, M.R.S.A. § 42-B and § 850-1) requires every employer to place this poster in the workplace where workers can easily see it. For more information please visit https://www.maine.gov/labor, or click at https://5il.co/3a958.
Please find the following flyer for the ACEing Autism program! This national nonprofit helps children with autism grow, connect, and stay active through tennis. Students at Brunswick High School participating in ACEing Autism have partnered with Bowdoin College to offer the program here in Brunswick, Maine. The Program is open to kids ages 4-18, on any end of the spectrum. ACEing Autism is looking for volunteers and participants.
Sessions will be held every Saturday from March 1st to April 26th, 10:00-11:00 AM at Bowdoin’s Farley Field House, Brunswick ME.
Sign up here: https://aceingautism.org/programs/brunswick-me/
Subject: Celebrating the Season with Gratitude and Wabanaki Spirit
Dear Maine Indian Education Family,
As the winter solstice approaches and the snow blankets the Wabanaki ancestral lands, I am moved to reflect on the profound dedication and spirit each of you brings to our educational community. Like the sacred birch that bends but never breaks in winter storms, you have shown remarkable resilience and strength throughout this year.
In Wabanaki tradition, winter is a time of storytelling, of gathering close, and of passing wisdom from one generation to the next. Each of you embodies this tradition daily in our classrooms and halls, weaving together modern education with the timeless knowledge of Wabanaki ancestors. Your work honors the Seven Fires of the Wabanaki teachings – wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, and truth.
As you celebrate this holiday season with your loved ones, remember that you are part of something greater – a continuing circle of knowledge and nurturing that has sustained the Wabanaki people for countless generations. Whether you gather around the Christmas tree or honor traditional ceremonies, may you feel the warmth of community and the pride of Wabanaki heritage.
Let us take inspiration from the eagle, one of Wabanaki's sacred symbols, who sees both the larger picture and the smallest detail. Your work touches individual students while contributing to the larger vision of preserving and strengthening our Native communities through education.
During this break, I hope you find time for rest and renewal, like the quiet restoration that happens beneath winter's snow. May you return refreshed, carrying the peace of snow-covered pines and the strength of ancient stones in your spirit.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (Woli Nipayimiyan naka Woli Pilikoton).
Dr. Reza Namin,
Superintendent
PS. Thanks to Lynn Mitchell, Adele Moore, and Cante England for their help with this message.
Dear Maine Indian Education Family,
As the winter solstice approaches and the snow blankets the Wabanaki ancestral lands, I am moved to reflect on the profound dedication and spirit each of you brings to our educational community. Like the sacred birch that bends but never breaks in winter storms, you have shown remarkable resilience and strength throughout this year.
In Wabanaki tradition, winter is a time of storytelling, of gathering close, and of passing wisdom from one generation to the next. Each of you embodies this tradition daily in our classrooms and halls, weaving together modern education with the timeless knowledge of Wabanaki ancestors. Your work honors the Seven Fires of the Wabanaki teachings – wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, and truth.
As you celebrate this holiday season with your loved ones, remember that you are part of something greater – a continuing circle of knowledge and nurturing that has sustained the Wabanaki people for countless generations. Whether you gather around the Christmas tree or honor traditional ceremonies, may you feel the warmth of community and the pride of Wabanaki heritage.
Let us take inspiration from the eagle, one of Wabanaki's sacred symbols, who sees both the larger picture and the smallest detail. Your work touches individual students while contributing to the larger vision of preserving and strengthening our Native communities through education.
During this break, I hope you find time for rest and renewal, like the quiet restoration that happens beneath winter's snow. May you return refreshed, carrying the peace of snow-covered pines and the strength of ancient stones in your spirit.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (Woli Nipayimiyan naka Woli Pilikoton).
Dr. Reza Namin,
Superintendent
PS. Thanks to Lynn Mitchell, Adele Moore, and Cante England for their help with this message.
Indian Island School students learn block-based programming through Scratch
For more information, please use the QR Code attached, or Click below:
https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/indian-island-school-students-learn-block-based-programming-through-scratch/article_ef658c62-9b0c-11ef-834a-6777314d2cb3.html
MIE Receives Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Award for Grades 6-12
Calais, ME – March 21, 2024 - Maine Indian Education is pleased to announce that the Maine Department of Education has awarded its schools with a Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative (MOLI) award. This award will provide students in grades 6-12 with unique opportunities to engage in cultural experiences and place-based learning, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields.
The MOLI award recognizes Maine Indian Education's commitment to providing students with innovative and immersive learning experiences that connect them with their heritage and the natural world around them. By combining cultural knowledge with hands-on STEM education, the program aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for both traditional wisdom and modern scientific principles.
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education, expressed his enthusiasm for the award, stating, "We are thrilled to receive the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative award. This recognition validates our efforts to create meaningful, culturally relevant educational opportunities for our students. By integrating traditional knowledge with STEM disciplines, we are empowering our youth to become well-rounded, critical thinkers who are prepared to lead and innovate in the 21st century."
The MOLI-funded programming will include a range of activities, such as field trips to significant cultural sites, outdoor research projects, and collaborations with tribal elders and STEM professionals. These experiences will not only enhance students' academic knowledge but also strengthen their connection to their community and the environment.
"This award opens up a world of possibilities for our students, including our high school students" added Dr. Namin. "By engaging in place-based learning and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Wabanaki, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot communities, our students will gain a deeper appreciation for their own identity and the importance of preserving and advancing indigenous knowledge. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on their academic and personal growth."
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education provided a testimony as an invited presenter. "The Way Forward", a Final Report of the Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children was released in February of 2024.
"The Way Forward", Report of the Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children is available at the site below:
https://commissiononnativechildren.org/reports/TheWayForward.pdf
The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children (Commission) transmitted its official and final report and recommendations to the President and Congress as directed by bipartisan legislation Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) ushered into law (Public Law 114-244, as amended by Public Law 117-41) in 2016. Congress created and directed the Commission to conduct an intensive study of federal, tribal, state and local programs and grants available to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children and to make recommendations for how to promote improved outcomes for Native youth.
The Commission is named in honor of two advocates for Native children and youth, Alyce Spotted Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation) and Walter Soboleff (Tlingit). Alyce Spotted Bear was a chairwoman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, an education leader and a cultural historian. Reverend Dr. Walter Soboleff was a spiritual leader for Alaska Native people, a Tlingit educator, and the first Alaska Native Chairman of the Alaska State Board of Education.
Penobscot Language Portal
Visit: https://www.penobscotnation.org/departments/cultural-historic-preservation
The Bureau of Indian Education provides school staff with access AT NO COST to DirectSTEP® eLearning at https://dc-bie2020-ds.lrp.com.
These courses are for all staff including teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nurse, food staff, PARENTS, etc.
Go to https://dc-bie2020-ds.lrp.com and self-register today! The courses are 1 hour and self-paced.
Report Fraud, Waste, or Abuse to our Hotline Check out the links below for more information on what to report, how to file a report, whistleblower protections, and other resources. Click Below to Report Now:
https://oighotlineportal.ed.gov/eCasePortal/InvestigationsCaptcha.aspx
University of Maine Curriculum and Lesson Plans.
https://libguides.library.umaine.edu/Educationguide/curriculum
How to contact a counselor. Maine Indian Education WeCare Program.
Information Video:
https://www.loom.com/share/66eaadd96cd24725b6530ca70106413f
The safety of our staff and students is of utmost importance. That's why we're pleased to offer the Vector Training, K-12 Edition to our employees. We're confident you'll find these courses to be informative and helpful in maintaining a safe learning environment.
https://maineindianedu-me.safeschools.com/login
2022 Waponahki Student Art Show at the Abbe Museum.
https://www.abbemuseum.org/2022-student-art
Support for LD 1626, An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act. Listen to the public hearing before the Maine Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JSeXDGr5k4 Summary of LD 1626 https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280080665
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education was invited by the Maine Legislative Joint Committee On Education and Cultural Affairs to give a presentation on February 3, 2022, regarding the Maine Indian Education Initiatives. https://legislature.maine.gov/committee/#Committees/ED
Cultural Relevant Academic Resources from the Academic Development Institute & Transformation Academy at Bureau of Indian Education Native Star Web Access:
Visit: https://www.indistar.org/freeresources.html
1. Leadership & Decision-Making
2. Instructional Planning & Delivery
3. Coaching & Support
4. Personalized Learning
5. Family Engagement
