Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Schools

RECENT UPDATES

See the most recent updates from Maine Department of Education  and Commissioner Pender Makin.

• 11/20/20 - PRIORITY NOTICE: Updated Guidance on Group Sizes and Masks/Face coverings
• Governor's EO on mask wearing- no change for schools 11/05/20
• CRF Updates 10/22/20
• 10/22/2020 - PRIORITY NOTICE: PPE Ordering to be Reopened for Maine Schools
• 10/07/20Governor's Executive Order #14 (indoor capacity, masks) and flexibilities for bus purchase with CRF
• Warmline for educators
• PreK-12 School Based Testing for COVID-19
• 09/24/20 National Guard to assist school nurses with fit-testing, N95 masks
• 9/23/20 CRF #2 Announced
• 09/23/20 Easing of restrictions on travel to and from MA
• 9/18/20 Updates from Commissioner Makin to Superintendents
• 9/18/20 Last Call for PPE for SAUs
• 9/4/20 County Color Classification Update
• Updated PPE Delivery Information & Egress Drill Requirement (8/25/20)
• 8/21/2020 Legislative Update
• 08/20/20 Pre-K considerations during COVID-19
• 08/20/20 Drinking Water and HVAC considerations for reopening shuttered buildings.
• 08/14/20 Additional Guidance and Allowances from DPS for Safety Protocols 
• 08/06/20 Adult Ed CRF Funds
• 08/04/20 CRF Timeline and Resources
• Older Updates...

CONTENT RESOURCES

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Maine DOE is providing virtual office hours to support educators and administrators.

Browse the Department's Virtual Professional Development

Browse Recorded Webinars by Category

Teacher Spotlight

Check out what a few of our Teacher Leaders are doing across the state to enhance Remote Learning in Maine.  

Go to the Remote Learning Spotlight Page

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Maine CDC Guidance for Schools (PDF)
• 6 Requirements for Safely Opening Schools
• State of Maine FAQ for out of state travel
• Color Coded County Risk Levels

• Standard Operating Procedure for Positive Cases in Schools

• CARES Act & ESSER Funding

Framework Table of Contents

• Part I: Physical Health and Safety Considerations
• Part II: Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Considerations
• Part III: Academic Programs and Student Learning Considerations
• Part IV: Common Expectations for Hybrid and Remote Learning Models
• Part V: Additional considerations
• View Full Framework PDF Document  (Updated 9.15.20) 

Feeding Students

• Extension of 9 USDA Waivers (8/31/20)
• Maine Schools Providing Meals to Students During Closures
• Step By Step Guidance For Remote Food Service Program
• Nutrition:  Guidance for providing student meals in the event of school disruption
• Bulk Meal Guidance
• Full Plates Full Potential Emergency Fund
• More...

Special Education

• Continuity of Learning and Special Education During COVID-19 (posted 4/8/20)
• MDOE Special Services COVID-19 Resource Page
• Office of Special Services COVID-19 Communication (posted 3/18/20)
• Special Education Considerations from CDC (3/13/2020)

Remote Learning

• Remote Learning Plan Guidance
• Continuity of Learning Resources
• FERPA Resources
• Remote Learning Resources Primary Grades / Remote Learning Resources Upper Elementary Grades - Credit:  Maine Curriculum Leaders Association
• Career & Technical Education Resource Page
• Learning and Technology Resource Page 
• Spotlight on Teachers Leading - Remote Learning

Internet Connectivity

We recognize that not all students in Maine have access to the internet and we are working swiftly to address this. Some companies are offering free internet access options for a limited time to help promote connectivity for remote learning. Nationally, many internet companies have signed the Keep Americans Connected Pledge which allows for flexibility and payment waivers, as well as free access to broadband services for a limited time. 

• Learn more...

Administrator/ School Board Toolbox

• CARES Act & ESSER Funding
• Expanded Authority of Reserve Funds (Posted 4/8/20)
• Guidance on the Use of Federal Funds During COVID-19 School Closures (posted 3/18/20)
• Reminders for School Communities Regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
• Model Letters for Community or Staff

• National School Boards Association guidance

• FERPA Resources

Family Resources for Supporting Students

• Tips for Talking with Children

• List of Continuity of Learning Resources for Parents

• Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019 - CDC

• PBS for Parents

• More...

Health Resources

• Pre-screening Tool for School Attendance (English | Maine DOE | Version: 10.9.20)
• COVID-19 Child Feels or Appears Unwell Flowchart  (Maine DOE Updated 10.9.20)
• CDC Facts About COVID-19 Flyer (English)
• CDC Facts About COVID-19 (Translated)
• More...

Pandemic Planning & Safety

• Now is the time to review and update School Emergency Operations
• Get Your School Ready for a Pandemic Event Resource Guide (PDF)
• Contact the Maine School Safety and Security Center for assistance: 
  DOESchoolandStudentSupports@maine.gov

More COVID-19 Info & Resources

Visit the following web pages that have been developed to provide up-to-date information on COVID-19:

• Updated Maine Portal Site for COVID-19
• U.S. CDC Coronavirus Situation Summary
• Maine CDC Coronavirus Updates
• MAINE 211 - Free, confidential information and referral services related to COVID-19  - Visit Maine 211