Maine
Maine educators share their excitement for the new school year
![Maine educators share their excitement for the new school year Maine educators share their excitement for the new school year](https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/44ab58d4-97cf-49cb-8e91-c3279ee87d6d.jpg?w=800)
Maine schools have opened their doors for a new school year, and educators have welcomed students back with excitement, care and a deep commitment to helping them. Back to school is a time of hope, joy and renewed connection.
Whether it’s hands-on outdoor learning exploring Maine’s beautiful outdoors, innovative computer science and STEM education, internships and extended learning opportunities connected to student passions, vibrant career and technical education opportunities or opportunities for pursuing sports and the arts, Maine schools offer students engaging and enriching learning opportunities that expand their minds, help them achieve their dreams, support their wellbeing, prepare them to tackle challenges and create joy. And Maine’s educators are constantly innovating to further their students’ curiosity, engagement, and preparedness.
“Maine schools are filled with talented educators and school staff who strive every day to make a difference in the lives of the young people of Maine,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “Happy new school year to all of the educators and school staff in the state. You all have my immense gratitude for the work you do.”
She added, “Whether you are the first person who greets a child with a smile as they board the bus, or you serve them delicious food at lunch or teach them something awe-inspiring, you will likely be remembered as that one educator or school staff member who checked in on them when they most needed it, made them feel safe, inspired them, fueled their curiosity and courage and helped them persevere when it mattered most.”
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) asked teachers across our great state to share their excitement for the new school year.
“We have a lot of new things coming up this year, with an outdoor learning space being completed and all the students having science units attached to it. We’ve made some new hires this summer, which will bring some really good energy, and we are in our third year of a new math program, which means we’re coming into it with more expertise and ability to utilize past data.” – Principal Heather Blanchard of Harriet Beecher Stowe in Brunswick
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Back to school is a time of hope, joy and renewed connection. Provided by Maine DOE
“I’m excited for all the laughs that happen in the classroom. I’m excited for kids to connect with something new and be proud of themselves and their work.”– Art teacher Naomi Ellsworth of Harpswell Community School and William-Cone School in Topsham
“I have gained so many great insights and so much inspiration from my County Teachers of the Year cohort this summer, and I can’t wait to pour that energy and enthusiasm into my classroom. This summer has been a time for dreaming big, but sharing with my kids will make those dreams a reality.” – Hancock County Teacher of the Year Ryan Lowell, an English Teacher at Ellsworth High School
“It’s the promise of all the new connections I’m going to make in a school year that gets me so excited every September. I love looking out at a room full of new students and thinking: ‘We are going to connect so much this year that in June when school is over, we are going to miss each other so much.’” – Bangor High School English Teacher and Penobscot County Teacher of the Year Emilie Throckmorton
“As the 2024 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year, I am excited for a year of fresh starts. The 2023-2024 school year was difficult for the Lewiston community, and the resiliency within my students carried them through. I can’t wait to see the smiling faces of my students as they start fourth grade with this same remarkable resiliency and optimism for a new year of learning and growth.” – Leah Boucher, Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year and fourth-grade teacher at Farwell Elementary
“I am looking forward to welcoming a new group of learners into my classroom. We are about to embark on a journey together, creating a community that is stronger by the end of the year than we were at the start. Making connections with my students and helping them to reach their fullest potential is my favorite part of being an educator.” – Danielle Pelletier, third grade teacher at the CK Burns School in Saco and York County Teacher of the Year
“Each student is unique, and discovering how to connect with and inspire students is always rewarding. I also love the opportunity to try innovative teaching methods and collaborate with my colleagues. I’m excited to get things started!”– Kaley Brown, social studies teacher at Skowhegan Area High School and Somerset County Teacher of the Year
“I’m looking forward to engaging my students in more impactful learning disguised completely as fun! I’m also really excited to see how much my students have grown over the summer, what experiences they’ve had and want to share, and revel in our mutual excitement that comes with starting a new school year.” – Windsor Community School Librarian and Kennebec County Teacher of the Year Kristel Anuszewski
“This school year, I’m most excited about creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment where students feel empowered to ask questions and explore new ideas. I’m looking forward to building stronger connections with my students and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom. It’s all about fostering a love of learning and seeing my students grow in confidence and curiosity!” – Ally Gilbert, Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year and Mt. Ararat High School Science teacher
“I look forward to getting to know the wonderful families that share their children with me.” – Vickie Lailer, Franklin County Teacher of the Year and Second Grade Teacher at W.G. Mallet School in Farmington
The Maine DOE provides support and resources to support the hopes and aspirations that Maine’s educators have for this new school year and beyond. Educators can learn more about how the Maine DOE supports innovative teaching and learning practices, can help them create safe and welcoming learning environments, and find resources and professional learning opportunities here.
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Maine
Maine Ski Area Back On The Market Following Failed Redevelopment Proposal
![Maine Ski Area Back On The Market Following Failed Redevelopment Proposal Maine Ski Area Back On The Market Following Failed Redevelopment Proposal](https://unofficialnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-at-7.38.52-PM.jpg)
Greenville Junction, Maine — The saga regarding the future of one of New England’s most underrated ski areas continues.
Friends of the Mountain, which operates Big Moose Mountain (formerly referred to as Big Squaw), announced that the property is back on the market. Developer Perry Wiliams, who wanted to revitalize the property, has officially dropped out, meaning that the Maine ski area is again being offered for sale by owner James Confalone. Friends of the Mountain is operating the ski area while all this gets sorted out, as their contract is active through December 2027.
This is surprising, given the recent news about those developers reviving their efforts to build the ski resort. The Piscataquis Observer reported in May that he had re-engaged with the owner and was finalizing the contract details. This summer, the developer planned to fix up the snowmaking system that was damaged by last December’s flood and tear down the buildings filled with asbestos.
Big Moose has had a complicated history. First opened in December 1963, It slowly grew its trails, lifts, and vertical drop over the coming years. While remote, the ski resort became known for its stunning views and slopeside hotel. It was eventually sold to entrepreneur James Confalone in 1995.
In 2004, the upper mountain chairlift failed, resulting in four injuries. In addition, the hotel closed in the 2000s and has fallen into disrepair. The upper mountain has remained without lift-serviced skiing since, although the Friends have brought cat skiing operations up there for the past two winters. Rather than fixing the issues, Confalone allegedly illegally harvested timber to pay off millions in loans. This illegal timber harvesting and failure to maintain the property caused a lawsuit from the state of Maine, which could see Confalone pay more than $4.5 million in damages. In addition, James Confalone has refused to change the name of the mountain, despite most of the country now deeming the word squaw as offensive. However, the non-profit has begun referring to the ski area as Big Moose.
After being closed for several winters, Confalone leased the lower slopes to the non-profit Friends of the Mountain in 2012. They’ve done great work revitalizing the mountain, spending $200k last offseason to renovate the lower mountain chairlift, renovate the snowmaking pumphouse, and start a cat-skiing operation.
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For years, developer Perry Williams has sought to revitalize the ski resort. Some of the proposals include a new hotel, a base lodge/conference center, summer attractions, dining options, and a detachable chairlift to the summit. While they got the approvals from the state of Maine, they never could finalize the contract with Confalone. The development team dropped the plans in late 2022. Perry Williams recently tried to revive these efforts, but he failed again.
The asking price is around $5 million, depending on whether the buyer acquires additional development acreage around the mountain. If you’re interested, please email Skibigmoose@gmail.com. If you want to support the non-profit, click here to donate to the Friends of the Mountain.
![](https://i0.wp.com/unofficialnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-at-7.14.11-PM.jpg?resize=657%2C1024&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/unofficialnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-at-7.14.11-PM.jpg?resize=657%2C1024&ssl=1)
Image Credits: Friends of the Mountain, North Woods Aerial
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Maine
Volleyball: 10 players to watch in southern Maine
![Volleyball: 10 players to watch in southern Maine Volleyball: 10 players to watch in southern Maine](https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/32951309_20221028_VBChampB_11-1725912092.jpg?w=1024)
Olive Clark, Falmouth sophomore, outside hitter: Clark could be on the brink of a big year. She does it all on the floor, racks up points and plays good defense, and according to Coach Larry Nichols could be “a problem” for opponents soon.
Bella Cortez, Cheverus senior, libero: Cortez has been an SMAA all-star two years running, and is the team’s coach on the floor. She directs players, is a good server and passer, is always positioned well and reads the ball coming in. “She drives the team,” Coach Gary Powers said.
Maeve Donovan, Biddeford junior, outside hitter: A depth player during Biddeford’s championship run, Donovan will now take center stage as the Tigers seek another title. She’s driven and competitive, and should announce herself as one of the SMAA’s best players.
Grace Keaney, Yarmouth junior, middle hitter: As a sophomore, Keaney emerged as a player who can single-handedly change the game around the net. She totaled 156 kills and 49 blocks, and will be the key piece as Yarmouth looks to repeat.
Samone Gallagher, Sanford senior, middle hitter: Gallagher dominated as a junior en route to first-team all-SMAA recognition. She has the talent to defend and score, and will be the key piece for a Spartans team loaded with experience.
Bella Guerin-Brown, Cape Elizabeth junior, outside hitter: Guerin-Brown was a first-team all-conference pick in the WMC last year and will be the main offensive threat for a Capers team looking to return to the top of the field in Class B.
Charlotte Macdonald, Kennebunk junior, setter/opposite hitter: Macdonald has made an impact with the Rams since her freshman season, and last year earned second-team all-SMAA honors as she helped Kennebunk go from seven to 11 wins.
Natalie Moynihan, Scarborough senior, outside hitter: A knee injury forced Moynihan to miss the entire softball season, but the hope is she’ll be full strength for this fall. If she is, Scarborough gets back one of the top players and hardest hitters in the state, who totaled 38 aces and a 51% kill percentage last year.
Natalie Smith, Gorham senior, libero: Smith will be the anchor of what should be a strong defense for the defending state champions. She’s unflappable and a leader on the court, and she brings a boundless energy to a key position. She was an SMAA honorable mention last year.
Anabelle Talley, Greely sophomore, middle hitter/outside hitter: Talley brings some needed versatility to Greely’s reassembled starting lineup. She can play anywhere on the court, and Coach Autumn Vargo has noticed a bolder, more vocal style of play from the second-year standout.
Maine
Documentary highlights futsal community in Kennedy Park
![Documentary highlights futsal community in Kennedy Park Documentary highlights futsal community in Kennedy Park](https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/courts-of-belonging-3-1725892390.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/courts-of-belonging-3.jpg?w=750)
The documentary focuses on the Kennedy Park futsal courts, where pickup games are played almost every day. Contributed / Photo by Santiago Tijerina
A passion for soccer, a connection to Maine immigrants and a project in documentary studies forcefully aligned for Portland resident Santiago Tijerina last fall when he directed the documentary short film “Courts of Belonging.” Showcased at the Maine Outdoor Film Festival Selects Tour in Scarborough on Sept. 5, the film has gained awards and grants and is on its way to becoming a full-length feature.
“Courts of Belonging” highlights the futsal court located in Kennedy Park and how its games build community for immigrant and refugee residents of neighborhood. Futsal, a version of soccer with a small ball on a paved surface with five players, first arose in South America has steadily gained popularity internationally and in Portland. Responding to this enthusiasm for the sport in East Bayside, the city of Portland opened a futsal court in summer of 2021.
The documentary emphasizes how the futsal games offer a sense of belonging to socially isolated immigrants and refugees residing in East Bayside, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Maine. Players take the court in multilingual pickup games organized by Kennedy Park Pickup Soccer almost every day.
![](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/courtsofbelonging2.jpeg?w=300)
![](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/courtsofbelonging2.jpeg?w=300)
The community organization Kennedy Park Pickup Soccer regularly hosts free multilingual futsal games in one of Maine’s most diverse neighborhoods. Contributed / Photo by Santiago Tijerina
“The story is about how the game really brings people together, how it instills confidence,” said Tijerina, “(in) people who have had their confidence taken away from them, and how it breaks barriers and brings people together.”
Tijerina participated in Kennedy Park futsal and was connected to the immigrant community of Portland prior to starting this project.
In the fall of 2023 after graduating from University of Maine Orono with a degree in International Affairs, Tijerina moved to Portland and began working at the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, a nonprofit that assists new Mainers with language acquisition and economic and civic navigation.
In his free time, Tijerina became a core organizer for Kennedy Park Pickup Soccer, he said. The leadership of the grassroots group organizes regular free futsal games on the court, mentors school- and college-age players, and coordinates sponsorships from local businesses.
Tijerina credits the volunteer group’s commitment to the club to their “obsession for the beautiful game” and to the Kennedy Park community.
“It’s all about leadership. It’s about mentorship. It’s about consistent organization of soccer games for the community,” said Tijerina.
“It’s about holding our values firm. Our values of inclusivity, of community before competition, of grassroots organizing and also securing help from sponsors,” he said.
Simultaneously that fall, Tijerina attended the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, a 15-week certificate program of the Maine College of Art and Design. For the program’s short film project, he turned the camera to his now-familiar futsal court.
“(The Salt Institute) really gave me the chance to think about what story I wanted to tell and what story I wanted to contribute to documenting Maine and Maine people,” he said.
![](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/courtsofbelonging.jpeg?w=300)
![](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/courtsofbelonging.jpeg?w=300)
Orono filmmaker Santiago Tijerina is the son of two Columbian immigrants, which motivated him to focus his camera on the immigrant communities of Portland. Contributed / Santiago Tijerina
Tijerina’s upbringing in Orono also deeply influenced his documentary, he said. A first-generation Mainer born to Columbian parents, Tijerina wanted his work to foster understanding for immigrants and refugees in Maine communities.
“Maine is not so diverse. I literally grew up in Orono, Maine, so I know what it feels like to be highlighted, really spotlighted, right?” he said. “I think that makes for stories like these to have more weight.
“That’s why I’m putting a lot of emphasis on bringing (‘Courts of Belonging’) around colleges and high schools across the state, so that people can really understand where a lot of their classmates are coming from, because you’re seeing a huge influx in refugee, asylum seekers, immigrants in Maine.”
In addition to screening at schools and in Scarborough, the film has been shown at Maine Outdoor Film Festival’s Portland Flagship Festival in July, a Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center open house, the Preble Street Teen Center, and the Portland Public Teen Library. The latter two locations were selected with the goal of connecting film attendees to the action they saw on screen.
“A lot of the folks that go to those two places are asylum seekers and refugees. We’re trying to get them familiar with the court,” said Tijerina. “A lot of them ended up showing up at the court to play soccer and making friends and practice their English.”
The film received a warm reception across its showings. The MOFF Portland Flagship Festival’s jury awarded Tijerina the Emerging Maine Filmmaker Award. MOFF Director Nick Callanan said that the group is excited to see what Tijerina would do next.
“I mean, he just made some amazing creative decisions with cinematography and his editing choices, and it’s just got such a hopeful message,” said Callanan. “He’s got a bright future ahead of him. It’s awesome to see him just really coming (into) his own as a storyteller,” he said.
With support from a Maine Humanities Council grant and his Welcome Center workplace, Tijerina has been working to turn the short into a feature.
He plans to focus the full-length documentary on the lives of the young immigrants and refugees on the court and their journeys to Portland, as well as the long history of the Kennedy Park and East Bayside neighborhoods as a hub for immigrants in Maine. He aims to have the “Courts of Belonging” feature to be in festivals next summer and premiering in Portland then.
“How difficult it is for a young teenager to travel by boat from Africa to Latin America and walk all the way from Latin America to North America,” said Tijerina. “These stories are just incredible, incredibly moving.
“I really want to give a voice to them, and it just works out that I’m at the (Greater Portland) Immigrant Welcome Center and there’s just a lot of folks who’ve been really interested in supporting the project and taking it further with me,” he said.
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