MECDHH/GBSD NEWS

April 2024

Dear MECDHH/GBSD Community & Friends,

April Break is about to start and the forecast is calling for at least a few warm, sunny days next week! We hope you and your families will enjoy the break by getting outside, traveling, or just being together at home. Here are a few updates from all of us at MECDHH/GBSD!

Power of Peers

The Power of Peers (POP) program in Brewer has met four times so far this school year, including earlier this month. The program has up to 16 students ranging in age from pre-K to seventh grade, plus a high school helper who was part of our former "Kids Like Me" program beginning in pre-K himself! Students' hearing differences and levels range from mild to profound, and communication modalities include American Sign Language and spoken English with most students using both languages. Not only do students get to know each other through varies activities but they also had a chance to learn about their various assistive technology devices, (i.e. hearing aids, cochlear implants, and BAHA). We had samples of each device for students to see in person and ask questions. This program is such an important tool to help students feel seen and understood!

Popup Playgroups

Our Early Intervention and Family Services team has been hosting monthly playgroup "popups" in locations around the state. It has been a great way for families who aren't able to make it to our weekly playgroups in Falmouth to meet and connect with each other and our providers. On March 30, two families had fun with each other at The Little Playspace in Auburn!

School Board Retreat

The MECDHH/GBSD School Board held its annual retreat at the Lucerne Inn in Dedham last week. They delved into topics such as board values, roles, responsibilities, and goals. There was also a board orientation for three new board members: Beth Campbell, Barbara Millios, and Dawna Thorpe. The board is grateful to have some new faces representing our wider community!

Campus Gateway Update

Harriman Architects has submitted the final concept for a new gateway to our campus on Mackworth Island in Falmouth. Take a look at the design, pictured above! (No, it's not an actual photo; it's a graphic placed over an image of our existing road!)

Would you or someone you know like to refer a child for MECDHH/GBSD services? If so, please follow the links below for more information!

Referrals for age s 0-2

Referrals for ages 3-22

UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the dates for these spring events and be on the lookout for more details forthcoming in your email, on our website, and on social media. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and visit our Events page for updates! Questions about an event or have an event to share?

Please email: kimberly.spencer@mecdhh.org

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WEDNESDAYS

10:00am - 11:30am

Weekly Playgroup

**no playgroup April 17**

MECDHH/GBSD

1 Mackworth Island

Falmouth

April 12

5:00 - 8:00PM

April 13

10:00AM - 7:30PM

Maine Deaf Film Festival

MECDHH/GBSD Gym

Mackworth Island

Falmouth

Cost: $10 per day, free for USM students with valid ID and children under 14

For any questions contact: sandra.wood@maine.edu

April 20

10:00am - 12:00pm

Playgroup Popup

Pineland Farms

15 Farm View Dr

New Gloucester

2-hour farm pass event!

$6/person*

*Ages 2 and under are free!

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FUNDING ARE AVAILABLE!*

*Please contact your early intervention provider for more information.

May 2

5:30pm - 7:30pm

School Board Meeting

MECDHH/GBSD Cafeteria

1 Mackworth Island

Falmouth, ME

and on Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82439564198?pwd=YjBWSHhLY1RKYnliaEZsWHJSNVVVZz09

Meeting ID: 824 3956 4198

Passcode: 12345

Pine Tree Society’s Interpreting Services is partnering with Ogunquit Playhouse to provide American Sign Language performances for their 2024 season, beginning in May. For more information as well as a list of upcoming performances, click HERE.

We have several job openings at MECDHH/GBSD! Please visit the Employment Opportunities page on our website for more details!

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Governor Baxter School for the Deaf

1 Mackworth Island

Falmouth, ME 04105

www.mecdhh.org

207-781-3165