MECDHH/GBSD NEWS

May 2024

Dear MECDHH/GBSD Community & Friends,

Somehow, we are already less than three weeks away from the last day of school on Friday, June 14th! It’s been a busy spring and we’re excited to share some updates with you!

May Highlights

Power of Peers

The Power of Peers (POP) program continued in May at the Brewer Community School with huge success. Younger students got the chance to learn from high school students and chat about being Deaf and Hard of Hearing, hearing differences, and hearing assistive technology. They also shared visual and spoken languages. The Power of Peers program includes activities to get to know each other, discussing audiograms and what they mean, and even looking at individual students’ audiograms to discuss what each one means. This program is hugely important to foster and build community starting at a young age. We’re so proud of our students!

Sports Banquet

Student athletes from our site-based and outreach programs were invited to Mackworth Island on May 21 to be honored by staff and families. It was a festive night!

Professional Development at ‘The Regulated Classroom’ Workshop

MECDHH/GBSD teachers Melanie Bowlus, Erin Bunce, and Megan Garrity together attended “The Regulated Classroom” workshop with Emily Read Daniels. The workshop provided strategies to help support students and staff in the classroom. Thanks to the Maine Department of Education for providing this opportunity! We're excited to announce that Emily will be presenting at our upcoming Family Learning Day on July 20 (see details below)!

Mackworth Island Preschool Represents at the MAEYC Conference!

Our Mackworth Island Preschool was represented at the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children conference (MAEYC). Did you know that the Mackworth Island Preschool is NAEYC accredited? We are so proud of our amazing preschool program and staff!

Facilities Updates

Proposed Pavilion

As part of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative (MOLI), MECDHH/GBSD completed a walk-through with Harriman Architects, Elaine Clark of the state Bureau of General Services (BGS), and Commissioner Pender Makin to evaluate the space for a proposed outdoor pavilion. Design work is underway.

Preschool Building, Playground, Security & Staff Offices

Preschool will remain permanently in Brewster Hall.
A site visit was made to Kidz Go Eco Preschool in Saco to view their playground as part of an effort to improve and redesign the preschool playground space. Michelle Goulet, Director of Kidz Go Eco Preschool, has offered to visit Mackworth Island to offer ideas on potential playground schematics. Many thanks to Mackworth Island Preschool Coordinator Cathy Lushman for her work on the project.
Staff offices located in Brewster Hall will remain until work can be done on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Greenlaw Hall. The goal is to minimize staff moves and be less disruptive. Renovation work to Greenlaw building is planned for summer and fall of 2024.
Five additional security cameras have been installed by CTR.

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 and summer 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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JUNE 6

5:30pm - 7:30pm

School Board Meeting

MECDHH/GBSD Cafeteria

1 Mackworth Island

Falmouth

and on Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting

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

Meeting ID: 824 3956 4198

Passcode: 12345

JUNE 14

11:00am

Preschool Graduation

MECDHH/GBSD

1 Mackworth Island

Falmouth

JUNE 15

10:00am - 12:00pm

Playgroup Popup

Mother's Awesome Playground

260 Lord's Point Rd

Kennebunk

*Gas cards are available!

JUNE 19

6:00pm

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Night at the Sea Dogs

Hadlock Field

271 Park Ave

Portland

More information HERE

July 20

8:30am-3:30pm

Family Learning Day

MECDHH/GBSD

1 Mackworth Island

Falmouth

August 3

10:00am - 2:30pm

Family Fun Day

Camp CaPella

8 Pearl Point Rd

Dedham, ME

Questions? Contact: megan.garrity@gmail.com

August 17

10:30am-2:30pm

Maine Hands & Voices' Annual Pool Party

Hermon

To register or for more information, email: mainehandv@gmail.com

August 19-25

Camp Dirigo Experience

Pine Tree Camp’s Dirigo Experience brings Maine’s Deaf and hard of hearing youth together at Pine Tree Camp for unique opportunities year-round.

This program is designed to help combat isolation and build confidence, leadership and social skills. Participants experience a sense of connection and community together at Camp, then have ongoing opportunity to stay in touch with their new-found friends remotely and in-person, all while having fun!

Pine Tree Camp’s Dirigo Experience is designed for ages 7 to 15 and limited to 30 participants.

More information HERE

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. For discounted tickets to our ASL performances, use the promo code: SIGNLANGUAGE when making your purchase.

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