GENERAL SESSIONS
King Pine Room at the Base Lodge
Opening Keynote
Jill Spencer & Chris Toy
So You Think You Know The Keys
to Educating Young Adolescents?
Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
(No meal at this session)
Luncheon
Thursday
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Awards Luncheon
Janet Nesin Reynolds Outstanding Middle Level Educator Awards
Exemplary Practice Awards
Steve Bowen, Maine Commissioner of Education
Friday
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Conference Registration Grand Summit Hotel
Housing Check-In
Thursday, October 20, 2011
7:00 – 8:00 a.m. Discussion topic tables Double Diamond (Hotel)
(Cost of breakfast not included)
7:30 a.m. Conference Registration and Coffee Base Lodge
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Exhibits Maple Room (BL)
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. General Session King Pine Room (BL)
Keynote: Jill Spencer and Chris Toy
9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Coffee and Exhibits Maple Room (BL)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Interactive Panel Discussion Base Lodge, Hotel
11:45 – 12:30 p.m. Best Practice Sessions A Base Lodge, Hotel
12:30 – 1:45 p.m. Luncheon King Pine Room (BL)
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Best Practice Sessions B Base Lodge, Hotel
3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Best Practice Sessions C Base Lodge, Hotel
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ―Meet Us in the Middle‖ Double Diamond (Hotel)
Discussion
Dinner on your own
8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Music, Dancing, Recreation, Sugarloaf Inn
Team Meetings
Friday, October 21, 2011
7:30 a.m. Conference Registration Base Lodge
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Exhibits Maple Room (BL)
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Interactive Panel Discussion Base Lodge, Hotel
10:15 – 11:00 a.m. Best Practice Sessions D Base Lodge, Hotel
11:15 – 12:00 p.m. Best Practice Sessions E Base Lodge, Hotel
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Awards Luncheon King Pine Room (BL)
Janet Nesin Reynolds Outstanding Educator Awards
Exemplary Practice Awards
Steven Bowen, Maine Commissioner of Education
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Annual Business Meeting Oak Room (BL)
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Interactive Panel Discussions
Math RTI - Widowmaker
Michele Demkowicz – Facilitator MAMLE
Peggy Brown Mt. Ararat Middle School
Cheryl Gurney RSU 10
Sarah Howard Windham-Raymond Schools
Kayla Brown Warsaw Middle School
Reading RTI – Narrow Gauge
Carol Duffy – Facilitator Lamoine School
Jill Spencer Learning Capacity Unlimited
Tammy Ranger Skowhegan Area Middle School
Jennifer Tanguay Brunswick Middle School
Matt Drewette-Card Bonney Eagle Middle School
Behavior RTI/Motivation - Spruce
Bob Griffin - Facilitator Westbrook Middle School
Pender Makin The Real School
Ward Willis Middle School of the Kennebunks
Kristen Gilbert Warsaw Middle School
Technology Integration - Carrabassett
John Keane – Facilitator Leonard Middle School
Barbara Greenstone MLTI
Carl Bucciantini Auburn Middle School
Amy Tucker RSU 16
Lori Stevens Warsaw Middle School
Standards-Based - Maple
Bill Zima - Facilitator Mt. Ararat Middle School
Mike Muir Auburn Schools
Marie Soucie Massabesic Middle School
Geoff Robins Gray-NewGloucester
Gert Nesin Leonard Middle School
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
11:45 – 12:30 Best Practice Session A
Strategies for Reading Digital Text - Barbara Greenstone, MLTI
Students do much of their reading on a screen and digital text requires some new practices and strategies. We
will model how to find digital reading material related to specific content at a wide range of reading levels, and
how to collect these materials in NoteShare notebooks. We will also show teachers how to distribute these
notebooks to students for reading online and offline as we model and practice strategies for before, during, and
after reading. SPRUCE (BASE LODGE)
Edible Science – Mike Makin & Todd Stiles, Westbrook Middle School
We all know that the quickest way to a middle schoolers heart is through their stomach, so why not make you
lessons more appetizing? In this presentation, we'll share some simple and inexpensive ways to model complex
scientific concepts using what every middles school science students love - food! Our learning activities will
include: a. mouth-watering mixtures ( defining various mixtures using cookies, iced tea, and salad dressing), b.
Delectable DNA ( understanding the structure and "coding" of DNA using candy), c. The cell as a pizza factory
and several others! We'll provide electronic copies of our lessons, student sheets, and assessments, and run the
learning activities with session participants. Please bring your favorite edible activity and share!
MAPLE (BASE LODGE)
Standards-Based Assessment: It’s About the Learning! – Gert Nesin, Leonard Middle School
Standards-based assessment, done well, supports learning. This session will explore effective standards-based
assessment, even within a system that requires traditional grades. NARROW GAUGE (BASE LODGE)
A Walk Through History – Joyce Bucciantini & Judy Gowell- Gosselin, Auburn Middle School
A Walk Through History is an integrated unit with Language Arts and Social Studies. The culminating activity
of this unit was the creation of a Ken Burns style documentary about a Presidential time period. Students used
Google Docs to share information, Pages templates to map out their movies and scripts, Garage Band for
recording and iMovie to create the documentary. While our topic related to American History, this process
could be used to create documentaries about any content subject. WIDOWMAKER (BASE LODGE)
Gaining Instructional Minutes By Discovering Mac OS X - Ann Marie Quirion Hutton
The software on the MLTI MacBook can help teachers avoid classroom distractions and get their students ―on
task.‖ We will show teachers how to streamline and enhance communication with students and colleagues
through a deeper understanding of the integration of the tools present on every MLTI device. Teachers will
learn how to gain time back into their day. CARIBOU (HOTEL)
Success in Student Podcasting - Tim Hart, MLTI
Using audio production tools on the MLTI device, such as Garageband, students can create high-quality
podcasts that can be used to spread a message, capture their thinking, enhance a project, and bring new
understanding to their own writing process. We will help teachers get started on podcast projects and review
tips on how to enhance product quality as well as how to distribute a podcast once it has been created.
CARRABASSETT (HOTEL)
Providing Challenged Writers The Tools To Succeed - Lisa Hogan,
"I knew in Kindergarten I did not write like all the other kids. They wrote their first, middle, and last names
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before I finished writing my first name." Ipods and old iPhones coupled with Dragon Dictation can open the
doors for students who struggle to get their words on paper. Adding text to speech technology along with the
universal access features of the MLTI MacBook and built in features of Pages students who struggle to produce
written text succeed at writing. Following all steps of the writing process with these basic tools enables these
students to become confident and skilled writers. Come see how to help these writers.
FLAGSTAFF (HOTEL)
Service Learning: So You Can’t Give Blood Yet, How Can You Help? – Morgan Cuthbert & Mark
McDonough, Yarmouth School Department
The objective of this session is to provide teachers/administrators with the curriculum, contacts, and reason to
incorporate a blood drive into their science curriculum at school. The culminating event of this life science unit
is to host a blood drive in your school. The students create projects centering on components of blood, blood
typing, and the genetics behind blood. The projects inform the community and parents about the blood they are
donating, so students teach the adults. Come find out how you can make this an unforgettable moment in your
school year. Think of the impact it can have in your community as each unit of blood impacts three people’s
lives! KENNEBEC (HOTEL)
2:00 – 2:45 Best Practice Session B
Integrating Language Arts, Visual Arts and Technology to Enhance Learning (Part II – will be continued
at 3:00) – Kathy Rice & Danette Kerrign, Sacopee Valley Middle School
The combination of the writing process, art making and digital photography engages all students regardless of
ability. Our approach fosters enthusiasm and excitement in students and promotes stronger achievement. This
workshop illustrates the process of integrating art and technology with writing to produce a digital product. It
easily translates to a multitude of content areas and can be adjusted for creative and expository writing. Come
prepared to create your own masterpiece! SPRUCE (BASE LODGE)
Computer Science Unplugged – Reid Anderson, Leadership School
The workshop will explore teaching computer science using the experiential model (and no computers).
OAK (BASE LODGE)
Seven RtI Foundations - Heidi McGinley & Cheryl Gurney, RSU 10
RtI is a great way to connect all your school's work to increase student learning. A two-year RtI demonstration
project in two RSU's used Seven RtI Foundations to guide development in reading and mathematics. Learn
what the seven foundations are and how to use them in your school. MAPLE (BASE LODGE)
RTI Behavior – One Middle Schools’ Approach - Tracey O’Connell, Leonard Middle School
A beginning workshop of RTI [Tier 1 and 2] from a middle school perspective. A middle schools response to
the RTI plan, including Tier 1, Tier 2 and Check in Check out. Including a future sneak preview for other
Tiers. WIDOWMAKER (BASE LODGE)
Managing Performance-Based Projects – Mike Muir, Auburn Schools
Interested in teaching with standards-based projects, but not sure how to manage the process? This session will
explore the intricacies of using projects as a structure for performance-based learning.
NARROW GAUGE (BASE LODGE)
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Use Primary Source Material Digitally - Jim Wells, MLTI
Historic film, documents, broadcasts, photographs: there is so much material available
online for students studying history, but teachers and students must know how to find this material and how to
use it to enhance their understanding of the past. We will guide teachers in finding primary source material
online, unpacking these resources via tools such as Comic Life and Google Earth, and contributing new learning
to historical study. CARRABASSETT (HOTEL)
Differentiate Math Instruction and Create Dramatic Learning Outcomes - Suzanne Rickard, IAK,
Educational Solutions & Tom Battles, Middle school of the Kennebunks
As you consider innovative solutions to target instruction and improve student success in mathematics, I invite
you to review ALEKS as a means to create dramatic learning outcomes. ALEKS is a Web-based mathematics
program that uses artificial intelligence engine and adaptive questioning to assess a student student’s knowledge
and deliver individualized instruction on the exact topics the student is most ready to learn. Through
individualized assessment and learning, ALEKS targets gaps in student skills and enables immediate success in
learning new material. Learn how middle schools across Maine are implementing ALEKS as a core curriculum
and to supplement for use with students in remediation, intervention, gifted, after school and summer school
programs. CARIBOU (HOTEL)
Quick Response Codes and Student Created Videos Engage Students and Provide Communities with
Rich Resources! - Lisa Hogan
Does your community have historic landmarks or nature trails that are often over looked? Engage your student
in creating videos about the historic landmarks or interpretive trails using iMovie, digital cameras, and quick
response codes. Visitors and community members alike will enjoy. FLAGSTAFF (HOTEL)
Boosting Technology Integration in Your School – John Keane, Leonard Middle School
OK so we have had these devices in our schools for the last 8 years they have opened doors to all kinds of
educational opportunities. Have your colleagues jumped on board and made the best use of the devices? Have
you made the best use of the opportunity that MLTI program? Come to this session to here about some
approaches that encourage educators to find ways of technology education that transform the learning.
KENNEBEC (HOTEL)
3:00 – 3:45 Best Practice Session C
Integrating Language Arts, Visual Arts and Technology to Enhance Learning (Part II) – Kathy Rice &
Danette Kerrign, Sacopee Valley Middle School
The combination of the writing process, art making and digital photography engages all students regardless of
ability. Our approach fosters enthusiasm and excitement in students and promotes stronger achievement. This
workshop illustrates the process of integrating art and technology with writing to produce a digital product. It
easily translates to a multitude of content areas and can be adjusted for creative and expository writing. Come
prepared to create your own masterpiece! SPRUCE (BASE LODGE)
Experience, Expand, Empower – Mike Hampton, Leadership School
You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of
yourself and see what happens. Louise L. Hay
Instead of prescribing techniques and solutions, this workshop will create a learning experience in which
educators discover strengths and become empowered through reflection and sharing to inspire and empower
students. Get involved and take action in this experiential workshop! OAK (BASE LODGE)
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RtI and the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics - Heidi McGinley & Cheryl Gurney, RSU 10
A continuation of "Seven RtI Foundations", this sessions will explore middle level math intervention lesson
planning. Learn how to use the Common Core State Standards in math to assess where students are and what
they need, and see grade 6-8 research-based interventions aligned with the standards.
MAPLE (BASE LODGE)
Gender Differences Meet Brain Research: What’s the Scoop? - Jill Spencer, Learning Capacity Unlimited
Do boys and girls learn differently? Should we restructure our curriculum and instruction? Some folks say,
―Yes!‖; others say, ―Not so fast!‖ This topic is not without controversy! We will explore the issues and
identify where the different stances overlap. Participants will leave with ideas to ponder when they get back to
school. NARROW GAUGE (BASE LODGE)
Stone in My Hand - Carol Duffy, Lamoine Consolidated School
A Stone in My Hand by Cathryn Clinton tells the story of a young
Palestinian girl and her family during the 1988 to 1989 intifada. In this session, you'll explore how a novel can
be the centerpiece of a digital literacy unit. Beginning with an internet research challenge and ending with an
evaluation of bias in reporting on news from the Gaza Strip, this unit plan can be used as a template for the
creation of your own units. WIDOWMAKER (BASE LODGE
(R)obust (T)echnology (I)ntegration - Cynthia Curry, MLTI
Effective classroom teaching and learning is the most important component of a successful RTI plan. In this
session, we'll focus most closely on Tier 1 strategies for use by classroom teachers, while simultaneously
practicing technology uses that simulate, augment, modify, and even redefine them. Come prepared to learn
how applications on your MLTI MacBook can make teaching with evidence-based practices more dynamic and
engaging for all students. CARRABASSETT (HOTEL)
Successful and Fun Advisor/Advisee at the Middle School - Anna Peterson & Donna Chale, Warsaw Middle
School
Warsaw Middle School has developed a fun, lively, and successful advisor/advisee program (in operation for
the past 12 years). We will share our current multi-grade program called FISH - Fostering Interest in Student
Health. Goals of this program include social, emotional, physical, and intellectual health. A curriculum and
guide on noteshare will be available. Middle schoolers work with their advisors on developing community,
portfolios, and exercise. CARIBOU (HOTEL)
School-Wide Approach to Discipline w/Restorative Practices - George Conant, Mahoney Middle School
Mahoney Middle School's priorities are on learning. We have taken a positive approach to discipline and the
creation of an environment where all students feel respected enough to learn. We incorporate the 5 P's – Being
Prompt, Positive, Polite, Prepared, Productive, along with Camp Kieve's concepts: ―Everyone Deserves to Be
Treated With Kindness and Respect‖, the STOP sign and the 8 Guidelines of Clear and Effective
Communication. These are supported by restorative practices. FLAGSTAFF (HOTEL)
Leadership for Change - Bill Zima, Mt. Aratat Middle School
Roles are roles and titles are titles but all are leaders in change. There is a tremendous opportunity as technology
makes possible different ways to deliver instruction. Come to this session to hear about the current research
regarding leadership and change so you can return to your school and be a facilitator for the change.
KENNEBEC (HOTEL)
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Friday, October 21, 2011
10:15 – 11:00 Best Practice Session D
Digital Tools for Improving Listening and Speaking Skills - Barbara Greenstone
Listening and speaking are two essential elements of literacy. We will model and practice strategies for helping
students become better listeners and speakers, and explore the wealth of listening material available online. We
will also demonstrate how applications on the MLTI MacBook, including iChat, iTunes, NoteShare and Photo
Booth, can be used for listening and speaking practice, as well as for capturing
SPRUCE (BASE LODGE)
Service Learning Through Music: Students Tell Their Story - Shianne Priest, Leonard Middle School
8th grade music students tell their story of how they raised money for AIDS research. They chose a cause and
collaboratively wrote the lyrics to a song that was put to music and performed by an 8th grader. Students will
share the process of making decisions and writing the song, as well as how it affected them and their learning.
WIDOWMAKER (BASE LODGE)
The 3 Ps for the Content Area Classroom – Jennifer Tanguay, Brunswick Junior High
The focus will be on Pre-teaching vocabulary, Purpose of the reading and activating Prior knowledge.
OAK (BASE LODGE)
Local Environmental Quest - Mark Davis, William McClellan, Colleen Jaques, Medomak Middle School
Quests are a way to tell a story about a particular place. We took our inclusion team to the Medomak Valley
Land Trust site known as the Carroll Farm. We practiced poetry for the movement clues, and penny mapping
for our map. We listened to local experts and tested our Quest. Students created passports, and hid our Quest
box for others to find. Quests are an outdoor opportunity for students to shine who otherwise found schooldays
difficult. If this kind of educational treasure hunt sounds good to you, join us to learn the tricks of the trade and
maybe even tryout a few.
EXEMPLARY PRACTICE AWARD WINNER MAPLE (BASE LODGE)
Formative Assessment For Performance-based Education - Bill Zima, Mt. Ararat Middle School
Guiding to understanding instead of testing if they know it. The purpose of formative assessment is to measure
the progression of learning and adjust instruction according to what students need. What are strategies you can
use to track their progress as they work on projects. NARROW GAUGE (BASE LODGE)
SketchUp - Ann Marie Quirion Hutton, MLTI
Lots of MLTI students and teachers have discovered SketchUp on their own, and some have used it in their
classwork. All have been amazed at how it allows them to create in 3 dimensions! SketchUp is a powerful 3-D
modeling software. In this session SketchUp novices and those with experience will learn some new tricks that
will have them building like never before. We will create and learn together. Construct your own 3-D
environment. Design a dream home, a historical location or even make a project to illustrate the latest book you
read. This software can be used in Math, Science, Art, Language Arts, Social Studies, Geography…possibilities
are endless. Bring your laptop and your imagination. Be ready to make your 3-D world come to life!
CARRABASSETT (HOTEL)
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Welcome to My World: A real world application to help complex themes in social studies and language
arts come alive Connie Carter
This session will feature highlights from ―Welcome to My World‖, a documentary film about two groups of
American teenagers from disparate walks of life and what happens when they come together. Participants will
have access to materials to help students personalize complex themes such as identity, race, cultural differences,
and stereotypes. Learn how to help your students become successful citizens in today’s multi-cultural world
and how to set up your own classroom connection with a world different from yours.
CARIBOU (HOTEL)
Creating games using Scratch – Tim Hart, MLTI
Increasingly, educators are recognizing that people learn best when they are actively engaged in exploring,
experimenting, and expressing themselves. What better way to do this than to design a game? In this session
participants will learn about Scratch, a programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive
stories, animations, games, music, and art. Scratch is appropriate across all content areas, age levels, and ability
levels. This is a very hands-on session and all participants should be ready to have some fun.
FLAFSTAFF (HOTEL)
What Does it Mean to Lead During Turbulent Times of Change? - Mary Callan, Maine General Health
Federal and state mandates can help contribute to cultures of turmoil, cynicism and confusion. How do leaders
figure out how to keep their staff focused on what really matters? In this session participants will explore tools
and strategies for leading and managing staff during times of change. We will look at how leaders can facilitate
decision-making where diverse voices are heard and included in the process. We will also consider the stages
of transitions related to change and how to help individuals move through these phases with less stress and pain.
KENNEBEC (HOTEL)
11:15 – 12:00 Best Practice Session E
The Best Behavioral Program: Meaningful, Engaged Learning – Mike Muir, Auburn Schools
Students who are engaged and find what they are learning meaningful misbehave much less than students who
don't. Come learn the five key strategies that teachers can use to create Meaningful Engaged Learning for
students. SPRUCE (BASE LODGE)
Marshmallow Challenge - Jill Spencer, Learning Capacity Unlimited
20 sticks of spaghetti, 15 mini marshmallows and one large marshmallow provide a challenge that builds
collaboration and problem solving skills within a group. Team building challenges are essential building blocks
for a healthy classroom or school environment. They are an antidote for stress and feelings of isolation that
often decrease learning potential. Furthermore they provide opportunities for students to use metaphorical
thinking to internalize concepts. Come stretch your body and mind! OAK (BASE LODGE)
What is digital citizenship and how can Maine’s middle level schools teach it? – Ed Brazee
Why should we be surprised when young adolescents push technology boundaries—working hard to access
sites where we don’t want them to be; harassing other students online; sexting; texting during classes…and
much more? We don’t leave learning science or math to chance; why should we expect our students to know
how to be good (digital) citizens if we don’t teach them. In this session, we’ll talk about five lessons learned
from working with students to be good (digital) citizens. Where do we start, what do we do, who has the time,
how do we know that a digital citizenship program has worked, and who is involved? Learn about specific ways
your school can incorporate this important learning by attending this session.
WIDOWMAKER (BASE LODGE)
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Allagash Invention Fair - Kelly Grantham, Marie Soucy, Melissa Hafenecker, Massabeic Middle School
The first, five core practices in Bright Futures call for a curriculum that is engaging and viable, delivered
through research-based best practices that encourage students to be creative while using technology. Team
Allagash from Massabesic Middle School, while implementing a student-centered, performance-based model of
instruction, created such a unit - The Allagash Invention Fair. Students investigated Earth's biomes and how
different animals were adapted to live in their habitat. Then the students were asked to choose an animal and
design a product that utilized one of their animal's adaptations. In Language Arts class, students created
persuasive writings to convince people why to purchase their product. They studied graphs in math class and
learned how to interpret them. They then chose graphs that best defended their reasons for why someone
should buy their product. During the creation of the final product, the students were deeply engaged trying to
create the best proposal and sales display. The fair was held in the gym and attended by local business leaders,
parents, community members and the media.
EXEMPLARY PRACTICE AWARD WINNER MAPLE (BASE LODGE)
Integrating Reading, Science, and Technology - Sharon Littlefield & Lori Stevens, Warsaw Middle School
Keeping It Real - Our students live in a digital world so let’s meet them on their playing field! You don’t have
to change what you have done in the past that works, just update it. Give it a little technology zap! Old time
silhouettes go modern! Civil War novels, science topics of hot air balloons, rockets, and photographic-
documentation-evaluation, it all makes learning real. How about a little look at animation? Edmodo and
organization, it works! NARROW GAUGE (BASE LODGE)
A.Wider.World:.Google.Earth.for Research, Writing, and Sharing - Jim Wells, MLTI
Google Earth is a powerful tool for exploring the planet and visualizing place. It also includes multiple
functions for overlaying data on the globe that can add rich content and provide dynamic learning tools to every
classroom. We will demonstrate and give teachers hands-on experience with uses of Google Earth that assist
research, incorporate writing strategies, and enable collaboration on place-based projects that will enrich student
learning. CARRABASSETT (HOTEL)
Professionally Publish Your Students’ Writing with MagCloud - Amanda Blaine, Harrison Middle School
Come learn how to create a professional class poetry anthology magazine. Create year-long portfolios with
beautiful text and graphics that parents and grandparents can order online (without your help!) for a few dollars
(and get a free copy for every student!). Also: how to delegate editing, graphic design, and tech support so you
can focus on what you do best -- helping students write. These professional publications have proven to be a
highly motivating authentic audience for our students. A great workshop for any teacher who would like to
create professional publications (not just LA teachers). CARIBOU (HOTEL)
Differentiating Math in a Heterogeneous Classroom - Gert Nesin
In a constructivist classroom, math differentiation is a natural. All students in the classroom can access common
concepts and skills, on a variety of levels. This session will share philosophy and strategies to support and
challenge every student, and engage participants in a sample lesson. FLAGSTAFF (HOTEL)
Can We Talk? Dilemmas in Leadership – Chris Toy, Learning Capacity Unlimited
Whether we lead a school, team, department, committee, or classroom, one challenge we all face as leaders is,
who can we go to for objective insights, advice, or support? Come to this session with YOUR burning dilemma
as we collaborate and learn with our middle level colleagues, proving the adage. "None of us is as smart as all
of us!" KENNEBEC (HOTEL)
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