2009 Maine Dropout Prevention Summit

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 110
POLICY CODE: GCI

TO: Superintendents of Schools, Principals, and Dropout Prevention Committee Members
FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner
DATE: June 12, 2009
RE: 2009 Maine Dropout Prevention Summit

Maine is joining with America’s Promise to hold a Dropout Prevention Summit to develop an action plan for increasing Maine’s high school graduation rate and ensuring that young people are better prepared for college, work and life. Continued monitoring of the action steps will be done by the Shared Youth Vision Council and the Children’s Cabinet. We are inviting up to two hundred participants representing various stakeholder groups. On behalf of the Shard Youth Vision Council and the Department of Education, I would like to invite you to participate in this endeavor on July 27th and 28th at the University of Maine in Orono. It is our hope that regions and/or communities will use the state summit model and supportive materials from America’s Promise to hold their own summits and inspire local leaders to create an action plan. Summit materials will be posted on a designated website for download and studying before the event. Should you choose to participate, all summit details will be sent directly to you in advance of the summit.

Purpose

Increase public awareness of Maine’s dropout crisis;
Identify and inspire local leadership to follow-up and seek change; and
Secure a commitment for integrated, cross-sector, collaborative action to implement solutions that strengthen schools and provide wraparound supports to students most in need.

Time Commitment

July 27th from 8:00-4:00 and July 28th from 8:00-1:30
Follow-up work as outcome of summit

Cost
Free

Includes free continental breakfast and lunch both days
On-campus accommodations available for minimal cost

Materials

Summit materials will be posted on a designated website for download and studying before the event. Should you choose to participate, all summit details will be sent directly to you in advance of the summit.

Registration

Registration materials are located at www.maine.gov/education/tdae/
Forms may be faxed to Roxanne Lee at 581-9510 or emailed to: roxanne.lee@umit.maine

School units should consider sending members of the Dropout Prevention Committee, individuals representing K-12, alternative educators, administrators and school board members to the summit.

For additional information contact: Shelley Reed, Project Manager representing the Shared Youth Vision Council: shelley.reed@maine.gov or 624-6637.