September 2026 | Issue #181 Click 'View Entire Message' to make sure you don't miss important information! | | | | |
MAITC Teacher of the Year
Applications for the 2027 Teacher of the Year are due by 5pm on Monday, September 21. See attached nomination form and email maitc@maine.gov with any questions.
Adopt a Cow Deadline
Early enrollment (paper packets) for the 2026-27 school year ends September 1st. Visit www.discoverdairy.com/adopt to learn more about this free program that kicks off at the end of the month!
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Applications now open for the Maine Farm to School Network SEEDS Program
SEEDS is an introductory program for individuals that would like to build an integrated and thriving farm & sea to school program in their school or district community.
Every thriving farm & sea to school program starts with a team. SEEDS helps schools and early childhood programs identify champions across their community to support goals of local food sourcing, agriculture and food systems education, and hands-on garden learning.
Participants will finish the program well positioned to attend the
Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute.
Core components of the program are:
- Four virtual meetings as a cohort with the Maine Farm & Sea to School Network
- Access to curated resources to support your goals
- Opportunity and invitations for professional learning throughout the year
- Guest speakers on building a farm & sea to school team
- Individualized coaching for your ME Farm & Sea to School Institute application
- Supportive cohort for peer learning and sharing
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The 2026-2027 SEEDS cohort will meet virtually from 4:00-5:00pm on the following dates:
- October 5, 2026
- November 9, 2026
- January 25, 2027
- February 8, 2027
Visit www.mainefarmtoschool.org/seeds to learn more and sign up today.
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Maine Nutrition Council is looking to hire an independent contractor for an Administrative Coordinator position.
The Administrative Coordinator provides administrative, communications, membership, event, and technical support for the Maine Nutrition Council (MNC). Working with the MNC Board of Directors, Board Chair, Treasurer, committees, and volunteers, the Coordinator assists with the organization's membership activities, educational programs, annual conference, communications, and general administrative needs. The Administrative Coordinator serves as a point of contact for MNC members, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and other partners. This position requires strong organization, attention to detail, communication, follow-through, and the ability to work independently, and manage priorities effectively within the position's limited monthly hours.
Click here for more information, including a full job description.
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Grades K-2
A is for Apples
Students use their five senses to investigate apples, identify and model the parts of an apple, make applesauce, and discover how apples are grown.
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Grades 3-5
Apple Science: Comparing Apples and Onions
Students explore heredity concepts by comparing observable traits of apples and onions, collecting data on the traits of different apple varieties, and investigating apple production. Additional activities include hands-on methods for testing apple ripeness.
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Grades 9-12
Apples and the Science of Genetic Selection
Distinguish between natural and artificial selection and use a student-centered learning activity to see how science and genetics have been used to artificially select apples for specific traits like color, texture, taste, and crispness.
| | Looking for more? Explore the Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix HERE | | Autumn is apple harvest time. Come along on a trip to the apple orchard. Find out how apples are picked and stored. Learn which apples are best for munching. But watch out for the apple worms! | |  | A whimsical and very useful look at the life cycle of the apple tree. With the help of two helpful tree sprites as guides, readers travel from spring, when the apple tree blossoms, through summer, when the fruit grows, to fall and the harvest. Along the way, you'll learn about the life of the tree and the animals that visit—from insects that pollinate the flowers to deer that eat the fallen fruit. | | | |
Don't forget that all SIX of our Agriculture for ME books are available to read online!
Classroom teachers and Homeschool providers can also request a hard copy set of books at no cost by email.
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Funding from this plate impacts up to 200,000 students annually with lessons, materials, volunteers and teacher training. Additionally, up to $60K is distributed annually in grants to schools, FFA, 4-H and other Non-profit programs for Ag education initiatives by the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Council.
Learn more about the Ag plate here.
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Our Mission Statement
"To promote the understanding of agriculture and natural resources among students, educators, and the general public"
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28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207)287-5522
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