Winter in the Migrant Education Program
This winter the regional coordinators of the Migrant Education Program worked together to coordinate educational enrichment activities for families and students. Activities took place statewide, both virtually and in person. Each was designed to support all students in their academic and emotional growth.
Read more below about the fun and creative ways the Migrant Education Program supported students this winter!
Passamaquoddy Rattle Making
With the support of Brenda Lozada, Regina Nicholas, and Aaron Dana, regional coordinator James Mendoza led a rattle making workshop. This activity was designed for students ages 0-5, in order to engage all of their senses and celebrate Passamaquoddy music and culture.
Indian Township teachers Brenda Lozada and Regina Nicholas developed the design for the rattles, and Mano en Mano distributed materials to students so that they could make their very own! Students followed step-by-step instructions, and then joined together to play their instruments alongside Aaron Dana, community leader and police officer of Indian Township. Aaron led the students by singing a Passamaquoddy song, while students played their instruments.
Eva Valencia, Regional Coordinator for Central and Southern Maine shared, “The rattle making activity was really special. It was so great to see how the kids engaged with each other and the materials. Personally, my favorite part was when Aaron sang. It was so moving to hear the song and see the kids immersed in the experience. It was really special.”
Learning about the Flora and Fauna of Maine
Students also got hands-on experience caring for the flora and fauna of Maine by making their own bird feeders!
Students across Maine joined together on zoom to learn about the different habitats, plants, and birds that can be found in the area. Topics included: learning about migratory birds, discussing foods birds like to eat, and brainstorming birds native to Maine.
After learning a bit more about the flora and fauna of the area, they got to work creating bird feeders with seeds and dried fruits!
College Night
All high school students interested in learning about the college application process, financial aid, and scholarships were invited to learn more at College Night.
Nikki Bashan from the Finance Authority of Maine joined via videoconference and shared information about the timeline for applications, how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and how to apply for scholarships. Language interpretation services were available for those attending, and all students interested in continuing their education were given additional assistance in filling out the FAFSA form, and space to ask questions about the process.
Snowshoeing
Thania Hernandez, regional coordinator of Western Washington County, partnered with the Maine Seacoast Missions Edge Center to plan a day out in the snow! Thanks to some freshly fallen snow, families and students were invited to explore the woods using the snowshoes at the Edge Center.
Participants made their way through the woods to a small pond, and then enjoyed some snacks outside.
Thania shares: “Activities like this are important because barriers including language, work schedules, or transportation can make it difficult for families and students to participate and grow together.
Being able to provide the resources to make these activities accessible is important to making our students feel part of the community and to ensure that all students feel welcome.”
Ice Fishing
The Downeast Salmon Federation supported MEP students and staff out on the ice! Students and families were invited to the Chalk Pond Preserve to learn about the species of fish found in the pond, and try their hand at catching some!
For many participants this was the first time out on the ice, and while the fish weren't biting that day, there was lots of hot cocoa and fun for all!
In addition to the activities detailed above, Regional coordinators also partnered with Wabanaki Public Health to organize a robot building activity, and planned a paper rocket building contest.
These activities are part of the ongoing educational support Regional Coordinators provide to students statewide, and will continue to organize throughout the year.
James Mendoza shares: “A big part of why we plan these events is about breaking barriers. My goal is to support young people and families, and show them that we and other organizations are here to support them in their goals. That is something that drives me to incorporate culture and build relationships with other organizations and families so that they feel part of our community. We want to empower our youth to engage with the resources in the area and ensure that people can reach their goals.”
Currently the Migrant Education Team is working to continue supporting students statewide, perform outreach to families during Elver season, and is beginning to prepare for this summer's Blueberry Harvest School.
To learn more about the Migrant Education Program or the Blueberry Harvest School, please visit the MEP program page on our website.
