Community in the Classroom and Classroom in the Community
For more than thirty years, the South Portland School Department has valued its relationship with our students' families, the community, and the region's businesses and organizations. Together, these entities create a synergy that allows our students and teachers to expand their educational experiences and the community to be a partner in the teaching and learning. Everyone wins - and everyone learns - by working together!
We invite you to browse, and join in, any of the programs and partnerships administered by the department!
All volunteers and chaperones must complete a one-time, in-person training session as of the 2014-2015 school year. In addition, all volunteers must submit an annual application, and all chaperones must submit to an annual background check. Training sessions are offered on multiple days and times throughout the school year.
Click here for Volunteer Training Sessions
Click here to Complete a Volunteer Application
Mentor Programs K-12
- Site-based and school-based mentoring opportunities are available for those who wish to commit to a once-a-week, one-on-one or small group relationship to provide additional support for students
8th Grade Job Shadow
- Host 8th grade students from Mahoney and Memorial Middle Schools for one day to allow them to explore various career fields
Senior Internships/Career Exploration
- Host South Portland High School seniors for an unpaid internship for academic credit
- Student will spend time at your business to learn about the career field, experience professional collaboration, learn important communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and other business-related skills
Tutoring K-12
- Work one-on-one or in small groups providing additional academic support to students in any subject area
Chaperoning
- School field trips, dances, club and team trips, and other school-sponsored activities
Classroom volunteering
- Work in specific classrooms to provide enrichment and enhancement activities under the direction of professional staff
PTA/PTO, and Booster Clubs
- Join school-sponsored groups to provide fundraising support, enrichment activities, assist with team and group functions and events
School Sponsored Committees
- Participate in policy and program advisory committees
Career Fair
- Participate in the annual South Portland High School/South Portland Cape Elizabeth Community Chamber of Commerce Career Fair
- Introduce sophomores and juniors to various careers, professions, and educational paths to those careers
For more information, or to discuss volunteer/partnership opportunities, please contact: Jane Eberle or Gretchen McCloy.
