Community Partnerships

Community in the Classroom and Classroom in the Community

Volunteers are again welcome in the South Portland Schools.

To Become a Volunteer

Volunteers must register each year using the Volunteer Application.

Volunteers must attend a District Volunteer Training one time (since 2014). Upcoming Zoom trainings can be found on the Volunteer Training Schedule.

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!

At this time we are welcoming volunteers into the South Portland Schools in a very limited capacity helping out with specific pre-approved programs. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Kate Zellers (zellerka@spsdme.org) for more information.

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.

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: Gretchen McCloy.