
Art education–including both visual and performing arts–supports students’ creativity and imagination. It develops critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and self-expression while deepening students’ understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives.
This week and beyond, we recognize and celebrate the power of the arts in education and the lasting impact they have on our students and communities.








For the School Board meeting agenda, visit spsdme.org/schoolboard.
To stream the meeting live on SPC-TV, visit tinyurl.com/SPSDBoardMeeting.

We invite families, staff, and the public to attend community forums, listening sessions, Steering Committee meetings, and School Board events to help guide elementary reconfiguration.
Please visit spsdme.org/reconfiguration for upcoming engagement opportunities.

We have made it through the first week back to school! We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend and we look forward to seeing students back in class on Tuesday, September 8.

Welcome back! 🚌📚 We hope all our students have a wonderful first week back to school filled with connection, discovery, and learning! Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!













🗓️ Wednesday, August 26 from 5:45-6:45 p.m.
📍 South Portland High School
This 1-hour session provides parents and guardians with evidence-based strategies to shift from managing their child’s anxiety to building their capacity for resilience and:
Identify "Accommodation": Learn to spot the subtle, everyday behaviors that inadvertently maintain your teen's anxiety cycle.
Build Tolerance: Understand why avoiding discomfort prevents growth and learn how to foster "psychological flexibility," allowing your teen to face challenges rather than retreat.
Practice Effective Communication: Gain practical scripts and strategies to express empathy while remaining a steady, non-anxious presence during your teen's moments of high distress.
Implement Actionable Change: Learn how to create a "Graduated Exposure" plan at home, helping your teen navigate feared situations at their own pace without becoming overwhelmed.
Free and open to South Portland School parents and guardians.
✏️ Monday, August 31: First day for Grades 1-12
✏️ Tuesday, September 1: First day for Kindergarten / Kindergarten only early release
✏️ Wednesday, September 2: First day for PreK / Kindergarten only early release
✏️ Thursday-Friday, September 3-4: Full day for all grades
🗓️ Visit spsdme.org for the full 2026-27 school year calendar.


There will be a School Board Meeting today, Monday, August 17th at 6 p.m. in the South Portland High School Lecture Hall.
For the School Board meeting agenda, visit spsdme.org/schoolboard.
To stream the meeting live on SPC-TV, visit tinyurl.com/SPSDBoardMeeting.

We're excited to welcome everyone back and kick off a new year of learning, growth, discovery, and connection. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead—we'll see you in 30 days!

Please note: If you cannot attend this workshop, please do not be concerned. Over the next month, the district will release a full schedule of future engagement events so that all families and staff have multiple, flexible options to participate and make their voices heard.
More information about the Elementary School Steering Committee is available online at www.spsdme.org/reconfiguration.

WHO: Anyone entering grades 3-8 interested in a fun and FREE clinic! No experience necessary!
WHEN: July 1, 6, 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: South Portland High School (637 Highland Ave, South Portland, ME 04106) Out back practice field behind the track.
WHAT: No official registration! Just show up wearing sneakers/cleats and bring a water bottle!
CONTACT COACH FILIEO WITH ANY QUESTIONS AT SOPOFOOTBALL1@GMAIL.COM

SAVE $10 on your registration for all football levels!
🏈 Grades K-5 FLAG FOOTBALL: https://southportlandyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/620837574
🏈 Grades 5-6 YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL: https://southportlandyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/577808222
🏈 Grades 7-8 MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL: https://southportlandyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/64726045

Yesterday marked the last day of school! Wishing all students, teachers, and families a fun, safe, and well-deserved summer break. ☀️ Congratulations on another successful year—see you in the fall!
📸: South Portland Middle School students at dismissal on the last day of school.





Monday, 6/22: Closed
Tuesday, 6/23: 8am - 3:30pm
Wednesday, 6/24: 8am - 3:30pm
Thursday, 6/25: 8am - 3:30pm
Friday, 6/26: Closed
District Office will also be closed on Friday, June 19.

Across every grade level, we’ve been recognizing students for their hard work, growth, and accomplishments throughout the year. From elementary to middle to high school, there is so much to celebrate!
As our seniors graduate, our fourth graders are excited to take the next step to middle school, and our eighth graders are ready to begin their high school journey. 🎓
Congratulations to all of our students on an amazing year—we can’t wait to see what’s next for each of you!
📸 1-3: Skillin Elementary students walk the halls as other grades cheer them on before receiving their certificates for completing fourth grade.
📸 4-6: South Portland Middle School students at their eighth grade celebration with teachers, staff, and their families.






As we near the end of another school year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff members who are retiring. Thank you for the years of dedication, compassion, and commitment you have given to our students, schools, and community.
The School Board recognized retirees with 15+ years of service to the district its meeting last week. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for the difference you have made in the lives of so many!




