This Black History Month, we recognize the voices, achievements, and struggles of African-American and Black individuals who inspire change and progress. Take this opportunity to explore these educational resources that celebrate and deepen understanding of Black history and culture: https://blackhistorymonth.gov/ and https://libguides.spsd.org/blackhistory.
SoPo Unite Tip of the Month: Choose to be reliable to avoid being liable
Join SoPo Parks and Rec for a Valentine's Day family dance to celebrate and have fun with someone you love on February 15, 6-8 p.m.! ❤️ Come dress up and enjoy an evening of dancing and good times. Light refreshments will be served and music for all ages will be provided. Register online: https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31481
The Board of Education meeting scheduled for Monday, February 10th is being postponed because not all members are able to attend. Because of the importance of agenda items we want to ensure full participation of the Board. The rescheduled meeting date will be shared early this week.
Update: All South Portland schools will be closed today - Thursday February 6, 2025 - due to weather.
It's National School Counseling Week (February 3-7, 2025)! Thank you to the tremendous work of our school counselors in helping students thrive and supporting their overall well-being and success.
South Portland Schools will have a 2 hour delayed start this morning, February 3, because of snow.
What happens when the children of Disney villains go to high school with the children of the heroes? ✨ Experience this all-ages production of "Disney's Descendants: The Musical" at South Portland High School February 6-9, 13-15! 🎟️ Get tickets at https://gofan.co/app/school/ME22131_1
The Playbook Initiative, a partnership between Project 351 and the Boston Celtics, is an anti-discrimination and bias-prevention program that hosted a kick-off event this week with South Portland and Portland Schools. High school student Trainers facilitated workshops with middle school participants to help develop the tools to positively intervene in challenging social situations. Learn more about the Playbook Initiative online at www.nba.com/celtics/community/playbook.
Drivers Ed is starting up in February! 🚗 Register for classes online at https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31479&AdminPreview=1
The South Portland community is invited to attend the State of the Schools presentation next week on Monday, January 27 in the South Portland Middle School Multipurpose Room (120 Wescott Road). Join Superintendent Matheney for a collaborative discussion about the triumphs and challenges of the South Portland School District. A Board Workshop on the SPHS Athletic Complex will begin that evening at 5:30 p.m. with the State of the Schools to immediately follow. (Please park in the District Office parking lot and use the nearby entrance for the meeting.) View the agenda online at spsdme.org/schoolboard.
Help shape the future of South Portland! This opportunity is open to applicants ages 16-22 to represent the youth voice on the City's Comprehensive Plan Committee. Apply online by January 29 at https://southportland.gov/371/Boards-Committees.
This past semester, South Portland High School students were able to explore different careers in the Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Program, including dental hygiene, healthcare, marketing, clothing design, and more. Congrats to all the students who completed their final presentations on their ELOs this week!
SoPo Unite Tip of the Month: Youth Vaping and Nicotine Treatment
Restorative Circle: January 13 at 7 p.m. in the SPHS Learning Commons. All South Portland parents and guardians are invited to share stories, learn more about each other, and strengthen relationships across the community. See the attached flier for more details.
Anna is one of more than 30 students participating in an Extended Learning Opportunity this semester at South Portland High School. Students earn academic credit while gaining hands-on learning experience in a career of interest. Anna has been interning at Jean-Paul Boudreau Dentistry to learn more about careers in dental hygiene. She has had the chance to observe, interact with patients, and gain a better understanding of whether or not this career aligns with her goals and interests.
After reading “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, Ms. Siviski’s high school English class discussed how the book can be read as a fable with a moral at the end. This led students to write their own fables to represent lessons they believe in. With the help of Technology Coach Ms. Davies, students used AI to generate images to pair with their stories. Students shared their fables with third graders at Dyer Elementary yesterday, which also happened to be Mustache Day! Thank you to Dyer Librarian Ms. Anderson for helping to coordinate this time for high schoolers and third graders to come together!
Restorative Circles: 3rd Monday of the Month, 7-8 p.m. at South Portland High School. All South Portland parents and guardians are invited to share stories, learn more about each other, and strengthen relationships across the community. See the attached flier for more details.
The South Portland Music Boosters Present a Night of Hockey with the Maine Mariners: 7:15 p.m. Friday, January 3 at the Cross Insurance Arena. 🏒 Part of the sales will be donated to the Music Boosters, supporting the K-12 music programs in South Portland Schools! Purchase tickets here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/SPMB (Sale ends December 27)
SPHS Social Worker Althea Turner will be part of a discussion titled "Cannabis Use in Adolescence." Join the Zoom call on Tuesday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m. to learn how cannabis use is impacting Maine youth and what parents can do to help. Register here: bit.ly/MEYouthCannabisUse
