News & Calendars

The Casco Bay High School Mock Trial Team wishes to express their gratitude to four more generous members of Maine’s legal community for helping to sponsor the team’s trip to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, May 7-11. “Thank you to the law firms of Perkins Thompson, Berman & Simmons and Mann Law, and also to the Maine Trial Lawyers Association,” said Jake McNally, Casco Bay math teacher and Mock Trial coach. “The generous support of these superior solicitors sponsors will help send the Casco Bay High School Mock Trial Team and coaches to compete against state championship teams from around the country.”

The Southwestern Maine Activities Association (SMAA) held their annual Citizenship Banquet at the Italian Heritage Club early in April. Two Portland High School seniors, Anneliese Collin and Louis Thurston, were among students who received Citizenship Awards at the banquet.

Portland High School art educator Elise Pelletier has been named 2025 Art Educator of the Year by the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA). In March, Pelletier attended the national Art Education Association convention in Louisville, Kentucky, where she received her award. 

Each year, the University of Southern Maine’s Walter E. Russell Chair in Philosophy and Education honors a Deering High School educator who embodies the core values of the teaching profession – someone who ignites a passion for discovery in students, engages in the school’s ongoing life, and brings creativity and innovation to the classroom. This year’s honoree is special education teacher Margaret Hoyt.

At its April 8 meeting, the Board of Public Education unanimously approved a 2025-2026 district calendar that includes Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr as new district holidays. Starting in the fall, students and staff at the Portland Public Schools, Maine’s most diverse school district, can observe those major religious holidays with their families without having to miss school. 

The Portland Board of Public Education voted on April 8 to approve a $171.7 million school budget for the 2025-2026 school year to recommend to the City Council. The Board’s fiscal year 2026 budget focuses on strengthening student experiences and outcomes and is directly aligned to the new Strategic Plan. The Board’s recommended FY26 budget now goes to the City Council, which moves forward its bottom line. A final Council vote on the school budget is anticipated on May 19 and it will go to voters on June 10.

As of April 1, the PPS Food Service team has been serving halal meals as a daily lunch option. Halal refers to foods that are permissible for Muslims to consume. Halal foods are free of ingredients like pork or alcohol, and comply with rules and standards around preparation and cleanliness. PPS halal meals are healthy, more inclusive menu items that all students can enjoy – not just students who follow a halal way of eating.