Dear Portland Public Schools staff and families, 

All Portland Public schools and offices will be closed today, Thursday, October 26, out of an abundance of caution given the current search for the person responsible for the shootings in Lewiston on Wednesday evening, and out of deep respect for those who lost their lives and their families. We are in communication with the Portland Police Department and are working with them to monitor the situation.

Our hearts go out to the Lewiston community and the families of those killed or injured. No matter where they take place, these types of senseless tragedies hit close to home, bringing up many emotions and questions for all of us. Although we do not have many of the answers, we will continue to support our staff, students and families in processing these events.

We will continue to consult with the Portland Police Department and we will share an update by this evening on the status of schools for Friday. When our schools do re-open, our teachers, building administrators, counselors, and social workers will be there to provide support to students struggling to process their thoughts and feelings. 

Below are resources compiled by our Social Work Team to aid families in supporting students.

• PBS Kids: 

  • Helping Kids Navigate Scary News Stories

• National Association of School Psychologists: 

  • Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators

  • Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Families and Teachers

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 

  • Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: A Guide for Parents and Educators

• National Institute of Mental Health:

  • Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events

Sincerely, 
Ryan Scallon, Superintendent