Dear Portland Public Schools staff and families,

I am writing to update you regarding plans for the possible reopening of our schools on Friday, October 27.

As you know, we canceled school today as a precaution while police searched for the person responsible for the terrible violence in Lewiston.

We continue to work with the Portland Police Department to monitor the situation. If we receive an all clear from the police on Friday morning, we will reopen our schools on their normal schedules. However, if needed, we will cancel school again tomorrow as a precautionary measure. 

Either way, we will send you a message informing you of our decision by 5 a.m. on Friday.

If our schools reopen tomorrow, our school staff are prepared to support students in their morning meetings, advisories and crews. The state Department of Education has released guidance that aligns with what your students will experience in school. That guidance is available here.

School counselors and social workers will be available to support those requiring additional assistance when schools reopen. Additionally, more support staff will be available at schools for all students and staff.

We also encourage you to talk with your students. We have added resources to our website at https://www.portlandschools.org/families/crisis-resources to assist with those conversations.

Please look for further communication from us tomorrow morning. It will be sent via SchoolMessenger (phone, email and text) and posted on our website. 

In the meantime, please take care of yourselves, your families and one another.

Sincerely,

Ryan Scallon, Superintendent