December 5, 2025

On Dec. 3, Portland Public Schools Superintendent Ryan Scallon sent a letter to the Portland Public Schools community disagreeing with recent hateful rhetoric regarding immigrants and specifically the Somali community. The superintendent reiterated that our school district, the largest and most diverse in Maine, considers diversity an asset and he restated the district's support for all students, staff and community members. Read the letter.

At a series of listening sessions with students, staff, and community members this fall, the Board of Public Education heard much positive feedback about the Portland Public Schools but also some deep concerns that the district is not living up to its long-standing commitment to equity. In a letter to the PPS community on Nov. 24, the Board pledged that "we are committed to doing better” to realize the district's equity goal. Read the Board’s letter.

The Portland Public Schools urges all drivers to remember a crucial safety law: When a school bus stops and activates its flashing red lights and stop-sign arm, you must stop. This isn't just the law—it's the only thing standing between a child and a dangerous accident. However, drivers are passing school buses in Portland multiple times per day! Let's work together to ensure every child gets to and from school safely.

In cases of inclement weather, the Portland Public Schools will use up to three traditional "snow days." Our schools will be closed on those days and students will not be expected to go to school in person or learn remotely. No school meals will be provided on snow days. Those days would be made up on June 16, 17, and 18th. If there are more than three days of inclement weather requiring school cancellation, we will have remote learning days instead of a snow day.

Shortly before the November break, fourth-grade students at Ocean Avenue Elementary School hosted a Poetry Celebration, sharing original poems with families, teachers, and classmates. The event showcased their learning from the district’s newly adopted EL ELA module, “Poetic Forms and Inspiring Minds.” Students proudly read their poems and presented accompanying artwork, highlighting both their creativity and their growth as young poets.

Reiche Elementary School kindergarten teacher Amy Wu was selected as one of the Portland Press Herald's "2025 Mainers To Be Thankful For." The newspaper’s annual feature focuses on people who don’t just do good work in their communities but also exceed expectations. It’s clear from the story that Amy more than meets that description. 

This Portland Press Herald story is about Deering High School’s first win since 2019 in the traditional Thanksgiving Day match-up between Deering and Portland high schools! The win for Deering came even though the Bulldogs beat the Rams twice in the regular season. But the Rams were victorious in this year's Nov. 27 Turkey Day game.

Painting for a Purpose, a local nonprofit founded by educators to benefit Portland Public Schools students, is holding its annual holiday sale on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Yarmouth Academy. Painting for a Purpose brings creative people together to paint whimsical decorative items the group sells to raise money to fund service-learning projects led by PPS students.

Nominations are now open for the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year, Support Staff Educator of the Year, and Administrator of the Year Awards. All nominations are due February 15, 2026. Learn the details on each award and nominate!