January 12, 2026

This Dec. 9, 2025, Portland Press Herald story is about a survey in which Maine students reported less substance use and better mental health. At PPS, part of the district’s approach to preventing substance use is making sure students feel connected with the school community — part of its Whole Student goal in the PPS Strategic Plan. Read the story: "Maine students report less substance use, better mental health."

Portland High School musical theater students are excited to present “Seussical,” a musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss, including “Horton Hears a Who!,” “Gertrude McFuzz,” and “Horton Hatches the Egg.” Shows will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m., in the John Ford Auditorium at Portland High School. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $14 for adults. Tickets are only available at the door.

The Portland Public Schools family is deeply saddened by the loss of Trey Boucher, 14, an eighth-grader at Lyman Moore Middle School, who passed away unexpectedly at his home on Dec. 19, 2025. Lyman Moore offered students the opportunity to write their remembrances of Trey, and their words described him as warm, funny, generous, and kind. At school and in the community, his genuine smile would lift anyone’s spirit. A memorial service will be held Jan. 17.

The Portland Public Schools family extends deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mark Maclean, 78, former Portland High School guidance counselor, who died Dec. 4, 2025. Mr. Maclean, who had both a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in counseling, became the PHS guidance director of Portland High School in 2001, serving in that position until he retired in 2011. A memorial service was held Dec. 20. Read his obituary in the Portland Press Herald.