October 9, 2025
Highlights of our newsletter this month:
- Join The Discussion on Attendance Boundaries, Cell Phones, Student Support & More!
- Upcoming High School Open Houses This Month
- Deadline Extended: Complete Household Income Data Form by Oct. 17
- Board Incumbents Unopposed for Re-Election Nov. 4
- Hannaford, PPS Launch Food Pantry at PHS
- PPS Chosen as 'Agency of the Year'
- DHS Students National Merit Semifinalists
- New Video Series on Learning around Maine Features CBHS
- Nominate Outstanding School Staff for a RISE Award!
Upcoming Events
- Board of Public Education Community Engagement Events
Join the discussion at one of our upcoming engagement events this month - High School Open Houses
Casco Bay High School - Oct. 9
Portland High School - Oct. 14
Deering High School - Oct. 21
- Nominate Outstanding School Staff for a RISE Award
Deadline is Oct. 15 - Household Income Data Form
Deadline extended to Oct. 17
![BoardofEdCommunityEngagement2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759951311/portlandschoolsorg/eootjwj8xlbfqsdo4bgn/CommunityEngagement.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759951311/portlandschoolsorg/eootjwj8xlbfqsdo4bgn/CommunityEngagement.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759951311/portlandschoolsorg/eootjwj8xlbfqsdo4bgn/CommunityEngagement.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759951311/portlandschoolsorg/eootjwj8xlbfqsdo4bgn/CommunityEngagement.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759951311/portlandschoolsorg/eootjwj8xlbfqsdo4bgn/CommunityEngagement.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759951311/portlandschoolsorg/eootjwj8xlbfqsdo4bgn/CommunityEngagement.png","width":1920}])
Join the PPS Board of Public Education for a series of community engagement events to learn more about new attendance boundary scenarios, the cell phone policy, our new behavior response protocol and other topics of interest to the community. Come share your feedback and help shape our schools!
![High School Open Houses This Month!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759929605/portlandschoolsorg/viywsvsujxlankagtnet/HSOpenHouses.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759929605/portlandschoolsorg/viywsvsujxlankagtnet/HSOpenHouses.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759929605/portlandschoolsorg/viywsvsujxlankagtnet/HSOpenHouses.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759929605/portlandschoolsorg/viywsvsujxlankagtnet/HSOpenHouses.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759929605/portlandschoolsorg/viywsvsujxlankagtnet/HSOpenHouses.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759929605/portlandschoolsorg/viywsvsujxlankagtnet/HSOpenHouses.png","width":1920}])
Eighth-grade families and students: Open houses for Casco Bay, Deering and Portland High Schools are taking place this month. Families and students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to check out each of the three high schools available to students starting ninth grade in the fall of 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to tour the schools, talk with teachers and explore the programs and opportunities that each school has to offer!
![New Deadline: Complete Household Income Data Form by Oct. 17!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759949852/portlandschoolsorg/tsjb6qomybo847h2qgto/HouseholdIncomeDataFormextended.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759949852/portlandschoolsorg/tsjb6qomybo847h2qgto/HouseholdIncomeDataFormextended.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759949852/portlandschoolsorg/tsjb6qomybo847h2qgto/HouseholdIncomeDataFormextended.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759949852/portlandschoolsorg/tsjb6qomybo847h2qgto/HouseholdIncomeDataFormextended.png","width":1200}])
We’ve extended the deadline to complete the Household Income Data Form. If you haven’t submitted yours yet, now’s the time! This quick form—just 3 minutes to complete—helps Portland Public Schools secure critical funding. Each household should have received a personalized link via ReachMyTeach to fill out the form online. Didn't receive the form? Reach out to your child's school office to resend the link.
![Board Incumbents Unopposed for Re-Election Nov. 4]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748872695/portlandschoolsorg/ykruwfxehcjdww3p5ui9/LastDayofSchoolReminder.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748872695/portlandschoolsorg/ykruwfxehcjdww3p5ui9/LastDayofSchoolReminder.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748872695/portlandschoolsorg/ykruwfxehcjdww3p5ui9/LastDayofSchoolReminder.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748872695/portlandschoolsorg/ykruwfxehcjdww3p5ui9/LastDayofSchoolReminder.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748872695/portlandschoolsorg/ykruwfxehcjdww3p5ui9/LastDayofSchoolReminder.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748872695/portlandschoolsorg/ykruwfxehcjdww3p5ui9/LastDayofSchoolReminder.png","width":1920}])
Three Board of Public Education members whose seats are up for election Nov. 4 are running unopposed for re-election to their seats. At-large Board members Sarah Lentz and Jayne Sawtelle were the only candidates to take out and return nomination papers and qualify to be on the ballot for their seats, according to filings with the Portland’s City Clerk’s Office. The same is true for Board member Julianne Opperman for her District 3 seat.
![Food on shelves at new PHS Food pantry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759930244/portlandschoolsorg/assugbkeppck2xnkenlt/HannafordPPSLaunchFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759930244/portlandschoolsorg/assugbkeppck2xnkenlt/HannafordPPSLaunchFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759930244/portlandschoolsorg/assugbkeppck2xnkenlt/HannafordPPSLaunchFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759930244/portlandschoolsorg/assugbkeppck2xnkenlt/HannafordPPSLaunchFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759930244/portlandschoolsorg/assugbkeppck2xnkenlt/HannafordPPSLaunchFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759930244/portlandschoolsorg/assugbkeppck2xnkenlt/HannafordPPSLaunchFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":1920}])
Hannaford Supermarkets and the Portland Public Schools have teamed up to launch a new school-based food pantry at Portland High School — which officially opened Sept. 16. The pantry will expand food access for students and their families in need. As many as 500 students are expected to use the pantry each month. Hannaford donated $10,000 to the school to fully renovate the space, purchase refrigeration and storage, and stock the shelves with fresh, nutritious food options for students.
![Talbot Community School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759929870/portlandschoolsorg/vajjlhupyvzh6kziyyp9/FPPSsecures54KgrantforTalbotSchool.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759929870/portlandschoolsorg/vajjlhupyvzh6kziyyp9/FPPSsecures54KgrantforTalbotSchool.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759929870/portlandschoolsorg/vajjlhupyvzh6kziyyp9/FPPSsecures54KgrantforTalbotSchool.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759929870/portlandschoolsorg/vajjlhupyvzh6kziyyp9/FPPSsecures54KgrantforTalbotSchool.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759929870/portlandschoolsorg/vajjlhupyvzh6kziyyp9/FPPSsecures54KgrantforTalbotSchool.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759929870/portlandschoolsorg/vajjlhupyvzh6kziyyp9/FPPSsecures54KgrantforTalbotSchool.png","width":1920}])
The Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) is excited to announce that United Way of Southern Maine is investing $53,940 in Gerald E. Talbot Community School. The donation will support Talbot’s whole-school model, which integrates learning in Pre-K through grade 5 with family and community engagement. “United Way’s support is a huge boost to the community school model being piloted at Talbot,” said Andrea Weisman Summers
![Presumpscot students explore Gambo Dam ecosystem photo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759930419/portlandschoolsorg/htmwvnflrog0i9yq7x6j/GamboDamStudentsatDamphoto1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759930419/portlandschoolsorg/htmwvnflrog0i9yq7x6j/GamboDamStudentsatDamphoto1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759930419/portlandschoolsorg/htmwvnflrog0i9yq7x6j/GamboDamStudentsatDamphoto1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759930419/portlandschoolsorg/htmwvnflrog0i9yq7x6j/GamboDamStudentsatDamphoto1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759930419/portlandschoolsorg/htmwvnflrog0i9yq7x6j/GamboDamStudentsatDamphoto1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759930419/portlandschoolsorg/htmwvnflrog0i9yq7x6j/GamboDamStudentsatDamphoto1.png","width":1920}])
The Gambo Dam in Windham was the setting in September for Portland Public Schools third-graders to get some real-life lessons about life science and the Wabanaki, the Indigenous peoples whose homeland encompasses present-day Maine. The students got to experience the dam’s impact on the Presumpscot River in person and learned from Wabanaki guides about the relationship of animals and humans to the ecosystem.
![Portland Soccer Project at EECS Teaches Social/Emotional Skills through Joyful Play]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759930092/portlandschoolsorg/x9fphoxifsnoncjsldzg/SoccerProject.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759930092/portlandschoolsorg/x9fphoxifsnoncjsldzg/SoccerProject.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759930092/portlandschoolsorg/x9fphoxifsnoncjsldzg/SoccerProject.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759930092/portlandschoolsorg/x9fphoxifsnoncjsldzg/SoccerProject.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759930092/portlandschoolsorg/x9fphoxifsnoncjsldzg/SoccerProject.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759930092/portlandschoolsorg/x9fphoxifsnoncjsldzg/SoccerProject.png","width":1920}])
The Portland Soccer Project is a Portland Hearts of Pine after-school program that uses soccer as a tool for working on conflict resolution, self-regulation, and leadership skills. It was launched in the spring of 2025 at East End Community School. In its first session, 40 students spent over 2,200 hours with 7 volunteer coaches developing social and emotional skills through joyful play.
![Graphic showing NASW ME's 2025 Awardees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759930784/portlandschoolsorg/l31g8bnqxsrjkexo5xsa/Maine2025AwardsPosterfinal.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759930784/portlandschoolsorg/l31g8bnqxsrjkexo5xsa/Maine2025AwardsPosterfinal.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759930784/portlandschoolsorg/l31g8bnqxsrjkexo5xsa/Maine2025AwardsPosterfinal.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759930784/portlandschoolsorg/l31g8bnqxsrjkexo5xsa/Maine2025AwardsPosterfinal.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759930784/portlandschoolsorg/l31g8bnqxsrjkexo5xsa/Maine2025AwardsPosterfinal.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759930784/portlandschoolsorg/l31g8bnqxsrjkexo5xsa/Maine2025AwardsPosterfinal.png","width":1920}])
The Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW ME) selected the Portland Public Schools for their “2025 Agency of the Year” award in recognition of the ‘incredible work’ of the district’s social workers and school counselors to ensure all students have access to support for social, emotional and behavioral health issues.
![DHS Students Named National Merit Semifinalists]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696526495/portlandschoolsorg/fao6k3vr7kgldwt6s2b7/nationalmerit-logo_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696526495/portlandschoolsorg/fao6k3vr7kgldwt6s2b7/nationalmerit-logo_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696526495/portlandschoolsorg/fao6k3vr7kgldwt6s2b7/nationalmerit-logo_2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1696526495/portlandschoolsorg/fao6k3vr7kgldwt6s2b7/nationalmerit-logo_2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1696526495/portlandschoolsorg/fao6k3vr7kgldwt6s2b7/nationalmerit-logo_2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1696526495/portlandschoolsorg/fao6k3vr7kgldwt6s2b7/nationalmerit-logo_2.jpg","width":1920}]){kind=logo}
Three Portland Public Schools students have been named as Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program: Deering High School seniors Ellis Retzer, Alma Wallace and Ellis Wood. The Deering students are among just 58 Maine seniors that the program named Sept. 10 as Semifinalists in the 2026 contest.
![Cover of "Factory Town" a sci-fi novel by PHS student Ramona Rowe]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759941760/portlandschoolsorg/zhhcb0qv2vnzdcnhe8px/PHSSeniorispublishedauthor.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759941760/portlandschoolsorg/zhhcb0qv2vnzdcnhe8px/PHSSeniorispublishedauthor.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759941760/portlandschoolsorg/zhhcb0qv2vnzdcnhe8px/PHSSeniorispublishedauthor.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759941760/portlandschoolsorg/zhhcb0qv2vnzdcnhe8px/PHSSeniorispublishedauthor.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759941760/portlandschoolsorg/zhhcb0qv2vnzdcnhe8px/PHSSeniorispublishedauthor.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759941760/portlandschoolsorg/zhhcb0qv2vnzdcnhe8px/PHSSeniorispublishedauthor.png","width":1920}])
Portland High School senior Ramona Rowe will start college next year with a huge life accomplishment already checked off: She’s a published novelist. Ramona recently had her first full-length novel published through The Telling Room. Titled “Factory Town,” it’s a science fiction novel set in Worcester, Mass., where she has family roots
![Teachers and Students Praise Device-Free Schools Policy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759932147/portlandschoolsorg/dvtngpkkerow1t6mlhlw/TeachersPraiseDevice-FreePolicy.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759932147/portlandschoolsorg/dvtngpkkerow1t6mlhlw/TeachersPraiseDevice-FreePolicy.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759932147/portlandschoolsorg/dvtngpkkerow1t6mlhlw/TeachersPraiseDevice-FreePolicy.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759932147/portlandschoolsorg/dvtngpkkerow1t6mlhlw/TeachersPraiseDevice-FreePolicy.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759932147/portlandschoolsorg/dvtngpkkerow1t6mlhlw/TeachersPraiseDevice-FreePolicy.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759932147/portlandschoolsorg/dvtngpkkerow1t6mlhlw/TeachersPraiseDevice-FreePolicy.png","width":1920}])
The Portland Public Schools' new district-wide device-free schools policy is working well, as highlighted in these recent stories:
![Moore Middle School Student's Donation Shares Her Love of Art]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759932504/portlandschoolsorg/gzadnkbhdce5kj434dvo/MooreMiddleSchoolStudentsDonationSharesHerLoveofArt.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759932504/portlandschoolsorg/gzadnkbhdce5kj434dvo/MooreMiddleSchoolStudentsDonationSharesHerLoveofArt.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759932504/portlandschoolsorg/gzadnkbhdce5kj434dvo/MooreMiddleSchoolStudentsDonationSharesHerLoveofArt.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759932504/portlandschoolsorg/gzadnkbhdce5kj434dvo/MooreMiddleSchoolStudentsDonationSharesHerLoveofArt.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759932504/portlandschoolsorg/gzadnkbhdce5kj434dvo/MooreMiddleSchoolStudentsDonationSharesHerLoveofArt.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759932504/portlandschoolsorg/gzadnkbhdce5kj434dvo/MooreMiddleSchoolStudentsDonationSharesHerLoveofArt.png","width":1920}])
Here's a sweet WMTW-Channel 8 story on a Lyman Moore Middle School eighth-grader who collected art supplies to donate to newcomer families in Westbrook. The September 26, 2025, story tells how she packed 50 plastic totes with paper, markers, crayons, colored pencils, stickers, glue sticks, scissors, stencils and more.
![Bulldog Quarterback Breaking Records]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759932850/portlandschoolsorg/uf5iwkpu04kfhzeihpj2/BulldogQuarterbackBreakingRecords.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759932850/portlandschoolsorg/uf5iwkpu04kfhzeihpj2/BulldogQuarterbackBreakingRecords.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759932850/portlandschoolsorg/uf5iwkpu04kfhzeihpj2/BulldogQuarterbackBreakingRecords.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759932850/portlandschoolsorg/uf5iwkpu04kfhzeihpj2/BulldogQuarterbackBreakingRecords.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759932850/portlandschoolsorg/uf5iwkpu04kfhzeihpj2/BulldogQuarterbackBreakingRecords.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759932850/portlandschoolsorg/uf5iwkpu04kfhzeihpj2/BulldogQuarterbackBreakingRecords.png","width":1920}])
This Sept. 18, 2025, Portland Press Herald story is about a potentially record-breaking season for Portland High School quarterback Cordell Jones. The story recounts how this Bulldog is a standout in many ways. Read the story: Portland football standout running down school records
![PPS and Hannaford Partner for New Food Pantry at PHS]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759934651/portlandschoolsorg/arupekn2z2jsykuhklzt/PPSandHannafordPartnerforNewFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759934651/portlandschoolsorg/arupekn2z2jsykuhklzt/PPSandHannafordPartnerforNewFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759934651/portlandschoolsorg/arupekn2z2jsykuhklzt/PPSandHannafordPartnerforNewFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759934651/portlandschoolsorg/arupekn2z2jsykuhklzt/PPSandHannafordPartnerforNewFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759934651/portlandschoolsorg/arupekn2z2jsykuhklzt/PPSandHannafordPartnerforNewFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759934651/portlandschoolsorg/arupekn2z2jsykuhklzt/PPSandHannafordPartnerforNewFoodPantryatPHS.png","width":1920}])
In this Sept. 16, 2025, report from WMTW-TV Channel 8, PPS Superintendent Ryan Scallon and Portland High School Principal Sheila Jepson talk about their appreciation of a partnership with Hannaford to establish a food pantry at PHS to meet the needs of students and their families. Here’s the story: Hannaford sponsors food pantry for Portland students
![New Video Series on Learning around Maine Features Casco Bay High School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759934492/portlandschoolsorg/uxzwkxq05wtmq2js2jp8/NewVideoSeriesonLearningaroundMaineFeaturesCascoBayHighSchool.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759934492/portlandschoolsorg/uxzwkxq05wtmq2js2jp8/NewVideoSeriesonLearningaroundMaineFeaturesCascoBayHighSchool.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759934492/portlandschoolsorg/uxzwkxq05wtmq2js2jp8/NewVideoSeriesonLearningaroundMaineFeaturesCascoBayHighSchool.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759934492/portlandschoolsorg/uxzwkxq05wtmq2js2jp8/NewVideoSeriesonLearningaroundMaineFeaturesCascoBayHighSchool.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759934492/portlandschoolsorg/uxzwkxq05wtmq2js2jp8/NewVideoSeriesonLearningaroundMaineFeaturesCascoBayHighSchool.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759934492/portlandschoolsorg/uxzwkxq05wtmq2js2jp8/NewVideoSeriesonLearningaroundMaineFeaturesCascoBayHighSchool.png","width":1920}])
"Learning from Maine", a brand-new video series showcasing how Maine’s public schools are rethinking education & helping students succeed, features students and teachers from around Maine, including at PPS. Episode 1 dropped Sept. 15, 2025 & focuses on Casco Bay High School — among our three great high schools that students have the option of indicating which they prefer to attend.
![Nominate Outstanding School Staff for a RISE Award Now!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756911855/portlandschoolsorg/kf7nfymmhnamnjnr4n8q/Riseawards.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1756911855/portlandschoolsorg/kf7nfymmhnamnjnr4n8q/Riseawards.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1756911855/portlandschoolsorg/kf7nfymmhnamnjnr4n8q/Riseawards.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1756911855/portlandschoolsorg/kf7nfymmhnamnjnr4n8q/Riseawards.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1756911855/portlandschoolsorg/kf7nfymmhnamnjnr4n8q/Riseawards.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756911855/portlandschoolsorg/kf7nfymmhnamnjnr4n8q/Riseawards.png","width":1920}])
The Maine Department of Education invites students, friends, families, community members, educational organizations or associations, co-workers, and supervisors to nominate school employees for the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award. Anyone can nominate and the deadline to submit a nomination is October 15, 2025.
![The Telling Room's 2026 Statewide Writing Contest Accepting Submissions Through November 15!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759935527/portlandschoolsorg/niqacc8osmqsjessa3qg/TellingRoom.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759935527/portlandschoolsorg/niqacc8osmqsjessa3qg/TellingRoom.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759935527/portlandschoolsorg/niqacc8osmqsjessa3qg/TellingRoom.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759935527/portlandschoolsorg/niqacc8osmqsjessa3qg/TellingRoom.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759935527/portlandschoolsorg/niqacc8osmqsjessa3qg/TellingRoom.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759935527/portlandschoolsorg/niqacc8osmqsjessa3qg/TellingRoom.png","width":1920}])
The Telling Room's 2026 Statewide Writing Contest is now open and will be accepting submissions through November 15! This annual Writing Contest, presented by the Telling Room, invites youth from all over Maine, ages 6-18, to show off their writing skills.
