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Staff & Community Newsletter - Sept 7, 2023

Superintendent Letter - September 7, 2023

Dear Portland Public Schools families, staff and community members,

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to start my day with our Transportation Team at 6 a.m. and visit five schools on opening day. It was fantastic to see the energy from staff and students as they started the school year. As an educator for 20+ years, there is little that competes with the excitement of the first day of school each year. I often think of it as our Super Bowl in some ways.

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DISTRICT NEWS

Listen and Learn Survey Launched

Superintendent Ryan Scallon is using his first months in the district to hear from staff, students, families and other community members about the great things happening at the Portland Public Schools that we should build on – and also about opportunities to do better. His “listen and learn” phase  began this summer and is continuing into the fall. Ryan will hold focus groups with staff, families and students in September and October. Also, the district has just launched a Listen and Learn Community Survey on our website. Please participate in the survey, which closes Sept. 22!

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PPS Families: Please Fill Out Your Household Income Data Form!

It is very important that all parents and guardians fill out your family’s Household Income Data Form. The information from the form helps us maximize the state revenue our school district receives.
The information you provide enables the Portland Public Schools to have a correct count of the number of our families that qualify as economically disadvantaged. That data helps us receive accurate state education aid for our community.

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Bus Drop-Off Procedures for Pre-K, Kindergarteners & Students With Specialized Needs

The Portland Public Schools is committed to the safety of all students not only at school, but also when they are being transported to and from school. As the school year begins, we want to be sure that students, families, schools, and bus drivers are all clear on the drop-off procedures for students in pre-K, kindergarten and those with specialized needs that get off at a bus stop. Learn more.

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PPS IN THE NEWS

CBHS Grad Wins Mainely Character Scholarship!

Marwa Aslami, a standout 2023 graduate of Casco Bay High School attending the University of Southern Maine, was named the recipient of the Mainely Character Scholarship sponsored by Northern Light Health. She was recognized for her determination, as well as her many accomplishments. At the age of 16, Marwa spent a year working to get her younger cousin Fawad out of Afghanistan after he was seriously injured by a gunshot wound to the face. She did this while still acclimating to Maine as an immigrant, excelling in her high school classes, acting as the main interpreter for her family, guiding her brothers through school as well, and earning a Seal of Biliteracy for her proficiency in six languages.

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PPS Bus Driver Lisa Martel Featured in the Media for Her Dedication and Service

A Portland Press Herald story noted that the Portland Public Schools was one of few districts starting the school year fully staffed with bus drivers and featured PPS bus driver Lisa Martel to show how caring, dedicated drivers like her are key to a positive school experience for our students. Thank you to Lisa and other PPS bus drivers for doing your job with heart!

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EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer for Portland Public Schools

Volunteers play a significant role in the success of our students! PPS welcomes volunteers and community involvement and sincerely thanks you for your generosity and support. Last year parents and community members volunteered over 94,000 hours to our schools. Each volunteer made a real difference in the lives of students. We invite you to learn more about volunteering for our schools and how you can make an impact at Portland Public Schools: Click Here

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First page of the PDF file: Hiring