Staff & Community Newsletter - Sept 7, 2023

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.

In recognition of Attendance Awareness Month, which is celebrated every September, students ages 4-17 are invited to create media celebrating why they go to school.

Deadline to Submit is September 30, 2023
Complete Contest Details

Listen to the Reiche students as they share what they love about the new school improvements!

Staff welcomes students on the first day of school at Lincoln Middle School!

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 on our website: https://www.portlandschools.org/department/transportation/school-bus-dropoff-conduct-safety

During WGAN radio’s morning show on Labor Day, Superintendent Ryan Scallon called in to discuss the upcoming school year,  challenges and opportunities. Listen to the interview at https://wgan.com/morning-news/portland-superintendent-ryan-scallon/

The Portland Public Schools is among districts included in this Portland Press Herald Aug. 30 editorial:  Our View: To invest in immigrant pupils is to invest in the future

WMTW, Channel 8-TV featured (Deering High School senior Andrew Burke in this Aug. 28 story):  We are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Andrew Burke, our standout Scholar Athlete of the Week!

Check out this Sept. 5 Portland Press Herald article about the newly renovated Presumpscot Elementary School – "a space that is created with children in mind." A new year and a new school for Presumpscot teachers and students

Two athletes, one at Portland High School and one at Deering High School, were named by the Portland Press Herald on Aug. 30 as among girl soccer players to watch this coming season.

Amazing East End Community School teacher Bulina Ahmad is among teachers featured in Portland Press Herald story. “I’m here for the kids,” Bulina says. Read the Aug. 27 story: ‘This is where I’m meant to be’: Maine teachers prepare for school year with hope

Check out this video featuring Marwa Aslami, a standout 2023 graduate of Casco Bay High School. Marwa is the recipient of the Mainely Character Scholarship sponsored by Northern Light Health. You’ll understand why after hearing her story, which is filled with grit and determination! You can also read a Portland Press Herald article from January 2023 featuring what Marwa did to help her injured cousin: Caught in the crossfire: Mainers aid in medical rescue of Afghan boy

This Sept. 7 story in the Portland Press Herald notes that the Portland Public Schools is one of few districts starting the school year fully staffed with bus drivers and shows how dedicated bus drivers like Lisa Martel are so key to a positive school experience for our students. Thank you to our PPS bus drivers for doing your job with heart! Check out: Staffing shortages spotlight critical role and special skills of school bus drivers

Portland/Deering Field Hockey is hosting a fundraiser night at Bruno's Restaurant & Tavern, 33 Allen Avenue in Portland, on September 21 from 5-9 pm. Bruno's will generously donate a portion of the proceeds from that evening to the Portland/Deering field hockey team. Please come support the team and enjoy a night out with friends and family!

Register now! The Beyond Borders conference features a keynote address following a full day of breakout sessions led by experts on immigration, PreK-16 education, workforce development, and health and social services. Learn more on our website: https://www.portlandschools.org/get-involved/beyond-borders-2023-conference

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

This program is designed for foreign-trained professionals who have worked as a teacher or are interested in becoming an educator in Maine by working as an Educational Technician 3; substitute teacher; and, if qualified, work toward Maine teacher certification.