Know anyone who is a fantastic speaker, who loves to talk about their career? We are looking for more local businesses and organizations to connect with the workforce of tomorrow (our students in South Portland Schools)! Local employers can register here for upcoming events this spring at SPMS and SPHS: https://forms.gle/Hmhn8PfPAaMJKqFi6
South Portland Nutrition Service staff participated in hands-on training for fish fillet prep and cooking with Khadija Ahmed (Halal School Meals Network), Rob Dumas (UMaine), and GMRI 🐟 Staff enhanced foundational skills to cook with fish for school meals, including processing filets, working with less common fish species like red fish, monkfish, and dab, and its connection to Halal certified meals. At the end of the training, they got to enjoy the delicious meal they cooked together!
Students celebrated Day of Love and Friendship in very meaningful ways! ❤️ Ms. Malcomson's class at Brown Elementary has been discussing Black History Month and Women's History Month, learning what it means to stand up for each other and do what is right in our hearts for our community. On Friday, they spread joy to their school community by dancing through the halls to" Love Train" with student-made signs that have words of love.
This Black History Month, we recognize the voices, achievements, and struggles of African-American and Black individuals who inspire change and progress. Take this opportunity to explore these educational resources that celebrate and deepen understanding of Black history and culture: https://blackhistorymonth.gov/ and https://libguides.spsd.org/blackhistory.
SoPo Unite Tip of the Month: Choose to be reliable to avoid being liable
Join SoPo Parks and Rec for a Valentine's Day family dance to celebrate and have fun with someone you love on February 15, 6-8 p.m.! ❤️ Come dress up and enjoy an evening of dancing and good times. Light refreshments will be served and music for all ages will be provided. Register online: https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31481
The Board of Education meeting scheduled for Monday, February 10th is being postponed because not all members are able to attend. Because of the importance of agenda items we want to ensure full participation of the Board. The rescheduled meeting date will be shared early this week.
It's National School Counseling Week (February 3-7, 2025)! Thank you to the tremendous work of our school counselors in helping students thrive and supporting their overall well-being and success.
Last week, South Portland Middle School hosted its Second Annual Family Dinner! 🍽️ ✨ Families and staff members enjoyed a meal together in addition to open gym, crafts, and a dance party. Thank you to our community partners who also joined us that evening: Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Halal School Meals Network, Chef Ann Foundation, and The Locker Project.
What happens when the children of Disney villains go to high school with the children of the heroes? ✨ Experience this all-ages production of "Disney's Descendants: The Musical" at South Portland High School February 6-9, 13-15! 🎟️ Get tickets at https://gofan.co/app/school/ME22131_1
Get a free sneak peek at the STEM Odyssey program offered by Mad Science at the South Portland Community Center on February 4 at 4 p.m.! 🧪 This spectacular 30-minute show will thrill audiences with impressive science experiments. Mad Science will be returning at the end of February to offer a full multi-week program for grades K-6. Learn more about the free show and the STEM Odyssey program at https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31091.
Registration for 2025 Summer Rec Camp opens next week on February 3 for grades K-8 ☀️ Register online at www.sopoparksrec.com. See the attached flier for more details!
The Playbook Initiative, a partnership between Project 351 and the Boston Celtics, is an anti-discrimination and bias-prevention program that hosted a kick-off event this week with South Portland and Portland Schools. High school student Trainers facilitated workshops with middle school participants to help develop the tools to positively intervene in challenging social situations. Learn more about the Playbook Initiative online at www.nba.com/celtics/community/playbook.
Drivers Ed is starting up in February! 🚗 Register for classes online at https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31479&AdminPreview=1
We're learning about each other through food and tradition 🍽️ ✨ Each year, Ms. Malcomson's second grade class at Brown Elementary reads the book "Our Table" and learns about the importance of working together as a community and welcoming everyone in our spaces. Families brought in a food dish that is special to them to share with the class and told stories about their meal to create memories together!
The South Portland community is invited to attend the State of the Schools presentation next week on Monday, January 27 in the South Portland Middle School Multipurpose Room (120 Wescott Road). Join Superintendent Matheney for a collaborative discussion about the triumphs and challenges of the South Portland School District. A Board Workshop on the SPHS Athletic Complex will begin that evening at 5:30 p.m. with the State of the Schools to immediately follow. (Please park in the District Office parking lot and use the nearby entrance for the meeting.) View the agenda online at spsdme.org/schoolboard.
Help shape the future of South Portland! This opportunity is open to applicants ages 16-22 to represent the youth voice on the City's Comprehensive Plan Committee. Apply online by January 29 at https://southportland.gov/371/Boards-Committees.
This past semester, South Portland High School students were able to explore different careers in the Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Program, including dental hygiene, healthcare, marketing, clothing design, and more. Congrats to all the students who completed their final presentations on their ELOs this week!
January is School Board Appreciation Month! 📚✨ At this week's Board meeting, we recognized the important work and dedication of our school board members. They were each gifted a clay pot created by SPMS students in Ms. Weber’s art class. Swipe through to see some photos of the 6th grade artists working on their clay pots!
SoPo Unite Tip of the Month: Youth Vaping and Nicotine Treatment
