We are looking for donations of new and gently used adult-sized swimming goggles for grant funded learning to support swim lessons for students at SPHS. 🏊 Donations are being accepted in the lobby of the South Portland Community Center. Please reach out to to Gretchen McCloy, Director of Community Partnerships, at mccloygr@spsdme.org with questions or to discuss other ways you can support this programming.
At this week's Pops Concert at SPHS, students performed a tribute to Craig Skeffington to the tune of "My Way." 🎼 Mr. Skeffington, distinguished composer and Maine Music Educators Hall of Fame Inductee, will be retiring at the end of the school year after being SPHS's Band Director since 1994. We wish him the best and express our deepest gratitude for the knowledge and inspiration shared with students during his time at SPHS!
Students at SPMS designed and programmed working carnival rides in STEM class! Using SAM Labs coding software, students programmed and designed carnival rides that move and light up. 🎡 🎠
Third graders at Small Elementary explored the question: How might we design a boat that moves through water using non-contact force? ⛵ Students worked in teams to design boats with materials like tape, tin foil, paper cups, popsicle sticks, and plates that move only using magnetic force.
Spring is in full bloom! 🌷💛 The yellow tulips that were planted in the fall last year are now blooming in the courtyard at South Portland High School, South Portland Middle School, and the South Portland Police Department. These Hope Gardens were created by students in collaboration with the Yellow Tulip Project, an organization dedicated to smashing the stigma around mental illness. Read more about this project here: www.spsdme.org/article/1953213
South Portland Youth Football registration is open for grades K-8! 🏈 K-5 Flag Football: https://southportlandyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/957413278. Grades 5-6 Youth Tackle Football: https://southportlandyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/054936383. Grades 7-8 Middle School Football: https://southportlandyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/789628969.
Kindergarten registration is open for students who will be at least five years old on October 15, 2025 (birthdays between October 16, 2019 and October 15, 2020 are eligible). Screenings will happen June 16 and 17. For more information and to complete the online registration form, visit www.spsdme.org/kindergarten.
The Yellow Tulip Project is hosting their annual Portland Hope Day this Sunday, May 25 at Mayo Street Arts to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month. Enjoy an afternoon of community, storytelling, and good food. SPHS junior Logan Shepard will be speaking about his experience losing a friend to suicide and subsequently creating SPHS Advocates for Mental Health. For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://theyellowtulipproject.org/events/in-person-portland-me-hope-day-2025/
The 6th Annual Youth Triathlon in honor of Nathan Savage is happening June 21 at 9 am at the South Portland Community Center for ages 7-14. Register online at: https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31535
Kaler Elementary got a special visit from the Hearts of Pine! 🌲 ⚽ Players Walter Varela and Kemali Green along with the team's founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson visited students during an assembly to have a fun and helpful conversation about good sportsmanship.
South Portland Middle School celebrated World Cultures Day last week! Students learned about different cultures from around the world and had over 70 visitors and volunteers lead interactive workshops and present on a wide variety of topics like baking challah, dance, mandala making, rugby, karate, yoga, drumming, and more. They also ate delicious food at an international food market in the cafeteria!
Registration is open for summer sessions of Driver's Ed! Sessions are happening June 16-July 3 and July 28-August 14 for ages 15+. Sign-up online: https://southportlandme.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31479&fbclid=IwY2xjawKULB9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFuWXhXd0pteHc4a3VBdHdFAR52UQ4deJI-q9CPX8v1E__5E2omWpE-oTOoYcNMFciORD87vULwgzM9ZIojhw_aem_hiZKr0AABOwsWSl0lmqcbg
South Portland Strikers: Youth Travel Soccer Club Fall 2025 registration is open through May 23. Register online at www.sopostrikers.com ⚽
SoPp Unite May Tip of the Month: Talking With Young People About Problem Gambling
On Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join us to help bring the SPMS garden to life–rain or shine! ☀️🌱 Have or need extra gardening materials? Donate or swap - seedlings, seeds, outdoor pots, soil, and tools. All are welcome to join the fun!
Join us at tonight's webinar! Supporting Youth Emotional Well-Being: Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. For middle/high school parents and caregivers to help better understand the mental health challenges facing today's youth–such as anxiety, depression, and perfectionism–and learn effective strategies to support your child's needs. Register here to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AnUv9XbkSlerpcRC8r7v-Q#/registration
First graders across the district recently visited and explored Bug Light Park! Thank you to the amazing volunteers from the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth for welcoming students to the lighthouse.
SpringFest is a South Portland community celebration that will return to the Red Bank neighborhood on Friday, May 16, and to Mill Creek Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025, bigger, better, and even more fun! For more information, visit: spspringfest.com
Interested in serving on the South Portland School Board? Apply by 5 PM today (Thursday, May 8, 2025). Send a Letter of Intent and Resume to City Clerk Jessica A. Hughes at jhughes@southportland.gov.
Happy National School Nurse Day! Thank you to all our school nurses for supporting the health and well-being of our students.
