Dear South Portland Community Members,
On behalf of the school district’s leadership team, teachers, and staff, we want to acknowledge the stress and uncertainty of the past few weeks and the impact this is having on many of our students, families, colleagues, neighbors, and friends. While we know that many of our community members are feeling hopeful about Senator Susan Collin’s announcement about ICE ending its enhanced operations in Maine, we know many others remain fearful and that the impact of their presence will be felt by SPSD students and families for a long time.
We are vigilantly following the news and monitoring student attendance across the district.
Early next week, we will share more information regarding details of the steps the district is taking to continue to support families and offer some continuity of learning for students not attending school at this time.
We are grateful for the swell of community support and action we have seen throughout our community - in true South Portland form, neighbors are stepping up and mobilizing to support each other. From donations to grocery deliveries to bus stop monitors, our community continues to amaze us with their care, empathy, and generosity. We want to acknowledge the grassroots efforts of SoPo Help, a group of passionate and dedicated community members who are using their voice, talents, and resources to show, with action and intent, that all members of our community belong here.
We would like to encourage families to see this resource which details support for food, housing, and other needs. We will continue to provide for the short-term needs we are aware of through next week.
As a leadership team, we are honored to serve the students and families of South Portland and value our collaboration and partnership with the community. We are proud of our dedicated teachers and staff and will continue to work together in the interest of all our students, families, and the South Portland community.
With best wishes,
Dr. George Entwistle, Superintendent