What do you want to see in South Portland's next school Superintendent?
The South Portland School Department has partnered with Zeal Education Group to help lead the search, and we want to hear directly from you! There are multiple opportunities for students, families, staff, and community members to participate and share your perspective at in-person forums, virtual meetings, and in an online survey January 27-29.
See the full schedule at spsdme.org/superintendentsearch.
The South Portland School Department has partnered with Zeal Education Group to help lead the search, and we want to hear directly from you! There are multiple opportunities for students, families, staff, and community members to participate and share your perspective at in-person forums, virtual meetings, and in an online survey January 27-29.
See the full schedule at spsdme.org/superintendentsearch.
Please note the Public School Budget Forum scheduled for Thursday, January 22 at 6 p.m. will be postponed.
Over the weekend chess players from regional schools, including eight members of the SPHS Chess Team, competed in a tournament. Oscar Karolkowski clinched the tournament title for SPHS in the U1400 division! Neil Haskins finished tied for 3rd after a close final game in the U800 and Ian Archibald tied for 3rd in the U800 in his first tournament. SPHS now sits in first place for the season!♟️
We want to hear from you! All South Portland residents are invited to this public forum at 6 PM on Thursday, January 22 in the Multipurpose Room at South Portland Middle School. There will be a brief school budget update presented, as well as the opportunity for roundtable discussions that will help guide the FY27 planning process. For more information, visit www.spsdme.org/schoolbudgetforum.
The South Portland Comprehensive Planning Committee will hold public hearings to review public comments and prepare its recommended draft of the SoPo 2040 Comprehensive Plan for City Council consideration on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6 p.m. For more information, see the attached flier or visit southportland2040.com.
SoPo Unite Tip of the Month: Peer Support
Due to weather, all South Portland schools are closed today, Wednesday, January 7th.
Last week, South Portland High School JMG students volunteered at the Community Center to assist with the Toy Drive. 🎁✨ Students gave back to their community by making signs and unloading and sorting donations.
Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and happy winter break! We will see you back in school in the New Year on January 5, 2026!
Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and happy winter break! We will see you back in school in the New Year on January 5, 2026!
New to The Riot, South Portland High School's student newspaper: Riot Profiles! Riot Profiles highlight a few of the many incredible members of our community. Journalism students write these profiles with one instruction: interview someone you want to know more about, and learn something about them. Here you will find interviews with students and staff that showcase our community's diverse talents, interests, identities, cultures and knowledge: https://sites.google.com/spsdme.org/theriotsphs/home/riot-profiles?authuser=0
SoPo Unite Tip of the Month: Choose to be Reliable to Avoid Being Liable
South Portland Schools celebrated the holiday season at the Mill Creek Tree Lighting with a poetry reading by SPMS student Sloan Willows and musical performances by the SPMS Chorus and SPHS Chamber Singers. ✨ Thank you to everyone in our community who attended, including the PTA groups and SoPo Unite!
South Portland Tree Lighting in Mill Creek Park: Friday, December 5, 4:30-6:30. Enjoy a festive and fun evening with family friendly activities and treats, countdown to turning the holiday lights, petting zoo, and more. Donations being accepted include non-perishable food items, unwrapped holiday gifts, and winter clothes.
Last chance to take the survey! What kinds of community spaces do you think we need in South Portland? Take the city's 3-minute survey at https://bit.ly/CommunitySpaceNeeds to help inform decisions about the future, including community-oriented spaces at the proposed new City Center at Mahoney. The survey closes Tuesday, December 9.
Happy National Special Education Day, which also marks 50 years since the passing of the nation's first special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. South Portland Schools celebrates the important work that special education teachers and staff do every day to support all students and create inclusive spaces for learning.
Due to impending weather, all South Portland schools are closed today, Tuesday, December 2nd.
This past Saturday, the SPHS Chess Club hosted their 5th annual SoPo US Chess rated tournament. 42 players entered the tournament from over 11 area schools and featured everyone from first-timers to national masters. Together SPHS earned 13 points on the day, putting us atop the leaderboard in the state! ♟️
It's Substitute Teacher Appreciation Day! Substitute teachers keep the learning going by supporting staff when they need to be away from their classrooms. Thank you for your invaluable work and service to our students!
Last week, SPHS held its first Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) school-wide assembly! Students were nominated by teachers for being responsible, engaged, safe, and respectful. The four students who were recognized for demonstrating the Red Riot Way received a certificate and were able to make a charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization of their choosing in the Greater Portland area. Congratulations Doug, Charlotte, Israel, and Zachary!
Join us and give your input on specific community space areas at the proposed new City Center at Mahoney. Your input will help inform the design of the project. Coffee and snacks provided! Learn more and RSVP (helpful, but not required) at www.southportland.gov/mahoney
The South Portland Drama Club presents: Bedlam & Breakfast by William Prenette 🎭 Performances are happening in the SPHS Auditorium for one weekend only: November 8-9! Get more information and tickets at spsdme.org/bedlamandbreakfast
