Community e-Newsletter Fall 2014

Dear Community Members:

One of my core beliefs is that it takes an entire community to ensure the success of our public schools. In order to engage in our schools, the community needs to be informed. That is why the Portland Public Schools is introducing our first ever community e-Newsletter.

The e-Newsletter will come out twice a year, in the fall and the spring. Its purpose is to communicate successes and ongoing work at the district level and in our schools.

In this issue of our newsletter you will find news items including information about the Portland Public Schools STEM Exposition, an update about the plan for replacing Hall School, staff recognitions and student projects.

We hope that this newsletter will help empower our community to participate in improving our schools so that we can be the best small urban school district in the country by 2017. Please encourage your friends, family, neighbors, and other community members to subscribe to the e-Newsletter by sending an email to [email protected] with “Subscribe to e-Newsletter” in the message or subject.

In addition to reading this e-Newsletter, I would encourage all Portland families, businesses, and community members to stay informed and get involved in our schools. Here are some ways you can do so:

• Check out the Stay Informed section of the district’s website (http://www2.portlandschools.org/stay-informed-about- portland-public-schools-0), where you will find many ways to stay up-to-date on school and district news. • Attend school and district events such as learning nights, Parent Academies or University, focus groups, town hall meetings, task forces, etc. • Participate with PTO, School Advisory Groups, and/or other family engagement groups. • Volunteer in our schools. You can read more about volunteer opportunities in this e-Newsletter.

Thanks for your time and support for the Portland Public Schools. I look forward to partnering with you all to help the Portland Public Schools become the best small urban school district in the country by 2017.

Sincerely,

Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk P.S. I hope you’ll join me at the winter meeting of the Superintendent’s Book Club on January 28 at 7 p.m. at Longfellow Books to discuss “21 Trends for the 21st Century: Out of the Trenches and Into the Future.” See details in the “Upcoming Events” section.

Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 Fall 2014

District Provides OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEM LEARNING

The Portland Public Schools, in partnership with EnviroLogix, Inc., presented the first district STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) exposition on November 10 at Ocean Gateway Terminal.

Students from all of Portland’s public middle and high schools and three elementary schools were among the exhibitors at “STEM Learning from Cradle to Career.” Post-secondary schools and local businesses also participated. Nearly 1,000 other district students toured the exhibits.

Exhibits included Lincoln Middle School students demonstrating ZomeTools, which help model concepts in geometry, Hall Elementary School students displaying their toothpick bridge models and students demonstrating crime detection skills that they acquired in their Forensic Science Class.

“STEM knowledge is essential for 21st century jobs,” said Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk. “We’re excited to partner with EnviroLogix in showing the public what our students are learning to prepare them for the future.”

The Portland Public Schools has several initiatives underway to give students more opportunities to explore STEM fields. Lyman Moore Middle School recently received a “Super Science Makeover” thanks to $18,000 in technology, equipment and 300 volunteer hours donated by IDEXX Laboratories. Principal Stephen Rogers and Pam Trieu, a Lyman Moore science teacher, helped spearhead the initiative.

IDEXX outfitted two science classrooms with the latest in classroom technology, equipment and supplies, including SMART boards and projectors and digital teaching microscopes. The new initiative will allow Moore to expand students’ study of animal biology to include companion animals (pets) and to expose them to related careers.

“Our vision for Lyman Moore is to be a leader in STEM in the classroom,” said Rogers. “IDEXX’s generous donation of equipment and volunteer time, and their willingness to share their scientific expertise with us is a huge step in this direction.”

IDEXX scientists and community veterinarians will visit classes later in the year to lend assistance and expertise as the students study canine and feline biology. The company also will support a new Moore club where students will explore options in STEM careers, including veterinary medicine. Club activities will include visits to local veterinary practices. Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 fall 2014 District Moves Forward on Hall School Replacement

phases in order to lessen the impact on taxpayers and disruptions to teaching and learning.

During the past seven years, the district built two new schools with state funding - East End Community School (2006) and Ocean Avenue Elementary School (2011) - and renovated and added to Riverton Elementary School (2007) with local funding.

Last year, the district launched Buildings for Our Future to address significant needs at the remaining mainland elementary schools. The goal is to ensure that all elementary students attend schools with safe environments designed for academic excellence and 21st century learning. The Portland Public Schools is continuing plans to replace Fred P. Hall Elementary School. The project is Videos feature school eligible to receive state funding. programs

At an October 21 workshop, the Portland Board of Public Education reviewed a proposed timeline for the Every month, Portland project and critical milestones that need to be met. Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk Oak Point Associates, an architectural and engineering interviews guests for the district’s firm hired by the district, prepared the timeline. Some web show, “Let’s Talk Portland!” The October show key tentative dates are: focused on the new Spanish immersion program at Lyseth Elementary School and the collaboration between the • June 2015: State Board of Education concept Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and Reiche approval Community School to integrate music into the kindergarten • November 2015: public referendum to ask curriculum. voters to approve state funding for the project, as well as any locally funded items See the show: http://www2.portlandschools.org/lets-talk- portland-web-show After watching the video, continue the • May 2017: construction start date discussion at • September 2018: potential occupancy http://www2.portlandschools.org/letstalkportland

“Replacing Hall is a top priority for our district,” A video by former Lincoln Middle School parent Jeff Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk said. “We Griffiths highlights the school’s partnerships with are eager to move into the planning and design process.” Rippleffect, the University of New England and Ferry Beach Ecology School. See the video: The timeline is dependent on the 21-step process that http://vimeo.com/107874983 the Department of Education requires for review and approval of school construction projects. Replacing Meet Julie Anderson, who fell in love Hall is expected to cost more than $20 million, with the viola as a Longfellow according to a study done by Oak Point Associates. Elementary School student. She

shares her love of music with children The Portland Public Schools has conducted several as she performs with groups such as studies over the past 15 years to identify deficiencies in the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Ray LaMontagne: the district’s elementary schools that detract from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sOnYilK3tQ student learning. Improvements have been made in Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 fall 2014

PRINCIPAL pierce to Receive Award at December Ceremony

Casco Bay High School Principal Derek Pierce will formally receive the Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s Third Annual Larry O’Toole Award at a ceremony on December 16 at 1 p.m. in the school’s library.

The annual award is bestowed on a school leader or organization exhibiting great leadership through innovation in moving student-centered learning approaches forward in New England. There was one nominee from each state, with the winner chosen by online voting. This is the first time that a Maine principal or school organization has won the award.

“Derek Pierce is an inspirational leader who exemplifies the students-first approach we value here in Portland,” said Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk. “Mr. Pierce is an excellent representative of the great schools and leadership we have here in Portland.”

The award comes with a $100,000 grant to (CBHS). The money will be used in several ways to further student learning: • $50,000 for scholarships that ensure that all CBHS students, regardless of family income, can take part in annual learning expeditions. • $25,000 for supplies and equipment to develop a “Maker Lab” where students can explore, design, invent, experiment and create. • $15,000 for micro-grants to students for projects that address local needs. • $10,000 for hosting visiting educators and for leading student-centered learning workshops.

MORE RECOGNITION FOR DISTRICT STAFF MEMBERS

Gus Goodwin, a teacher at King Middle School, received this year’s Louis P. Lambert Award at the Maine Science Teachers Association Conference in October. The award recognizes a teacher who inspires student achievement in science in a caring, compassionate manner, shows creative approaches in linking student learning to Maine science standards and makes continuous and enduring contributions to science education by participating in local and state initiatives, promoting science education and providing training or resources to other science teachers.

Congratulations to Laurie Hesselink, the nurse at Ocean Avenue Elementary School, who recently earned National Board Certification for School Nurses. Only about 3 percent of school nurses in Maine are nationally certified.

Rocco Frenzilli, a science teacher at Portland High School, was one of 10 people recently inducted into the Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honors. Frenzilli was an original member of the Portland Rugby Club. He started the Portland High School boys soccer program in 1972, and he has coached the team for 28 years. He also coached the girls’ team for 12 years. Frenzilli taught science and coached at King Middle School before he moved to Portland High.

Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk was one of 10 University of Delaware alumni who received Presidential Citations for Outstanding Achievement last month during the university’s homecoming weekend. Caulk received a bachelor’s from the university in 1996 and a master’s in 2002. Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 fall 2014

District Publishes Upcoming Events Learning Guides for The Portland Public Schools invites community members to Families the following free concerts:

The Portland Public Schools has published a series of • December 3, 6:30 p.m., Portland High School new Learning Guides for Families. The guides are • December 15, 6 p.m., Lyman Moore Middle School available in eight languages: English, Acholi, Arabic, • December 17, 6 p.m., King Middle School French, Khmer, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. • December 17, 7 p.m., Deering High School • December 18, 6 p.m., Lincoln Middle School The free guides, designed for families with children in kindergarten through grade five, detail what students On December 12, Casco Bay High School seniors will march should know and be able to do in English Language to the downtown post office to mail college Arts and math by the end of each grade. They also applications. Community members are invited to line the include information on how families can increase streets and cheer on the young people. Look for more details student learning at home. at www.portlandschools.org.

The winter meeting of the For example, the guides contain tips on how to talk Superintendent’s Book Club will be to students about what is happening in school. Many held on January 28 at 7 p.m. at parents ask, “What did you do in school today?” and Longfellow Books in Monument get “Nothing” for an answer. But the guides suggest Square in Portland. The public is parents instead ask more specific questions such as, invited to this free event. “What’s one thing you learned today?” Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Guides will be given to families during parent Caulk will lead a discussion of “21 conferences and other school events throughout the Trends for the 21st Century: Out of fall. Guides also are being distributed through the the Trenches and Into the Future” by Multilingual Office’s intake process. Gary Marx.

Electronic versions of the Learning Guides are The book is available at Longfellow Books for a 20 percent available on the district’s website discount if you mention the Superintendent’s Book Club, (www.portlandschools.org) through a link on the which brings the price to $26 plus tax. It also can be main page as well as under the “Parent” section of the purchased online and the Portland Public Library has put the web site. Hard copies are available at all elementary book on order. schools and the Multilingual and Academics offices. Stay informed about the Portland public schools

You can follow the Portland Public Schools on Facebook (Portland, ME Public Schools), Twitter (@portlandpublic) and Youtube (portlandschools). You also can watch programs on TV3, Portland’s education station, even if you don’t have cable. All TV3 programs stream live and many are available on demand at http://www2.portlandschools.org/departments/tv3

Check the district’s website (www.portlandschools.org) for the latest district news, school budget information, school cancellations and upcoming events. Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 fall 2014

District Wins $1.9 Million Arts Grant

A new, four-year federal arts education grant of more than $1.9 million will provide students at Reiche, Ocean Avenue, East End and Riverton elementary schools with greater exposure to the arts through their everyday curriculum. The award for Project IMAGINE was announced recently by the University of Southern Maine Art Department and Side x Side, a Portland educational nonprofit formed in in April 2013 by parents and artists to promote academic excellence through comprehensive arts integration.

The $1,911,849 grant comes from the U.S Department of Education. This marks the first time that Maine has received this highly competitive award.

Side x Side and USM will pilot Project IMAGINE in kindergarten through grade five as a framework for broader arts integration, increasing proficiency in mathematics and reading and strengthening learning for all students.

“For many of Portland’s economically disadvantaged students, school is their only access to the arts and arts instruction,” Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk said. “This grant will help provide a comprehensive arts integration program that promotes academic excellence.”

Side x Side and USM conducted a pilot project at Reiche Community School over the past year. They worked with Reiche teachers to pilot three multidisciplinary arts integration programs for grades two through five. Students appeared highly engaged and teachers said that they saw first-hand the value of arts integration programs. Project IMAGINE eventually will impact 1,700 students and 80 teachers.

The project has two main objectives: to design, develop and test a set of comprehensive arts integration programs for elementary schools and to obtain evidence about the model’s usability and effectiveness.

Portland Stage's Theater For Kids group will present Play Me a Story performances at Presumpscot Elementary School three times during the school year. Play Me a Story is an interactive performance and workshop series for children between the ages of four and 10.

In October, the Portland Stage Affiliate Artists performed “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi, “Laundry Day” by Maurice Manning and “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. After the performance, children in grades two and three participated in a workshop related to one of the stories or poems. They focused on a particular character, place or situation that the story or poem illuminated. The workshops involved students in games, improvisation and movement. Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 fall 2014

News from our schools

Lincoln Middle School held Deering High School started a nine-week Global two events this fall aimed at Issues course for all sophomores this year. building students’ Students learn to represent a country in the teamwork and leadership Model United Nations, write a research paper and skills. produce a take action project on a current global issue. Sixth graders participated in a daylong adventure The school held its first Model United Nations program with Rippleffect on the Lincoln campus and at nearby convention, comprised of 60 students. They Baxter Woods. They rotated through “learning stations.” The discussed the topic of Palestinian refugees. activities helped them identify their own value as a member of the University of Southern Maine political science Lincoln community and taught them how to compromise, students helped coach and chair the event. collaborate and communicate as team members. King Middle School eighth graders are Seventh graders spent three days at a residential science program at investigating Smart Cities and how to make Ferry Beach Ecology School (FBES) in Saco. The trip is part of Portland a “smarter” place to live. Students Science & Ecology: Live & Unplugged, a multi-year partnership worked with local architects and industrial between Lincoln and FBES that provides hands-on, experiential planners to design net-zero buildings for the city. learning. Sixth graders plan to spend a day at FBES in November. By carrying out fieldwork at the University of Riverton Elementary Southern Maine and at the ecomaine waste-to- School’s Civil Rights energy and recycling facilities, students analyzed Team participated in how Portland can develop a smarter, more a recent training led sustainable community. They also developed by Brandon Baldwin ways to improve transportation and mobility. of the Maine Attorney They will present their plans for a smarter Generals Office. Of Portland to community leaders in December. the more than 90 Elementary School used Fire Safety students at the training, Riverton’s team was the only elementary Month (October) to teach island students about team from Portland and the only one that had members from the precariousness of island living with regard to different countries. fires. Students toured the Peaks Island Fire The Riverton team reports, “We learned that it is OK and Station and the important to notice our differences, and that they are something to Portland Fire be celebrated, and not something to be ashamed of. We felt Department special, proud and honored to represent our school and our Fireboat. At a countries. It changed our lives!” school assembly, students learned Portland Arts & Technology High School held a Transition Fair in about fire safety October to help students receiving special education services learn precautions and about navigating life after high school. The free event provided actions to take if a information about post-secondary educational opportunities and fire breaks out. other options. Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 fall 2014 More News from Our Schools

Staff members at East End Community School (EECS) are participating in a Talk Science Professional Learning Community study group. Talk Science strives to create lively discussions with students that allow them to listen to each other, explain their ideas with evidence and reasoning and speak with confidence and clarity. Students also learn to build on each other’s ideas and to deepen their own and others’ learning.

Three EECS teachers - Amy Gookin, Marcia Salem and Karen Fream - lead the professional learning community. They were trained to be Maine Elementary Science Partners for the state in collaboration with the University of Maine.

The study group developed schoolwide talk rules that allow students to listen to each other and share their ideas. The EECS staff is initiating the strategic talk moves in all subject areas. They report that students are learning from each other and gaining greater insight from their peers.

Nearly all freshmen and seniors at Casco Bay High School (CBHS) began their year by participating in Casco Bay Quest on Cow Island. The orientation experiences promote community, citizenship and leadership through writing, kayaking and adventure-based learning. Freshmen Quest launches a yearlong, interdisciplinary exploration of the question: “What makes a successful community?” Senior Quest launches a senior Humanities course that focuses on students successfully completing college applications and a senior project.

Reiche Community School has partnered with nearby Waynflete School for more than 15 years on mentoring programs. Waynflete’s high school students work with Reiche elementary students to support their academic and social-emotional development. Each year close to 100 students from each school participate.

Waynflete School recently received a $5,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation to support several of those programs. The grant will help pay for two afterschool mentoring programs at Reiche, the Project Story Boost literacy program for young readers offered by Reiche and staffed by volunteer students and parents from Waynflete, a Buddy Lunch program where Waynflete students pair up with Reiche students for a weekly lunch and the summer community recreation programs sponsored by the West End and Parkside Community Policing Centers.

Fourth graders in Eileen Dawson’s class at Lyseth Elementary School led an effort to recognize and combat bullying by observing Unity Day on October 9. The class encouraged everyone at Lyseth to wear orange that day.

Dawson’s students wrote to teachers throughout the building, asking them to promote Unity Day in their classrooms. The fourth graders spoke to other Lyseth students about bullying and how the school could unite against it. Students were surprised at what an impact their words had when they saw so many people dressed in orange on October 9.

Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk visited Dawson’s classroom. He told students about his experience being teased, and how a teacher helped him to overcome the bullying.

Portland Public schools: Best small urban school district in the country by 2017 fall 2014

Ocean Avenue Volunteers wanted! Elementary School The Portland Public Schools welcomes volunteers and (OAES) is working community involvement in our schools. A part-time through a rigorous, community coordinator works in each school to develop multi-year process to and coordinate opportunities for meaningful become an involvement. To learn more, please contact the International community coordinator at your local school: Baccalaureate (IB) http://www2.portlandschools.org/community- School. coordinators

OAES engages students to pursue knowledge and skills Business and community partners are critical to achieving through inquiry-based units that integrate subjects such the Portland Public Schools’ mission. These partners as social studies, science, language arts and math. In the contribute time, money, expertise and resources to our photo above, second graders work together to organize schools to enhance student achievement. To find out how their writing as part of an integrated unit. your business or organization can get involved, please

contact the community coordinators at the link above. Teachers will lead students through five units of inquiry during the school year. IB programs help students become “internationally-minded” - taking an active, Longfellow Elementary School has started a Recycling principled stance toward learning and working in an Club, comprised of students from grades one through five. increasingly globalized future. The club will review current school recycling practices and look for ways to expand the program by focusing on A Lyman Moore Middle School student decided to take the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Students action after learning about the detrimental effects of lead the Longfellow School Recycle Club, with adult poverty and food insecurity. The eighth grader proposed guidance from parent Scot Segal. that the school start its own food pantry.

Student council members delivered informational flyers to the neighborhood near the school, inviting residents to leave food and hygiene products on the curb as donations Leo Maheu of ecomaine taught Hall Elementary School on October 31. Lyman Moore students collected the students about the importance of recycling waste products donations. from school and home environments. Students learned to differentiate between products that can be recycled and Each student also has a goal to gather two $1 products that become trash. sponsorships. If each student hits his or her goal, the pantry will start off with more than $1,000 in food and Since Hall started recycling and composting lunchtime hygiene products. Additional donations are welcome. cafeteria waste two years ago, the school reduced by 80 percent reduction the amount of trash produced in that The School went single hour. Hall plans to increase school-wide greening on field trips to September efforts in the very near future by recycling and composting Farm in Buxton and to the waste produced during the universal breakfast Interisland Event on Great program. Cranberry Island. There, they participated in activities Congratulations to the record 40 students from the with students and teachers Portland Public Schools’ orchestra program who have been from Monhegan, Islesford, accepted in the District 2 Honors High School and Honors Frenchboro and Isle Au Middle School orchestras. Congratulations, too, to Haut. They will work students from our schools chosen for the District 2 Honors together on book clubs and Band and Chorus. science and social studies

units.