Community e-Newsletter May 2017

STUDENT CREATIVITY SHOWCASED

The public is invited to the Annual Portland Public Schools’ Student Art Show, being held at City Hall this month. The artwork of as many as 600 of talented PPS students in kindergarten through grade 12 is on display through Thursday, May 18. The show kicked off with an opening reception on May 5. The artwork is on view whenever City Hall is open. General building hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, but the lobby areas of City Hall will stay open until 7:30 p.m. during the show for the public to enjoy the art. “The public can learn about the creativity, intelligence, artistic abilities and social awareness that our talented students have, and that our great art teachers bring out in our students,” said Chad Hart, Riverton Elementary School art teacher and the Portland Public Schools’ art coordinator. “I think the show is a great way to see the wide array of subject matter, artists and art movements and mediums taught in our schools.”

The artwork of PPS students also was on display earlier this year at the Portland Museum of Art during Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month is held each March to emphasize the value of art education and to encourage public support for quality school art programs. PPS students were among about 90 students who had their work selected for display at the museum. The PPS students participating this year and their art teachers included Nora Barnes, grade 3, Elementary School, teacher: Allison Villani; Grace Connolly, grade 11, , teacher: Audrey Rolfe; Kayla Droge, grade 2, Lyseth Elementary School, teacher: Ellen Handelman; Dshamilja Hoerschelmann, grade 9, Portland High School, teacher: Heather Gilbert; Theo Horn, grade 5, Reiche Community School, teacher: Allison Villani; Gus King, grade 3, Ocean Avenue Elementary School, teacher: Sally Mitchell; Sakara Pullen, grade 10, Portland High School, teacher: Barbara Loring; Lucy Ricker, grade 5, Presumpscot Elementary School, teacher: Anne Townsend; Collin Roe, grade 12, Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS), teacher: Diane Manzi; Yasmeen Tum, grade 11, Deering High School, teacher: Kathryn Roberston; and Alma Wallace, grade 3, Longfellow Elementary School, teacher: Emily Serway. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT XAVIER BOTANA

Dear Portland Public Schools Families and Community Members,

Happy spring! We’re nearing the end of the school year, with graduation and the last day of school on the horizon. To make up for the six snow days we had this winter, the last day of school for students will be a half- day on Thursday, June 22. Our summer school programs will begin on June 23 and go through August 17.

As June approaches, I’m reflecting on my first year as superintendent of the Portland Public Schools. It has been a year of learning for me. I’ve learned about all the great things our students and staff accomplish each day in our schools. You can read about many of these successes in this bulletin. I’ve grown in my appreciation and commitment to this wonderful community because of its commitment to a world-class education for all.

As a learning organization, we are committed to continuous improvement. As part of our effort to strengthen every aspect of our work as a district, we worked with our teachers, administrators and community to update our Comprehensive Plan. The new plan has four clear goals and strategies to improve student achievement, teach to the whole student, ensure all students receive an equitable education and attract, support and retain a talented and diverse staff.

A key achievement this year has been working with the Portland City Council and the Portland Board of Public Education on renovations for our school facilities, particularly four of our elementary schools. In November, Portland voters will have an opportunity to decide on two bond proposals – one to renovate Lyseth, Presumpscot, Reiche and Longfellow schools and one to renovate Lyseth and Presumpscot, while waiting to see if the state might pay for Reiche and Longfellow. We have also conducted a full facilities assessment and have a blueprint for the upkeep and renovation of our schools for the next twenty years.

We also have developed a school budget for next school year. The school board has recommended an FY2018 school budget of $105 million. The City Council voted to approve the budget on May 15 and now it goes to Portland voters on June 13. Due to increased personnel costs, coupled with a large decrease in state education aid, this budget is not anyone’s vision of ideal. However, this budget will continue to allow us to provide quality services to our students. It also values our employees and is fiscally responsible. It increases spending by 1.4 percent and would require a tax rate increase of 28 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or 2.75 percent. Please support our budget at the polls in June and please keep pressure on Augusta to properly fund our schools.

Throughout this year, I have also had the opportunity to meet with many of you – the families of the Portland Public Schools, Maine’s largest and most diverse school district. I recently met with Somali parents, who had important questions concerning communication, technology and world languages in our district. I’ve met with parents of transgender students, who have spoken to me about the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for their children in our schools. And I’ve met with parents who gave me valuable feedback regarding the dress code in our schools, which we plan to review.

The concerns of all these parents are unique. However, they share underlying goals: They want to ensure that their children have a safe and welcoming school environment in which to learn, and they want to see their values recognized and supported in our schools. I look forward to more of these important conversations, focusing on how parents and schools can work together to realize these goals.

I also invite the public to a ceremonial groundbreaking for our new Hall Elementary School, scheduled for June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, with students taking part. (If we learn in advance that day will be rainy, the event will be held June 20.) The new school, whose cost will be mostly covered by the state, is slated to open in the fall of 2018. Hope to see you there!

Best,

Superintendent Xavier Botana (Please follow me on Twitter: @PortlandSuper ) Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

PRIDE PARADE ON JUNE 17 For the third year in a row, the Portland Public Schools will have a big yellow school bus as an entry in the Portland Pride Parade! Please come and participate or cheer participants on at the parade, set for Saturday, June 17. The Parade, an annual event that celebrates inclusivity, diversity and unity, begins at noon. For those riding in the signature PPS school bus or marching alongside it, please arrive at the PPS lineup spot on Preble Street near Congress Street by 11:30 a.m. The route starts at Monument Square and proceeds down Congress Street, turning right onto High Street, then left onto Park Avenue and into Deering Oaks Park. The Portland Public Schools’ participation in Portland’s parade helps send an important message to PPS students, staff, families and the public that the district works to foster harmony and understanding and that it welcomes and values everyone in the Portland Public Schools. For questions about volunteering and/or participating in the PPS entry in the parade, contact Executive Assistant Janet DiBiase at 874-8100 or [email protected]

NEW ONLINE SCHOOL LUNCH GRADUATION SEASON! PAYMENT SERVICE AVAILABLE The dates, times and The Portland Public locations of the Schools’ Food Service Portland Public Schools’ high school Department has a new graduation ceremonies online payment service are: available to families! PayPAMS is a safe and convenient way to make online Deering High payments to your child’s lunch account. You may also School: Wednesday, view your child’s account activity or set your own June 7, 10:30 a.m., at the Cross Insurance Arena (formerly the low balance alerts. Cumberland County Civic Center) You can find instructions on the district’s website (http://www.portlandschools.org) under the Food Portland High School: Thursday, June 8, 10:30 a.m., Merrill Service Department tab. Auditorium The information is available in English and eight other High School: Thursday, June 8, 6 p.m., Merrill languages most commonly spoken by families in our Auditorium district. Portland Adult Education: Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m. at Merrill Families can also sign up on the PayPAMS website at: Auditorium. http://www.paypams.com Food Service will continue to accept cash and check PATHS will hold certificate of completion ceremonies on Friday, May payments at all of our schools for families that prefer 19. Session 1 runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Session 2 runs from those payment methods. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 VACCINE AGAINST PERTUSSIS REQUIRED FOR SEVENTH-GRADERS THIS FALL

The Portland Public Schools is reminding parents that, effective for the 2017-2018 school year, all students entering seventh (7th) grade will need to receive one dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine before attendance is allowed. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education revised the Maine School Immunization Requirements rule on December 20, 2016.

The changes further align Maine’s immunization rules with current national recommendations to better protect the health of all Maine people. You can find a link to the rule (Chapter 126 / 261) here: http://www.maine.gov/doe/rule/changes/index.html

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious respiratory disease that can be severe and last for months. The immunity received from either early childhood immunization or pertussis disease wears off over time, leaving older students and adults susceptible to pertussis. Immunization with Tdap can protect students, schools and communities against whooping cough.

If you have any questions, or need assistance finding a healthcare provider for your child, please contact your child’s school nurse or Tina Veilleux, R.N., school nurse coordinator for the Portland Public Schools, at 874-8175.

For further questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or (800) 867-4775 or by email at [email protected]

The Portland school district saw an increase in cases of pertussis this winter. Vaccinating your child is the best way to protect your child from the disease.

DISTRICT DIVERSITY INITIATIVE

The Portland Public Schools has four goals in its new Comprehensive Plan: Achievement, Whole Student, Equity and People. The People goal undergirds the other three goals. It states: “The Portland Public Schools attracts, supports and retains talented and diverse people who use their strengths to achieve our shared goals.”

The Portland Public Schools is Maine’s largest and most diverse school district. As part of its People goal, the district is launching an initiative to diversify its workforce. The initiative will kick off this summer with a program called Teach Portland, which will develop a pipeline of diverse educators who more closely reflect the diversity of PPS students and their families.

The four-week summer program, co-sponsored by PPS and the University of Southern Maine, seeks to build interest in the teaching profession, while also increasing the diversity of teachers in Maine. The program will provide an opportunity for participants to experience teaching first-hand through a paid internship in a PPS summer learning classroom. Participants also will attend and receive credit for an introductory course in education at USM, tuition free. For more information, contact Barbara Stoddard, Director of Human Resources, at 874-8100 or [email protected] Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 FOCUS ON ACADEMICS

Pre-K

The district, in partnership with Starting Strong, is engaged in research to identify key factors for kindergarten readiness. Our goal is to identify successful practices, strategies and barriers for families choosing pre-K opportunities for their children. The results of this research will provide us with valuable information to guide us in creating pre-K services and opportunities in the future.

Summer Learning

Summer learning opportunities begin June 23 and go through August 17. They will take place in several school sites this summer. Hall and Lyseth school students will attend Ocean Avenue Elementary School (OAES) for their summer learning programs this year. Thank you to OAES Principal Dr. Beverly Coursey and her staff for inviting those students to her school! Maintenance work will be taking place at Lyseth School and the new Hall School building project is underway. Maintenance work will be taking place at Lincoln Middle School this summer, which will close the facility, but summer learning alternatives are being explored. The district has hired a summer learning coordinator, Nikki Holland, to coordinate all of the moving pieces in planning for each of the district’s programs. We appreciate all of the hard work that she is putting into this very important project!

Proficiency-Based Diplomas

Beginning with our graduating class of 2021, who are our current eighth-graders, grading will look a little different with proficiency-based learning. Although is already implementing proficiency-based learning and grading practices, Deering and Portland high schools will begin implementation in the fall of 2017 for incoming ninth-graders.

Proficiency-based learning helps students move toward graduation as they master each topic, not based on class time, or their age. Teachers are focused on finding ways to support each student to help them learn the skills they need to move forward. Proficiency- based learning gives students much more opportunity to choose how they learn and how they can demonstrate their learning. When students are involved more closely in their learning, they more easily master subjects and skills. Understanding what they learn gives them pride. They own their education!

Information sessions for parents took place at each of the middle schools in late April and early May. They provided valuable information to our eighth-grade families regarding the changes taking place at our high schools in the fall. You can find more information at this link: //www.portlandschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1094237&pageId=8936816 or by going to the “Parents” section of our website, http://www.portlandschools.org, and clicking on the “Proficiency-based Learning at PPS” button. Also, please contact me at 874-8100 or [email protected]! I can meet with you or provide more resources.

Sharon Pray, Interim Chief Academic Officer

SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE JUNE 13 Portland voters go to the polls Tuesday, June 13, to vote on the FY2018 school budget of $105 million. This budget represents a modest increase of 1.4 percent over the FY2017 budget and requires a tax rate increase of 28 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or 2.75 percent – adding $67.20 to the annual tax bill of a home worth $240,000. Because of a projected decrease of about $1 million in state aid and given increased personnel costs, the budget contains significant cuts. However, it preserves small class sizes and successful programs and services. Please support the budget at the polls! Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSITIONS • Melea Nalli will be the Portland Public Schools’ new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning/Chief Academic Officer (CAO) starting with the 2017-2018 school year, Portland Superintendent Xavier Botana recently announced. “Melea emerged as the strongest candidate of a strong candidate pool,” Botana said. “Melea's strong understanding of teaching and learning, her deep commitment to Portland and her emerging understanding and knowledge of the strengths and opportunities in our system position her to be a strong contributor to our team moving forward.” Nalli began her career teaching special education. She taught at schools in Texas, California and Florida, and won “Elementary Teacher of the Year” awards in both the Texas school and school district where she taught. She then spent more than a decade supporting and coaching teachers and principals. Most recently, Nalli was Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Achievement Network (ANet), a Boston- based nonprofit that helps schools boost student learning with great teaching that’s grounded in standards, informed by data, and built on the successful practices of educators around the country. As COO, Nalli supported urban school districts across the country on their teaching and learning strategies and helped them build formative data cultures. Nalli is a Portland Public Schools parent and a volunteer yoga teacher at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland. Nalli is currently working with the superintendent on operationalizing and communicating the district’s new Comprehensive Plan and will continue that work through June 30. She will gradually transition into the CAO role over the next couple of months, working closely with the academic team. Botana said the district is very grateful to Interim CAO Sharon Pray, who has held that position since last summer, for her contributions to date and the many yet to come. “Sharon stepped into the Interim CAO role with determination,” Botana said. “Her work has been outstanding, in particular around moving our Proficiency-Based Learning work forward. We recently hosted eighth- grade parent nights to discuss next steps on that front and we met with Maine Department of Education representatives to learn about key issues in Proficiency implementation throughout the state.” Pray will assist Nalli through the transition and wrap up key activities, including overseeing the district’s Summer School implementation, before Pray retires in early August.

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HALL SCHOOL PROJECT NOW UNDERWAY The project to construct a replacement for Hall Elementary School on the grounds of the existing school is underway. Site preparation, such as the removal of some trees, began in April. A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, with students taking part. (The rain date is June 20.) The school, located at 23 Orono Road, is slated to open in the fall of 2018. Portland voters in April 2016 approved $29.7 million for the new school in a special citywide municipal election. All but $1.4 million of the bonded amount will be reimbursed by the state. The additional local funding will cover such things as the construction of a middle-school-sized gymnasium that can be used by the community, a cafeteria that is large enough to accommodate two 30-minute lunch periods and building security upgrades. The school also will be LEED (green energy) certified. Built more than 60 years ago, Hall School suffered damage in a fire a few years ago and has outlived its useful life. Classes will continue to be held in the old school building while the new one is constructed nearby. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 PPS STAFF WIN EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS!

• Brooke Teller, chemistry teacher at Casco Bay High School, is Cumberland County’s 2017 Teacher of the Year. Teller was among the teachers – one from each of Maine’s 16 counties – honored May 11 at an annual event in Augusta announcing the 2017 Maine County Teachers of the Year. The selection is a great honor in itself. It also now puts Teller and the other members of the group in the running for Maine Teacher of the Year, an award given each year to one teacher in Maine. The educators were each nominated for their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. CBHS Principal Derek Pierce wrote a letter in support of the nomination of Teller, CBHS’ founding chemistry teacher, who has been with the school 10 years. Pierce said Teller “is a splendid educator and an even more splendid human.” Pierce listed some highlights of her work just this school year. For example, he said that she “launched a new course, The Chemistry of Mars, which she co-designed and taught with a University of Southern Maine professor. Through this course, a whole cohort of high school students, many of them at risk and potential first-generation college students, fell more in love with science while earning both college and high school credit.” Also, Pierce said, Teller “drafted a new generation of ‘climate change warriors’ through her 11th-grade “Air Up There” learning expedition this past fall. Juniors study the chemistry of climate change and then produce quality newscasts about noxious elements and gases that are shown to local fifth-graders; after a class period of sharing and teaching, the fifth graders are enlisted to join the elder students as climate change warriors.” In addition, Pierce said, she “has inspired her colleagues at CBHS about how to effectively scaffold a unit to simultaneously meet the needs of English Language Learners, IEP students and ‘honors’ students.”

• Ann Hanna, assistant principal of Ocean Avenue Elementary School (OAES), is Maine’s Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year for 2017. The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) announced Hanna’ selection as Maine’s NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year in December at an all-school assembly. Hanna also was honored at the MPA’s Spring Conference in April. The MPA said Hanna is “committed to excellence and has a strong desire to meet the academic and social needs of all students. Her ability to be an outstanding leader, self-reflective and exceed her own goals is demonstrated by the tremendous growth in student learning.” MPA Executive Director Richard Durost said Hanna’s “work with teachers in the content areas of reading and writing has made a significant impact on students. Her background and expertise as a primary teacher and literacy coach have given her instant credibility and respect from staff members.” Superintendent Xavier Botana called Hanna “absolutely amazing.” Mayor Ethan Strimling said her selection is “a remarkable testament to how great our schools are.” OAES Principal Beverly Coursey praised the caring way Hanna listens to and supports students. Hanna began working for the Portland Public Schools in 1990 as a teacher and joined OAES in 2011. Hanna received her bachelor of arts in romance languages from the University of Maine, Orono, and McGill University in Montreal. She earned a masters of science in literacy education from the University of Southern Maine, and also holds a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from USM. Click to view the ceremony honoring Hanna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LltuLVx2d6s. • Grecia Caraballo, a Spanish immersion teacher at Lyseth Elementary School is the Foreign Language Association of Maine (FLAME) 2017 Teacher of the Year. At FLAME’s annual conference, held in March, Caraballo was recognized for demonstrating best practices, engaging in professional growth and serving her students and school community. She is a master teacher with certifications in elementary teaching and Spanish, a rare combination. FLAME cited the reasons Caraballo stands out: “She has a gift for working with children and inspiring them to delve into new experiences and cultural activities. They are excited about Spanish because of her caring guidance and enthusiasm. The engagement of the children in her classroom is remarkable. The students love her, and she is also well thought of in her school. She has organized Professional Learning Communities and worked tirelessly on school concerts, co-curricular chorus and many other activities in which she deftly incorporated and showcased her work with students in the Spanish classes.” Lyseth’s Spanish program was Maine’s first public language immersion program when it was instituted in 2014. It started in kindergarten but has added an additional grade level each year. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 Awards and Recognition for students

The following is a sampling of awards/honors recently won by district students:

• Madalena Rocha, an Ocean Avenue Elementary School fifth-grader, was honored April 25 by the Portland Board of Public Education and Superintendent Xavier Botana for receiving a Girls Rock! Award for Community Organizing earlier that month. Girls Rock! awards honor Maine girls “who break stereotypes, challenge society and rock!” Madalena was one of only six girls from around the state chosen to receive a Girls Rock! award this year. At age 11, she’s the youngest award winner. The awards, given by Hardy Girls Healthy Women, a statewide nonprofit focused on girls' empowerment, fall into six categories. Madalena won in the Community Organizer category. That award goes to a girl who “sees the importance of a united community and is making it happen by bringing together her school, peers, and/or community.” Here’s a summary of Madalena’s accomplishments: “Born in Angola, Madalena was new to this country when she was a kindergarten student. Now, as a fifth-grader, she returns to the kindergarten class daily to work with some of her school’s most vulnerable students: those who are new to the country and new to the school community. With her gentle approach and command of multiple languages, Madalena makes these young students feel welcomed and successful. Madalena shows incredible empathy and caring and skill as she teaches and inspires confidence in these students. Additionally, she is an active member of her school’s Civil Rights Team and works with the group to make the culture of the school one of acceptance and inclusion.”

• A Lincoln Middle School seventh-grader’s love of doodling has resulted in her becoming one of 20 Maine student artists whose artwork will be showcased as screensavers to approximately 70,000 students and educators statewide, starting this fall. Emily Segal is among the winning artists in the Maine Department of Education (DOE), Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Screensaver Challenge. Emily’s artwork, a collage of her doodles that was inspired by her new pair of eyeglasses, is called “Seeing Through.” More than 200 students statewide submitted images in the contest, an annual tradition of the Maine DOE. Students in grades K-12 submit artwork at the beginning of the year to be selected for display. The images are scored and selected by an independent panel of judges. Emily said she was encouraged to enter by her art teacher at Lincoln, Louis-Pierre Lachapelle. Mr. Lachapelle, she said, makes “middle school art class challenging and enjoyable.” Emily wrote this statement about herself: “I was inspired to do this piece by my love for doodling and my new glasses. My glasses inspired me to show a clearer outlook on life and I thought my new perspective could be seen as doodles. ‘Seeing Through’ was made from a collage of many of my doodles.” Emily and the other winning student artists will have their work showcased on MLTI devices for the 2017-18 school year. The student artists also will have their registration fees waived for the 2017 MLTI Student Conference, and their winning pieces will be displayed at the Department of Education’s Augusta offices this summer, from June 1 to Aug. 31.

• The Portland High School boys’ basketball team recently was recognized by the Portland Board of Public Education and Superintendent Xavier Botana for winning the Class AA championship game in March. Botana noted, “It was not only a solid 60-38 victory over South Portland, but it was the Bulldogs’ second straight state title and their third in four years!” The recognition took place at the board’s April 25 meeting. Here is a summary of Botana’s remarks regarding the team: “Congratulations to the team and to Coach Joe Russo, who has coached at Portland High School for 27 years. This win marked Coach Russo’s 401st career victory and fifth state title at Portland. This is clearly a well-coached team and one that played well together – all doing their jobs and playing their roles with intensity and focus. The team is also known for its sportsmanship and for inspiring school spirit and pride in the PHS student body. It obviously took an amazing effort to win this back-to-back title. Congratulations to this amazing team and coach!” The Portland City Council also issued a proclamation honoring the team at its May 1 meeting. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

More sTudent Recognitions, Awards • The 2017 MPA Principal’s Award winners from the Portland Public Schools’ are: Ludiya Abdalla, Portland High School, nominated by Principal Sheila Jepson; Spencer Todd, Deering High School, nominated by Principal Ira Waltz; and Matthew Suslovic, Casco Bay High School, nominated by Principal Derek Pierce. The students received their awards on April 8. Each year, Maine high school principals nominate one senior from their schools to receive an MPA Principal’s Award. The award is given in recognition of a high school senior's academic achievement and citizenship. Here’s more information on this year’s winners, as described by PPS principals and staff:

Matthew Suslovic, CBHS: Matt Suslovic's high-school years teem with stellar scholastic and co-curricular accomplishments, but to him the highest praise is when someone calls him a good listener. And what is he most proud of? “The spectrum of people I consider really good friends.” Matt is exceptionally skilled in bringing disparate people together to do good. Matt is more than a great student. He's the kind of leader our world needs – moral, conscientious, empathic, unifying and noble. Matt served as the CBHS student representative on the Portland Board of Public Education from December 2015 to December 2016 and is currently the senior representative to the CBHS student cabinet. He has been instrumental in moving issues forward from student METRO passes to a more enlightened school dress code.

Spencer Todd, DHS: Spencer is a senior student/athlete, playing varsity golf and baseball all four years. An excellent athlete, he also has excelled in the classroom despite a rigorous academic schedule. He is also a model citizen, and courageous student. Spencer was instrumental in re- establishing the Deering Debate Team. Four years ago, an adviser sought input regarding creating a team and Spencer was the first to sign up. Through Spencer’s leadership, membership has tripled, and the team has won multiple state championships and diversified their events so that DHS participates in every style of debate offered. Spencer has now qualified in the National Speech and Debate Tournament and will travel to Birmingham, Ala. in June to compete. We are very proud of Spencer and his accomplishments.

Ludiya Abdalla, PHS: Ludiya was the PHS student representative on the Portland Board of Public Education from December 2015 to December 2016. She represented the voice of students at PHS during her time on the board. Ludiya is also a leader in Seeds of Peace – and a strong advocate for doing what is right for all students. In the time I have known her, I have seen a young lady juggle a full academic schedule, a part time job AND all of the clubs and organizations she participates in. She is poised, a good listener and an articulate communicator. I am very happy to present this award to such a fine, deserving young lady.

• Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) students in the Fashion Marketing program won big at the Maine State DECA Conference in March. ““The students competed with marketing projects they had prepared and we had great results,” said Jane Krasnow, PATHS Fashion Marketing instructor. “We had six 1st-place winners in the state, and one 2nd-place and two 3rd- places.” DECA is a nonprofit, international association of high school and college students and teachers of marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Krasnow said she is very proud of the students. “Not only were their results stellar, but their maturity and team spirit were impressive,” she said. “I watched my group really bond and learn so much.” The PATHS student winners, their sending schools and the awards they won are as follows: David Milliken (Gray-New Gloucester High School), 1st place in entrepreneurship innovation; Adara Bankhead (Casco Bay High School) and Max Lin (Kennebunk High School), 1st place Creative Marketing Project; Zahra Abukar (Portland High School) and Taylor Rickett (Windham High School), 1st place in Community Service Project; Josh Pike (Portland High School), Overall 3rd place in the Restaurant Quick Serve Event; Grace Luka (Casco Bay High School), 1st place in the job skills event; Anna Mann (Gray-New Gloucester High School), 2nd place in the job skills event; Samantha Mello (Portland High School), 3rd place in the job skills event. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 ROCKIN’ INSTRUMENTS AWARDED TO EAST END SCHOOL!

East End Community School (EECS) will be able to start an extracurricular modern band ensemble – or “rock band” – after being awarded musical instruments May 3 through a new Maine Department of Education pilot program. EECS is one of 10 Maine school districts awarded instruments as part of the new Maine Kids Rock! program, developed between the Maine DOE and Little Kids Rock, the DOE said. Little Kids Rock is “a national nonprofit that is dedicated to building a world where kids can live rich, purposeful lives by ensuring that all public school children have the opportunity to unlock their inner music makers.” EECS music teacher Timothy Fulwider applied for EECS to participate in the pilot program, which he said is a great opportunity for EECS students. The program will provide schools with instruments not traditionally found in school bands to encourage more children to take music lessons. Fulwider said each participating school is expected to receive up to 30 instruments for a total of $5,000 in value. He said a modern band ensemble consists of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, electric bass guitar, drum set, keyboards and vocalists. He said the instruments will allow EECS next fall “to start an extracurricular modern band ensemble, or ‘rock band,’ which will consist of fourth- and fifth-grade students.” Also, Fulwider said, “We will also be able to incorporate the modern band instruments into the music curriculum. Students as young as first grade will have the opportunity to learn the basics of playing guitar and keyboards during their regular weekly music class.”

PATHS STUDENTS’ T-SHIRT MORE THAN A FASHION STATEMENT

A T-shirt designed by students in the Fashion Marketing Program at the Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) makes much more than a fashion statement. The T-shirt was created to help immigrant students and others feel welcome. The design on the T-shirt is based on an iconic inspirational image from a World War II poster that showed a woman factory worker rolling up her sleeves and saying, “We Can Do It!” Jane Krasnow, PATHS Fashion Marketing instructor, explained why and how students decided to transform the image. “After the election and then the travel ban, our class noticed that students were feeling fear and were nervous to even go to school,” Krasnow said. “Seeing this, we decided to do something rather that stay stuck in feeling afraid and insecure.” She continued, “So we got some help and put a hijab in place of Rosie the Riveter's bandana and changed the caption from ‘We Can Do It!’ to ‘We Belong Here!’” Once the image was designed, Krasnow said, “the class decided to apply for a Painting for A Purpose grant to put this image on T-shirts, hoping that this image and message would impact students who felt marginalized.” Painting for a Purpose is a local nonprofit organization that brings together artists, parents, students and educators to create and sell original art and objects for the home, many refurbished out of old furniture. All proceeds raised by Painting for a Purpose are invested in community initiatives that Portland Public Schools’ students propose and complete. Two Fashion Marketing students, Zahra Abukar, a senior at Portland High School, and Taylor Rickett, who attends Windham High School, helped spearhead the effort to market the shirts. The class ended up receiving a $490 Painting for a Purpose grant. Zahra and Taylor used the T-shirt project as their entry at the Maine State DECA Conference, held in early March. DECA is a nonprofit organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers and education in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Zahra and Taylor won 1st place in the Community Service Project category. The students are now selling the T-shirts and giving the proceeds to the Make It Happen! program. That program, run by the Portland Public Schools’ Multilingual & Multicultural Center, is a college-readiness and academic success program for language minority students. Zahra was helped by the program and wants to give back to it. For information on purchasing “We Belong Here!” T-shirts contact PATHS Fashion Marketing instructor Jane Krasnow at [email protected] or at (207) 874-8165, x334. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

More sTudent Recognitions, Awards

• The Portland Board of Public Education and Superintendent Xavier Botana earlier this year honored Casco Bay High School senior Franci Bliss for being a student who goes above and beyond the usual high standards that the Portland Public Schools expects of its students. Botana gave the following summary of Franci’s accomplishments: “Casco Bay 11th-graders are required to do a weeklong career exploration. Franci chose to explore birthwork for that one-week requirement, but she became so engaged in the work that she went on to further develop her expertise in the work. In fact, she recently became a certified doula – a person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth. That’s quite an accomplishment for someone who is just 17. And that’s just one of Franci’s many accomplishments. She also is a member of the National Honor Society and her school’s ukulele club; she runs the school’s volunteer club, yoga club and debate club; she is co-creator and editor of her school newspaper; she works as a stage manager for school musicals; and finds time to work on a vegetable farm. Stephanie Doyle, Casco Bay High School’s college and career transition coordinator, describes Franci this way: ‘I can say with absolute certainty that there is not a kinder, more compassionate, engaged young woman than Franci Bliss. Franci lives her life with vitality and passion.’ Franci is an outstanding student, with an ‘impressive GPA’ and she is among a small cohort of students who will graduate Casco Bay with a STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – certification.” • Lyseth Elementary School and East End Community School (EECS) Math Teams distinguished themselves at the Southern Maine Elementary Math League (SMEML) meet in March. Both schools had students who received 1st place awards for the highest individual scores, and Lyseth placed 4th and EECS placed 5th for overall team scores. “Our results were great!” said Lyseth math coach Linda Kirstein. “Fifth-grader Caden Hemond received an individual first place! Congratulations! And the competing team came in 4th! Furthermore, had their scores been counted, our alternate team would have been in 5th place! There is a lot of strength on this team.” Kirstein noted that all the problems the students faced were challenging and “above grade level.” Although not every student won an individual award, some “showed such improved individual performances at the meet” that their performance was an achievement in itself, she said. EECS math coach Sarah Griffin said, “Our team had another great SMEML meet. EECS had an individual first place winner, fourth-grader Asa Tussing. Additionally, with 32 fifth-grade teams competing, the EECS team came in 5th place overall at the meet. The students worked very hard during the individual rounds and had great teamwork strategies during the team round. We are all so proud of them!” • Deering High School junior Amran Mahamed was one of 10 finalists at the 2017 Poetry Out Loud Maine State Finals in March. To reach the finals, Amran gave a powerful performance at the Southern Maine Regional Finals in February. The three poems Amran recited were “Bleeding Heart” by Carmen Giminez Smith, “The Song of the Smoke” by W.E.B. DuBois, and “The Paradox” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. “Deering is incredibly proud of the talent of Amran Mahamed,” said DHS English teacher Shana Genre. Two other talented Portland Public Schools students competed in the southern Maine regional contest – Ludiya Abdalla from Portland High School and Eve Fischer from Casco Bay High School. Those students were among the top 10 competitors at the regionals. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation contest sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. • Kamron King, a Portland High School freshman, was recognized in February by the Portland Board of Public Education and Superintendent Xavier Botana. Botana said that Kamron, in his role as the PHS Bulldogs’ first Deaf mascot, exceeds the usual high standards that the Portland Public Schools sets for its students. Here’s a summary of Botana’s remarks about Kamron: “He has made quite an impact since he volunteered for the mascot role last fall. His can-do attitude and his willingness to take on new challenges have made him a role model for other students. In his Bulldog costume, Kamron spreads school spirit at sports games, pep rallies and other social events. He’s been Deaf since birth, so has to rely on strengths other than hearing to do the job. As Kamron has explained, ‘Deaf people are very visual. I use my eyes and my energy to get the crowd fired up.’ And judging from the reaction of his fellow students and the public – particularly the young children in the crowds – he’s doing an outstanding job.” Botana noted that Kamron’s story has drawn a lot of media attention, both locally and nationwide. The coverage has included a story in The Boston Globe and on NBC Nightly News, in its “Inspiring America” series. Kamron attends Portland High School through the district’s educational collaboration with the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing /Governor Baxter School for the Deaf. This is the 14th year of collaboration between the Portland Public Schools and that school, located on in Falmouth. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing May 2017

‘INSPIRING’ CBHS TEACHER GUEST ON ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW Casco Bay High School English teacher Ekhlas Ahmed is a huge fan of Ellen DeGeneres – and Ellen is now an admirer of Ahmed. Ellen had Ahmed as a guest on her show in February, calling Ahmed’s life story “so inspiring.” Ahmed told Ellen she used Ellen’s show to help her learn English when she came to America as an adolescent with her family, refugees from the war in Darfur, Sudan. Ahmed finds Ellen an inspirational and positive figure and was thrilled to meet the television star in person. Ahmed’s guest appearance on the show aired Thursday, Feb. 16. View it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57qI7JFvVIE Ahmed had written Ellen a letter to express her thanks and admiration over the years and Ellen was so touched by the letter, she invited Ahmed on the show. Ellen read Ahmed’s “beautiful” letter aloud. Ahmed said in the letter that she didn’t know a word of English when she arrived in this country in 2005, and got lost for eight hours when she got off at the wrong bus stop. After that, Ahmed vowed to learn English and studied hard. One way she learned the language was through watching Ellen’s show after school. Ahmed found the show positive and happy and an antidote to the negativity of the world. She helped herself learn English by writing down and memorizing the words Ellen said. Ahmed went on to graduate from Casco Bay High School in 2009 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and is now working on a master’s degree. She teaches English to ELL (English language learner) students at CBHS – she is CBHS’ first alumni staff member. She also is coordinator of the school’s Make It Happen! program, which helps prepare multilingual students for college. On the show, Ellen promised to sell in The Ellen DeGeneres Shop a “Celebrating Africa” calendar that Ahmed and her students made to celebrate the beauty and variety of that continent. Also, Ellen presented Ahmed with a $22,000 check from Shutterfly, a web-based image publishing service, to pay off her student loans. Help Portland Public Schools When You Shop!

The Portland Education Foundation (PEF) will get a contribution from Amazon every time you or someone else places an order on Amazon – as long as they use this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/22-3179738 Please re-route your default Amazon to Amazon Smile to help PEF benefit our students! PEF is a nonprofit organization that is committted to raising philanthropic support to enhance education in the Portland Public schools.

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). Please also follow Portland Superintendent Xavier Botana on Twitter: @PortlandSuper

Check the district’s website (www.portlandschools.org) for the latest district news, school budget information, school cancellations and upcoming events. An easy way to get to PPS’ YouTube, Twitter and Facebook sites is by clicking on the icons at the top or at the bottom of the homepage.

The “Stay Informed” section of the district’s website (https://www.portlandschools.org/district_home/district_information/stay_informed) also outlines ways to stay up to date on district news.

Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing May 2017 SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

• Raise Your Voice summer writing workshop for high school students: Maine Public broadcasting network and the Maine Writing Project are offering a new opportunity for high school students who have ideas they want to share: the Raise Your Voice Workshops. These free, two-week, summer writing experiences are the perfect opportunity for students to develop their writing chops and get their work published for the Maine Public audience. They’ll be working with seasoned writers and teachers to develop writing and multimedia that Maine Public can feature on Raise Your Voice, which is the online home of student writing, audio, and other media at Maine Public. This free program will take place from July 24 - August 4 at three separate locations: Baxter Academy for Science and Technology in Portland; Thomas College in Waterville; and the University of Maine in Orono. Each day runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and students will write, explore their ideas, and try out new techniques. To get started, go to: http://mainepublic.org/term/raise-your-voice - stream/0 For more information, please contact Education Program Coordinator Dave Boardman at: [email protected] or call 207- 423-6934.

• Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge: Summer vacation is a welcome break from the daily school routine for children and parents alike, but the summer months can be a significant interruption to students’ learning if young minds are not kept active while school is out of session. Fortunately, preventing the summer slide can be greatly reduced when students continue to read on a regular basis. In an effort to promote summer reading, the Maine Department of Education is collaborating with the Freemasons of Maine to sponsor the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge for students in grades pre-K through 8. The Freemasons are pleased to expand their popular statewide Bikes for Books student reading incentive program to now encourage children to read during the summer. The Bikes for Books program provides over 2,000 bikes to Maine schoolchildren each year to promote literacy. The Maine Freemasons have generously donated 48 bikes with helmets as prizes for the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge. To earn a chance to be entered into the state-level drawing, students must meet the challenge of reading at least 500 minutes during the summer vacation period. Any school with students in pre-K through grade 8 may register to participate. Participating schools will collect documentation of students who have completed the challenge. They will hold school-level drawings to select two students (one boy and one girl) whose names will be entered into the state-level drawing to be held on September 22, 2017. Details about the Read to Ride Challenge can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/doe/literacy-for-me/summer-literacy.html

Students win painting for a purpose grants Painting for a Purpose is a local nonprofit organization that brings together artists, parents, students and educators to create and sell original art and objects for the home, many refurbished out of old furniture. All proceeds are invested in community service learning initiatives that Portland Public Schools’ students propose and complete. Here are some of this year’s grant winners: • Portland High School junior Jeremy Bruce received a $500 Painting for a Purpose Grant to expand the studio wall space in PHS’ Art Wing. Jeremy's grant will fund the installation of 64 feet of a cork board-like material in the expansive space of the hallways, where students can create displays of artwork, as well as work and design in an expanded format, bringing more visibility to the student works of art and the creative process at Portland High School. • Students in the Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) Woodworking Program received a $500 grant to purchase a lathe to make wooden bowls. They learned to make bowls as part of the national "Empty Bowls" project. All proceeds from sales of their bowls will go towards fighting hunger. • Two Lyseth Elementary School third-graders won a $486 Painting For A Purpose grant to make the school’s “Buddy Bench” more inviting to use. Buddy Benches are designed for a child feeling alone or upset during recess. The child sits on the wooden Buddy Bench, signaling a need for peer support. Then trained student “buddies,” typically older students, join the child on the bench to talk and/or engage in productive recess play. “The boys told me that the current plain bench was brown and boring and that they wanted to make it colorful and friendly,” said Lyseth art teacher Ellen Handelman. “I am really proud of these boys for wanting to create a more inviting Buddy Bench.” The boys also planned a storage chest with games that children using the bench could play. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing May 2017 2017-2018 SCHOOL CALENDAR

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

The Portland Public Schools welcomes volunteers and community involvement in our schools. A community coordinator works in each school to develop and coordinate opportunities for meaningful involvement. Please consider volunteering!

Among opportunities is the Walking School Bus program at our elementary schools, in which adults can volunteer to accompany students as they walk to school, promoting fitness and good attendance. To learn more about this program and about other ways to volunteer, please contact the community coordinator at your local school: https://www.portlandschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1094237&pageId=7033442

Community and business partners are vital to the mission of the Portland Public Schools. Please get involved!

Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 OUTSTANDING STAFF/VOLUNTEERS The following were recently recognized by the Portland Board of Public Education and Superintendent Xavier Botana:

• Pamela Richards, administrative assistant for the Peaks Island and elementary schools, was recognized in May. “Miss Pam,” as students, parents and staff like to call her, was honored for going above and beyond to ensure the smooth functioning of Portland’s island schools. Superintendent Botana noted that being an administrative professional is always a challenging job, and the job is especially demanding on an island. Richards, a 29-year Peaks Island resident, is the “perfect person” to run the office at the island schools, according to the schools’ teacher-leader, Renee Bourgoine-Serio. Here’s how Renee Serio described Pam: “In addition to ‘minding the store’ at the island schools, Pam is the primary person all visitors turn to interpret the ferry schedule, negotiate water taxi rides between islands, and secure ferry tickets and garage passes. Because she is working within a transportation budget that involves boats as well as buses, Pam takes the initiative to monitor when ticket prices go down so that she can negotiate the best and lowest costs and to save our district added costs at prime ticket prices. Pam enjoys making sure that all individuals coming to the school know where to park, where to get a boat ride, when to board the ferry, how to get a ride to the school, as well as find the school. It is very important to her that all visitors to the islands never feel lost or unable to navigate the islands. Pam has been with the Portland Public Schools for 21 years and also has worked at Reiche, PATHS, and Longfellow schools. She brings a high level of integrity, professionalism, and an excellent attention to detail.”

• Deering High School staff members Pamela Bessey, the school’s Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (JMG) Expanded Learning Opportunities Coordinator; and Gretchen Scales, a Jobs for Maine’s Graduates specialist, were honored in March. JMG is a statewide, private nonprofit that works within Maine's public schools to help students reach their fullest potential. JMG, funded through a Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant, provides students with the skills and resources they need to graduate from high school ready to succeed in postsecondary education and careers. Superintendent Botana said Bessey and Gretchen are invaluable members of the DHS team. “Pam and Gretchen provide a wide range of services to Deering students and staff that are truly amazing,” he said. Here’s a summary of Botana’s remarks: “Pam’s primary job is to provide connections between Deering and the community. This is evident in so many ways, whether it be job shadowing, volunteer opportunities, or inviting guest speakers to classrooms. Then there are the bigger events that Pam creates. For example, she has spearheaded planning for multiple years for the Career and College Expo for PPS high school students, held at the University of Southern Maine.” Botana said Gretchen’s “commitment to her JMG students goes well beyond the classroom walls. She does volunteer work alongside students and is frequently seen supporting students on the sidelines of various athletic and drama events, and is constantly encouraging them to persevere and succeed in their classes. She also works tirelessly to expose her students to experiences outside of the classroom or bring in classroom speakers to share their professional knowledge. Last year, the JMG class, under Gretchen’s guidance, wrote a successful Portland Education Foundation grant to create the Ramily Market, which provides food, clothing and toiletries to Deering students lacking basic necessities.”

• Ocean Avenue Elementary School (OAES) volunteers at Will Burrow and Molly Anderson were recognized in April. Superintendent Botana thanked them for their service and their positive impact on OAES students. “Will Burrow is a retired special education director for RSU 4, which serves Litchfield, Sabattus and Wales. He now volunteers at Ocean Avenue three days a week, working with students who have gaps in their learning. Will helps students with such skills as letter identification, reading fluency, numeracy strategies and much more,” Botana said. He said, “Molly Anderson is an Ocean Avenue parent who volunteers one day a week, teaching coding to the school’s fourth- and fifth-graders 2. Principal Beverly Coursey describes Molly as ‘amazing with the kids in grades 4 and 5.’ Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

ESSENCE OF PPS AWARDS The PPS Essence Award recognizes individuals who embody the good work happening in district schools. The Portland Board of Public Education and Superintendent Xavier Botana recently presented the award to these staff members:

• Patricia Sprague, IB Coordinator at Ocean Avenue Elementary School (OAES): Superintendent Botana summarized her accomplishments: “In 2016, OAES was named as an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, Primary Years Programme. OAES the only elementary school in Maine to attain such a distinction, and one of just a few in New England. Patty Sprague, who coordinates the IB program throughout the school, was key in helping OAES achieve that status. Patty has been with the district and OAES since 2013. She leads a number of IB initiatives. This year, that has involved training new teachers, supporting the launch of the capstone exhibition project for fifth- graders, locking down OAES’ Program of Inquiry, and starting the school’s IB institute this summer. Patty makes a difference by supporting teachers who are able to lift the IB learner model so all students can learn through shared language and develop individual learning skills. Patty also co-teaches in classrooms to further solidify the inquiry driven, concept-based approach for our students, which helps students think deeply and be able to express their thinking. Patty reflects the values and mission of our district and OAES by supporting everyone where they are at, and being truly reflective, knowledgeable, and open-minded. She is helping everyone at Ocean Avenue grow to the next level with the IB model.”

• Lyseth Elementary School teacher Linda Whittum: Whittum teaches second grade and has been with Lyseth since 1989 – a total of 28 years. Lyseth Principal Lenore Williams recommended Whittum for the Essence Award for “her tireless efforts to meet the needs of all of her students. She is an amazing advocate for them and will do everything within her power to ensure they are successful as students and, just as important, as people. In her role as an educator, she encompasses teaching children to be kind and compassionate human beings that contribute meaningfully and selflessly to their community. For example, she works with her students on various community projects. Those include sending letters to veterans in the Veteran's Home; having her students donate their Halloween candy to servicemen and women in Iraq; creating holiday decorations and visiting senior citizens in a nearby assisted living facility; and fundraising for a needy family the students ‘adopted.’ Always the champion of those less fortunate and in need, Linda gives of herself – her time, commitment, compassion, and dedication each and every day. For that reason, she is most deserving of this recognition.”

• David Aguirre, an educational technician at Lyman Moore Middle School: Lyman Moore Principal Ben Donaldson said: “David is an Ed Tech in the Functional Life Skills program at Moore, which serves students with physical disabilities. David is a dedicated teacher and coach who guides many students and adults in our community. Whether he is helping his students through learning activities or helping his athletes push themselves to run faster, David is a masterful mentor to students. Whether he is organizing faculty to share their passions by sharing a physical collection of items from their childhood or to remain physically active and connected through morning basketball games at school, David shares his energy and passion for life with our entire faculty. The mission of Moore and the Portland Public Schools is to honor individuals for who they are and how they can contribute to their communities, and David is the essence of that. Put simply, Moore wouldn't be the same without David!” Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

PPS Bus driver is inspiring educator

Bruce Lane, a district bus driver, was recognized earlier this year by the Portland Board of Public Education and Superintendent Xavier Botana for being an “inspiring educator” who makes a difference in the lives of the district’s students.

The Maine Education Association has partnered with WCSH-TV Channel 6 News Center on a unique award called Inspiring Educators, and Lane was chosen to receive the award. The feature highlights the work of great educators and the impact they have on students. As part of the program, MEA members nominate educators who are making a difference. Those selected, like Lane, are featured on a Channel 6 news segment.

Lane was nominated for the award by Ina Demers, an educational technician at Reiche Community School. Demers’ nomination states, “Bruce is a very inspiring educator because he drives a school bus, which is not an easy task! He picks students up in the morning and takes them home in the afternoon with patience and cheerful greetings! He is soft-spoken and gives students great respect, especially those who come from afar and speak languages other than English. He talks with students in a way to let them know that he cares about them, their safety, and also their well-being. He reminds students in a positive way. He has also taught me about giving each child a smile and positive comments to encourage them to grow up to be involved and productive citizens! He is truly a great educator and individual with positive energy! We are very fortunate to have Bruce!”

HOST VISITING TEACHERS FROM CHINA & SPAIN!

The Portland Public Schools is looking for volunteers to host our visiting teachers from China and Spain. The district is fortunate to have relationships with both the Confucius Institute in China and with the Ministry of Education of Spain to help staff our Mandarin classes and our Spanish Immersion Program at Lyseth Elementary School.

The district is looking for short-term assistance when the teacher arrives (perhaps two weeks as the person looks for housing in Portland) or for longer-term if you have a room or apartment you would be interested in renting.

There is a small stipend offered for host families.

Most likely the visiting teachers will be arriving sometime in August.

Please contact Lila Conley ([email protected] or 874- 8100) at the Multilingual & Multicultural Center if you would like more information and/or if you would like to host a teacher.

The Portland Public Schools appreciates your hospitality and consideration! Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 SCHOOL BOARD ROUNDUP

The Portland Board of Public Education in April voted to recommend to the City Council an FY2018 school budget of $105 million. The board’s Finance Committee had recommended a budget of $104.8 million but the board added $200,000 to pay for school crossing guards. The city recently moved that expense out of its budget.

The City Council voted to approve the school budget on May 15 and now it goes to Portland voters on June 13.

The proposed budget of $105 million represents a modest increase of 1.4 percent over the FY2017 approved budget. It requires a tax rate increase of 28 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or 2.75 percent – adding $67.20 to the annual tax bill of a home worth $240,000. Because of a projected decrease in state revenue of approximately $1 million and given increased personnel costs, significant cuts had to be made in the budget. However, it preserves small class sizes and successful programs and services.

At this time, it is still unclear how much state funding the Portland Public Schools will receive for our FY2018 budget. Under the governor’s proposed budget, Portland’s share of state of aid is down $2 million from the current year’s allocation. The Legislature is still debating the state budget, and the budget approved by the school board assumes that Portland will get an additional $1 million in state funds. That would still leave the district with a $1 million less than it received for the FY17 budget.

The City Council on April 24 voted to give Portland voters the opportunity to decide on two school bond proposals in November – one to renovate Lyseth, Presumpscot, Reiche and Longfellow schools and one to renovate Lyseth and Presumpscot, while waiting to see if the state might pay for Reiche and Longfellow.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community members are invited to these free music concerts: SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE JUNE 13 • Tuesday, May 23, 6 p.m., Portland High School Portland voters go to the polls Tuesday, June 13, to vote on • Wednesday, May 24, 7 p.m., Deering High School the FY2018 school budget of $105 million. This budget represents a modest increase of 1.4 percent over the FY2017 • Tuesday, May 30, 6:30 p.m., Lincoln Middle School budget and requires a tax rate increase of 28 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or 2.75 percent – adding $67.20 • Wednesday, May 31, 6:30 p.m., Lyman Moore Middle to the annual tax bill of a home worth $240,000. Because of a projected decrease of about $1 million in state aid and given School increased personnel costs, the budget contains significant • Thursday, June 1, 6:30 p.m., King Middle School cuts. However, it preserves small class sizes and successful programs and services. Please support the budget at the polls!

• Lincoln Middle School’s “School’s Out! 5k” will take place Saturday, June 10, at the school at 522 Stevens Avenue. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon and the cost is $25. This is a family- friendly, fun 5k to celebrate Lincoln Middle School, the end of the school year, and the Lincoln community! There will be awards for: overall male/female; LMS male/female staff; 6/7/8 grade overall male/female; rising 6h grade male female; and K-4 grade overall male/female. Come out and celebrate Lincoln and its wonderful community! For more information and to register, go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Portland/LMSSchoolsOut5k Register by May 26th to get a T-shirt.

• The First Annual Presumpscot Elementary School 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Family Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, at (across from the Hannaford supermarket parking lot). The 1-Mile Family Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. Those interested can register online at http://www.runinarace.com/Presumpscot. Proceeds will help fund technology needs and teaching materials for the school, one of the smallest schools in Portland, with one of the most culturally diverse populations. Despite being a high-poverty and high-needs school, the school is proud of the academic success of its students. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

More news from our schools • King Middle School The public is invited to a Public hosted its 23rd annual Policy Showcase that seventh- Celebration of Learning on graders at Lyman Moore May 4. King is a high-achieving Middle School will present on and innovative EL Education May 25 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:15 Mentor school. As students at a.m. There will be more than 35 an EL Education Mentor presentations on a wide range of School, King’s sixth-, seventh-, policy topics. Invited guest and eighth-graders delve into 'judges' include Portland’s mayor meaningful and authentic and schools superintendent and interdisciplinary units, called other local leaders. The approach expeditions, and produce high is ‘Think globally, act locally,’ so quality products to the idea is for the students to pick demonstrate their understanding. Some highlights from this national or international issues and then look for ways to make year include students working with the Maine Center for change locally, explained Moore social studies teacher David Disease Control & Prevention and the Muskie School of Public Hilton. “We're working hard to help students develop the Health to develop middle school curriculum focused on tick- skills to become good global citizens. We think this work gives and mosquito-borne illnesses; designing shoes based on the them a real-world opportunity to practice recognizing tenets of biomimicry; and collaborating with local perspectives, communicating ideas, and taking action of issues neighborhood associations to develop comprehensive plans for students care about,” he said. Hilton said Moore is partnering the city. Students discussed these products at the Celebration with the Institute for Humane Education (IHE) and Americans Of Learning. Who Tell the Truth (AWTT). Students who excel at Moore’s “local showcase” will be invited to participate in IHE's • Riverton Elementary School held a Food Waste Solutionary Summit or AWTT's Samantha Smith Challenge, Challenge Week in April. During the week, there was a both in early June, Hilton said. schoolwide challenge for students to reduce food waste. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow clearly loved the English Everyday, the compost bucket was weighed, and students • language – but the Portland poet also was a linguist who marked on a bar graph how many pounds of food were thrown appreciated other languages. So, in honor of his 210th birthday, away. The plan is to reduce the school’s contribution to food some waste, and keep working towards zero waste! Portland High • Presumpscot Elementary School first-graders recently School received a generous donation of 30 rain boots for use during students their field study work originally at Scarborough from Iraq, Marsh. Students are Iran and Rwanda studying the translated importance of the salt his poetry into languages spoken in their home countries: marsh to our ecology Arabic, Farsi and French. The event took place on Feb. 27 at with the goal of the Maine Historical Society. “Please congratulate students educating others in Elaheh and Nila Seddiqi, Amy Umutoni, and Riham working to protect it. Mohammed for a job well done!” said Glenn Nerbak, director of the Portland Mentoring Alliance. “Also, Ibtisam First-grade teachers, Ali deserves credit for assisting Riham with the translation of a Kristen Flaherty, Beth Linevitch, and Rebecca Longfellow poem into classic Arabic.” WGME Channel 13 Maiorano were awarded an L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery covered the story. The Maine Historical Society throws an Adventure and Stewardship grant administered through the annual community party on Longfellow’s birthday and decided Portland Education Foundation to help fund this expedition. to add a global component this year, inviting the students to L.L. Bean generously donated 30 puddle stompers and wellie read their translations of Longfellow’s poetry. boots in addition to the $1,000 grant award. Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017 More news from our schools

• Peaks Island Elementary School (PIES) students recently put on the annual school play. This year, students in kindergarten through grade 5 performed scenes from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

• Hall Elementary School started a Walking School Bus in May. A Walking School Bus is a dedicated effort by volunteer staff, parents, and community members to walk a route through one of the school’s neighborhoods each morning, knocking on house doors to gather students to walk together to school en masse. The atmosphere is fun and light and meant to be an energizing way to start the day. Hall School has a route planned that could result in more than 50 students walking together. The school is starting small and has targeted the students farthest away from school to start. The hope is to get the bus up and running this year so the school has a model and some success to take into next year. Attendance and tardiness are some of the biggest hurdles to student success in school. Staff at Hall are excited by this opportunity and look forward to helping students get to school safely and on time. For questions or more information, contact Laura Carten, Hall School Walking Bus Coordinator, or John Dickerson, Assistant Principal, at 207-874-8205.

• Reiche Community School has had great success with its new parent engagement program: “Let's Do Lunch!” Once a month, the school picks a grade level and invites all families of students in that grade to visit during their child's lunchtime in the cafeteria. The purpose is to engage parents and invite them into the school. The students are very excited to have this special time with their families.

• Longfellow Elementary School students, families and community raised $812 in a Penny Drive earlier this year to benefit Preble Street Food Pantry. The school’s Green Team presented Ray Hepler, a Preble Street representative, with a giant check from the fundraiser. Mr. Hepler then helped all the school understand that a dollar spent at a grocery store will buy about half a bag of noodles, but a dollar given to Preble Street can buy about seven pounds of food!

A letter from CLiff Island School

Students at Cliff Island School have been invested in book groups and place-based nature studies. Our students are currently participating in a virtual classroom where books are read, discussed, and assignments are uploaded. Our kindergartener is participating in a book group with teacher Jan Keiper of Frenchboro Island out of Bass Harbor. Other children in his group live on 5 other island schools along the coast of Maine. These children view the picture books and listen to the teacher tell the story. The teacher engages the children with thoughtful questions to support their attention and personalize the experience. They all love to visit each other and are becoming used to this mode of interaction. This session’s book for our older students is Clive Barker’s, “The Thief of Always”. Using Google Classroom the students have the opportunity to utilize the assigned websites and discuss the chapters during the week with other classmates and myself, as lead teacher for this group. The group includes students in grades 3 to 5 who read at the same level and live on Cliff Island, Frenchboro, Island of Haut, and The Cranberries. We have a group of 6 students in all. We will be visiting everyone in a few weeks for our Island Institute field trip, where students in grades K-8 and teachers come together to socialize and learn together. We all have worked in our independent, one-room schoolhouses with the subject matter, and now we have the opportunity to experience it together. This year the students have studied the American Revolution, biomes, plant and animal habitats, and are now beginning an immersion in kitchen chemistry, physics, and cell biology. The upcoming science immersion will include measurement, volume, and geometry to support the math curriculum and informational and opinion writing to support the language arts curriculum.

– Michele Turner, K-5 Classroom Educator, Cliff Island School

Portland Public schools: ensuring student success in a diverse, ever-changing world May 2017

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