SPHS Update

January 15th, 2024

SPHS Community,

I hope this message find you well after what I know was challenging weekend for some in our community.

Just a quick update today that includes exciting news that SPHS Senior, Cassandra Porter has been selected from the ACE of Maine chapter as the finalist for a National ACE scholarship. We are really proud of her involvement in the ACE programming, and are keeping our fingers crossed for her for this national award!

Be sure to get your tickets to the SPHS production of Adams Family Musical below. It's looking like it will be a fantastic show.

Remember that the Semester ends on Friday, January 19th. Recall that students must be passing five classes in order to be eligible for athletics and other extra curricular activities. This is especially important for students currently on teams or activities to pay attention to. You don't want to lose your eligibility! It's also EXTREMELY important for seniors to be on top of grades. Remember that you need 24 credits to graduate with an SPHS diploma. During your senior year it is very difficult to recover from a class with a failed first semester so be sure to invest in yourself by finishing the 1st Semester strong!

Finally, on the Martin Luther King day, I find myself reflecting on the values of justice, equality, and unity that Dr. King championed and are an integral part of what we do at SPHS. As we honor his legacy today, let's continue in our steadfast work striving to build a community that embraces diversity and works towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all. I'm honored to be a part of that work alongside of each and every one of you.

Peace,

Scott Tombleson (He/Him/His - What is this?)

Principal - South Portland High School

Attendance Reminders

With the new year we wanted to share some reminders about attendance policies.

Attendance Notification: If a student is going to be absent or tardy a guardian should notify the front office by calling 207-767-3266 or emailing hsattendance@spsdme.org.

Maine recognizes the following reasons for Excusable Absences: (1) personal illness, (2) an appointment with a healthcare professional that MUST be made during the regular school day (documentation may be requested), (3) observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the school day, (4) a family emergency, at the discretion of the administration, (5) a planned absence for a personal or educational purpose which has been approved in advance by school administration via Planned Absence form, found in front office.

Dismissals: All dismissals must be processed through the nurse or the main office. Students who leave school premises without being dismissed and checked out will face disciplinary consequences for leaving school without permission.
Tardy Policy: Arriving at school after 8:10 a.m. is considered tardy to school. If a student is marked unexcused tardy two or more times in one week they will receive after school detention.
Senior Privilege: Seniors who are passing their courses and maintaining appropriate behavior and attendance are eligible for Senior Privilege during Workshops. In order for a senior to receive privilege, they must return a signed permission form by their guardian. Students must sign in and out at the main office for their privilege blocks and must return to school on time for their next class. Privilege may be revoked at any time by school administration or guardians. Having a substitute teacher does not not qualify as a period eligible for Privilege.
Attendance Alerts: SPHS uses the program Reach My Teach to send alerts to families when their student has been marked absent. This is a tool used to give reminders to notify the school of excused absences as well as to keep guardians aware of class absences.
Chronic Absenteeism: The State of Maine determines students to be chronically absent if they miss 10% of the school year (18+ days), regardless of the reason. Any student who is chronically absent will work with our student engagement coordinator to improve attendance.
Athletics: In order to participate in a game or practice, the student is expected to be in school on time (8:10am) and must attend school for the full day of the game or practice, (or the day before if school is not in session on the game/practice/activity date) unless she/he was previously excused by the school.

If you would like to read more about SPHS guidelines please check out the student handbook. https://docs.google.com/document/d/12bAPb_OGSuvYGdv6t6LvLqmY26Na4UqWBJkNaJLOKXs/preview

Music Department Performances

MMEA District I Honors Festival

January 19th and 20th

Instrumental Concert: 3:00PM

Choral Concert: 5:00PM

SPHS Musical: The Addams Family

January 25th - 28th

ACDA Eastern Region Honors Festival

Wednesday February 28th-Saturday March 2nd

Omni Providence Hotel, Providence RI

High School/Middle School Combined Chorus Concert

Tuesday, March 19th, 7:00PM

The Addams Family Musical

zoom_out_map

Tickets for this year's musical, The Addams Family, are now available! Visit this link for tickets.

or go to GoFan.com and search "South Portland High School" and select "Performing Arts". Scroll down for dates.

Performances are January 25 - 28, 2024.

Email sphsmusicaltheatre@spsdme.org if you have any questions, or need ASL interpretation.

METRO Stop 24B Update

Students who ride the METRO Bus 24B into Portland. Please be advised that there is a change to the bus stops near SPHS. The stop on Highland Ave has been eliminated.

Students traveling TO Portland on Bus 24B after school should wait at the bus enclosure near the Community Center (corner of Nelson Rd and Evans St). When you see bus 24B coming up the hill (from Amatos) press the cross walk light, and cross Evans street to catch your bus on the opposite side of the road to head into Portland.

Red Riots - Athletics Information

If you would like to help supply the athletics office with donations, check out their Amazon Wishlist.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XJNL2RAOLICL/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2#

SoPo Unite Alumni Gathering

SoPo Unite had an Alumni Gathering on December 22nd. It was great to see so many who have worked so hard over the years to make this shuch an impactful organization.