SPHS Update

SPHS Community,

Yep....it's November already. That's hard to type. We've certainly had an eventful first two months of the school year, and we'll sson be in the thick of the the holiday season.

Because of the cancelation of school on 10/25-10/27, we have shifted the end of the quarter to Wednesday, November 8th. This will also be the first eligibility check of this school year.

Remember that students must pass five classes in the first quarter in order to be eligible to participate or try out for athletics or extra-curricular activities during the second quarter of the year.

This gives student just a bit of time to make sure they have completed everything that they need to before the quarter closes.

Be sure to sign up for the final round of family teacher conferences in 2023 using the link below.

Last week we started using a system that texts or emails families and students each period that a student is out of class unexcused. If you know your child will be absent or tardy for any portion of the day, please call (207)767-3266, or email hsattendance@spsd.org by 8:30 AM.

This Friday, November 10th is when the South Portland School Department observes Veteran's Day and schools are not in session. To those in our community who have served, and to those who are currently serving, please accept our deepest gratitude.

Finally, take a look at the video below recorded by Blake Vanderson using a drone. To show support for the Lewiston community after last week’s mass shooting the athletic field team from the Windham School Department came to South Portland to paint “Lewiston” on the 50-yard line for the MS football game played on Saturday. Thank you Windham School Department. #LEWISTONSTRONG #RIOTPRIDE

There will be no SPHS Update next weekend.

Take care and be well,

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

Principal - South Portland High School

Auditions for this year's musical: ADDAMS FAMILY will be from 3:30-6:30 on Tuesday, November 7th and Wednesday, November 8th in the Auditorium.

If necessary, callbacks will be from 3:30-6:30 on Thursday, November 9th. Students should prepare 32 bars (or about 60 seconds) of a song of their choice, preferably a musical theatre song. Anyone auditioning for a specific role is encouraged to sing from the show. Auditioners should come to auditions ready to dance and read from the script. The show will be performed January 25 - 28.

Students who are in marching band that want to audition as a performer (not pit) in the show are encouraged to audition on November 8th (please reach out to Taylor if this won't work for you). If you have any questions you can email Mr. Fitze or Taylor Gervais.

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#

The Teen Center is a program for Middle School and High School Students (grades 6-12) who live in South Portland and/or attend school in South Portland. The South Portland Teen Center’s mission is to provide a comfortable, safe and fun environment for teens. As such, each teen is held responsible for their behavior.

Respect for the Redbank Community Center facility, other teen participants and program staff/volunteers is required of everyone. All students who want to have access to the Teen Center must fill out the registration packet and have all sections signed by a parent/guardian. We recently had our Teen Center registrations translated into Spanish, French, and Portuguese to make it easier for families to sign their kids up.

Monday, November 6 through November 21.

Drop off winter jackets, hats, gloves, etc. that are no longer needed in your household and can be used by others this winter.

The collection bin will be in front of the Main Office.

The South Portland Toy Drive has closed.

• For families who missed the Nov 1st deadline, please apply for assistance from one of these other organizations:

• Portland Press Herald Toy Fund Application due Dec 1 (formerly Bruce Roberts Toy Fund). Toy Fund App online Or you can print the paper application and families can mail it in to Press Herald Toy Fund, 296 Gannett Dr., South Portland 04106. Only serve up to age 16. Families will receive info from the agency directly regarding how/when they can pick up their items.

• Salvation Army Applications due Dec 8 Families will have to pick up their items from Salvation Army at 297 Cumberland Ave. in Portland Salvation Army App. Applications due Dec 9.

• For families who DID turn in an application will get an email to remind them to pick up their items at the South Portland Community Center on Dec 12 between 2-7 pm.

Theme: Light for Humanity; Caring for One Another

Deadline: Nov 15th

A poem or short essay on the theme of “Light for Humanity; Caring for One Another” can be submitted to Gretchen McCloy (mccloygr@spsdme.org) by November 15th. Works must be original works, and must be able to be read outloud in under 4 minutes. Please submit the poem or essay via email, or a printed copy sent to Gretchen McCloy at SPHS. This contest is open to all students at SPMS and SPHS.

Gift cards to local stores will be awarded to the top submissions, and the grand prize winner will be invited to read, or have their submission read for them, at the Lighting of the Trees at Millcreek on Dec 1st at 6pm.

Any questions, please reach out to Gretchen McCloy, mccloygr@spsdme.org

Though Free Breakfast and Lunch (including a second serving of certain items) is provided every day for every student, there are other items available for purchase. For these items, SPSD has the My School Bucks Meal Accounts.

Download Today: https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/msb-app

• Nov 3 -5: The SPHS Drama Club presents: Will Peter meet Alice? A mash-up retelling of the Peter Pan and Alice and Wonderland Stories - Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm, Sunday 2pm
  

South Portland High School is partnered with Greater Portland Health to provide a School Based Health Center (SBHC) and a School Based Dental Clinic

The School Based Health Center offers a variety of healthcare services to students directly in schools. This allows for easy access and scheduling for healthcare & saves time for student and parents/guardians.

Services offered include:

1. Primary medical Health Services, Sports Physicals, Treatment of Minor illnesses, Management of Chronic conditions, Vaccines, and Family Planning services. Behavioral Healthcare.

2. Dental cleanings, fluoride and sealants.

School staff will coordinate with the School Based Health Center team to connect students to care.

All students must have an enrollment signed by a parent/guardian (if less than 18 years old) in order to be seen in the clinic by a medical provider or behavioral health provider. Return your enrollment form to the School Nurse.

We welcome ALL students to enroll in the SBHC, even if they have a primary care provider elsewhere. We coordinate care with Primary Care Providers while providing easy to access services within school.

Please see the school nurse for an enrollment form to the School Based Health Clinic and Dental Clinic.

• November 10th - Veterans Day (Observed), No school
  
• November 16th - Picture Retake day
• November 20th - Parent Teacher Conferences
• November 21st - Early Release
• November 22nd-24th - Thanksgiving Break, No school