SPHS Update

January 21st, 2024

SPHS Community,

I hope this message find you well at the end of a cold weekend.

We start today with some outstanding news. Late last week, we received exciting news that SPHS Senior Harry Brahms was the first PATHS student EVER to pass the CompTIA CySA+ Certification Exam. The exam validates high-level cybersecurity analytic skills. CompTIA recommends that candidates have four years of work experience before attempting the exam. It is a very big deal that he passed it as a Senior in High School, and he should be quite proud.

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.

Tomorrow is the first day of Semester 2, so some students have different schedules tomorrow. Be sure to check Infinite Campus if you have questions.

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

The Addams Family Musical

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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.

ATTENTION SENIORS: Project Grad 2024

Project Grad informational sign-up:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc16Hj-fscbt3Qct1J65u-GC1mPU7A98P4GyyS-ghNfG0JNTA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Music Department Performances

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

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.