SPHS Update

SPHS Community,

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of 2023 SPHS graduate Connor Steady. His loss is profound on so many levels. May his memory be a blessing to all of those who had the honor of knowing him. As always, we have a myriad of supports available for any student who may be struggling with this news. Please connect with a trusted teacher, counselor, or other adult who will help you get the support you need.

Just a few other notes this week. Congratulations to Angie Bekoka, who qualified for the Maine State Poetry Out Loud Finals! She had an outstanding performance at the Southern Maine Regional Finals in Lewiston on Wednesday night.

Next, in celebration of Black History Month, grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to see an award-winning performance by Antonio Rocha. Using his entire body and voice, Antonio retells a historical tale of a ship built in Brunswick, Maine in 1832. I have had the opportunity to see this performance, and it is incredibly powerful.

9th Grade students will have the opportunity to meet with black leaders in the community in a panel style discussion to share their experiences and advice.

The panel includes:

• Jason Jackson: SPHS Restorative Coordinator
• Idella Glenn- Vice President of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact at USM
• Dajuan Eubanks: President of the Maine Celtics
• DeAngelo Alston, “Coach D”: Founder of TGK Athletics

We'll be following the Extended Home Base Schedule shown below on Monday February,12th.

On Tuesday, February 13th, the Luke's Lobster ELO program information table will be set up during lunch and a presentation will take place in 4th block for those interested in the program. You may have seen this article about this fantastic program.

Finally, I hope that our Mid-Winter Break from February 19th-23rd is restful and restorative to everyone. There will be no update next week.

Peace,

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

Principal - South Portland High School

The month of February has begun which means it is the start of Black History Month. Conceived of in 1925 as a week-long observance of the contributions of African Americans, the celebration expanded to a month in 1976.

During February, the Learning Commons will be displaying books written by and about African Americans, both fiction and non-fiction. Additionally, the LC has created two online resources for anyone interested in learning more about African American history, culture, civil rights movements, and more.

African American History & Culture

African American Rights Movements

If you'd like to contribute to either of those resources, or have suggestions for books/resources to add to the collection, please let Mr. Brough know.

Looking for an affordable or free used device? SPHS CS Honor Society students have refurbished equipment up for sale! $50 & $30 iPads. Limited Macbooks. And free Chromebooks! For more information and to apply for a device: http://bit.ly/riotrefurb More inventory coming soon- first come, first serve for devices. Open to any and all community members.

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#

There will be an intramural conditioning opportunity open to all students in March on Mondays and Thursdays. Sessions will run from 2:45-4:00 p.m. March 4, 7, 11, 14 will be held in the SPHS gym and March 18, 21 will be held in the SP Community Center gym.

Come try ultimate and see if it is a good spring sport for you. We will practice the basics. This is open to all students, all abilities. Bring a friend!

2/13 Tuesday @ Community Center Gym, 2:30-4:00 pm

2/15 Thursday @ Community Center Gym, 2:30-4:00 pm

Planning for our Project Graduation Event is in full swing. Please check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/248051131136625 to see how you can help out.

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

This form is providing some base information (T-Shirt size) and initial parent contact information for Project Graduation. This is not committing them to attending, but merely helping us to plan headcounts and order proper T-shirt sizes so we are ready. Official sign-up forms will be sent to the Seniors in Mid March to start getting them excited.

• Animal Welfare Society program over February vacation. Animal Care Intensive (ACI) is a series of workshops for high school students interested in a career with animals. With daily field-trips and interactive presentations, students learn from animal care and veterinary professionals. The next Animal Care Intensive takes place over February School Vacation and focuses on Veterinary Medicine. High school students (in grades 9-12) with an interest in veterinary sciences or a strong desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine are encouraged to apply. Mon, Feb 19 – Fri, Feb 23. 9 am – 2 pm. Click here for more information and to apply. For questions or more information please see Mrs. Inman in room 328.

• Summer BIPOC Paid Lobstering Program

  Students who are 16+ are welcome to come learn about the BIPOC Lobstering program through Luke's Lobsters in Portland. Info session on 2/13 at a table outside of the cafeteria during lunches, and at the end of block 4 (1:50-2:20) in the Learning Commons. Please reach out to Ms. Inman (inmansh@spsdme.org) with questions, or to request a pass. Flier with more info available here.

• Bath Iron Works: BIW will be visiting South Portland High School on February 29th and
  

  March 1. They will have their Virtual Training Trailer outside and we will be having groups of students learn with their team about careers in STEM that focus on the trades, welding, mechanical and maritime. If you have any questions please see Mrs. Inman in room 328 or Ms. Carlisle in room 359. See the attached flyer for more information and to register.

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.

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

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

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.

• Monday, February 12th - Extended Homebase schedule for Black History Month assemblies
• February 19th-23rd - Mid-Winter Break - No School