SPHS Update

SPHS Community,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday this week, I'm reflecting on the privilege that I have to serve in a community like South Portland. I am thankful for the support that the community has for it's schools. I'm thankful that I get to work with over 1000 fantastic students. I'm also thankful that I have the opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues at SPHS and throughout the district who work tirelessly to improve in countless ways to better meet the needs of the students that we are so lucky to serve. I hope this Thanksgiving break provides everyone in the SPHS community with the rest, the rejuvenation, and whatever it is that you need.

Remember that we've got a short week this week. A full day on Monday, an early release on Tuesday, and no school on Wednesday through Friday.

Remember that the final round of family teacher conferences in 2023 is on Monday, November 20th. You can still sign up using the link below. (If the sign ups are closed, please reach out to the teachers that you'd like to meet with individually.)

One of the goals we have this year as a district is reducing chronic absenteeism, which is when a student is absent from 10% or more of school days. One only has to look at this recent article from the New York Times, or this recent article from the Washington Post, or this recent article from the Wall Street Journal to understand the scale of the challenge nationally. At SPHS we are working hard to address this challenge in many ways, but primarily we are focusing on building strong relationships with and between students. We believe that students learn best when they are in class, and when they are known.

Another part of tackling this issue is that families need to know when a student is missing from class. A few weeks ago we started using a system that texts or emails families and students each period that a student is out of class unexcused. Remember that 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. We appreciate your partnership in getting students to school on time. It makes a significant difference in learning.

Finally, last week the staff had a Secret Spirit Week. Students had fun trying to figure out what the themes were. Monday was "College Day", Tuesday was "Dress to the 9's" (though one Principal failed to read the assignment and showed up in "Dress like the 90's"), Wednesday was "Wear a black shirt", Thursday was "Dress in your PJs or Dress like a Gym Teacher", and Friday was "Red and White Day". Thanks to the staff who participated and a special thanks to the staff who arranged it.

Thank you, SPHS Community, for your trust, thank you for your partnership, and thank you for your unyielding support. Peace and love to you all.

There will be no SPHS Update next week.

Take care and be well,

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

Principal - South Portland High School

Information:

- Payment must be submitted at the time that orders are placed

- Orders are due by Friday, Dec. 1 by 2:30pm.

- Delivery will be made to the school on Friday, Dec. 15th. Time TBD. Orders can be picked up from the school on the 15th.

- Order forms should be submitted with payment, if payment is made via cash or check to the office.

- For those paying with Venmo, order forms can be submitted electronically to dorionja@spsdme.org or via physical copy to the main office.

- Please include your name on the top of the order form (if forgotten we cannot track you down).

- Please include a way to contact you along with your order (name & phone number and/or email)

- Orders will be delivered in tome for Christmas and Winter holidays but NOT in time for Thanksgiving.

Each year the faculty and staff select one senior to represent South Portland High School as the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. The selected student demonstrates the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. This year the DAR Good Citizen Award recipient is HENRY RISCH.

Congratulations, Henry!

The National Honors Society is hosting a benefit Raffle on Monday the 20th

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.

If students would like to join STAGE CREW for the ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL, they can come to the AUDITORIUM on any MONDAY after school from 2:30 - 4:30.

Join in if you are interested in: Lights. Sound, Set, Painting, Costumes, Make-Up, Props, or Stage Management, please join us! Please email Mr. Fitze if you have any questions!

• November 20th, Monday - Parent Teacher Conferences
• November 21st, Tuesday - Early Release
• November 22nd-24th, Wednesday-Friday - Thanksgiving Break, No school
• December 6th, Wednesday - Early Release
• December 22nd-29th, Friday-Friday - Winter Break, No school