SPHS Update

SPHS Community,

I hope this message find you well.

As the calendar turns to February, we celebrate Black History Month. As you know, at SPHS our commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment is unwavering and resolute. The celebration of Black History Month provides us with a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of Black individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping our world in truly profound ways. More info to come about how we celebrate Black History Month at SHPS.

I want to take a moment to celebrate a few SPHS students in this update. First, Che-Hao Saito was named as the WMTW Total Scholar Athlete of the week. We're so proud of him and all the he has accomplished. Check out the fantastic video below. #RIOTPRIDE indeed!

Next we had FOUR SPHS students named as the Students of the Quarter at PATHS in their respective programs. Check out the PATHS Newsletter to see what their teachers had to say about them.

• Commercial & Advertising Art - Sam Scott
• Cybersecurity - Harry Brahms
• Masonry - Adam Tinkham
• Welding - Owen O'Connell

Speaking of PATHS, recently 10th grade students participated in a presentation about opportunities available at Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS). PATHS is greater Portland’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school and offers hands-on, technical and career-focused education. Students have the opportunity to enroll in a PATHS program as part of their schedule at South Portland High School. All programs are two year programs that often lead to a career certification and may include dual enrollment credits. For more information about program offerings visit the PATHS website.

It is a truly FANTASTIC program that really meets student where they are in terms of interest and relevance. You may remember that Harry Brahms just earned an incredible certification that has never been done by a PATHS student.

Students who are interested in applying to PATHS need to visit the program they are interested in attending and can sign up for a visit on the SPHS School Counseling website or by stopping into the Counseling Office in Room B202. Feel free to reach out to your school counselor or call the Counseling Office at 767-7706 with any questions.

Stephanie Goss, School Counselor A-E gossst@spsdme.org
Jodie Frey, School Counselor F-L freyjo@spsdme.org
Tomisa Emerson, School Counselor M-R emersoto@spsdme.org
Teri Wark, School Counselor S-Z warkte@spsdme.org

Finally, SPHS students nominated TWELVE teachers (and one Assistant Principal) to be the Cumberland County Teacher of the year. That's a great honor and a testament to the fantastic educators we have at SPHS.

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.

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#

Planning for our Project Graduation Event is in full swing. Please check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/248051131136625 or visit us at our next meeting Thursday FEB 8th at 5:30pm at the community center 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.

• Applications for the 2024 Maine Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program are now open!
  

  This is a one-year, full-time, hands-on program for individuals 18+ (more details below). Applications must be submitted by 5 P.M. on Friday, February 9th. Please feel free to access this link for further information.

  The Maine Shellfish & Seaweed Aquaculture Apprenticeship program is seeking applicants for its 2024 cohort, which will launch in April. The apprenticeship is a ~1 year full-time job for U.S. residents that includes additional schooling, mentorship, and training. Apprentices will, under the guidance of an experienced business owner and/or employee, complete 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training. In addition, apprentices will complete 144 hours of coursework and training through Southern Maine Community College along with supplementary experiences.

• Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Summer Program

  Deadline Feb 8. Free! Open to Sophomores and Juniors.

  It includes a nine-day wilderness experience in Baxter State Park working with a variety of specialists and Park staff to better understand wilderness through science, art, storytelling, photography, writing, history and recreation.

  friendsofbaxter.org/mywlp

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.

• February 19th-23rd - Mid-Winter Break - No School