Mission Statement
The South Portland High School Community believes that all students are able to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary education, career, and citizenship. Toward that goal, every student will graduate as a capable learner who is able to think critically and produce quality work.
Academic Expectations
Students will demonstrate their critical thought, knowledge, and skills through:
-Writing
-Reading
-Research
-Performance or Product
Civic & Social Expectations
Members of the SPHS Community will practice:
-Appreciation of diversity in school and community
-Contributing to their community through initiative, cooperation, and leadership
-Respect for self, others, ideas, property, and the environment
-Integrity
-Perseverance
Your Vote Will Count - May 13, 2008
As a result of State legislation requiring voter approval on all school budgets throughout Maine, South Portland residents are being asked to vote on the local School Budget on Tuesday, May 13th.
After a series of workshops and public hearings with public input, the School Budget was developed by the Board of Education and ultimately approved by the City Council. The May 13th Referendum asks voters to validate the School Budget that was approved by the City Council at their May 5th, 2008 meeting.
The city will be using the South Portland Community Center as a common
voting location for all residents.
Don't forget to vote on May 13th!
JMG CDC
The trip started off early with a 6:00am departure from SPHS. Some of the students were excited, while others were nervous about what was going to happen at the convention. Upon arrival we walked into the Augusta Civic Center to find over 500 other students within the JMG Senior program from around the state. I heard a few students mention that they did not realize that this event was going to be so big.
Throughout the day each student participated in a number of events ranging from using their imagination to participating in a mock interview. Two SPHS students were on stage and walked the runway like models in front of everyone to show off their outfits.
Also throughout the day a career expo was set up for students to explore options for after graduation. Some of the companies included Bath Iron Works, Maine State Police, and many other companies.
SPHS students won a trophy for their power point presentation that they did to represent the SPHS JMG program. It was a good day and everyone enjoyed themselves. Some of the students said that they wished that they could come back again next year.
Budget Validation Referendum May 13th
On May 13, 2008 South Portland voters will be asked to vote in a referendum on the school budget. This new approval process is a result of State legislation requiring voter approval on all school budgets throughout Maine. The city will be using the Community Center as a common voting location for all residents. Don't forget to vote on May 13th.
For more information on the Budget please visit www.spsd.org!
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to the National Honor Society New Inductees!
New Inductees include:
Seniors:
Eli Noll
Carolyn Conley
Amanda Berglund
Hannah Rosengren
Juniors:
Brianna Hawkins
Joseph Jones
Megan Lundgren
Cassandra Lyons
Elisabeth Soong
Jacob Viola
Sean Feely
Samuel Chatto
Mark O'Donnel
Francis Manuel
Tanner Burgdorf
Kirsten Bakke
Kevin Campbell
Elizabeth Donovan
Andrea King
Kimberly Loeffel
Margaret Bagely
Stephanie Lange
David Hardison
Ryan Chapin
Laura Patriquin
James Arn
FBLA News
Congratulations to Mr. Hunter's Future Business Leaders of America members who competed Monday and Tuesday at the State FBLA Leadership Convention. The following students received awards:
Nathan Marles (2009) was elected as Maine's State FBLA Reporter. He also placed 3rd in Word Processing II, 3rd in Help Desk, 2nd in Web Site Development, 1st in Management Information Systems, and 1st in Spreadsheet Applications.
Parker Gerrish (2009) was elected as the Maine's State Parliamentarian. He also placed 2nd in Web Site Development, 1st in Parliamentary Procedures, and 1st in Computer Applications.
Joe McGreehan (2008) placed 3rd in Computer Problem Solving, 3rd in Database Design and Application, 3rd in Cyber Security, and 2nd in Management Information Systems.
John Petitto (2009) placed 3rd in Personal Finance.
JC Esquibel (2010) placed 1st in the Job Interview competition.
Mr. Hunter will now be working with Nathan Marles, Parker Gerrish, and the other Maine State FBLA Officers as one of their State Advisors. These students are now eligible to compete at the National FBLA Leadership Convention in Atlanta, Georgia at the end of June. Congratulations!
Robotics News
Congratulations to the SPHS Riot Crew (aka the SPHS Robotics Team) , who received Granite State FIRST Regional Finalist silver medals in the 2008 competition "FIRST OVERDRIVE" . The team also team received this year's General Motors Industrial Design Award for its robot. Sponsored by Fairchild Semiconductor, the Riot Crew has 24 student members and large number of adult mentors and supporters. Great work, Riot Crew! Look for the team and the robot as they travel around this spring!
Team 58 Riot Crew
From Bottom to Top, From Left to Right..Joe Luther, Ross Usinger, Jason Hoy, Chris Carter, Sam Helmke,(captain) Eli Hemes, Jacob Emery, Jon Meade, Chuck MacAloon, Kyle Burnham, Michael Carter, (captain) Christine MacAloon, Ralph Newell, Kandi Lee Hoy, Jim Milan, Jack Manning, Patrick Perkins, Ben Prueser, Jim Henningson, Jim Kenney, Parker Watts, Eric Mills, Beth Gwozdz, Jeff Williams, Terry Martin, Sean Martin, Robert Libby, Joe Henningson, Andy Prueser, Scott Baker, Steve Martin, Sam Naseef, Zach Little.
Honor Society Induction Ceremony
On Tuesday evening, March 11, the World Languages Honor Society inducted 40 students, bringing the 2008 group membership to a total of 76.
Students receiving honors this year included American Sign Language students Molly Bogart, Kelly Chisolm, *Emily Conroy, Tyler Esposito, Vanessa Foley, Kayla Ferrara, Manica Hing, *Christine Linneken, Patricia Lusty, *Megan Lynch, *Kendall Morong, Katie Mortenson, *Amber Paradis, *Brittany Plummer, *Kalie Swiger, *Angela Tucci, *Sarah Violette, Casey Wallace, *Abigail Willwerth. French students honored were Thomas Biskup, Dorothea Crowley, Christina DiSanto, Michelle Harvey, *Brianna Hawkins, Bryan Huynh, *Johnna Landau, *Stephanie Lange, Emily Ledue, *Molly O’Brion, *Elizabeth Soong, *John Soong, Samantha Story, Chelsea Towson, Rebecca Volent, *Will Whipple.
Latin students who received honors were *Chris Biskup, *Victoria Elwell, Christina Johns, George Murray, Alison Reddy, Emilio Rodriguez, Victoria Stiles, *Chris Verrill and Brianna Wing. Spanish students honored included Jessica Aceto, Katherine Ambrose, *Margaret Bagley, *Kirsten Bakke, Jacob Bruneau, Carolyn Conley, *Tanner Burgdorf, *Kevin Campbell, *Ryan Chapin, *Sam Chatto, Erin Coyne, *Elizabeth Donovan, *Sean Feely, Kelsey Flaherty, *Yumelsy Florian, Rebecca Hasson, *David Hardison, *Terry Ho, Sarah Howard, *Joe Jones, *Annie King, Hannah Kramer, *Zachary M. Lailer, Lauren LaPointe, *Kim Loeffel, *Francis Manuel, Meaghan McKinnon, *Mark O’Donnell, *Laura Patriquin, Coral Sandler, *Jalana Sloatman, and *Jake Viola. (The * indicates that this student is a 2008 inductee.)
The Honor Society is comprised of students who have studied French, Spanish or Latin, are juniors or seniors in their third, fourth or fifth year of study of the same language and who have maintained a 93 average or higher; Also American Sign Language who have completed 6 consecutive quarters in the language, and have maintained a 93+ academic standard are eligible.
Band News
Congratulations to the members of the South Portland High School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo for their award winning performances this past weekend at the Maine State Jazz Festival. The Jazz Combo, led by Blake Hawley - winner of an outstanding musicianship award, placed third in it's division. The Jazz Ensemble, led by outstanding musicianship award winners Blake Hawley and Albie Gingrich, scored 94.2 in the night finals, edging out Nokomis, Cony and Westbrook for 1st place. This marks the 9th time in 14 years SPHS has won this event.
Congratulations to SPHS Winter Guard and captain Sophie Boyce on winning GOLD at State Finals!!
Senior Homebase Letter
Click here for important graduation information for seniors.
AP Award Given
Siemens Award for Advanced Placement! Press coverage of the award includes a half page in USA Today on Feb. 25! The $1,000 prize will help to send members of the Science Dept. to their national conference in Boston later this month.
Budget Timeline
Click here for a letter to the community regarding the school district budget and public meetings discussing it.
Redistricting Advisory Committee Minutes
For information regarding the redistricting committee at SPHS visit the following website: http://www.spsd.org/redist_adv_com_08jan08.html.
Teacher Awards
SPHS Instrumental Music teacher Craif Skeffington has been featured by his professional journal, School Band and Orchestra, in its annual article "50 Directors Who Make a Difference". Mr. Skeffington is the outstanding Maine music educator highlighted for diligently working to make a positive difference in our nation's youth. When asked about his proudest moment, Mr. Skeffington wrote, "I've had several students (and student teachers) who've gone through our program who are now music teachers themselves. It's fun to go to a state conference now and see them together."
Jessica Kaplan, SPHS English teacher, has been chosen to UNUM's Maine Educators' Hall of Fame - Starting 6! Her recognition is based on the amazing success that she has had with her students in Testwise, our SAT prep class that Ms. Kaplan developed and teaches. She plays a unique and direct role in working to prepare our students for college, career, and citizenship by offering this free course as part of the SPHS curriculum. This year Ms. Kaplan's students experienced an average 178 point increase between PSATs and SATs! She will be honored at the Feb. 1 Portland Pirates game at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Free vouchers are available to all SPHS students who wish to attend the game and cheer for her and the Pirates!
SPHS English teacher Brian Jandreau has been recognized as Maine's Milken Foundation Educator of the year! At a surprise school-wide assembly on Friday, October 19th, in the presence of 1,000 enthusiastic students, staff members, invited dignitaries, and members of the media, "Mr. J" was award a check for $25,000 by Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron. The ceremony was covered by Channels 6, 8, and 13 as well as the Portland Press Herald and local newspapers. Mr. Jandreau was selected by a blue ribbon panel from Augusta for his strong connection with students and his ability to teach his students to appreciate writing and literature. A prolonged standing ovation expressed gratitude and support for Mr. Jandreau!
Project Scholarship Receives Contribution in Long-Time Volunteer Name
South Portland High School honors long-time school volunteer leader Ralph Cabana with a $5,000 contribution in his name to South Portland Project Scholarship. SPPS is kicking off a capital fund-raising campaign that will result in a scholarship for every graduating SPHS senior pursuing post-secondary education.
Next to academics, financial difficulty is the biggest reason a student does not complete a degree program. SPPS was formed to provide funds for every graduate of South Portland High School. Our community’s businesses and individuals contribute funds that make a strong statement to our graduates about our faith and hopes for their futures.
Information about Project Scholarship can be found online at: http://projectscholarship.spsd.org/
Pictured: Jake Viola, President of the Student Senate, Jeanne Crocker, Principal, (both members of the SPPS) and Ralph Cabana, Volunteer.
Mumps Letter from the Maine Deptartment of Health and Human Services
Direct from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services here is a letter to parents regarding mumps.
Senior Video Order Forms
You can now download the Senior Video ordering form here: http://highschool.spsd.org/downloads/2008comboordersend.pdf. All orders are due by June 1st. If you would like to contribute photos and video for the senior video, submissions are due by May 1st.
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