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
Guidance Events
The High School guidance counselors are excited to inform you of some upcoming events as well as new resources available to you through our department.
Our annual College Night for Juniors and Seniors will be held: Tuesday, October 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the SPHS library. Guest speaker will be: Reis Hagerman, Vice President for Enrollment, S. Joseph’s College.
Steve Joyce, Director of Student Aid at Bowdoin College, will be available to answer your financial aid questions on the following Parent Teacher Conference Nights: October 16th and November 20th from 4: 00 -7:30 and November 25th from1:00- 2:30. Call 767-7706 to make an appointment.
Our annual Financial Aid Night will be held December 3rd at 6:00 p.m. in the SPHS auditorium. Our guest speaker will be Steve Joyce, Director of Student Aid at Bowdoin College.
New resources are available to your student:
The Guidance Web Site can be found at www.highschool.spsd.org. Click on “Guidance” on the left hand menu tab and you will be connected to many college and financial aid resources.
Susanne MacArthur, retired SPHS English teacher, will be available on Tuesdays to help students with their college essays. Students can make an appointment to meet with her by e-mailing her at: macartsu@spsd.org . As always, your child’s English teacher is also helping students with their college essay.
HONORS CHALLENGE contract for Freshmen
Freshman students and their parents have received the Honors Challenge contract in the progress report mailing. Please return by Oct. 23. Freshman teachers and guidance counselors are available to answer any questions you may have. Honors Challenge is available in 9th Grade English, World History, Earth Science, Math IA, and Math I. All students are encouraged to consider contracting for Honors Challenge.
NEASC Accreditation Visit - Sunday, Nov. 2 - 5, 2008
Parents, students, and community members are invited to participate in our accreditation visit.
All are welcome to attend the 3:40 - 4:30 Sunday reception with the visiting committee in the cafeteria and to volunteer to meet in small group at 4:35 - 5:05 to share your thoughts on any and all aspects of SPHS. Please contact Jeanne Crocker (crockeje@spsd.org) if you are interested in participating.
Parent Forum on Thursday, Oct. 23, 6:30 - 7:30, SPHS library
"What's a Parent To Do?"
Learn about risky behaviors in which young people in South Portland are experimenting/participating.
Presenters are Amy Stephenson from Day One, Kara Tierney-Trevor, SPHS Social Worker, Allen Andrews, SPHS School Resource Officer, and David Brenner, SPHS liaison.
This Parent Forum is scheduled during Oct. 23 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences to allow the opportunity for parents to conference and attend this important forum on substance abuse, the choking game, etc.
Scheduling Conferences
Call Mrs. Brown at 767-3266 to schedule 15 minute Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences on Oct. 16 and 23, and Nov. 20 and 24 from 4:00 - 7:30 and Nov. 25 from 11:30 - 2:30. Have the names of teachers and support staff with whom you would like to conference. Senior parents are invited to schedule a 1/2 hour financial aid conference with Steve Joyce by calling Mrs. King in guidance.
Election News
In this election season it is exciting to note that volunteers Angela Griffiths and Ralph Cabana registered 55 future voters during lunches on Sept. 23, 24, and 25!
Commended Students in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program
The principal, Jeanne Crocker, of South Portland High School announced today that Sean Feely and Mark O'Donnell have been named Commended Students in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.
Seniors Jake Viola and Jalana Sloatman have also been selected as National Merit Semi-finalists based on their high PSAT scores and will pursue college scholarships through the foundation.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the national are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2009 competition from National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2009 competition by taking the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
"Recognition of academically talented students and the key role played by schools in their development is essential to the pursuit of educational excellence in our nation," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. "The young people named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program. We hope that this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and that they will continue to diligently pursue their professional goals."
Attention 2008 Grads and Parents
You may order enlargements of the graduation picture of you receiving your diploma from Tom Howe at 650-9794.
Student Achievements
Click here for a list of student achievements for spring 2008.
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.
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