SPHS Update
October 1st, 2023
SPHS Community,
Last week was a challenging one in ways we didn't expect, and I want to publicly share my appreciation of our staff, who without exception, put our students first, as they always do. A HUGE HUGE shout out to them for their exceptional work on Friday.
As I mentioned in my last email on Friday, according to the mental health professionals on our team, our best next step is to proceed with as normal day as possible and have any supports that might be needed ready to go for individual students. We've got a solid plan in place for that. Onward.
We'll of course need to reschedule picture day again. More info will follow.
October 2nd, is National Custodial Worker's Recognition Day. We so appreciate these key employees who keep our schools and workplaces across the nation running smoothly. I've been in a fair number of schools, and I can tell you that our custodians are among the best. Thank you!
We also have an activities fair during lunches on October 2nd where students can learn about the huge breadth of offings we have for students at SPHS.
Conference scheduling is live. Please sign up using the link below to meet with your students teachers. You can schedule either an in person meeting or a phone meeting.
Friday, October 6th is a Staff In service day and we will not have school. Monday, October 9th is Indigenous Peoples Day and there is no school.
Friday October 13th is our PSAT day. 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT at SPHS. 9th and 12th graders will be starting at SPHS and then going to SMCC for a field trip. Be sure to complete the permission slip so that your 9th and/or 12th graders will be able to participate.
It's a beautiful day today. Get outside before it gets too cold!
Most importantly though, peace, love, and joy to you all.
Take care and be well,
Scott Tombleson (He/Him/His - What is this?)
Principal - South Portland High School
Important Information
Our school day begins at 8:10am, with a warning bell at 8:05. Please be sure your student arrives on time.
Meals: All students will once again receive free breakfast and lunch. Breakfast will be available until 8:35 am.
Transportation Changes
If you have any questions regarding this time change, please contact our Transportation Office at 207-767-7714 or email taylorst@spsdme.org
SPHS Yearbook
All Things Yearbook-Related:
For Seniors:For any senior who didn't receive the code last spring, or when it was resent it earlier this week, the Join Code is 5bsvmxy
Senior Photos – Submission Deadlines:
If mailing or Google classroom, October 1.
If submitting to the high school, before block 1 on October 2.
Senior Recognition Ad Contract and Yearbook Website:
Attached is the contract for Senior Recognition Ads. Parents are offered two options for
creating the ads:
Option 1: Parents create the ad themselves online at www.jostensadservice.com. The deadline is February 1, 2024 to complete the ad.
Option 2: Parents have the yearbook staff create the ad for them using the attached form. The deadline for this is December 1, 2023. There are three ad sizes that are only available by using this option (2/3 page, 1/3 page, and 1/16 page).
The yearbook website containing details about submitting senior photos (and optional baby or
childhood photos) is https://sites.google.com/view/headlightyearbook/2024-headlight-yearbook/2024-senior-section
General Information for Seniors and their Families:
2024 Parent Facebook Group: For those who have Facebook accounts, you may access
information here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/248051131136625
Please note that we will include all Senior info in our daily announcements, which are uploaded to the high school website. Additionally, there is a Senior Graduation News page:
https://sites.google.com/spsdme.org/sphsgraduation
Check this site often for updates!
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Friday, September 15th marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through until October 15th.
From the National Archives:
"We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988."
The Learning Commons will have a display of books by Hispanic and Latino authors for you to check out. We have also created a resource guide on Hispanic and Latino history and heritage. While it is in no way complete, it offers a nice starting point to read about the rich history, contributions, and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
My School Bucks Meal Account
Though Free Breakfast and Lunch (including a second serving of certain items) is provided every day for every student, there are other items available for purchase. For these items, SPSD has the My School Bucks Meal Accounts.
Check Balance
Skip the cash and check! Make paying for lunch easy and secure. Make sure your student has lunch money for the week. Check their balance anytime at
MySchoolBucks.com or on-the-go with the app!
Log in or create your FREE account today: https://hssk12.co/2BF7qWx
Mobile App
Take MySchoolBucks with you wherever you go. Get the app to view purchases, add funds, and check balances anytime, anywhere!
Download Today: https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/msb-app
We have APPS!
Greater Portland Health Clinic at SPHS
South Portland High School is partnered with Greater Portland Health to provide a School Based Health Center (SBHC) and a School Based Dental Clinic
The School Based Health Center offers a variety of healthcare services to students directly in schools. This allows for easy access and scheduling for healthcare & saves time for student and parents/guardians.
Services offered include:
Primary medical Health Services, Sports Physicals, Treatment of Minor illnesses, Management of Chronic conditions, Vaccines, and Family Planning services. Behavioral Healthcare.
Dental cleanings, fluoride and sealants.
School staff will coordinate with the School Based Health Center team to connect students to care.
All students must have an enrollment signed by a parent/guardian (if less than 18 years old) in order to be seen in the clinic by a medical provider or behavioral health provider. Return your enrollment form to the School Nurse.
We welcome ALL students to enroll in the SBHC, even if they have a primary care provider elsewhere. We coordinate care with Primary Care Providers while providing easy to access services within school.
Please see the school nurse for an enrollment form to the School Based Health Clinic and Dental Clinic.
College Visits at SPHS
Dates to Note
- October 6th - Staff In-Service, No school
- October 9th - Indigenous Peoples Day, No school
- October 12th - Fall Conferences
- October 13th - PSAT Day for 10th & 11th - SMCC Field Trip for 9th and 12th
- October 18th - Early Release, 11:55am
- November 10th - Veterans Day (Observed), No school
