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Reading to worms from picture books, digging in the dirt and transforming pine cones into bird feeders—all those fun learning activities are part of a unique, nature-based Portland Public Schools summer program helping rising kindergartners and first-graders get ready for school.

Learning at the Portland Public Schools doesn’t take a vacation during the summer. Learning opportunities are taking place to boost students’ confidence, grades and school-readiness. One such opportunity is Wayfinders, a six-week program at Talbot Community School for rising second- through fifth-graders at Talbot and Rowe schools. In partnership with Maine Audubon, Wayfinders uses a nature- and STEM-based program to offer math and reading support and hands-on learning through such activities as arts and crafts, sports, field trips and guest speakers.

Portland Adult Education (PAE) hosted a Workforce Graduation Ceremony on June 24 at Portland High School. The ceremony honored the remarkable achievements of approximately 120 individuals in the Class of 2026 who successfully completed one of PAE’s workforce programs

The Portland Public Schools is operating summer meal sites at 12 locations across the city of Portland this summer. All children and teens 18 years and younger can receive a nutritious meal free of charge to be enjoyed on site. The sites open July 6, 2026.

Twenty Portland Public Schools employees are retiring this year. The retirees were honored by the Portland Board of Public Education and the district in a ceremony on June 9, 2026. Those recognized have served throughout the district and held a wide variety of roles in service of students and families. The school year retirees include a school principal, a social worker, teachers, Food Service members, educational technicians, a secretary and a custodian, among others.

Following the return of election results on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Superintendent Ryan Scallon and Portland Board of Public Education Chair Sarah Lentz issued a joint statement expressing deep gratitude to city voters and partners for their resounding approval of the Portland Public Schools’ $179.3 million budget for fiscal year 2027. The budget was approved by a margin of more than 3 to 1.

East End Community School held its fifth annual celebration for beloved crossing guard Danny Lowe on June 3. Lowe, a young man with autism, has dedicated himself to helping students get safely across the intersection of North and Walnut streets since 2014. The school has celebrated him each spring, beginning in 2022.

Ellis Wood, valedictorian of the Deering High School Class of 2026, is a college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship winner, making him a National Merit Scholar. Wood is among just five Maine students recently announced as winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by the U.S. colleges and universities they plan to attend. Wood and the other Maine students are part of a select cohort of more than 2,500 National Merit Finalists nationwide to win the college-sponsored scholarships so far. In Wood’s case, he won a National Merit Tufts University Scholarship, which he'll attend this fall.

Casco Bay High School held its 18th graduation exercises on June 4, at Merrill Auditorium. While Casco’s graduates march to the stage to the traditional sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” what typically follows at Casco commencements is more unconventional. This year’s ceremony for the Class of 2026 was no exception, with good-natured jokes interspersing heartfelt personal testimonies and graduates jumping up from their seats to dance in the middle of the event.

Deering High School held its 152nd graduation exercises for the Class of 2026 on June 4, at Merrill Auditorium. Highlights of the student-centered morning ceremony included a “global welcome,” during which individual class members welcomed guests in 14 different languages, and heartfelt speeches by a total of five students. Also included were remarks from Superintendent Ryan Scallon and Deering Assistant Principal Carlie Frederick, as well as student musical performances and the presentation of diplomas.

Portland High School, one of the oldest operating public high schools in the United States, held its 205th graduation exercises on June 3 at Merrill Auditorium. The late morning ceremony included several moving tributes to Portland High Principal Sheila Jepson, who is retiring after leading the school for the past 10 years. The event also featured remarks by Superintendent Ryan Scallon, student speeches and musical performances and the presentation of awards and diplomas. 

Deering High School senior Alma Wallace has won a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, making her a Merit Scholar. She is one of just eight Maine seniors to be awarded that scholarship and among 2,500 Merit Scholars chosen from a nationwide talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The Portland Public Schools is proud to share that we have been officially recognized as a Common Sense District, a national honor awarded to school systems that demonstrate a strong, community‑wide commitment to digital citizenship and helping students thrive in today’s technology‑rich world. This recognition—from Common Sense Education, a national nonprofit devoted to educating students and families on technology and its uses—reflects the work happening across our schools to ensure students learn how to use digital tools safely, responsibly, and creatively. From understanding online privacy to navigating media literacy and building healthy digital habits, PPS educators are helping students develop the skills they need to learn, connect, and participate confidently in a digital age.

Nludi Celestino, a senior at Casco Bay High School, was chosen May 6 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2026 Maine State Youth of the Year! He entered the state competition after being selected as Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine’s Youth of the Year from a pool of candidates across the Southern Maine clubs in April.  He’ll compete in the Youth of the Year regional competition in June.

The process to approve a budget for the 2026-2027 school year is nearing an end. On Monday, May 18, the Council will hold a second reading and take public comment on the budget before voting on sending the school budget to Portland voters for final approval on Tuesday, June 9.

The City’s Finance Committee on April 28 voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the Board of Public Education’s recommended $179.3 million budget for fiscal year 2027 (FY27). The Council then held a public hearing and first read on the budget on Monday, May 4.

Rowe Elementary School second-graders got a firsthand demonstration of their classroom learning about ancient life forms when they visited the new fossil museum at Portland High School on April 14. PHS'  Rosenthal Museum of Natural History features an impressive collection of fossils, thanks to a generous donation from Sam Rosenthal, PHS Class of 1971. The fossils are Rosenthal’s own extensive collection and include ammonites, ancient alligator jaws, massive megalodon teeth and dinosaur bones. The museum is open to PPS educators and students, enhancing biology instruction and offering hands-on learning experiences. 

The Deering High School Science Olympiad Team took first place at the Maine State Science Olympiad Tournament, held April 11 at the University of Maine Orono. Deering’s student-scientists outperformed 16 teams from across the state, securing a spot to represent Maine at the National Tournament in Los Angeles on May 23. Now, to make this trip a reality, the team is working to raise $20,000 to cover airfare, transportation, lodging, food, and science equipment. The victory is a landmark achievement for Deering, coming just five years after the program’s inception. In addition to the team trophy, science teacher and advisor Cyle Davenport was honored with the Outstanding Coach Award for his role in steering the program to its first state title.

The public is invited to the forum to meet 10 candidates running to be Maine’s next governor and learn about their stance, priorities, and principles on issues impacting public education. Deering High School students will be moderating and posing tough questions.

The Board of Public Education recently recognized Portland High School librarian Susie Nick for winning the Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year Award for 2026. Nick received the award March 25 at a surprise staff meeting in the PHS Library. Maine Association of School Librarians Past-President Heather Perkinson presented Nick with an award certificate and a check for $500 to spend on the PHS Library. Nick was selected for promoting student achievement and creating a welcoming library environment.

On April 28, the City’s Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the Board of Public Education’s recommended $179.3 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The Council, which approves the bottom line of the school budget, will hold a public hearing and first reading of the school budget on Monday, May 4. On Monday, May 18, the Council will hold a second reading and again take public comment on the budget before voting to send a budget to Portland voters for a vote on Tuesday, June 9.

On Tuesday, April 14, the Board of Public Education voted to recommend a $179.3 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year to the City Council. “This important milestone reflects months of thoughtful collaboration, careful planning, and a shared commitment to supporting all of our students,” said Superintendent Ryan Scallon. “This budget represents a balanced approach—one that is fiscally responsible while ensuring we stay the course to success for every student, in alignment with our Strategic Plan.”