Announcements

Updates from the State. Notably, all state testing has been waived for the year. So, no SAT School Day and no MEA Science for 11th graders.

Students experiencing issues with their school provided Chromebooks or school email addresses should make an appointment to visit the tech hours at the school. You can also report your broken device by emailing simonk@portlandschools.org

Hotspots provided to families prior to the summer break should be reactivated. If you are experiencing difficulties with the hotspot, please let us know by calling the school or emailing simonk@portlandschools.org.

Pre-packaged meals (lunch and breakfast for the next day) are available to school-aged children from 10:00-12:00 daily, Monday-Friday. All children under 18 years of age are eligible to receive a meal, but they MUST be present. Distribution will be organized to minimize contact. Families will be able to “drive or walk up” to the outdoor station at the school sites listed below.

The approved food distribution sites are: Deering High School, Portland High School, Presumpscot Elementary School, Riverton Elementary School, Rowe Elementary School, Moore Middle School, & King Middle School. Families and students may go to the site that is most convenient for them.

We will do our best to continue to keep you up to date. Please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions or call the Main Office between 8:00 am to 2:30 pm at 874-8260.

As of April 13th “GRAB-AND-GO” DINNER IS AVAILABLE AT ALL FIVE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBHOUSES to any person 18 or under on Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. only *Additional meals for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Weekends will be available on Monday, Wednesday , and Friday. No pick up on Tuesdays and Thursdays now.* Sites include: Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse (Auburn), Portland Clubhouse, Riverton Park Clubhouse (Portland), Sagamore Village Clubhouse (Portland), South Portland Clubhouse.

Wayside Food Programs continues to update the list of food pantry and community meal resources available in the Greater Portland Area and Cumberland County. For an updated list of information, please click here.

These are difficult times for many of us. Seek help if you need it:

• • Maine Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112 (774-HELP) (mental health emergencies)

  • 211Maine.org: 211 (warm line for accessing resources)

  • Through These Doors: 1-800-537-6066 (domestic violence hotline)

  • For emergencies call: 911

Anyone can reach volunteer crisis counselors by texting 741741. Click here for more information.

For residents of York and Cumberland Counties who don’t have Portland Public Library cards, they can request a free temporary e-card so they may use PPL’s online resources. Just have them e-mail lending@portlib.org .

With the e-card, they can access Portland’s e-books, e-audio books, and databases including Tumblebooks story readings for children while your local libraries are closed.

The PPS Food Fund

The families of many Portland Public Schools students are food insecure, and those students depend on daily school meals to get enough to eat. Donating to the PPS Food Fund can help get these families through this crisis.

The Families in Crisis Fund

The Families in Crisis fund helps the School District assist families with emergency needs. With the pandemic, this need has increased for the Portland School District's most vulnerable children and their families.

Ms. Williams compiled this list of ways you can volunteer.