South Portland Schools

Skillin Elementary School’s Civil Rights Team hosted a Multicultural Day filled with activities from around the world! The day began with an all-school assembly featuring a Parade of Nations. Students then participated in a variety of activities led by the Civil Rights Team, including creating custom flags, exploring world maps, playing flag football, practicing origami, and enjoying soccer, rugby, and more.

Students from South Portland gathered at the Maine Graduate and Professional Center in Portland to be recognized for their business plan submissions for the Maine Startup Challenge through the Maine Venture Fund.

Students from across the state submitted business plan proposals with hopes of winning money to start their own businesses. Sixth grader Safa Hilowle and seventh grader Jussara Batalha’s individual business plans both made it to the Semi Finalist round (top 6 in the state!) Sixth grader Blakely Emmerich’s business plan “Petlink,” which is a business to help connect local animal shelter animals with members in the community, won third place in the state for the K-8 division!

Sophomore Camille Merritt’s business plan, “The Clementine Club,” which is a subscription box that would deliver spotlights on female business founders, hands-on activities, and lessons on real concepts like budgeting and marketing for upper elementary and early middle school aged girls who are interested in entrepreneurship, won third place in the state for the High School division, and her idea also won her the “Audience Choice” award where she earned $500! This summer Camille will be studying global entrepreneurship in Dublin, Ireland through CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad program.

📸: South Portland finalists (Left to right: sophomore Camille Merritt and sixth grader Blakely Emmerich from South Portland schools.)

Thank you to our community who participated in the election! The proposed school budget for the 2026-27 school year passed, ensuring that South Portland schools will continue to serve students and support the mission of enriching lives through quality learning for all.

🗳️ School Budget Referendum voting: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the school budget, visit: spsdme.org/budget27.

For more information on voting and to find your polling location, visit: southportland.gov/elections

Congratulations to the South Portland High School Class of 2026! 🎓 The Red Riots celebrated their hard work, perseverance, achievements, and memories made together at their graduation ceremony with family, friends, educators and staff. We are so proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see what comes next!

Yesterday, South Portland High School seniors participated in a longtime favorite tradition, the Graduate Parade! They put on their caps and gowns and took a walk down memory lane, visiting the elementary and middle schools they once attended. Hallways were filled with cheers, high fives, smiles, and hugs as younger grades celebrated the Class of 2026 and teachers reconnected with former students.

Congratulations, graduates! Your journey has brought you full circle, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you when you receive your diplomas later today! 🎉🎓

From the classroom to real-world careers! 👶🩺

South Portland High School students recently participated in the Youth Doula Initiative, an Extended Learning Opportunity developed through a partnership between Justine Carlisle, Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) ELO Navigator and Tara Campbell, founder of Birthing Doula and Birthing Gently.

Students had hands-on learning from professionals in the field focused on maternal health, pediatrics, and public health. For many participants, the experience opened their eyes to new career paths and opportunities.

Senior Zeila Monteiro shared: “The Youth Doula Initiative helped me understand what it truly means to be a doula and gave me a deeper understanding of each stage of pregnancy. It focuses on communication, support, and emotional reassurance, which are important skills for us as young adults.”

🔗 Read the full story from the Maine Department of Education to learn more about this impactful program on spsdme.org!

Kaler Elementary Alumni & Community Open House
🗓️ 5:30-6:30 PM Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Alumni, families, and community members are invited to walk the halls, explore the building, and reconnect with memories made at Kaler over the years. A selection of school artifacts and memorabilia will be on display, and guests are encouraged to share stories of their time at Kaler.