Jeanine Bischoff 
Sam Rosenthal, Portland High School Class of 1971, used to think that dinosaur-hunting required a degree in paleontology. “For a long time, I thought that only professionals could find fossils,” Rosenthal said. Then, on a work trip in the 90s, his boss asked if he wanted to collect fossils of ammonites (extinct shelled cephalopods) when … Read more
Thank you to our long-time partner, L.L.Bean, for their continued support of our collaboration with Rippleffect to provide outdoor adventure and team-building opportunities to our middle schoolers. Because of L.L.Bean’s generous donations, all King, Lincoln, and Lyman Moore Middle School students can participate in Rippleffect’s programming. These experiences introduce students to outdoor recreation activities that build self-confidence, strengthen relationships … Read more
The Foundation for Public Schools is looking for Alumni Sweetheart stories! Did you or someone you know meet and fall in love while they were attending Portland public schools? We’d love to hear their story! Shoot us an email at michael@foundationforpps.org.
Is there a Casco Bay, Deering, Portland, or Portland Adult Ed graduate you think deserves recognition? Please nominate them for the 2nd annual Foundation for Portland Public Schools Distinguished Alumni Awards. The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Portland Public Schools graduates who have notably distinguished themselves in some aspect of their lives. We ask that … Read more
The Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) is thrilled to bring vision vans to the Portland Public Schools (PPS) to provide students with free eye exams and glasses. On January 6-8, 2025, a van from Boston-based 20/20 Onsite will provide vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses to dozens of PPS students at no cost to … Read more
From News Center Maine: Author Rya Wooten. Watch the video! Portland Public Schools presented its “State of the Schools” address Monday at Portland City Hall, sharing highlights and challenges the district is experiencing. The plan focuses on five goals: equity, achievement, whole student, people, and systems. Portland public schools is Maine’s largest and most diverse public … Read more
In a heartwarming gesture of generosity, the Deering High School Class of 1959 recently donated $3,500 to their alma mater. Class President Tom Chittick, former basketball captain Tom Foley, and student council member Tom Foley presented the check to Principal Dr. Jake Giessman in his office. The class expressed a desire for the funds to … Read more
Meghan Mellor Trulaske Miers had a creative, philanthropic spirit that will live on in the Portland Public Schools, thanks in part to a generous gift in her memory. Meghan’s family has made a very generous pledge to the Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) over five years to enrich learning experiences for students. Before she … Read more
Our annual report is here! See how your support made the Portland Public Schools even better last year by clicking here to see our digital annual report.
Last spring, some of our school nurses came to the Foundation seeking help with two pressing needs that are disrupting learning: vision care and menstrual supplies. Our school nurses provide basic vision testing for students. However, there is a shortage of local providers who can assist students with MaineCare in need of more comprehensive vision … Read more