Mural by Wabanaki Artist Enhances Rowe School

A new mural at Rowe Elementary School promotes learning and beautifies the school, according to Rowe art teacher Jean Rank. Marissa Joly, a Wabanaki artist and recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine, collaborated with Rank to create the mural, which was painted by Joly and funded through a grant from the Foundation for … Read more

Student Art to Be on Display at PPS Central Office

Starting with the December First Friday Artwalk, Central Office will begin hosting student art shows. The first exhibit will open on Friday, Dec. 1, Central Office, at 353 Cumberland Avenue. Parents, staff and community members are invited to come from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  to enjoy the artwork lining the halls and in the … Read more

FPPS Provides Grants to 73 Educators Across the Portland Public Schools

The Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) has announced it is awarding $64,299 to Portland Public Schools staff members through the FPPS Equity and Innovation Grant program. Seventy-three teachers, ed techs, librarians, and other staff members will receive up to $1,250 each for classroom resources and experiences such as robotics clubs, purchasing math manipulatives, attending … Read more

East End School Educator Is 2024 Maine Teacher of Year!

Joshua Chard, a second- and third-grade looping teacher at East End Community School, has been named 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year. East End staff and students and state and local education officials celebrated Chard’s selection at that school on Wednesday morning, Oct. 11. He received multiple standing ovations from students and staff. This is the third time in … Read more

FPPS Equity and Innovation Grants

FPPS Equity and Innovation grant applications are available now. Please note that the guidelines have changed this year and all PPS staff are now eligible to apply (not just teachers).  You can read the full guidelines and apply here. The goal of this program (formally called PEF Teacher Grants) is to allow staff to invest … Read more

Meet the Foundation’s summer intern, Jo Ellis!

Jo is a rising junior at Casco Bay High School and her past few years there have helped her realize her interest in public education. She is currently a student member on the Portland School Board and she says it has been an extremely valuable experience for her. Jo hopes to pursue this passion and … Read more

Thank you to Generac for supporting STEM!

We are thrilled to announce a donation of $10,000 from Generac in South Portland. Generac, through the Generac Foundation, is committed to supporting STEM education in the communities where their employees live and work. The funds are designated to expand PPS resources and capacity to engage K-12 students in coding, robotics, and engineering as part of their … Read more

School Board To Confirm New Superintendent June 6

After a nationwide pool of 47 applicants was winnowed down to two strong finalists, the Portland Board of Public Education now is expected to confirm one of the two – Dr. Ryan Scallon – to be the new superintendent of the Portland Public Schools. Scallon, who currently is an assistant superintendent in the School District … Read more

A Transition for Portland Empowered

Portland Empowered

It’s been an honor to serve as the fiscal sponsor for Portland Empowered for the last few years and to partner with their staff and volunteers. Their work ensuring that historically underrepresented student and parent voices are reflected in the policy and practice of Portland Public Schools (PPS) supports and complements our mission.  At the end of … Read more