Memorial Middle School

Week 5 - Monday, September 28 - Friday, October 2

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Happy Monday! I hope that you were able to enjoy some time to relax with friends and family. Our band students played the National Anthem to open the marching band competition at SPHS on Saturday night. A number of our students also march in the High School's marching band and were part of the outstanding performance.

On Wednesday we have an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed from school at 11:45 a.m. and they will take their buses home shortly thereafter. I have included the bell schedule below. If your child is participating in a sport after school, he/she will have to leave school and return for practice at the appropriate time.

Next Tuesday, we will begin our NECAP testing. All of our students will take two tests each morning on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Our 8th graders will have an additional day of testing on Friday when they will take two writing tests. As with the MEAs, it is so important that all students get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school. Students should bring a water bottle, pencils and a calculator. I have also asked our volunteer coordinators to send out an email asking parents to help us by donating snacks for students during the week of testing.

Our "Learning Together" night last week had to be canceled because we did not have enough parent registrations. We do plan on offering another night in the coming weeks. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please do remember to register so we can make sure it takes place.

Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered their time and energy to help us carry out our Vaccine Clinic last Thursday. I am thrilled to report that the clinic was very smooth and, thanks to our volunteers, it was very organized and efficiently carried out. Thank you also to our outstanding school nurse, Sue Comyns, for her leadership in this immense effort.

Last Thursday was also the launch of our annual Magazine Drive. The Magazine Drive is our biggest school-wide fundraiser. We have continued to participate in the Magazine Drive because many families continue to receive magazine and can simply re-order their subscription through this fundraiser, allowing us to get a percentage of the order. We recognize that there is a lot of material for you to sort through, but we would ask that you do take the time to read the material and do whatever you can to support our fundraising effort. We will also put a link on our website to the online ordering. Our collection days will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week.

We are aware that one of our buses, but #4, continues to arrive to school between 7:45 and 7:50 a.m. After speaking with members of the Transportation Department, they have explained that at this point they do not see this arrival time changing. We will continue to work with the Transportation Department to explore any and all possibilities but in the mean time, please encourage your child to get breakfast at home before coming to school as time will be very limited before students have to report to their homerooms.

An important reminder that students begin class at 7:55 a.m. If you are dropping your child off in the morning, please do all that you can to ensure that he/she arrives in time to get to his/her locker and then to class in time. When a student walks into class late, it interferes with classroom learning. Teachers start classes with bell work or activities at the beginning of class and students miss important material when they miss the opening minutes of class. Your understanding and cooperation with helping us to protect important learning time is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for all of your emails. We have been updating the links on our database.

If you are not getting the email, please send an email to Raye-Lin Merry (merryra@spsd.org).

A message from Mr. Conant regarding athletics this week:
Athletics Schedule for the week of 9-28-09
Wednesday is Early Release - Athletes will need to come back to Memorial for games or catch the bus at 2:15

Football:
Practice Monday - Wednesday 2:45 - 4:30
Thursday Game @ home vs Wescott 3:30 start
Practice Friday - 2:45-4:30

7th & 8th Grade Girls' Soccer:
7th & 8th grade Monday game @ Windham (3:30-8th 4:30-7th)
7th & 8th practice Tuesday - 2:45-4:00
7th & 8th grade Wed. home W/Mahoney - (3:30-8th 4:30-7th)
7th & 8th NO practice Thursday
7th & 8th practice Friday - 2:45-4:00

7th & 8th Grade Boy' Soccer:
7th & 8th grade Monday home w/Windham (3:30-8th 4:30-7th)
7th & 8th practice Tuesday - 2:45-4:00
7th & 8th grade Wed. game @ Mahoney - (3:30-8th 4:30-7th)
7th & 8th practice Friday - 2:45-4:00
7th & 8th practice Friday - 2:45-4:00

X-Country
Practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 2:45-3:30
Wednesday - meet @ Scarborough 3:30 start

Field Hockey:
Practice Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 2:45-4:00
Tuesday game home W/King (8th @ 3:30 - 7th @ 4:30)

Community Announcements
Community Medication Collection on Saturday, October 17
There will be a medication collection on Saturday, October 17 from 10:00-2:00 p.m. at the Cape Elizabeth Town Center Fire Station and at the South Portland Rec Center. You can safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired medications that are sitting in medicine cabinets. This is an effort to raise awareness about safe ways to dispose of old medications, and to discourage people from flushing them or stashing them. Unused, unwanted or outdated pills, ointments, drops, prescriptions, veterinarian meds and over the counter items can be brought to these locations.

Have a wonderful week. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Megan Welter

Events this week:
Monday, September 28-Day #4
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 302 for students on 6th grade 2-person team & for 8th graders
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 108 for students on 6th grade 3-person team & for 7th graders
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start

Tuesday, September 29 - Day #5
Connections begin today - schedule is below
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 302 for students on 6th grade 2-person team & for 8th graders
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 108 for students on 6th grade 3-person team & for 7th graders
2:30 p.m. - Yearbook Club meeting - Room 204
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start

Wednesday, September 30 - Day #6
No Homework Club
11:45 a.m. - EARLY RELEASE for students
5:30 p.m. - REACH students return from Leadership Education Conference

EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE
GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8
8:00-8:40 Period 1 8:00-8:40 Period 1 8:00-8:40 Period 1 RA
8:40-9:30 Period 2 8:40-9:20 Period 2 RA 8:40-9:20 Period 2
9:30-10:25 Period 3 RA 9:20-10:00 -Period 3 9:20-10:00 Period 3
10:25-10:45 LUNCH 10:00-10:45 Period 6 10:00-10:50 Period 6
10:50-11:15 Period 4 10:50-11:15 Period 4 10:50-11:10 LUNCH
11:15-11:45 Period 5 11:15-11:40 LUNCH 11:10-11:45 Period 5
11:40-11:45 Homeroom

Thursday, October 1 - Day #1
No Homework Club
2:30 p.m. - Staff meeting in library
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start
5:00 p.m. - Flu Clinic "Make Up" - Parents must be present

Friday, October 2 - Day #2
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start

Activities on the Horizon
October 7 - Progress Reports go home
October 12 - Holiday - No School

Daily Announcements September 25

Today is Day 3.

The first magazine collection day is this Monday, September 28.

Today is a Performance Jazz Band day during workshop.

There is no Drama Club rehearsal today.

Athletics
Boys soccer (grade 8 only) @ Gulliver Field - 3:30
Girls soccer @ home - 3:30 & 4:30

Tonights grade 6 Camp Kieve parent night has been cancelled.

Daily Announcements September 23

Today is Day 1.

Athletics
Girls Soccer @ home vs Scarborough- grade 8 @ 3:30, grade 7 @ 4:30
Boys Soccer @ Scarborough - grade 8 @ 3:30, Grade 7 @ 4:30
Cross Country @ Lyman Moore - 3:30

The Builder's Club will meet today after school in room 307.

The Culture Club will meet after school in room 215.

The magazine drive begins tomorrow. The first collection day is Monday, September 28.

Daily Announcements September 22

Today is Day 6.

Today is a Performance Jazz Band day during Workshop.

Fall sports pictures are today beginning at 1:35 in the gym. Athletes should wait to be called down.

Homework Club is in room 302 today. There is no Homework Club in room 108.

There is a Yearbook meeting today at 2:30 in room 204.

Athletics
Field Hockey @ Gorham - grade 8 @ 3:30, grade 7 @ 4:30

The Builder's Club starts Wednesday after school in room 307.

The Culture Club will meet on Wednesday after school in room 215.

The magazine kick off assembly is Thursday. Grade 6 @ 8:00, grades 7 & 8 @ 9:35.

Parent Memo Corrections

The football game on Thursday will be at Memorial, not at Biddeford.

The Early Release Day is on September 30.

Parent Forum Scheduled for September 22 has been Canceled

The Parent Forum Scheduled for September 22 has been canceled. Parents who are interested in meeting are welcome to join us for our Learning Together night on Wednesday night, September 23 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Join us to hear about the students' experiences at Camp Kieve! Our next Parent Forum will be held on October 22 at South Portland High School. We will discuss Internet Safety. We hope to see you there.

Volunteers Needed for Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, September 24

Volunteers are needed to assist in the Influenza Vaccination Clinic on September 24. If you are able to help, please contact Janet Flynn in the Main Office, flynnja@spsd.org. If you have questions, you may also contact Sue Comyns, school nurse, comynssu@spsd.org. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Influenza Vaccination Clinic "Job Descriptions"
Registration Table You will greet students from their classrooms, find the completed permission form in the grade level folder and attach the child's name tag, which must remain in place until the child returns to class.

Supportive Escort for Unaccompanied Students From Registration Table to Vaccine Area to 15 Minute Observation Tables -
Provide positive support as student proceeds

Observation (15 Minute Wait) Tables
Registered Nurse(s) and So Portland EMS will observe for potential vaccine reactions. Others will keep students focused on activities, stories, quiet conversations, other age appropriate ideas

"Vegas" Room in the Library will be used for those students in distress. This will protect their dignity and prevent other students from becoming upset. Students will not be forced or restrained.
Nurturing supportive attempts will be made to enable students to receive their vaccine safely.

Runner/Communicate Needs & Concerns
Need to take prompt action to solve a problem, secure needed item(s), get or give message to an identified person.

The Nursing Department also is looking for help with the Flu Shot Clinics. If you are a RN or if you have nursing experience, please consider joining us on Thursday. We are hoping to have a few extra nurses to keep an eye on kids who have had their shots to watch for reactions. There will be EMT staff available for the clinic, but it is our hope to have an extra person or two. Please contact Sue Comyns comynssu@spsd.org if you are interested in this role.

Smile ! Relax ! Reassure ! Role Model ! Have Fun ! THANK YOU

Learning Together Night - Building on the Lessons from Camp Kieve

There will be a "Learning Together Night" at Memorial Middle School on September 23 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Megan Welter welterme@spsd.org.

Parent Monday Memo - Week 4 - Monday, September 21-Friday, September 25

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It's been another gorgeous weekend and I hope that everyone was able to enjoy it! Welcome back to our 6th grade students who spent most of the week at Camp Kieve. More than 100 of our students spent the week with our staff and with the staff at Camp Kieve learning a common language and skills to use the language, as well as learning more about themselves and others. The students reported that they had a great time and that they learned a great deal. With that said, the teachers and the students also reported being exhausted by the end of the week. Everyone is looking forward to using these newly acquired skills in the classroom and settling into a routine.

We had a number of parents join us at Camp Kieve to participate in the "Learning Together" program as well as the evening dinner and activities. The "Learning Together" program includes information and instruction much like that which the students received during their time at Camp Kieve. We recognize that not every parent was able to get to Nobleboro to visit their child at Camp Kieve and to participate in the Learning Together activities of that day. The staff at Camp Kieve has offered to provide a Learning Together evening for the parents at Memorial Middle School this Wednesday night. The evening will go from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. The plan is to have two 45-minute sessions for parents as well as a light dinner. If you would be interested in attending this parent night, please email me (welterme@spsd.org) by Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. We need approximately 20 parents to attend in order to hold this event, so please RSVP at your earliest convenience.

Our 6th graders return in time for a very busy week. On Thursday, we will hold the first Vaccination Clinic. The nurses from the VNA will be at Memorial first thing in the morning and will administer the vaccinations to our students throughout the day. We will also begin our school-wide fundraiser this week. Your child(ren) will bring home an informational packet on Thursday. Please read over this information and do all that you can to support your student with this fundraiser. Students will need to bring their order forms in for collection days twice each week.

The students in our band will play the National Anthem at the Marching Band competition at South Portland High School this Saturday night. I have heard the students rehearse for their big performance and I can tell you that they sound great! If you have time on Saturday evening, come to the stadium at SPHS for a night of entertainment.

Thank you for all of your emails. We have been updating the links on our database.
If you are not getting the email, please send an email to Raye-Lin Merry (merryra@spsd.org).

A message from Mr. Conant regarding athletics this week:
Football:
Practice Monday - Wednesday 2:45 - 4:00
Game @ home vs Biddeford 3:30 start
Practice Friday - 2:45 - 4:00

7th & 8th Grade Girls' Soccer:
7th grade no Practice Monday
8th grade Monday home game W/SMCC - 4:40 start
7th & 8th practice Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:00
7th & 8th grade home game W/Scarborough - (8th 3:30 start)
7th & 8th practice Thursday - 2:45 - 4:00
7th & 8th grade home game W/Lincoln - (8th 3:40 start)

7th & 8th Grade Boy' Soccer:
7th grade no Practice Monday
8th grade Monday home game W/SMCC - 3:40 start
7th & 8th practice Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:00
7th & 8th grade @/Scarborough - (8th 3:30 start)
7th & 8th practice Thursday - 2:45 - 4:00
7th & 8th grade @/Lincoln - (8th 3:30 start)

X-Country
Practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 2:45 - 3:30
Wednesday - meet @ Lyman Moore 3:30 start

Field Hockey:
Practice Monday, Wednesday & Friday 2:45 – 4:00
Tuesday @/Gorham 8th @ 3:00 - 7th @ 4:30
Thursday @/Wescott (8th only 3:30 start)

Community Announcements
Community Medication Collection on Saturday, October 17 - There will be a medication collection on Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the Cape Elizabeth Town Center Fire Station and at the South Portland Rec Center. You can safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired medications that are sitting in medicine cabinets. This is an effort to raise awareness about safe ways to dispose of old medications, and to discourage people from flushing them or stashing them. Unused, unwanted or outdated pills, ointments, drops, prescriptions, veterinarian meds and over the counter items can be brought to these locations.

Have a wonderful week. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are receiving this newsletter and would like to be removed from the list, please send an email to Janet Flynn (flynnja@spsd.org) in the Main Office.

Sincerely,
Megan Welter

Events this week:
Monday, September 21 - Day #5
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 302 for students on 6th grade 2-person team & for 8th graders
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 108 for students on 6th grade 3-person team & for 7th graders
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start
3:30 p.m. - Boys' Soccer vs. SMC at Memorial
4:30 p.m. - Girls' Soccer vs. SMC at Memorial

Tuesday, September 22 - Day #6
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 302 for students on 6th grade 2-person team & for 8th graders
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 108 for students on 6th grade 3-person team & for 7th graders
2:30 p.m. - Yearbook Club meeting - Room 204
2:45 p.m. - Team pictures for all athletic teams
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start
3:30 p.m. - Field Hockey vs. Gorham at Gorham

Wednesday, September 23 - Day #6
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 302 for students on 6th grade 2-person team & for 8th graders
2:15 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 108 for students on 6th grade 3-person team & for 7th graders
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start
3:30 p.m. - Boys' Soccer vs. Scarborough at Scarborough
3:30 p.m. - Girls' Soccer vs. Scarborough at Memorial
3:30 p.m. - Cross Country vs. Moore, SMC at PATHS (Portland)
5:30-8:00 p.m. - Kieve Parent Night - Follow up for 6th grade parents

Thursday, September 24 - Day #1
Magazine Drive Kick-Off
8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. - Vaccination Clinic at Memorial
NO HOMEWORK CLUB TODAY
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start
3:30 p.m. - Field Hockey vs. Wescott at Wescott
3:30 p.m. - Football vs. Biddeford at Biddeford
6:30 p.m. - Secondary School Facilities Committee - SPHS

Friday, September 25 - Day #2
No Homework Club
No late bus
2:45 p.m. - Drama & sports practices start
3:30 p.m. - Boys' Soccer vs. Lincoln at Gulliver Field in Portland
3:30 p.m. - Girls' Soccer vs. Lincoln at Memorial

Activities on the Horizon
Saturday, September 26 - 2 p.m.-10 p.m. - Marching Band Competition at SPHS - Memorial Band will play the National Anthem at the start of the show.
Sunday, September 27 - 2:00 p.m. - Celebration of the Life of Mike Eastman - SPHS Auditorium
September 30 - Early Release 11:45 a.m.
October 1 - Early Release 11:45 a.m.
October 7 - Progress Reports go home
October 12 - Holiday - No School

Talking to Children about Swine Flu: A Parent Resource

May 1, 2009
Talking to Children About Swine Flu (H1N1): A Parent Resource
Concern over Swine Flu (H1N1) can make children and parents anxious. Although to date very few people in the
United States have become sick, there is uncertainty about how far and quickly the virus will spread.
Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in people taking actions
that reduce the risk of illness. Helping children cope with anxiety regarding the flu requires providing prevention
information without causing alarm.
Children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children
may panic. Parents should reassure their children that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that
people throughout the country stay healthy. However, children also need factual, age appropriate information
about the potential seriousness of disease risk and concrete instruction about how to avoid infection and spread
of the virus. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them
a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.
Specific Guidelines
Remain calm and reassuring. Your children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions. What
you say and do about the flu virus and current prevention efforts can either increase or decrease your child’s
anxiety. If true, emphasize to your children that they and your family are fine. Remind them that you and the
adults at their school are there to keep them safe and healthy. Let your children talk about their feelings and help
put their concerns into the appropriate perspective.
Make yourself available. Your children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their
concerns and questions. Make time for them. Tell them you love them and give them plenty of hugs and kisses.
Know the symptoms of Swine Flu and how it spreads. Symptoms of Swine flu include fever, sore throat,
and cough. Some people also have a runny nose, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The virus
is transmitted through the coughing or sneezing of people infected with the virus. People may also become
infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouths or noses. The virus is not
spread by eating pork or other foods.
Review basic hygiene practices. Encourage children to practice everyday good hygiene by washing their
hands, by covering their mouths with a tissue when they sneeze or cough, and by not sharing food or drinks.
These simple steps are very effective at preventing the spread of flu and other illnesses. Giving children guidance
on what they can do to prevent infection gives them a greater sense of control over the flu and will help to
reduce their anxiety.
Be honest and accurate. In the absence of factual information, children often imagine situations far worse
than reality. Don’t ignore their concerns, but rather explain that at the present moment the vast majority of
people, even those who are sick, will be okay. Nationwide, the number of people who are currently sick is very
small. Children can be told that there are many ways to avoid the virus and that doctors can help to treat people
who do get sick. Contact your school nurse or pediatrician and/or refer them to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) for factual information.
Discuss new rules or practices at school. Many schools will be enforcing prevention habits. This might
include more frequent hand washing or use of antibacterial soaps; for older children, schools may temporarily
limit activities where students are in close proximity or sharing items. Your school nurse or principal will send
information home. Be sure to discuss this with your child. Contact your school nurse with any specific questions.
May 1, 2009
Avoid excessive blaming. When tensions are high, some people exert excessive energy trying to assign blame.
It is important to avoid stereotyping any one group of people as responsible for the virus. Bullying or negative
comments made toward another ethnic group should be stopped and reported to the school.
Monitor television viewing. Limit television viewing or access to information on the Internet. Constantly
watching updates on the status of the flu virus can increase anxiety. Engage your child in games or other
interesting activities instead. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion,
particularly in young children.
Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and
promotes physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them
to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.
Communicate with your school. Let your school know if your child is sick, and keep them home. Talk to your
school nurse, school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker if your child is having difficulties as a
result of anxiety or stress related to the flu. They can give guidance and support to your child at school. Follow
all instructions from your school.
Take Time to Talk
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
You know your children best. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. However,
don’t avoid giving them the information that health experts identify as critical to ensuring your children’s health.
Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their concerns readily. Watch for clues that they may
want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. It is very typical for younger children
to ask a few questions, return to playing, then come back to ask more questions.
Keep Explanations Age Appropriate
 Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should balance Swine Flu facts with
appropriate reassurances that their schools and homes are safe and that adults are there to help keep them
healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. Give simple examples of the steps people take every day
to stop germs, such as washing hands.
 Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about
whether they truly are safe and what will happen if the Swine Flu comes to their school or community. They
may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to
prevent germs from spreading.
 Upper middle school and high school students are able to discuss the issue in a more in-depth (adultlike)
fashion and can be referred directly to appropriate sources of Swine Flu facts (e.g., the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention). Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status
of the Swine Flu. Having such knowledge can help them feel a sense of control.
Suggested Points to Emphasize When Talking to Children
 At the present time very, very few people are sick with the flu virus in this country. School and health officials
are being especially careful to make sure as few people as possible get sick.
 There are things we can do to stay healthy and avoid spreading disease, such as washing our hands,
covering our mouths with a tissue when we sneeze or cough, and staying home when we don’t feel well.
 Adults at home and school are taking care of your health and safety. If you have concerns, please talk to an
adult you trust.
 It is important that all students treat each other with respect and not jump to conclusions about who may or
may not have the flu.
For Further Information Visit:
 The National Association of School Psychologists: www.nasponline.org
 The National Association of School Nurses: www.nasn.org
 The National Parent Teacher Association: www.pta.org
Federal Resources:
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.hhs.gov/
 U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov

Keeping A MySpace Page Private - A Quiz

While MySpace age minimum is 14, we know that there are many of our students who have entered a "fake" birth date, indicating that they are older than they really are.

Many of our students have MySpace pages and believe that they are doing everything they should to ensure their safety and privacy. This site is a really interesting way to examine all of the different ways that students may unintentionally divulge more information about themselves than they intend. Parents, teachers, and students are invited to check out this site to test their knowledge:
http://www.komando.com/myspace/myspace11.asp

Career Cruising - Check it out!

Career Cruising is the web-based program that is used by our students at Memorial. This very exciting program allows students to explore careers that are of interest to them. There is also wonderful and helpful information about colleges and universities.

To check out this website, click on the link:
http://www.careercruising.com

Early College Planning Night

Memorial Middle School hosted speaker Steve Joyce from Bowdoin College on Feb. 5th. Steve discussed early college planning with parents and guardians of our elementary and middle school students. The cold weather didn't deter fifty people from hearing about a variety of college topics, including ways to search for colleges, ways to pay for college and how to find out more on all the related topics. The audience was animated and had the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one after Steve's more formal presentation. It was a wonderful evening with lots of very useful and timely information. If you are interested in learning more about college planning, visit the South Portland High School's website, specifically the guidance department link. Also, feel free to contact Brittney Sampson, Memorial guidance counselor at: sampsobr@spsd.org for a summary of the evening's topics and useful websites.

The 2007-2008 South Portland NCLB Report Card is now available.

The NCLB Report Card is an accountability and reporting tool required of all school districts that receive Title I funds through NCLB. South Portland receives federal funding to support literacy, professional development, English Language Learners, Safe and Drug Free Schools and Effective Learning Environments, and innovative education projects. This report will be created yearly based on data from the previous school year.

Print copies are available in each of the school's offices. A copy is also available at the South Portland Public Library, City Hall and in the Office of the Superintendent. The report is available online at www.spsd.org. Should you have questions about the content of the report, please contact Steven Bailey, Assistant Superindendent of Schools at 871-0555 or via e-mail at baileyst@spsd.org.