Portland schools consider later class starts for middle and high school students
The school board is scheduled to vote next week on the proposal, which would adjust schedules earlier for some elementary schools as well.
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High school and middle school students in Portland could get to sleep in a little longer next year if the school board approves a proposal for later start times for older students.
The proposal, which is scheduled for a vote on May 18, calls for middle and high schools to start at 8:20 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m., slightly later than in pre-pandemic times. The change would not apply to the Portland Arts and Technology High School, or PATHS, which would continue with its 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. schedule.
Portland high schools to hold in-person commencements this spring
Portland and Deering high schools will hold outdoor ceremonies, and Casco Bay High School students will graduate at Merrill Auditorium.
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Portland Public Schools announced Monday that it will hold in-person commencement exercises next month for about 500 seniors scheduled to graduate from Portland, Deering and Casco Bay high schools.
Portland and Deering high schools will stage outdoor ceremonies while Casco Bay High School, which has fewer students, will hold its commencement inside Merrill Auditorium, according to a district news release.
Deering High’s graduation will take place June 2 on Memorial Field at 11 a.m. while Portland High’s will be held June 3 at 11 a.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Casco Bay’s graduation will begin at 6 p.m. on June 3.
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Maine Public Jireh Nyarushatsi, at left, and Dan Ninziza are seniors at Casco Bay High School in Portland who recently got coronavirus vaccines.
As Maine races to get people vaccinated against COVID-19, getting shots into teens and young adults is critical. Cases of the disease are largely being driven by younger people and cumulatively, those under the age of 20 account for the second highest share of cases in the state.
But there are positive signs in some places, including Casco Bay High School in Portland. About 75 percent of the senior class has gotten at least one dose of the vaccine. And on Tuesday, 14 more lined up to get the shot at the Portland Expo even some who were initially reluctant.
Camorin Du Plessis took the initiative to organise the anti-bullying campaign pledge at Portland High, with the help of other pupils and staff.
Speaking to News24, 17-year-old Du Plessis said Portland High had always been a school opposed to bullying. We were raising awareness concerning the crime of bullying in honour of Lufuno Mavhunga who was bullied by her schoolmates, said Du Plessis, who is in Grade 11.
On Monday, a notice was issued to pupils to inform them of the anti-bullying campaign pledge. On Tuesday morning, as pupils, teachers and support staff entered the school for Covid-19 screening, they were invited to sign the pledge to show their support for the campaign.