Good afternoon BIS families,

No such luck getting a full week of school in! With all of the recent weather disruptions, the challenge for all of us is getting back into our routines.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue to emphasize our Brownstone expectations:

Please remind your child to continue working hard to uphold these expectations, which help make BIS such a positive and supportive learning community.

Our library book swap was a huge success this year, and our Grade 6 Project O students had a great time on their recent trips. Thank you to everyone who helped make these experiences possible for our students.

Below are notes from Dr. Britton regarding an updated school calendar and the school consolidation plan.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Joseph Santavenere

Principal

Good Morning Portland,

 

I am writing today with two important updates.

 

 Last night, the Portland Board of Education voted to adjust the 2025-26 school calendar. The professional development day scheduled for Friday, March 13 will now be a regular day of school with a two-hour delayed opening. This change allows us to reclaim one of the snow days.

 

Assuming there are no additional snow days, the last day of the school year will now be Monday, June 22. April vacation has not been adjusted. The graduation date remains Monday, June 15. Students will be in school on the June 19 federal holiday. We are planning a series of instructional activities to celebrate and recognize Juneteenth.

 

Please click here to view the amended calendar: 2025–26 School Calendar.

This week, the Portland Board of Selectmen reviewed the financing projections for the school consolidation proposal. We now have all the information and data necessary to inform our community as we move forward toward a bonding referendum this spring.

 

This information is currently being compiled into promotional materials. In the coming days, these materials will be shared with all residents via U.S. Postal Mail, social media, and the school and town websites.

 

We are also hosting a series of community events to share the plan. The first event is scheduled for Monday, March 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Valley View Library. Please join us for a tour of Valley View to learn about the current condition of the building and to view plans for the renovation and expansion needed to create a PreK–2 Valley View Elementary School. This event is open to the entire community.

 

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope to see many of you next Monday.

 

Best,

 

Charles Britton, Ed.D.

 Superintendent, Portland Public Schools

Friday March 13th: 2 hour Delay

Friday March 13th: Marking Period Closes

Friday March 20th: Report Cards go home

Wednesday March 25th: 2 hour delay

Thursday March 26th: Talent Show