Dear Portland Families,
As we head into April vacation, there is a great deal to celebrate across our school community. Our band students and staff are currently in Virginia Beach, and by all accounts they are having an incredible experience representing Portland with pride, talent, and professionalism. We look forward to hearing more about their trip when they return.
A reminder that Term 3 report cards will be available in PowerSchool by 4:00 p.m. today. This is an important opportunity to review progress, celebrate growth, and, if needed, make a plan for a strong finish to the school year.
April vacation provides a well-earned break for our students and staff. It is a chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a strong and successful final stretch of the year.
With Regards,
Kate Lawson
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APRIL
4/21 - Music Boosters Meeting, 5:30pm - High School Gym
4/22 - Two-hour Delay
4/22 - Band Extravaganza
4/23 - Choral Extravaganza
4/25 - Prom
4/30 - Sophomore Class Auction - 6:00-8:00PM, PPS Auditorium
MAY
5/5 - AP Exams begin
5/6 - Project Grad Meeting, 6:30 -8:00pm, PHS Library
5/13 - Sideliners Meeting, 7:00pm, PHS Cafeteria
5/20 - Two-hour Delay
5/21 - Awards Night
5/25 - No School
5/27 - Jazz Night
5/28 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Van Beynum Room, Portland Library
JUNE
6/3 - Project Grad Meeting, 6:30 -8:00pm, PHS Library
6/4 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Mary Flood Room, Portland Library
6/10 - Sideliners Meeting, 7:00pm, PHS Cafeteria
6/22 - Projected Last Day of School, Half Day
Class of 2026 Graduation - June 15, 2026
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Please email phsattendance@portlandct.us to report an absent or tardy student. To request an early dismissal please send in a note with your student or call 860-342-1720 x 0. |
Hola Portland High School community.
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Spanish teacher! My name is Adrienne Sharon and I am overjoyed to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for the Spanish language, cultures, and history with you. I am originally from southern California but I have lived in Madison, CT for nearly 20 years.
I grew up surrounded by a culture of Spanish in California and continued learning the language in a formal setting through high school and on into college at Boston University where I spent a semester studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I also earned a masters in Spanish instruction from the University of Northern Colorado while teaching as a bilingual teacher.
Most of my professional background is as an elementary classroom and world language teacher so teaching high school is a new adventure for me.
In my free time, I especially enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons (ages 16 & 19) and our adorable two dogs. I also love to travel the world, exercise, and drink good coffee.
Please stop into Room 203 to say hello!
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French 1
What constitutes "family" in different societies? What do pastimes reveal about a society? What influence do the arts, sports and travel have on quality of life?
These are the big questions we have been exploring while growing our vocabulary base and understanding of how the parts of language work together. Students can identify and describe various family members in terms of physical appearance, personality and profession, as well as give details like age and preferences; narrate where they go around town, what they do at various places, and explain where places are in relationship to other places; and ask a variety of questions about topics related to daily life. Students have learned to use regular “er” verbs to explain daily activities, irregular verbs to express having and going, and structures for posing questions.
Students can understand short simple conversations or descriptions they hear based on key words. They can also write lengthy descriptions of themselves, friends, and groups. Their last writing task was just about 5 paragraphs. Bravo!
French 2
How does one evaluate the success of a trip?
What makes housing agreeable or disagreeable and how does housing reflect the needs of society?
These are the big questions we have been exploring while expanding our vocabulary base and learning less straight forward structures to make our communication clear. Students can finally talk about what happened in the past, hourra! They can sequence things they did to get ready for a trip and narrate what they did on a trip. Students can also identify and describe rooms of a house and furnishings.
French 3
What factors guide young people toward independence and success in the working world?
What are the big environmental challenges of our days?
These are the big questions we have been exploring while extending our vocabulary and learning how to explain what will, would, could or should happen.
Students can identify some of the steps needed to get a job or get into a university. They can express some of the problems associated with making such a decision and seek advice about what they should do. They can also connect environmental challenges to their causes and determine some possible solutions.
French 4 & 5
What role does a career play in daily life? What does it mean to be successful? How do societies define success?
These are the big questions our students have been exploring—in French—as we dive into texts, podcasts and videos about the challenges of the world of work. Students are practicing meaningful communication in conversations and writing about how they plan to impact the world.
We are also evaluating our written work and reviewing vocabulary and grammar that will help us to “level-up” our language in preparation for AAPPL testing.
It’s an exciting moment in French class—students are beginning to realize that their ability to communicate is limited only by their imaginations.
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April is Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month! Multilingual Learners at Portland High are hard at work developing their English skills in their content classes while staying connected to their home languages. A key part of this is "translanguaging," a valuable skill where students use their native languages as a bridge to connect to English.
In the English for Multilingual Learners class, students are actively building their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. They recently completed a unit about technology, comparing the devices of the past to those of today and debating whether technology is more helpful or harmful. It was fascinating to hear their many diverse opinions on the topic! We are currently in the middle of a unit on personal identity, exploring the different aspects of life that shape who we are.
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We are pleased to recognize Evan May for meeting the “language other than English” requirements for the CT Seal of Biliteracy in French.
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Joshua Abbott and Lillian Gaetani were recently honored at the 31st Annual High School Arts Banquet.Each year, the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) recognizes two outstanding seniors from every member high school across the state for excellence in the performing or visual arts. While artistic achievement is the primary focus, students are also selected based on their scholarship and leadership.
Congratulations to Josh and Lily on this well-deserved and prestigious honor!
Pictured below: (L) Josh Abbott with PHS Art Teacher Michelle Ignatowicz and (R) Lily Gaetani with PHS Chorus Teacher Sam Tucker.
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The Youth Art month show at the Portland Public Library will be closing on the 21st of April. If you haven't had the opportunity to view student work, there is still time! The opening was well attended and students had the opportunity to share their amazing work with parents, family, caregivers and friends. |
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Ms. I's AP Art and AP Art candidates and Mr. Ott's Black and Latino students recently visited the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven.
Students in Black and Latino Studies and AP Art visited the Yale Center for British Art, where they explored paintings and artifacts that illustrate British history while also revealing the impacts of colonialism, slavery, and global trade. They examined works that highlight how Black individuals and colonized peoples were represented—often marginalized or overlooked—prompting critical discussion about power, identity, and historical narratives.
At the same time, AP Art students analyzed artistic techniques, composition, and the museum’s use of light and design, gaining both technical insight and a deeper understanding of how art reflects complex social and cultural histories.
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Term 3 report cards will be posted on 4/10
LIBERTY BANK SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIPS-
Liberty Bank Kindness Scholarship- Due by 5/22/26 $5,000 award
Are you a high school senior about to graduate and planning to continue your education? Then you may wish to apply for the ! Three (3) $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who demonstrate kindness in everyday moments that have a significant impact on their community.
Donald B. Wilbur Scholarship-Due by 5/22/26 $5,000 award
established in 2008 at the retirement of Don Wilbur as chairman of Liberty Bank’s board of directors. To qualify, candidates must be graduating students at high schools in towns where Liberty Bank has offices. Candidates must intend to enroll in full-time study at an accredited college, university, or other institution of higher education (two-year or four-year) with the goal of majoring in engineering or a technology-related field.
William McRae Scholarship- Due 5/22/26 $5,000 Award
Are you a high school senior about to graduate and planning to continue your education with the goal of a career in psychology, mental health services, education, social work, or human services? Then you may wish to apply for the Willard McRae Scholarship! This $5,000 award is given annually in honor of Willard McRae, past chairman of the board of directors of Liberty Bank.
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Support your Highlanders this weekend!
Friday, 4/10:
Varsity baseball home v. Coginchaug at 4:00pm
Varsity softball home v. Coginchaug at 4:00pm
Saturday, 4/11:
JV baseball away at Coginchaug at 10:00am
Dates and times subject to change. Always check the CIAC website for the most recent information. |
Prom ticket sales will end tonight at 11:59pm.
Use this QR code or this ticket link:
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Come join a hiking club! We will be holding a hike at Chatfield hollow state park in Killingworth, CT on Sunday, April 19th at 2:00pm.
Join Mr. Brechlin, Mr. Bernard, and the rest of the hiking club for a relaxing afternoon as we experience the scenic views Chatfield hollow has to offer. Bring your dogs, friends and family and come get some sun and exercise. We will continue to hold a hike once a month! See Liam Rowe, Anna Piascik, Mr Bernard or Mr Brechlin with any questions.
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We are currently seeking donations to support both our Chorus and Band programs! We are collecting baked goods, raffle baskets, gift cards, and other raffle items to help make these events a success. Any contribution—big or small—is greatly appreciated and directly benefits our students. Please review the donation opportunities and sign up using the Chorus and Band links provided.
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Welcome New and Continued Friends of Portland Music!
We are a group of parents and community members who support the PM/PHS music departments through fundraising and volunteering our support throughout the school year. We are starting our monthly meetings next week and would love to see you there!. Attendance at the meetings is not required to be a booster, but you are all welcome to join us! There will be virtual options for each of the meetings also - check out our calendar on the boosters website ( https://www.portlandctmusic.org) for details.
NEXT MEETING:
4/21/2026 - Music Boosters Meeting, 5:30pm - High School Gym
Hope to see you there!
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Spring sports are underway and it’s the perfect time to stock up on your favorite Portland Highlander gear! Highlander blankets are a must-have in every Highlander household! Please see attached flyer to order. You can also visit our Highlander store to purchase custom sweatshirts, pants, hats, shirts, socks, and more. Home | Portland Sideliners (inksoft.com)
Thank you for your continued support and as always, GO HIGHLANDERS!!
Venmo: @Portland-Sideliners
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Want to stay up to date with what's going on at Portland High School? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed! Important announcements, sports updates, student life photos, events and more are a regular part of our posts each week. Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @portlandct712
Please also follow our YouTube Channel for student broadcasted news at WPHT Broadcasting.
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95 High Street, Portland, CT 06480
860.342.1720
phsinfo@portlandct.us
portlandctschools.org/high-school
@portlandct712
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