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Portland Public School

Community - Inquiry - Agency

Highlander Highlights April 24, 2026

Posted Date: 04/24/26 (02:10 PM)


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Kate Lawson Principal Portland High School

Principal's Message

Dear Portland Families,

A reminder to all families and community members that the all day vote on the proposed budget and school consolidation plan will take place on Monday, May 11 at the middle school from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Participating in local decision making is a meaningful way to support the strength and future of our schools and community. Voting is one of the most important responsibilities in a democratic society, and it ensures that a broad range of voices helps shape the decisions that impact our students.

This is especially true for those who may be voting for the first time. Seniors who are eligible to vote are encouraged to take part in this process and exercise their right. Casting a ballot is not only a personal milestone, but also a powerful way to contribute to the community they have been part of throughout their school years.

Regards,
Kate Lawson
 
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APRIL
4/25 - Prom
4/30 - Sophomore Class Auction - 6:00-8:00PM, PPS Auditorium
4/30 - District Wide Art Show, 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Portland Middle School Grand Foyer
4/30 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Van Beynum Room, Portland Library

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
 

Attendance Procedures

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.
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Health

Students in all health classes started the semester participating in hands-on First Aid and CPR training. They practiced essential lifesaving skills through interactive stations and real-life scenarios, including responding to bleeding, proper glove removal, shock, choking, cardiac emergencies using an AED, CPR, tourniquet use, and administering an EpiPen.
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In Adaptive Health, students have been working on setting personal goals, building communication skills, improving overall wellness, and learning strategies for managing emotions.

Health 2 students have been focusing on important topics related to alcohol use, including underage drinking, binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and alcoholism, helping them better understand risks and make informed decisions.

Health Student Spotlight - Giselle Castellano

Giselle is an 11th grader at PHS. She is a wonderful role model in our classroom. Giselle is an active participant, brings a positive attitude each day, and is always willing to help her classmates.

Her kindness, effort, and leadership make a meaningful impact on our class community.

Physical Education

The Physical Education Classes are in full swing this semester. The students have just completed the Wiffleball Unit where we focused on striking skills as well as fielding and running skills. PE classes are currently enjoying our Ultimate Frisbee Unit where we focus on floor spacing, teamwork, passing and catching skills.  

Phys Ed Student Spotlight - Aeryn Hall

Aeryn has really excelled in PE this semester. She has guided her teams to success in Wiffleball and most recently in Ultimate Frisbee.

Aeryn is a great leader and an even better teammate. 
 

OTHER STUDENT NEWS

District Wide Art Show

Parents, Students, and Caregivers: 

Please join us for the district-wide Art Show! Portland Art educators are looking forward to showcasing and celebrating the work of our incredibly talented students.

When: Thursday, April 30 
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 
Where: Portland Middle School Grand Foyer

Sophomore Outing - High School Career Expo

This week, sophomores attended the Middlesex County High School Career Expo at Wesleyan University. The event featured over 100 professionals from various career clusters such as business, healthcare, skilled trades, the arts, STEM, government, and manufacturing.

Students were able to connect with professionals and take away knowledge of various career pathways of interest. A special thank you to Karen Risley for her leadership in organizing the Career Expo for PHS and students across the CT Shoreline.
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Choices Matter Assembly

This past Thursday our juniors and seniors had the opportunity to hear from Steve Emt, a Connecticut native and Paralympian, who delivered a powerful and inspiring message about the importance of choices, perseverance, and resilience. After a life-changing drunk driving accident left him paralyzed, Steve shared how he rebuilt his life, drawing on the determination and mindset that once made him a successful athlete.

Students were fully engaged as they participated in hands-on activities, including walking a straight line and simulating driving while wearing impairment goggles, helping them better understand the dangers of driving under the influence.

This impactful program was made possible through “Choices Matter,” funded by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, reinforcing the message that the choices we make can shape our future.
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Donations Needed

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Click here to visit the PHS Athletics Website.

Support your Highlanders this weekend!

Friday, 4/24:
Varsity baseball away at Morgan at 4:00pm
Varsity softball away at Morgan at 4:00pm
Varsity tennis home v. Westbrook at 4:00pm
Saturday, 4/25:
JV baseball home v. Morgan at 4:00pm

Dates and times subject to change. Always check the CIAC website for the most recent information.
 

Class of 2028 Sophomore Auction

The Class of 2028 Sophomore Auction is almost here—and we need your help to make it unforgettable.

Join us for an exciting evening of raffles, silent auctions, and live bidding, all supporting prom and the senior trip.

Families can volunteer or donate using our SignUpGenius:

All volunteers (students and parents/guardians) must attend a mandatory rehearsal on Wednesday, April 29 at 4:30 PM.
Questions or want to donate outside of the sign-up?

Contact bjohnson@portlandct.us or sstamand@portlandct.us
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Notes from the Music Boosters

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:
4/30/2026 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Portland Public Library - Van Beynum Room

Hope to see you there!
 

Message from Sideliners:

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
Portland High School Sweatshirt
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Stay Connected

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.
 
Front view of Portland High School entry

Portland High School

95 High Street, Portland, CT 06480
860.342.1720
phsinfo@portlandct.us
portlandctschools.org/high-school
@portlandct712