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Portland Adult Education Calendar

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PAE News

Catch up on the latest school news and events.

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Hayley Didriksen. Senior Director of Data & Assessment. August 2024

One returning Board member, two new members and five student representatives were sworn in at the Portland Board of Public Education’s Dec. 3 Inauguration Ceremony. The Board also voted for Sarah Lentz to serve for the third consecutive time as Board chair for the coming year and for Abusana “Micky” Bondo to be vice chair for a third year.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about School Board Inauguration 2024
Snow Day Plans 2024-2025

In cases of inclement weather, the Portland Public Schools will use up to three traditional "snow days." Our schools will be closed and students will not be expected to go to school in person or learn remotely. No school meals will be provided on snow days. 

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Snow Day Plans 2024-2025
Newcomers, Incumbent Win Board Seats

Three Board of Public Education seats were up for election on Nov. 5: an at-large seat and the District 1 and 2 seats. Newcomers to elected office, Maya Lena and Abdulkadir Ali, who prefers to be known as Ali Ali, won the at-large and District 2 seats, respectively. Incumbent Abusana “Micky” Bondo, the current Board vice chair, was re-elected to her District 1 seat. Also, current at-large Board member Ben Grant won a City Council seat so will be resigning his Board seat by December. 

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Newcomers, Incumbent Win Board Seats
Flyer for Oct. 29 PAE local issues forum

Portland Adult Education (PAE) invites community members to attend a special forum hosted by ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students. With election day fast approaching, this timely event will provide an opportunity for PAE students to engage with state and local leaders on pressing issues such as housing, immigration, gun violence, and transportation. This free event will take place on Tuesday, October 29, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Rines Auditorium at the Portland Public Library. Reserve your spot!

  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about PAE Students to Hold Issues Forum
Graphic advertising for volunteers at PPS

There are many ways to volunteer in The Portland Public Schools. Volunteers are always needed for classroom assistance, after-school tutoring, and chaperoning field trips. In addition, there are a wide variety of other volunteer opportunities. Check out the following examples and volunteer to make a difference in the lives of our students:

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about PPS Needs YOU – To Volunteer!
Crossing Guard job ad flyer Fall 2024

The Portland Public Schools needs school crossing guards. Be a local hero to help students get to and from school safely! Rewarding work with no nights, weekends or holidays. Earn $20 per hour plus bonus time! For more information, call Area Supervisor Lenore at (207) 680-0180, text “KIDSSAFE” to 22100 or visit: https://acmssafety.com/careers/

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Crossing Guards Needed!
School Flu Vaccine Clinics in October

The Portland Public Schools will again be partnering with Northern Light to offer flu vaccines in our schools for students and staff. Students and staff must enroll a week prior to the clinic. Unlike previous years, there will not be any same-day enrollments for the flu clinics.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about School Flu Vaccine Clinics in October
Flyer for All Staff Welcome Event Aug. 28, 2024

The entire PPS employee community gathered together on Wednesday, Aug. 28, in Merrill Auditorium to launch the 2024-2025 school year as one team, generating energy, inspiration, and a shared sense of belonging. The All Staff Welcome event also included a foundational overview of the district’s new strategic plan and priorities for the new school year.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about PPS in 2024-2025: One Team, One Plan
Three School Board Seats on Ballot Nov. 5

Three Portland Board of Public Education seats are up for election on Nov. 5: an at-large seat and the District 1 and District 2 seats. Only the at-large seat is contested on the ballot.

That seat is currently held by Board member Nyalat Billiew, who is not seeing re-election. Two candidates are vying for that at-large seat: Maya Lena and John Rousseau, both newcomers to Portland politics. Lena is a substitute teacher and artist in Portland and a PPS parent.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Three School Board Seats on Ballot Nov. 5
PAE Graduation is June 27

Portland Adult Education (PAE) will host its 176th graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 27, at 6 p.m. at Merrill Auditorium. The PAE Class of 2024 includes 41 students who have earned high school diplomas and 45 students who have passed the HiSET test (formerly GED).

  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about PAE Graduation is June 27
Invite to join the PrkK-8 Community Advisory Boundaries Committee

Families, students, staff and members of the community are invited to apply for the district’s newly created Community Advisory Committee on Attendance Boundaries for PreK-8 Schools.

The new committee will be evaluating whether, and how, the district should redraw the enrollment boundaries for some or all of its elementary and middle schools to achieve more equitable enrollment and demographic balance. Also, the committee will consider whether changes should be made to the district’s current middle school model to better reflect current and future enrollment and better promote equity and achievement.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Apply for the New Boundaries Committee!
Summer meals image of children eating

The Portland Public schools will be operating various summer meal sites at 11 locations across the city of Portland this summer. All children and teens 18 years and younger can receive a nutritious meal free of charge to be enjoyed on site. Most sites will begin serving on Monday, June 24.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Summer Meals Program Starts June 24!
Pride Portland parade invite 2024

The Pride Portland! Parade is on Saturday, June 15, starting at 1 p.m. from Monument Square in Portland. Come out and celebrate with the Portland Public Schools as our community joins the parade to march for acceptance, equality, and inclusivity.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Join PPS in Pride Parade June 15!
City Voters Approve FY25 School Budget!

Portland voters on June 11 resoundingly approved the Portland Public Schools’ $161.4 million budget for fiscal year 2025. The vote was more than 70 percent in favor of ratifying the FY25 budget.

“We are deeply grateful to Portland voters for approving our school budget for the 2024-2025 school year,” Superintendent Ryan Scallon and Board of Public Education Chair Sarah Lentz said in a joint statement. “In the face of daunting fiscal challenges, this budget is as responsive as possible to the needs of our students, staff and families, while also keeping in mind the concerns of taxpayers. The budget is grounded in equity, centers students, supports staff, provides additional resources to schools and is aligned to our emerging strategic plan. Thank you to Portland voters for demonstrating once again at the polls the value you place on a quality public education for our City’s children.”

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about City Voters Approve FY25 School Budget!
retirement

More than 40 Portland Public Schools employees have retired or will soon retire this school year. The retirees were honored by the Portland Board of Public Education and the district in a ceremony on Tuesday, June 4. Those recognized have served throughout the district and held a wide variety of roles in service of students and families. 

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about PPS Retirees Honored June 4
Elementary and Secondary Education Act image

The Portland Public Schools accepts funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of ESEA, Portland is required to provide reasonable opportunity for public comment on the consolidated application and consider such comment prior to the submission of the application. Portland is accepting public comment on the ESEA application through June 30, 2024. Here’s a description of proposed programming. Here is the Feedback Form to share your thoughts about the application’s goals and priorities.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Public Feedback Invited for ESEA Application
Council Approves FY25 School Budget

The City Council voted unanimously on May 20 to approve the 2024-2025 school year budget recommended by the Portland Board of Public Education. The vote now sends the budget to City voters on June 11. The budget includes strategic funding for increased student mental health, reading support, special education and school climate, as well as increased rigor in the classroom, while maintaining funding for athletics, extracurriculars, and class sizes. It also is cognizant of Portland taxpayers in the face of unique fiscal challenges, including the loss of more than $9 million in federal COVID relief funds. The budget totals $161.4 million in local and non-local funds. The Council’s vote was on the $154 million local portion of the budget.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Council Approves FY25 School Budget
City Council Receives FY25 School Budget

The proposed school budget for the 2024-2025 school year is now in the hands of the City Council, which sets for the bottom line of the school budget. On Monday, April 22, the Council voted to receive the $161.4 million fiscal year 2025 school budget that the Board of Public Education approved on April 9.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about City Council Receives FY25 School Budget
$161.4 Million School Budget Heads to Council

The Portland Board of Public Education voted on April 9 to approve a $161.4 million FY25 school budget to recommend to the City Council. The Board’s budget centers students by including strategic funding for increased student mental health, reading support, special education and school culture support at the school level. It also supports increased rigor in the classroom, and maintains funding for athletics, extracurriculars, and class sizes. The Board will present its recommended budget to the City Council on April 22. The Council will vote on the school budget on May 20 and send it to voters on June 11.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about $161.4 Million School Budget Heads to Council
2024-2025 School Year Calendar Approved

At its March 5 meeting, the Portland Board of Public Education voted to approve a calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 will be Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024 – the day after the Labor Day holiday. Pre-K and kindergarten students will start on Thursday, Sept. 5. The last day of school for students is expected to be Friday, June 13, 2025. Please note that the last day of school may be subject to change, depending on the number of snow days taken.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about 2024-2025 School Year Calendar Approved

Testimonials

What students, alumni and staff have to say about Portland Adult Education.

"I would recommend people who need to have a place in this country to go and learn at PAE. There are patient, amazing, and comprehensive teachers and staff."

  • PAE Parent

"The teachers are so committed and the students are so motivated to learn. It is an amazing environment for learning."

  • PAE Staff Member

"My fellow students are inspiring: no matter the obstacles they might have faced and are perhaps still encountering, they show up, do the work and they help each other."

  • PAE Student

"PAE is a good place to learn. It's a structure that helps adult students not only to learn English well but is also a place that guides and helps them to receive a good education and professional training."

  • PAE Student

"I would like to thank my teacher for changing the way I see the world."

  • PAE Student

Portland Adult Education at a Glance

Facts About Our School

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3,000

Students

As the largest adult ed program in Maine, we serve 3,000 students annually across our Academics, Workforce, and Enrichment programs.

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88

Countries of Origin

Our students represent nations from around the globe, creating a vibrant and diverse school community.

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100

Staff

Our wonderful staff, including 65 teachers, are dedicated to helping adults achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals.

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