Scarborough High School

I am always amazed at the speed of change as we enter October. The leaves change colors and fall, the grass grows slower, and the days and nights both feel noticeably cooler than just a few weeks before. With that said, October is a month full of wonderful fall activities and I hope you take some time to pause and enjoy this beautiful month.

The pages below contain important reminders, information regarding upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences, a note about Election Day at SHS, as well as some exciting news and updates from some of our departments and clubs. Everything is fully in motion at this point during the school year, so be sure to review details carefully for opportunities, as well as items of note and interest.

Nate Theriault

Principal

If your child will not be in attendance for school or if you need to dismiss your child, be sure to call the Main Office (730-5000) to report the absence/dismissal and share the reason for it. If we do not hear from a parent/guardian, absences are coded as "Unexcused," which may result in disciplinary consequences and impact your child's ability participate in after school athletics and activities or

If you have an upcoming trip, college visit, etc. that you know about in advance, this absence should go through the planned absence process. This process begins by sending in a note with your child. The note should be delivered to Mrs. Manning in Admin II, who will prepare a planned absence form for the student to complete.

Students who drive personal vehicles to school are reminded to park in the front of the building: the side lot (with basketball hoops), the front lot, or the senior lots are all available for student parking.

The Faculty lot (by the emergency gate) and the Facilities lot off Rte 114 are not available to student vehicles.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday October 10, 2024 from 2:45 - 7:15 pm and again on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 2:45-5:15 pm.

The parent registration portal will open on Monday, September 30 at 6:00 am.

Parents of Freshmen: Please remember when you log into Conference Manager to change your student over from Middle School to High School before trying to schedule conferences.

The registration portal will close for the first session on Tuesday, September 8th for conferences held on the 10th, but will remain open to schedule conferences on October 24th. The registration portal will remain open until Tuesday, October 22, 2024 for the conferences to be held on October 24, 2024.

Please use the link below to register for your conferences:

https://scarboroughhigh.schoolsoft.com/login.jsf

Please note that Tuesday, November 5, Election Day, will be a remote day for SHS students. Mark your calendars accordingly.

Details on that day will be relayed as the day draws closer.

Scholastic Art Award Competition and the 2025 Congressional Art Competition - Deadline: December 15th

The Maine Region Scholastic Art Award Competition and the 2025 Congressional Art Competition are underway! Students are invited to participate by submitting artwork for juried competitions. Last year Scarborough High School students entered 49 works of art and 31 of those won awards!

The Scholastics competition is open to students currently in grades 7–12 in all public, private, homeschooled and after school art programs. Students can compete in up to 18 different art categories, and may submit individual works of art or portfolios. The Scholastics national website is open for submissions for the 2025 competition.

For complete details on student eligibility, competition categories, jury criteria, important dates and deadlines, and more, please see your art teacher or visit meca.edu/maine-region-art-awards/ and artandwriting.org.

Important Upcoming Dates:

+ December 15, 2024 11:59 PM: Deadline to submit artwork

+ March 2024: Exhibition at Maine College of Art (date and time TBD)

For more information about any of the following programs, please contact Christy Zavasnik, Career Pathways Coordinator, czavasnik@scarboroughschools.org, 730-5061

Law Exploration Program ELO

Thursdays, 3:00-4:30 pm in Portland

If you are an 11th or 12th grade student and interested in exploring the field of law, register by October 7th for the Law Exploration Program ELO. This extended learning opportunity (ELO) program provides juniors and seniors with an opportunity to learn about the field of law through connections with professionals, hands-on and interactive activities connected to the field. Students will observe court proceedings, participate in mock hearings, learn the best way to make an objection in court and the role of a juror. Additionally, students will be exposed to the various other careers connected to law and the courts (everything from being a courtroom interpreter, to a bailiff, to a paralegal or clerk). Sessions will be held in Portland at the UMaine Law School, courthouses and law firms around the downtown area.

Program Schedule:

In-person bi-weekly sessions are in the Portland-area on Thursdays from 3:00-4:30 pm October through April. Following are the scheduled dates: Oct 10, Oct 24, Nov 7, Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 19, Jan 9, Jan 23, Feb 6, Feb 27, March 13, March 27, April 3, April 10 (dates subject to change pending weather).

Topics to be included in program sessions:

Practicing Civil Discourse

Mediation or Negotiation

Immigration Law: Refugee and Human Rights

Voting Rights & Voter Protection

Family Law: Drafting Documents

Youth Justice: How to Move Public Policy

Environmental Law

Mock Law School Class

Corporate Law & Social Responsibility

If you are interested in registering for this program, please follow these steps:

1. Send an email to czavasnik@scarboroughschools.org notifying Ms. Z that you plan to register (include any specific questions you have).

2. Complete this registration form by Monday, Oct. 7th

ACE Mentor Program

Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00 pm at SHS

Are you interested in Architecture, Construction or Engineering?

You are invited to join architects, engineers and construction professionals to learn about these professions and take part in projects to develop skills used everyday in the field. The ACE Mentor Program will be held here at SHS once again this year! The program is offered by volunteers from local architectural, construction and engineering firms and provides high school students with a unique opportunity to get to know these careers and be eligible for generous scholarships.

SHS students are invited to join the ACE Mentor Program on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00 pm HERE at Scarborough High School. The weekly program runs October 22nd - April 14th and will include opportunities to meet professionals in the field, learn some technical drawing, design projects, attend visits to work sites and much more. Attached you will find more information about the program and a document with links and steps to register. Please see Ms. Zavasnik for help registering for the program.

The ACE Mentor Program is open to students from schools across Cumberland County and SHS students have actively participated each year. Students participating in the ACE Mentor Program who enroll in the SHS extended learning opportunity (ELO) program are eligible to receive elective credit for participating.

If you are interested in registering for this program, please follow these steps:

1. Send an email to czavasnik@scarboroughschools.org notifying Ms. Z that you plan to register (include any specific questions you have). You will receive a link to more information about the program as well.

2. REGISTER through this link by October 20th.

MaineHealth Health Career Exploration ELO

A cohort of nine 11th and 12th grade students from SHS will be part of the MaineHealth Medical Career Exploration ELO this semester. The SHS Career Pathways Program teamed up with South Portland High School to partner with MaineHealth to develop a pilot program offering students the opportunity to participate in hands-on sessions with medical professionals. Topics will include phlebotomy, CPR, IV injections, wound care, surgical technology and more. Six Monday afternoon sessions will be held from October through January at MaineHealth in Scarborough. Additional site visits and assignments will be included to earn ELO credit.

With application deadlines approaching, now is the time to focus on building a list and knowing deadlines to ensure your student is on track. Below are some reminders and tips to help guide you through this time.

• Schedule a meeting with Mr. Harris: Unsure what to do, what the options are, what to write an essay about, have applications ready to go, or somewhere in between? Schedule a meeting with Mr. Harris to go over this and any part of the college admission process.
• We have updated our website! We will continue to add information and announcements throughout the year. Check back soon for a scholarship and financial aid section.
• Review and Narrow Down Choices: Students should have a well-rounded list of colleges, including reach, target, and likely schools. Ensure your student is comfortable with the schools on their list and that these are schools they would want to attend.
• CommonApp—If students are applying to a four-year college, have them set up an account with a personal email. Students can check in with Mr. Harris about questions and match with Naviance.
• Tuition-Free Maine Community Colleges – Continuing for the class of 2025, Maine Community Colleges will be tuition-free. Check-in with Mr. Harris to learn more about this opportunity!
• Application Deadlines: Many colleges have Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadlines in early November (and a handful are on October 15th). Students should know these deadlines and decide if applying early is the right choice.
• College Interviews: Some colleges offer or require interviews as part of the admissions process. Your student should prepare by practicing common interview questions and scheduling interviews early.
• College Fairs, Tours, and Visits
• College Visits at SHS: Over 100 Colleges and Universities will visit Scarborough High School this fall. Students interested in attending should register on Naviance or stop by the Placement Office. See the list of Schools Here

• Standardized Testing
• SAT/ACT: If your student plans to take or retake the SAT or ACT, check the registration deadlines for fall test dates. Some colleges may still require these scores for admission or scholarship consideration.
• Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges have test-optional policies due to the pandemic. Review each college's requirements to decide whether submitting scores supports their application.

• Requesting Letters of Recommendation: Now is the time for your student to request letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors. Students should request teachers through Naviance. Be sure they give their recommenders plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter. Forms can be picked up in the Senior Placement Office.
• Family Bragg Sheets: If you would like to fill out this form, it will ensure that Mr. Harris has a well-rounded understanding of your student's character and aspirations. This sheet is optional and helps emphasize qualities and experiences that make the student a strong candidate for college admissions; plus, it is a great opportunity to Bragg and reminisce about what they have accomplished! Fill Out The Brag Sheet Here

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• FAFSA Workshop: Join us on October 3rd at Scarborough High School from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM with Jessica Whitter of FAME. If you cannot attend, there are many other opportunities here.
• FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been pushed to open on December 1st. Begin to gather the necessary documents and set up for FSA ID to complete the form when it opens.
• CSS Profile: Some colleges require the CSS Profile for financial aid consideration. Check each college's financial aid requirements and deadlines.
• Scholarships: Encourage your student to research and apply for scholarships. Have students check out the Post-High School Planning Google Classroom and Naviance for updated opportunities.

The goal of the group itself is to provide a space where students have choice, autonomy, and access to SEL in addition to what they might receive in their Advisories. Translation, multiple languages, and time to process will be normalized in this context. If a student ever needs to miss a group for academic reasons, that is completely understood. Please share this information with your students - they do not have to be part of ESOL classes to participate.

Looking for a club? Join SOS! Sources of Strength is a national program that focuses on best practice mental health promotion and suicide prevention. It focuses on peer social networks to create healthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, violence, bullying, and substance misuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent adverse outcomes by increasing wellbeing, help-seeking, resiliency, healthy coping, and belonging. Sources of Strength moves beyond a singular focus on risk factors by utilizing an "upstream approach" for youth suicide prevention. This upstream model strengthens multiple sources of support, or protective factors, for young people so that when times get hard, they have strengths to rely on. Register on Family ID and look for one of our posters to join the classroom. Meetings are typically on Wednesdays, either during AEAST or right after school on early release days.

https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A03281600

Senior Photo Submission Deadline for the Yearbook

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 is the deadline for submitting your senior photo, baby photo and write up. If hiring a professional photographer, please be aware that they book early(summer) and they fill up quickly. Thus, consider this... if waiting until mid October to try and get photos done they may not get it in on time.

Please use this link to submit your senior yearbook info: SUBMIT SENIOR INFO HERE

You MUST be logged into your SHS email. Please be sure to ONLY submit using the Google form as it ensures we have everything in one place. To minimize errors, we will NOT accept photos via email. It is up to you to double check your submission to ensure it goes through.

Senior Photo Guidelines

• Digital images must be a resolution of at least 300 DPI and saved in jpeg format. The size must be at least wallet-size or a maximum of 5" wide x 7" tall.
• Photos should be in Portrait format:
• Photos must meet the school dress code and be appropriate for the yearbook. We will only accept your image in the photo(not a group or another person). We are accepting photos in color or black and white.

• Please label submitted photos with your last name, first name

Senior Write Up Guidelines

Students must submit their senior-write up in the exact format below

Suddenly... add your Senior Name

ex: Suddenly still swimming

Softball (1-4), Band (1-4), Key Club, Swimming (1-4)

“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.”

Thank you Mom and Dad for always supporting me in every way possible. Thank you to my friends for always being there for me.

Senior Will (Optional): Example: I, Jane Cole leave SA and DL my guitar playing skills.

ALL write-ups will be checked by the yearbook editors and administration for appropriate content. Please double-check your write-ups for mistakes and writing errors before submitting.

Again: All Yearbook info is due by October 15th

- please use the google form to submit this information. Anything submitted outside of this timeframe may run the risk of not getting in the book.

Thank you for your help in getting this information turned in on time!

Parent ad information Click here: https://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/students-and-parents/yearbook-ads?rcrdu=395

Baby Photos - Students may, if they choose, submit a baby photo. Please label BABY Last name First name

School-Issued Chromebooks

There are still students who need to pickup a school-issued Chromebook. As a reminder, students will need these devices for district and state testing in the fall and spring. Use of this device also ensures students have appropriate access for all the educational technology used in classes. The first step in this process is parent completion of the Acceptable Use Policy in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Once that has been completed, students should visit our IT Field Office in the back of the Learning Commons for pickup during school-day hours.

Personally-Owned Electronic Devices

Below is a copy of our 2024-25 SHS Handbook policy (p23) on personally-owned electronic devices. This policy is unchanged from years past, but, as has been shared with students, it is important to be aware of the expectations and consequences set forth in this policy:

TOOTH PROTECTORS DENTAL CLINIC: October 15, 2024 - To be held at Wentworth School for the District.

FLU SHOT CLINIC: We are partnering with Northern Light Home Care & Hospice to provide a flu shot clinic for our students on October 23, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Please complete electronic consent by clicking the link on the attached form by Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Students must be registered by this date in order to receive a vaccine.
If you have questions or cannot complete the electronic form, please contact the clinic.

Flu Shot Clinic - October 23, 2024

HEALTH: Please contact the clinic staff if your student has a new health concern or sustains a

concussion or other physical injury, especially if it affects the dominant hand/arm or requires the use of a wheelchair, scooter, or crutches. Please update your student’s health information and emergency contact phone numbers through the parent portal in PowerSchool annually and whenever there are changes.

ILLNESS DISMISSAL: If a student needs to be dismissed due to illness, they should report to the clinic, so a nurse may contact a parent/guardian to arrange and confirm pick up or to get permission for the student to drive home.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Two doses of MCV4 are required for all students entering 12th grade. If the first dose of MCV4 was administered on or after the 16th birthday, a second dose is not required. Please send updated immunization records to the clinic as soon as your student receives the required second MCV4.

MEDICATION: Students may not carry medication at school with the exception of epinephrine, inhalers, insulin, glucagon, and some other emergency medications. The clinic stocks acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and calcium carbonate (Tums). Students may receive medication in the clinic with parent/guardian permission which must be renewed annually. Please complete the permission for medication form through the parent portal in PowerSchool at the start of each school year.

MEDICATION STORED AT SCHOOL: If your student requires medication that will be stored or

administered in the clinic, please contact the clinic staff to plan for medication drop off. All medications administered at school require a new physician’s order and written parental permission each year. Updated orders must also be on file for emergency medication such as an inhaler or EpiPen that students may be carrying. Physician orders may be faxed directly to the clinic at 730-5196.

Please contact the clinic with questions or concerns. Health Services Staff:

• Stacey Hang, RN, phone: 730-5017, shang@scarboroughschools.org
• Lisa Verzoni, RN, phone: 730-5016, lverzoni@scarboroughschools.org

In the winter of 2023, the SPS DEI committee brainstormed ways in which Scarborough Schools can continue to expand our welcoming community. One of the needs that Student Chair Kalei Kieu identified was in person assistance for new families and rising families with all of the technology "paperwork" like PowerSchool, Family ID, etc. Through a collaborative effort with WS Principal Kelli Crosby, Superintendent Nadeau, SHS AP Sarah Blaisdell, and Technology Director Day, Kalei, with the support of Civil Rights Club members, greeted families at Wentworth's 2024 Open House. Community members of the DEI Committee also lended a helping hand. These friendly faces were able to support our SPS parents and students, knowing that there are students and adults here to help!

October 14, 2024 = Indigenous People Day = No School!

October 15-18 = Spirit Week!

October 19 = Homecoming Dance (7 PM-10 PM) SHS

October 22 = Choral Concert (7 PM) SHS Fall Choral Concert

October 28 = Band Concert (7 PM) SHS Fall Band Concert

Spirit week is October 14-18. The days are as follows:

10/14--No School

10/15--Class Colors Day (9th-orange, 10th-purple, 11th-yellow, 12th-pink)

10/16--Twin Day

10/17--Adam Sandler Day

10/18--Storm Day (classes wear the following colors: 9th-red/white/black, 10th-red, 11th-white, 12th-black)

Picture Retake Day will be held at SHS on October 24, 2024, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, for those staff and students who were not able to have their pictures taken on the first days of school.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 is Election Day. Scarborough High School students will remain home on this day and have a remote learning day, as our school is the voting site for the Town Of Scarborough.

College Board AP Exam registration takes place during the fall months. Our AP teachers have instructed students on how to sign into AP Classroom and register for their exams. Many students have already completed this process. For students who have not yet registered for their exams, please work with your AP teacher to do so ASAP.

To register for AP Exams, students must complete the following steps:

1. Sign in to http://myap.collegeboard.org/ using your College Board student account login.* 2. Click the “join a course or exam” feature

3. Enter the join code that your teacher provided you and click “submit”

4. Confirm that the information displayed is for the correct AP course you are enrolled in

5. The first time you enroll in an AP course in My AP, you’ll need to fill out some registration information. It’s important to provide accurate information. You will only have to do this once

6. That’s it! You are now registered for your AP course and can access your AP Classroom!

Paying for an AP Exam via RevTrak

All payments for AP Exams must be received prior to the close of business on Wednesday November 6, 2024. Adherence to this deadline is critical to the timely processing of all exam orders and to avoid incurring any late fees. We will again be using the RevTrak Online Payments program to collect and process all AP Exam fees. The link for our RevTrak site is: http://scarborough.revtrak.net/. The cost is $99 per exam. The RevTrak portal will be open from Oct. 7 - Nov. 6.

Students who qualify for the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program are eligible to receive an AP Exam fee reduction. The total cost for each exam under this provision is $53. Eligible students should see Mr. Soucie or Mrs. LaBelle in the Student Services Office prior to paying for their exam(s). Reduced fee payments will only be accepted via personal check made payable to Scarborough High School.

Canceling an AP Exam order

Students who wish to cancel their AP Exam order after November 15, 2024 will be able to do so for a partial refund. The College Board charges Scarborough High School a fee of $40 for every exam canceled after November 15, 2024. As a result, Scarborough High School will reimburse you a total of $59 if you paid the full amount, or $13 if you paid the Federal Free or Reduced amount. Students wishing to cancel their exam order must contact Mr. Soucie or Mrs. LaBelle.

Upcoming Events

• Registration for Winter Sports is now open!

• Saturday 10/5 - Girls Soccer vs. Noble @ 10:00am (JV) & 12:00pm (V)

• Tuesday 10/8 - Volleyball vs. Falmouth @ 4:15pm (JV) & 6:00pm (V)

• Tuesday 10/8 - Field Hockey vs. Cheverus @ 4:30pm (JV) & 6:00pm (V)

• Wednesday 10/9 - Boys Soccer vs. Massabesic @ 4:30pm (JV) & 6:30pm (V)

• Friday 10/11 - Football vs. Bonny Eagle @ 7:00pm

Employment Opportunities

To view all open positions on our employment portal please click here.

• Alpine Ski Coaches (Head and Assistant)

• Assistant Boys Lacrosse Coach

• 7th Grade Boys Outdoor Track

• 7th Grade Boys Indoor Track

• 8th Grade Softball Coach

• 7th Grade Girls Indoor Track

• 7th Grade Boys Lacrosse

• Middle School Wrestling

• Assistant Softball Coaches

• 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach

Important Links

• Main Athletics/Activities Website

• Middle School Athletic Webpage

• High School Athletic Schedules

• Middle School Athletic Schedules

• Gameday Programs

• Online Tickets

Athletic Training

• Athletic trainers are certified and licensed healthcare professionals trained to prevent, recognize, and manage both non-emergency and life-threatening injuries.

• High schools with athletic trainers (ATs) have lower injury rates and better concussion management than schools without ATs

• Recurrent injury rates were six times higher in girls' soccer and nearly three times higher in girls' basketball in schools without athletic trainers.

• Foam-rolling, stretching, strengthening and rehabilitation exercises greatly reduce the risk of injury or reinjury to an athlete - ask your athletic trainer how!

• The athletic trainers are there to help the athlete return to play as fast and as safely as possible or to prevent an injury from ever occurring in the first place!

Athletics

For more information on all athletics and activities or to register for a sport or club, visit our website.

Red Storm Athletics & Activities Website.

Building Leadership Team

Ms. Blaisdell, Assistant Principal (Gr 10 + 12)

Mr. Brown, Assistant Principal (Gr 9 + 11)

Mr. LeGage, Director of Athletics and Activities

Mr. Theriault, Principal