The public is invited to attend an evening with Maine author Anne Sibley O’Brien on January 26 from 5 to6:30 p.m. in the Lyseth Elementary School library.

O’Brien, who has illustrated 30 picture books, will lead adults and children in celebrating their similarities and differences using discovery and exploration.  Participants will create a graphic mosaic that will be displayed at Lyseth.  The event is presented by the Lyseth School PTA Enrichment Committee.

The Portland School Board voted on January 10 to hire the consulting firm, ProAct, to help in the district’s search for a new superintendent to replace Dr. James C. Morse, Sr., who is retiring in June. 

Founded in 1997, ProAct works with school districts throughout the country to recruit and train superintendents.  The firm, based in Wilmette, Illinois, will be paid $24,750 plus expenses for their work in Portland.

TV3, the educational access station managed by the Portland Public Schools, will offer a free workshop for students in grades five and up in the Portland Public Schools who would like to videotape class projects, concerts, sports games and other school activities for broadcast on the station.

The workshop will be held on February 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at TV3’s studio on the second floor of Portland Arts and Technology High School, 196 Allen Avenue.  Enrollment is limited and advance registration is required. 

Longfellow Elementary School has received a $3,500 Berlin City Drive for Education grant for a project to control erosion in its schoolyard.

“Erosion from run-off water limits our students’ ability to access parts of our playground,” said Longfellow Principal Dawn Carrigan.  “Through the efforts of generous funders such as Berlin City Auto Group, we are implementing a plan to address the problem.”

At Presumpscot Elementary School, kindergartners this fall began a learning expedition about birds with a trail walk, feather observation and listening to bird calls.

Learning expeditions are long-term, in-depth studies that offer real-world connections.   They integrate reading, writing, listening, speaking, research, critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration.  They build character along with academics and make content standards come alive for students.

Pihcintu, a Portland-based chorus made up primarily of immigrant girls who attend the Portland Public Schools, recently performed on the "Today" show.   In a story titled "The Power of Song," chorus members talked about the importance of the chorus and singing in their lives.  Led by Con Fullam, an award-winning producer and songwriter, the chorus performed for the Portland School Board last year.

The book club at East End Community School read “Ghost Dog Secrets” by Peg Kehret, a story of a dog that was mistreated.  The club then decided to help mistreated dogs by having a fundraiser to benefit a local animal shelter.

Students sold homemade donuts donated by The Holy Donut and coffee donated by Coffee by Design.  Their sale raised $492.

Megan Markgren, a third grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School, hosted the school's first quilting club this fall.  The students (selected by lottery) met once a week and made quilts that they donated to the Ronald McDonald House.  

Peter Eglinton, the former chair of the Portland School Board, has been named chief operations officer for the Portland Public Schools.  The School Board unanimously approved his appointment on December 13. 

During the past year, Eglinton chaired the committee that helped the district create a comprehensive plan framework, approved by the School Board in November. 

“He’s demonstrated his ability to bring stakeholders together, focus on important issues and reach consensus,” said School Board Chair Kate Snyder.

Six students from the Portland Public Schools were selected by audition to participate in All-State Music Festivals.

Dexter Morse, a student at Portland High School, and Nick Thompson-Brown, a Deering High School student, were chosen for the Jazz All-State Festival on January 5-7 at Scarborough High School.