July 18, 2008 "Promoting parent, business and community involvement in our schools"

Meaningful Involvement of Parents and Community Members

Public Engagement

The Portland Education Partnership supports community involvement in our schools. We appreciate those parents and community members who take an active interest in public education. Over the past couple of years, the Partnership supported the following public engagement activities:

Family Living Task Force - In winter 2006, a group of 40 or so parents, teachers, and community members came together to review and to make recommendations on the Portland Public School Family Living and Sexuality program.

High School Task Force - In late summer and early fall 2006, a group of 40 or so high school teachers, guidance counselors and administrators came together to explore challenges at our high schools. The work included bringing equity and consistency among Portland's high schools.

District Strategic Plan - In summer and fall 2006, numerous stakeholder groups worked to create a strategic plan for the Portland Public Schools. The final product was approved by the School Committee in November 2006.

Casco Bay High School Long-term Facilities Task Force - In winter 2007, a group of students, parents, teachers and community members came together to consider the long term home for Casco Bay High School. The final recommendation focused on Portland High School and Portland Arts and Technology High School.

College/Career/Citizenship - In winter 2007, the Partnership partnered with Building Bridges, a local parent group, to sponsor a panel discussion on College/Career/ Citizenship. Panel members included Sue Gendron, Maine's Commissioner of Education; Mary Jo O'Connor, Superintendent; Glenn Cummings, Maine House Majority Leader; Dr. James Ortiz, Southern Maine Community College President and Dr. Lynne Miller, University of Southern Maine.

Student Aspirations - In spring 2007, the Partnership sponsored Dr. Russ Quaglia in a community presentation on student aspirations. Dr. Quaglia is Director of the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations.

District Marketing Committee - Over the last two years, a small group of parents and community members have explored ways to market the Portland Public Schools to the public - including a short video, a new brochure, an exit survey to families leaving the district and revisions to the district website.