Academics

The Portland High School academic program serves over 1000 students from more than 30 countries with a spectrum of academic areas and levels of challenge. Each school day is four blocks long, with an eight -block schedule over two days, and an eight-day rotation for lab classes. Students attend advanced placement, honors, college, basic and practical level classes. In addition, many classes are non- leveled. For incoming non-English speaking students there are four levels of ESOL classes. IEP placements are available for special needs students. Many PHS students attend one of two sessions of the Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS).

Academic Departments are joined together in five Clusters which meet monthly to develop programs and disseminate information. Teachers are supported through membership in the Portland Education Association, and by the Liaison Committee in each building.

Students are assessed four times a year on a standard Portland High School Numerical Grade Scale. Students are supported in selecting courses from a Course Catalog, and in understanding school expectations through a clear and in-depth Student Portland High School Handbook. Each student is assigned to a homeroom teacher, a guidance counselor, an assistant principal and an available social worker.

Since 1991 Portland Public Schools, Parents and Portland High School, have been in a continuing process of defining, and putting into use Learning Results, a framework of curriculum standards which details expectations for behaviors and critical thinking skills manifest in successful students and the School Improvement (SIT) Process. Learning Results are a framework of curriculum standards which detail expectations for behaviors and critical thinking skills manifest in successful students. The School Improvement Process provides collaborative school operation by administration, staff, parents and students.

Academic Teams and Societies encourage student achievement beyond the classroom. Student Achievement is recognized in many ways.

PHS is a member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and renews its accreditation every ten years.

Course Catalog 2011-2012

The 2011-2012 PHS Course Catalog can be viewed by opening the attachment below.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Portland High School diploma, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 41 credits. One credit is granted for a one-semester course, and two credits are granted for a year-long course. Student credits must come from the following areas/disciplines:

English---8 Credits

Mathematics---6 Credits

Science---6 Credits

Social Studies---6 Credits

Physical Education---2 Credits

Fine Arts Electives---2 Credits

Health---1 Credit

Other Electives---10 Credits

Family Handbook

The 2011-2012 Family Handbook is now available. If you have any questions about the Family Handbook, please contact one of the Assistant Principals:

Kim Wike: wikek@portlandschools.org

 

Portland Public Schools Handbook (see attachment below)

 

Academic Departments

SEE BELOW FOR A LINK TO EACH ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT AND TEACHER

Consumer Sciences

Kathy Porter-Room G-05

portek@portlandschools.org

William LeRoy - Room G-03, Health

leroyw@portlandschools.org

 

E.L.L.

E.L.L.(English Language Learning)
 
 
Stephen Dyro-Room 203
 
Zarmina Hanifi-Room 133
 
Debbie Hutson-Room 2011
 
Christina Mitchell-Room 212
 
Ann Murray-Room 213
 
 
Thomas Talarico-Room 301
 
Julie Wise-Room 2018


English

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS

David Dowling-Visit my Web Site!

dowlid@portlandschools.org

 

Sandra Guerra

guerrs@portlandschools.org

 

Debbie Keyes

keyesd@portlandschools.org

 

David Levasseur

levasd@portlandschools.org

 

Terry Myatt

myattt@portlandschools.org

 

Amanda Pendleton

pendla@portlandschools.org

 

Karen Phillips

phillk@portlandschools.org

 

Sarah Shmitt-Visit My Blog!

shmits@portlandschools.org

 

David Smith

smithd@portlandschools.org

 

Foreign Language

 

NAME EMAIL ROOM SUBJECT
Angela Cote

cotea@portlandschools.org

224 Spanish
Susannah Green

greens@portlandschools.org

2012 French
Kathleen Quinn

quinnk@portlandschools.org

224 Spanish
Phil Thibault

thibap@portlandschools.org

2017 Latin & French
Michelle Tucci

tuccim@portlandschools.org

223 Latin
       

 

 

Math

Teacher Email Room Subject
Cindy Blais blaisc@portlandschools 132 Math
Ileen DaPonte daponi@portlandschools.org 130 Math
Dan Deniso denisd@portlandschools.org 231 Math
Robert Girsch girscr@portlandschools.org 207 Math
Zarmina Hanifi hanifz@portlandschools.org 133 Math
Nancy Harkins harkin@portlandschools.org 230 Math
Leslie Holden holdel@portlandschools.org 131 Math
Sarah Salisbury salissa@portlandschools.org 233 Math
Rosalee Lamm lammr@portlandschools.org 130 Math
Chris Smart smartc@portlandschools.org 336 Math
Jennifer Jackson jacksj@portlandschools.org 134  

 

Science

TEACHER EMAIL ROOM SUBJECTS
 Kyra Adkins adkink@portlandschools.org Room 337  Chemistry
 Mike Bailey bailem@portlandschools.org Room 332  Human Anatomy & Physiology
 Eric Begonia begone@portlandschools.org Room 333  Biology
 Christine Braceras bracec@portlandschools.org Room 331  Earth Science
 Garry Fox foxg@portlandschools.org Room 335  Biology & Chemistry
 Rocco Frenzilli frenzr@portlandschools.org Room 307
 Earth Science
 Cyndy Martin marticy@portlandschools.org Room 334  Biology & Environmental Science
 Rosalee Lamm lammr@portlandschools.org Room 338  Physics
 Beverly Robinson robinb@portlandschools.org Room 330  Earth Science

 

Social Studies

TEACHER EMAIL ROOM SUBJECT
Troy Crabtree crabtt@portlandschools.org 221 World Civilizations
John Johnson johnsj@portlandschools.org 226 World Civilizations
Ericka Lee-Winship leee@portlandschools.org 227 US History
Steve Norbert norbes@portlandschools.org 2015 World Civilizations
Jana Boody boodyj@portlandschools.org 2016 US History
Carmine Rumo rumoc@portlandschools.org 2013 US History
Michael Rutherford ruthem@portlandschools.org 2019 US History
       

AP Courses

Portland High School offers the following Advanced Placement courses:

Biology, Grade 12

Calculus, Grade 12

Chemistry, Grades 11 & 12

English Language and Composition, Grade 11

English Literature, Grade 12

French Language, Grade 12

Latin Catullus/Horace, Grade 12

Psychology, Grades 11 & 12

Spanish Language, Grade 12

Statistics, Grade 12

Studio Art, Grade 12

United States History, Grade 11

 For more informtaion about these courses, please contact our AP Coordinator, Sue Mullen, at mulles@portlandschools.org.

 

Summer Assignments

Summer Reading (AP and Honors)
Below is a list of required reading for various courses.  There are detailed assignments that go along with the required reading.  They are posted as attachments (SEE BELOW)

 

Freshman Teaming

TBA