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Portland High School

Home of the Highlanders

Highlander Highlights - March 13, 2026

Posted Date: 03/13/26 (02:10 PM)
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Principal's Message

Dear Portland Families,

Please see below for an important message below regarding the school consolidation plan.

Regards,
Kate

School Consolidation Plan

Dr. Britton has shared additional information about the proposed school consolidation plan, and I wanted to be sure our community has access to these resources.

You can review a Q&A document that addresses many common questions here:

A video summary of the Valley View tour from this past Monday is also available here:

You are invited to attend the following community event:
Monday, March 16 | 6:00 p.m.
Gildersleeve Elementary School
Join us for a tour of Gildersleeve and a presentation outlining the vision to renovate the building and establish a grades 3–5 school.
Thank you for staying engaged in these important conversations about our schools.

Additional information, including a website and flyers, will be shared next week, and we expect an article in tomorrow’s Rivereast as well.

 

Noteworthy Dates

MARCH
3/18 - SAT School Day, PSAT 9, and PSAT 10
3/20-21 - PHS Musical
3/25 - Two-hour Delay

APRIL
4/1 - Project Grad Meeting, 6:30 -8:00pm, PHS Library
4/2 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
4/2 - Half Day for Students
4/3 - No School
4/8 - Sideliners Meeting, 7:00pm, PHS Cafeteria
4/13-17 - No School, April Break
4/22 - Two-hour Delay
4/22 - Band Extravaganza
4/23 - Choral Extravaganza
4/25 - Prom
4/30 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Van Beynum Room, Portland Library
4/30 - Sophomore Class Auction - Info to come

MAY
5/5 - AP Exams begin
5/6 - Project Grad Meeting, 6:30 -8:00pm, PHS Library
5/13 - Sideliners Meeting, 7:00pm, PHS Cafeteria
5/20 - Two-hour Delay
5/21 - Awards Night
5/25 - No School
5/27 - Jazz Night
5/28 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Van Beynum Room, Portland Library

JUNE
6/3 - Project Grad Meeting, 6:30 -8:00pm, PHS Library
6/4 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Mary Flood Room, Portland Library
6/10 - Sideliners Meeting, 7:00pm, PHS Cafeteria
6/22 - Projected Last Day of School, Half Day

Class of 2026 Graduation - June 15, 2026
Calendar
 

Attendance Procedures

Please email phsattendance@portlandct.us to report an absent or tardy student. To request an early dismissal please send in a note with your student or call 860-342-1720 x 0.
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Performing Ensembles:

Congratulations to members of the Wind Ensemble and A Cappella groups on a successful inaugural Chamber Music concert! Students worked hard preparing music in smaller student-led ensembles and were able to work on developing new skills. Students were in charge of choosing their music, rehearsing their ensembles, and coordinating their performance. It was an absolute joy to see students step up in a new way and we look forward to continuing this as a new Winter tradition moving forward. 
Looking ahead, our ensembles will continue to shine with upcoming performances, including the Virginia Beach trip, Extravaganzas, the Yardgoats, Memorial Day Parade, and Jazz Night. These events provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements, and share their enthusiasm for music with the community.

Musical:

Final preparations and rehearsals are underway as students work hard to prepare for this year’s annual school musical, The Addams Family, hitting the stage on March 20 & 21. This production highlights the talents, creativity, and dedication of our cast, set, tech and costume crews, and pit orchestra. We are excited to finally share our hard work with the community and look forward to a lively and engaging performance that celebrates the teamwork, artistry, and commitment of our students, bringing this spirited tale to life on stage.
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Student Spotlight:

We are proud to celebrate our students who have earned a place in the All-State Music Festival in Hartford. This festival brings together musicians from across the state who have auditioned and scored among the top performers in their respective ensembles.

Earning a spot is a significant accomplishment—auditions are highly competitive, and students prepare for months to perform challenging repertoire with accuracy, musicality, and confidence. Their dedication reflects not only strong individual musicianship but also the commitment and work ethic they bring to our program each day.

Congratulations to the following students for this outstanding achievement:
  • Band - Lily Gaetani – Clarinet (at left, below)
  • Mixed Choir - Toby Hunter – Vocal Tenor (at right, below)
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Curriculum Showcase and Course Selection Night

On March 4, 2026, Portland High School welcomed families for our Curriculum Showcase and Course Selection Night. The event provided current eighth grade families, along with our current students and their parents, an opportunity to learn more about the wide range of academic programs and pathways available at PHS. Department leaders shared information about course offerings, expectations, and opportunities within their disciplines, helping families better understand how students can shape their high school experience.

From humanities and performing arts to fine arts, career and technical education, and more, the evening highlighted the many ways students can explore their interests while preparing for college, career, and life beyond high school. Thank you to the teachers, counselors, and staff who helped make the evening informative and welcoming for our families as they begin planning for the year ahead.  
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Read Across America

Both 12th grade Public Speaking classes visited Gildersleeve on Monday, March 2nd to participate in the annual Read Across America tradition of reading children's books to 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade classes. After finishing their stories, several classes asked PHS students questions about high school.
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2025-2026 PHS Term Dates

Term 3: Jan 23 - April 3 -- Term 4: April 4 - June 15

Term 3 report cards will be posted on 4/10
 
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Click here to visit the PHS Athletics Website!

We extend our sincere appreciation to our senior athletes in basketball, cheer, wrestling, track and hockey for their dedication, leadership, and commitment throughout the winter sports season. Their hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship have made a meaningful impact on their teams and on the Portland High School community. We thank them for the pride and effort they have brought to our athletic program and wish them continued success in all that lies ahead.
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Notes from the Music Boosters

Welcome New and Continued Friends of Portland Music! 

We are a group of parents and community members who support the PM/PHS music departments through fundraising and volunteering our support throughout the school year. We are starting our monthly meetings next week and would love to see you there!. Attendance at the meetings is not required to be a booster, but you are all welcome to join us! There will be virtual options for each of the meetings also - check out our calendar on the boosters website (https://www.portlandctmusic.org) for details.

NEXT MEETING:
4/30/2026 - Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Mary Flood Room, Portland Library

Hope to see you there!
 

Message from Sideliners:

Still searching for the perfect Holiday gift for family?? Portland Highlander gear makes a great gift and helps support our boys and girls sports teams!

Highlander blankets and scarves will keep you warm during the cold winter months, OR you can visit our Highlander store to purchase custom sweatshirts, pants, hats, shirts, socks, and more.  Home | Portland Sideliners (inksoft.com)

We’re also looking for help working concessions during boys and girls basketball games this winter. Please email us at portlandsideliners@gmail.com to volunteer. 
 
Thank you for your continued support and as always, GO HIGHLANDERS!!
 
Venmo: @Portland-Sideliners
Portland High School Sweatshirt
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Stay Connected

Want to stay up to date with what's going on at Portland High School? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed! Important announcements, sports updates, student life photos, events and more are a regular part of our posts each week. Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @portlandct712

Please also follow our YouTube Channel for student broadcasted news at WPHT Broadcasting.
 
Front view of Portland High School entry

Portland High School

95 High Street, Portland, CT 06480
860.342.1720
phsinfo@portlandct.us
portlandctschools.org/high-school
@portlandct712