Skillin Elementary School, alongside the Skillin School PTA, hosted the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new playground at the annual Ice Cream Social on Oct. 5. Teachers and staff held an information fair in the gym to inform the community about the school-wide Positive Behavior Support and Intervention initiative, what it means for Skillin Skyhawks to soar, and the Safety Response Protocol.
Skillin Elementary School and the Skillin School PTA hosted the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new playground at the annual Ice Cream Social on Oct. 5. Courtesy photo
The celebration featured South Portland Fire Department trucks and a guest appearance from Slugger the Sea Dog. Skillin is one of five schools participating in the initiative, which is an evidence-based, multi-tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health.
According to a news release, students are rewarded via a system of green and gold tickets when a teacher or staff member observes them being safe, respectful and kind, or responsible.
The new playground was installed in the summer of 2023. Skillin School PTA worked closely alongside the South Portland School Department to obtain grant funding to replace an aging structure that had been removed during the construction of the new middle school next door.
Skillin Elementary is a Title I school, meaning that at least 40 percent of the student body falls below the poverty line. “Funding student experience without putting the burden on our students’ families is the goal that drives us and leads us to seek funding for these big-ticket items elsewhere,” said Kristin Racine, PTA co-president, in an email. “The grant opportunity presented itself to us at the perfect time.”
Skillin Elementary School and the Skillin School PTA hosted the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new playground at the annual Ice Cream Social on Oct. 5. Courtesy photo
In addition to the new playground structure, Skillin has added blacktop features like FourSquare courts and a map of the USA, and will soon add a GaGa Ball Pit to its playground. The South Portland community at large is encouraged to make use of this space as it progresses.
Townsend Real Estate returns to Portland’s West End with grand reopening
Townsend Real Estate announced the reopening of its original location in the West End of Portland and is inviting the public to join it for a grand reopening party and art gallery event on Oct. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 132 Spring St.
“We are thrilled to be back in the heart of Portland’s West End, and we can’t wait to reconnect with our neighbors and clients,” said Kathryn Townsend in an Oct. 17 news release. “This reopening marks a new chapter for Townsend Real Estate, and we are committed to providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships.”
Guests will experience an evening of celebration, art, and community at the kick off Townsend’s return to the neighborhood. The festivities will feature an art gallery opening that will showcase local talent, live music, complemented by a selection of wine and cheese.
Peoples United Methodist Church plans bean supper
Peoples United Methodist Church will host a baked bean supper from 5 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The church is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland. The supper menu includes hot dogs, homemade baked beans, salads, casseroles and pies. The cost is $10 per person, $8 for age 3 to 12.
For more information, call Becky at 207-799-3416.
Rotary Club will host conversation with Sen. King
The South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Rotary announced that it will host an in-person conversation with Maine Sen. Angus King on Monday, Nov. 6. According to the club, “it’s an opportunity to learn more about the senator’s work, ask questions in the company of friends and neighbors.”
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The event will be held at the South Portland Community Center at 21 Nelson Road in South Portland. The agenda includes a 9:30 a.m. continental breakfast followed by the conversation with King from 10 to 11 a.m.
All attendees must preregister at https://tinyurl.com/ASKRotary. Space is limited.
There is no cost to attend. A $10 donation for breakfast is suggested. Proceeds to go to the Rotary International PolioPlus campaign.
Church schedules craft fair
Grace Bible Church will host a Church Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 74 Deering Road in Gorham.
For more information, call Faith at 207-712-8358.
Senior luncheon planned at Peoples United
A senior luncheon is scheduled for Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Peoples United Methodist Church. The cost is $5.
Preceding the luncheon, there will be a presentation by the South Portland Police Department on the topic of scams and fraud. Peoples United Methodist Church is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland.
To reserve a seat by Oct. 23, call Rosemary at 207-233-8870.
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