Portland Public School Department News

Two third grade teachers at Lyseth Elementary School have been named Maine winners of Preserve America’s American History Teacher of the Year award. The Maine Historical Society chose Barbara Judge and Marilyn Philbrook for the honor because of their dedication to teaching local history.

The award will be presented at a school assembly in September.  Judge and Philbrook will split a $1,000 prize.  In addition, Lyseth’s library will receive a collection of books and primary historical materials in their names.

Judge and Philbrook will be Maine’s nominees for the national American History Teacher of the Year award, funded through the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and Preserve America.

Judge began teaching at Lyseth in 1973.  Philbrook has taught at the school since 1989.  The two work closely together.

“Judge and Philbrook make history engaging, participatory, and meaningful for their students,” said Steve Bromage, assistant director of the Maine Historical Society and coordinator of the program in Maine.  “They make creative and extensive use of the community—including people, stories, landmarks, documents, and organizations.  Their approach inspires an appreciation of history, and fosters students’ connection to the community.”

The Preserve America American History Teacher of the Year Award was created in 2004 to recognize outstanding K-12 American history teachers across the country. 

Preserve America is a White House initiative established with the cooperation of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Department of Commerce to help support the preservation of America’s heritage.  The Gilder Lehrman Institute, based in New York City, maintains an important historical archive on deposit at the New-York Historical Society and offers extensive professional development opportunities for teachers.

Lee Crocker, the acting principal of Lyman Moore Middle School this year, has been chosen by the Portland School Committee to serve in that position on a permanent basis.

Crocker was an assistant principal at Portland High School from 2001 to 2006.  He previously taught social studies and special education at Portland High, Lincoln Middle School and in the Portland Rehabilitative Education Program.  He holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maine and a master’s in education from Plymouth State College.

“I am very excited, pleased and thankful for the opportunity to continue as principal of Lyman Moore,” said Crocker.  “I feel blessed working with such an outstanding staff of professionals, supportive parents, wonderful and special students and involvement by the whole community.”

The Portland School Committee has named Stephen Rogers and Kimberly Wike to permanent positions as assistant principals at Portland High School.  Both had been serving in those positions during the past year.
     

Rotary International and Portland’s Sunrise Chapter have awarded  $12,000 to East End Community School in Portland to buy books for the new school’s literacy program. 

A presentation ceremony will take place on Friday, June 8 at 2:30 p.m. in front of the school, located at 195 North Street. 

The money will be used to buy books at different reading levels that relate to the content areas of the school’s expeditionary learning projects. 

Kelly Hasson, the principal of Peaks Island and Cliff Island elementary schools for the past two years, has been selected as the new principal of Hall Elementary School in Portland.

The Portland School Committee unanimously approved Hasson’s selection on May 30.  Deirdre Steiner, Hall’s principal for the past eight years, is retiring.  Steiner previously served as principal of Adams Elementary School in Portland.

Hasson worked as a teacher and teacher-leader at elementary schools in Camden-Rockport and Cape Elizabeth before joining the Portland Public Schools in 2005.  She holds a bachelor of science from the University of Maine, a master’s in education from Harvard and a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from the University of Maine.

“I’ve loved my time at both island schools with our extremely committed staffs, and the most wonderful children who make going to work everyday feel like I’m with family,” said Hasson, who attended Peaks Island Elementary School as a child.  “Leaving the island schools is very bittersweet for me.

“Leading Hall Elementary School is an extraordinary opportunity,” she said.  “I look forward to working with its well-respected staff, dedicated parent community, and diverse student population.”