Good afternoon families,
This week, our Grade 5 students had the opportunity to participate in an in-house field trip with the Eli Whitney Museum. Students explored why different bird beaks vary in shape—some being pointy or curved, long or short—and how these differences relate to survival.
They discussed bird beak adaptations and learned about Charles Darwin’s discoveries through his observations of finches during his expedition to the Galápagos Islands in 1835. As part of the experience, students built an armature with a model bird beak and explored how adaptations occur in response to environmental needs.
Today, during our grade-level town halls, we reviewed school expectations and addressed specific concerns impacting each grade. With three weeks remaining, we are focused on finishing the school year on a strong and positive note.
Please take a moment to check our lost and found. We have accumulated a large number of items, including sweatshirts, jackets, and water bottles. Any unclaimed items will be donated after next week.
Lastly, please see the message below from Dr. Britton regarding upcoming building committees:
Good Morning Portland,
Now that the bonding referendum has been approved, the next important step is the selection of members for a building committee. This committee will play an essential role in overseeing the renovation and expansion of Valley View Elementary School, the renovation of Gildersleeve Elementary School, and improvements to the Secondary Complex.
This is a significant commitment, involving regular meetings over the next five years, but it is also a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of our schools for generations to come.
The Portland Board of Selectmen is seeking to appoint 7–9 individuals with experience in areas such as:
- Technical trades (HVAC, plumbing, general contracting, roofing, etc.)
- Construction
- Architecture and design
- Finance, accounting, contracts, or law
- School or commercial construction projects
- Elementary education (general or special education)
- Interior design
Interested Portland residents should email a resume to First Selectman Mike Pelton at
mpelton@portlandct.org by the end of the business day on Wednesday, June 10. A committee will review applications and make recommendations, with the goal of appointments being made at the June 17 Board of Selectmen meeting.
Thank you for your continued support. Have a wonderful weekend.
Joe Santavenere
