Skip To Main Content

Close trigger menu ( Don't delete )

Find It Fast

Main Navigation

Schools Nav

Mobile Utility

Mobile Translate

Header Holder

Header Right

Schools Navs

Header Utility

Translate

Search Container

Mobile Menu Trigger ( don't delete )

Landing Nav

Breadcrumb

Home

Hero

Attention Hijacked: Mindful Approaches to Tech Use

Watch the informative workshop led by Erica B. Marcus of Cape Elizabeth Public Schools! This session provided families with valuable information and tools for instituting healthy and mindful technology usage at home.
 

Learn More

Embracing Neurodiversity

Watch the informative workshop led by Dr. Audrey Bartholomew. This session gave an overview of ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other cognitive differences, and will explore the strengths and potential challenges faced by neurodiverse students.

Learn More

Inclement Weather Plan

Wondering what to do in case of inclement weather? The district will use up to three snow days, with makeup days in June. Additional closures will switch to remote learning.

Learn more

Icons Navigation

Parent University Calendar

Don't miss upcoming events and classes.

View Calendar

 

There are no events to display

News/Announcements

Events & Classes

All classes are free and will provide food and childcare.

DEFAULT IMAGE

Update your news here

Understanding ESSA Funding: How It Supports Our Schools

Learn more about all of the particulars of ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) funding on September 18th from 6-7:30pm at Deering High School! Led by Gail Cressey, the Director of Grants and Academic Resources for the district, this session will provide valuable insights into the allocation and use of ESSA funds, and will empower families to become more engaged and informed advocates for their children’s education. 

Read More about Understanding ESSA Funding: How It Supports Our Schools
Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding and Supporting Our Children

Join us at Presumpscot Elementary School on September 
24th from 5:30-7:30pm for an informative workshop led by Dr. Audrey Bartholomew. This session will give an overview of ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other cognitive differences, and will explore the strengths and potential challenges faced by neurodiverse students. Interpretation, refreshments, and childcare will be provided. 

Read More about Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding and Supporting Our Children
Reimagining Family Engagement - Understanding Maine's School Funding System

We invite you to join us on 06/12/24 from 6-7:30pm at Deering High School for Understanding Maine’s School Funding System, a deep dive into the Maine state funding formula for Essential Programs and Services. In this session, former Portland mayor and current Maine State Representative Mike Brennan will outline the factors involved in determining the yearly state and local budgets for public education, and help participants comprehend the complexities of school finance reform. 

Read More about Reimagining Family Engagement - Understanding Maine's School Funding System
Reimagining Family Engagement - Navigating the State Legislature

How can families take a more active role in shaping policies that impact public schools students in the state of Maine? Join us for our informational session, Navigating the State Legislature, from 5:30-7pm at Deering High School on 05/22/24 as we investigate this question! Led by Dania Bowie of the Maine Women’s Lobby, this session will arm participants with the knowledge and strategies necessary to begin engaging in legislative advocacy on behalf of Portland Public Schools students. 

Read More about Reimagining Family Engagement - Navigating the State Legislature
4th Grade Health Curriculum Overview

Parents and guardians of 4th graders are invited to join us on January 18th from 6:00-7:30pm at Talbot Community School for the 4th Grade Health Curriculum Overview!

This session offers an overview of the three-lesson curriculum which outlines the physical, social, and emotional changes that come in puberty, why teaching this material is important, and what we can do together to partner to ensure a successful experience for your child.

  • Talbot Community School
Read More about 4th Grade Health Curriculum Overview
Back to School Fair

Join us on Saturday, September 16 from 1:00-4:00 PM at East End Community School to participate in workshop sessions on important topics that will help prepare students and families for the upcoming school year.

  • East End Community School
Read More about Back to School Fair
Reimagining Family Engagement: Session 3

Join us on January 26, 2023, 5:30-7:30 PM at King Middle School for Outreach and Partnership with Multilingual Families: Strategies and Best Practices. In this session, participants will examine the individual and institutional challenges for meaningful participation among our multilingual families in school parent groups and strategies to overcome overcome them. Refreshments and child care provided.

  • King Middle School
Read More about Reimagining Family Engagement: Session 3
Social Emotional Health: How Trauma Impacts the Brain

Portland Public Schools is committed to the social and emotional health of all students which is all the more critical as a result of the pandemic. 

At this session, PPS district social work leaders and The Yellow Tulip Project presented on how trauma impacts the brain of children and adolescents what this means for all of us and how we can work together as parent/guardians, families, and friends, to remain regulated to help students and each other through difficult, stressful times. 

  • Virtual
Read More about Social Emotional Health: How Trauma Impacts the Brain
Starting at Zero:  Thinking about Education Starting at Birth

Starting at Zero is a film that explores the power of investing in high-quality early childhood education so that all children and families have the opportunity to thrive and attain the American Dream. 

What’s the status of early childhood education in Portland and in Maine? Why is birth-to-5 education critical in the development of children? How can families bring their voice in developing quality early childhood education programs? 

  • Virtual
Read More about Starting at Zero: Thinking about Education Starting at Birth

Testimonials

What parents/caregivers, speakers, and staff have to say about Parent University.

I am so grateful and proud of all the work that Portland Public Schools have put into making our Parent University sessions a reality in our district.

  • Juliana Bean
  • Family & Community Engagement Specialist

Parent University

Facts About Our School

Learn More

2018

Established

2018 is the year of Parent University’s establishment.

Social Media Feed

30+

Events

Over 30 events since its inception.

Social Media Feed

280+

Parents

Parents in attendance at Parent University events in 2024.

Social Media Feed