South Portland High School is focused on giving every student the support he/she needs to complete high school. We recognize that families, the community and the school must be partners in this endeavor, so we welcome everyone's support as we tackle this important issue. Some key support people are featured on our school completion website. Parents, students and community members should never hesitate to contact one of our support people if it means keeping a student in school.
The contact number is 767-3266.
 
Respectfully,
 
David Brenner, School Completion Committee Chairperson
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The School Completion Issue... A Social Worker’s Perspective

Kara Tierney-Trevor is a school social worker at SPHS who works primarily with non-special education students. Here is her take on school completion issues at our school:

“The risk factors I see for students who may not complete school are as follows……..
  • Untreated and undiagnosed mental health issues
  • A family history of dropping out
  • Substance use
  • Criminal activity and involvement in the legal system
  • Isolation

Here are the resiliency factors I see in students who do stay in school:
Determination
  • Agreeing to accept supports at school and in the community
  • Establishing relationships with teachers
  • Strong, healthy friendships
  • Envisioning the future
  • Completing schoolwork

When the risk factors are addressed and the resiliency factors are worked on, then students have an increased chance of graduating from South Portland High School.”

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