Community Circle
Community Circle is a new PTO subcommittee dedicated to increasing community and neighborhood connection for all Reiche families. In addition, this committee will focus on supporting and welcoming immigrant families and New Mainers in our school community. Our goal is to strengthen ties, build trust, and increase lines of open communication by offering resources, outreach, and opportunities for meaningful connection. We will collaborate with other Portland Public School PTOs and local organizations to expand our impact and pool resources.
Some of our ideas include hosting community events—such as sponsored playdates, family “happy hours” with kids’ programming, and other gatherings—that create spaces for families to connect, engage, and build strong relationships. Ultimately, Community Circle seeks to shepherd community support through intentional outreach and engagement, ensuring every family feels included, valued, and supported.
Please reach out to Anna Paschal (413) 320-7335 anna.w.paschal@gmail.com or Whitney Hogan whitney.hogan@gmail.com (612) 750-0268 if you are interested in learning more or assisting in these efforts!
Parenting with Lev
Reiche Parent Lev Leviter is a Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach and is available to support our families. They have particular expertise in the following areas: keeping your cool when your kids push your buttons; navigating a child's gender journey; easing tantrums and meltdowns; resolving sibling, co-parent, and extended family conflict. Their style is warm and affirming, informed by their 10+ years of experience as a conflict mediator and coach, facilitator, and full-time parent to two young kiddos.
https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/coaching/lev-leviter
PRESENTE! Maine
Presente! Maine is a grassroots, mutual aid organization by and for displaced and dispossessed Afro/Indigenous-Latines in Maine. Their mission is to: With our community, we codesign and implement survival programs that proactively address our most urgent public health, climate, and human rights struggles, while also working within systems of power to create a more equitable, joyful, and resilient future.
https://www.presentemaine.org/
Girl Scouts of Maine
Gretchen Phoenix - Community Engagement Specialist - 888-922-4763
Side X Side
Side x Side is a Portland, Maine–based nonprofit organization that is driven to help students and teachers connect to what they are learning and to themselves, helping them to feel engaged, confident, and an integral part of their community. We provide creative, dynamic, arts-integrated classroom programming and professional development. They offer after school classes, vacation week classes, and summer camp.
Rippleffect
Rippleffect is a non-profit youth and community development organization, serving over 4,000 youth annually. Our mission is to promote youth development and leadership through adventure, healthy communities and living sustainably. We believe that hands-on adventure education is fundamental to healthy development of citizens and communities. Our students build confidence, develop critical leadership skills, strengthen relationships, and grow their appreciation for the outdoors through exploration of Cow Island, the waters of Casco Bay, and the wilderness of New England.
More information can be found about their school-year program offerings here: School Year Program Overview — Rippleffect
https://www.rippleffectmaine.org/
Boys and Girls Club
After School and Summer Programs at The Portland Clubhouse has offered after-school programs for children ages 7-18 since 1909. The Clubhouse provides a safe environment for youth to spend their out of school time. Members can enjoy the learning center for homework assistance, the art room to be creative, get active in the Club's gymnasium, cool off in the swimming pool and enjoy a nutritious snack or meal every day.
Learning Works
LearningWorks AfterSchool (LWAS) provides free, high-quality after-school and summer programs for students in grades Pre-K-5 who are academically performing below or partially below grade level and may not have the resources to access a paid after-school enrichment or tutoring program. Our primary focus is academic enrichment through project-based, hands-on, and engaging curriculum. We involve our students in a innovative blend of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and literacy activities to help improve each child’s academic standing in a safe and supportive environment. Transportation and a healthy snack are also provided.
https://www.learningworks.me/our-programs/learningworks-afterschool-summer/
PAYSA
Portland Area Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) serves over 1,000 local kids each year with soccer programs built for fun, growth, and skill development. Our programs are designed to match players with the right level of play for their age and experience. We emphasize learning over winning, there are no formal standings, and younger players play small-sided games (6v6 or 8v8) to maximize touches on the ball and build confidence on the field. PAYSA believes soccer should be available to all, regardless of financial circumstances.
Love Lab Studio
Love Lab Studio is a children’s art studio located just down the street from Reiche School. At the core they believe that art, creativity and joy are necessary as tools for co-creating a better world for all. Their studio was born as a social art project designed to serve + sustain itself. They place children, with so much respect and care, at the center of all they do. Their teachers put together this list, and will continue to edit and evolve it.
* The whole child: social & emotional development and inclusion within a caring, evolving community
* The child as communicator: language development through participation, listening, expression of all kinds
* The child as co-creator: project-based, hands-on, and individual learning through collective belonging
* The child as artist: centering arts, creativity + imagination in all we do
* The child as informed citizen: community member, listened to, global & ecological participant
Portland Hockey Trust
At the Portland Hockey Trust , the goal is simple: give children the opportunity to play hockey and have fun. The Portland Hockey Trust promotes the social, emotional and physical well-being of youth in Portland by providing opportunities to skate and play hockey, open to all and free of charge.