Lyseth School Family Newsletter 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our first and second graders recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine, where they attended a lively performance by Recycled Percussion. Students were amazed as the performers created music using recycled and everyday materials like buckets, lids, and tubes. The show was full of energy, humor, and audience participation, keeping students engaged from beginning to end. A favorite moment for many was when teachers were invited on stage to dance, bringing lots of laughter and cheers from the crowd.

Fifth graders traveled to the Portland Museum of Art for a learning experience connected to their current social studies unit. While exploring the museum, students examined artwork that supported their study of governance, beginning with the leadership structures of the Wabanaki Confederacy. They are learning how Wabanaki governance practices influenced the founding of the United States government and are comparing these systems with a focus on treaties. Students also considered tensions between government values and practices and explored how cross-cultural relationships, such as that between Tomah Joseph and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, can shape government at the highest levels.

Back at school, our third-grade mathematicians recently completed a unit focused on adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers using strategies based on place value. Students practiced breaking numbers apart, explaining their thinking, and solving problems in multiple ways. Meanwhile, fourth graders are launching into a new math unit exploring numbers and place value through the hundred thousands, building a strong foundation for understanding larger numbers, comparing values, and representing numbers in different forms.

Finally, and most importantly, thank you to all of the families who have reached out to support our Lyseth community over the past few days. Your kindness, support, and generous donations have been truly appreciated. If you are a Lyseth parent hoping to help out our school community. Please consider reaching out to the Lyseth PTA or better yet, attend the next Lyseth PTA meeting on February 12, 2026, at 5:30. 

---

Snow Day Procedures

In cases of inclement weather, Portland Public Schools will use up to three traditional snow days, during which schools will be closed and students will not be expected to attend in person or learn remotely; no school meals will be provided on these days. This afternoon, students will be coming home with snow day packets.  In the event of a snow day, please have your children spend some time working on the packets and then have them bring the packets back to school the following day. 

---

Birthdays

Parents/guardians are welcome to send a healthy peanut-free snack such as pretzels, goldfish, or juice boxes for their child’s class in honor of a birthday. You must let your child’s teacher know of your plans in advance. Students may only hand out birthday party invitations at school only if all students in the class are being invited to the student’s personal celebration.

---

Mark you Calendars! Lyseth World Cup is February 13th!

Students have been hard at work practicing their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills over the past few weeks. Among other topics, they have been learning about rules, positions, team strategies, and sportsmanship. ALL students grades 3-5 have been invited to participate in this event to culminate their skills. Those who do not wish to play will be spectating and cheering on their friends and classmates. At the end of each session students will have the opportunity to play against the Lyseth Staff Team. Please join us in experiencing the joy and passion that this community brings to the game of soccer!

Date: Friday, February 13th, 2026

Times:
5th Grade (9:30-10:15)
4th Grade (10:20-11:05)
3rd Grade (11:10-11:55)

Location: Lyseth Gym

Who: ALL students Grades 3-5 will either be playing or spectating. Families/friends are welcome to join in spectating! Upon arrival check in with the front office to sign in and then head down to the gym. 

---

School Supplies Needed!

Lyseth is in need of the following items:

• Lysol wipes
• Tissues
• Sandwich baggies of all sizes

---

Lyseth Needs Your Used Winter Gear!

We are looking for winter gear donations for students, especially snow pants and gloves. We will collect any donated items in the front office. And as always, please feel free to come peek in our lost and found for missing items. 

---

Portland Public Schools Spanish Immersion Interest Survey

Portland Public Schools is exploring the addition of a Spanish-English dual-language immersion program at one of our elementary schools. This innovative program will give students a unique opportunity to develop fluency in both English and Spanish, beginning in kindergarten. To help us in this exploratory phase, we would like to gather input, gauge interest and review feedback from families and caregivers. Your insights will play a vital role in shaping the direction of this potential new program. Please take a moment to complete this survey by clicking here:

Why choose dual language immersion?

Bilingual proficiency: Students become fluent in both English and Spanish, opening doors to global opportunities.

Cultural awareness: Exposure to Spanish-speaking cultures enhances students' worldviews and respect for diversity.

Academic success: Research shows dual language programs support academic growth, problem-solving and cognitive skills

---

Home Energy Assistance Program Online Application Resources

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Benefits include assistance with fuel costs and emergency fuel delivery. You can also qualify for energy-related repairs and utility payments if you are eligible for HEAP.

Click here to fill out the online HEAP application.

https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/home-energy-assistance-program-online-application-resources

https://www.waysidemaine.org/

---

Looking Ahead — Calendar Highlights

Here are some important upcoming dates and events at Lyseth Elementary:

• February 13 - Lyseth World Cup 9:30-12

• February 16-20 - School Closed for mid-winter break 

PTA CORNER and Upcoming Events

Next Weekend: 2/1 Lyseth Day at the Maine Celtics 1pm, Portland Expo Center 2/12 Monthly PTA Meeting w/childcare 5:30-6:30pm, Lyseth Library Click here to register for childcare or translation, or to ask a question Craft Night Tuesday February 10th  6:00pm - 7:00pm Lyseth Cafeteria   Join us for a fun filled evening of kids creating fun arts and crafts. for all Lyseth Families and Friends in the Lyseth Cafeteria! Want to help making craft night a success? This year we are looking for volunteers to help run tables with a PTA provided craft! We will provide an example of each craft and any necessary instructions that go with it. We also have space for any families who want to sponsor and run a craft table!  https://volunteersignup.org/9XH7H   The Lyseth PTA is excited to offer 2025-2026 Yearbooks for purchase to all Lyseth Students!  The Yearbook includes school photos of every grade, class candids, student artwork, photos from around the school, and a special section dedicated to our 5th Grade Students! Order yours today using the link below! **Attention 5th Grade Families!** Every 5th Grade Student will be gifted a memory book from the Lyseth PTA at the end of the year celebrations, but we do offer student dedications and love lines which can be purchased using the link below!  Memorybook Online Pay School Code: 971627M For more on the PTA, find us:  On the web: lysethpta.org On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LysethElementaryMEPTA/

---