According to an AlertNow message from the Portsmouth School Department, PMS lost power at 11:30 in an outage that is currently affecting portions of Middletown and Portsmouth. PSD said that National Grid hopes to have power restored by 2pm. Here's the text from their AlertNow e-mail:

Emergency back-up lighting is operational at PMS. Lunch has been served to all students. The teaching staff is making modifications to their afternoon instruction and working to ensure the school day is minimally impacted. Students needing to use the restroom will be accompanied by adults.

Due to the power outage the phone system is currently not working. Any parent/guardian who needs to have a message relayed to the school can contact the Portsmouth School Department offices at 683-1039, extension 0. We will relay your message to the school.

Please be assured that your children are safe. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this power outage.