March 28, 2025

Dear Deering,

The final quarter of the year is almost here. College acceptances are rolling in, spring sports are beginning, and students are starting their final series of units in each class. Our goal this year has been to preserve what makes Deering special–the way people from such diverse backgrounds and beliefs share a positive community with each other–and to also raise our academic expectations and inspire students to achieve their full potential. It’s an ongoing project, but every week is rich with victories, large and small. You and your
family are part of that story.

A few notes and updates for April:

ADMINISTRATION
As you know, Ms. Noor is on leave for the remainder of the year for medical reasons. Ms. Schouvieller is also on leave for the remainder of the year with her new baby, Silas. Mr. Burnap and Ms. Labbe will be interim Assistant Principals in their absence, and we are fortunate to have the wonderful Sierra Gray and Mark Poirier teaching their classes for them. I feel lucky to have a strong community of educators who are willing to step in and fill gaps as they arise!

SPRING CONFERENCES
We will be holding conferences on April 3rd and 4th. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 both days, conferences will be from 1:00-7:00 on 4/3 and from 1:00-4:00 on 4/4. You should have already received communications on how to sign up, but if you need help please reach out directly to your child’s teacher, or contact Liz Davenport davenl@portlandschools.org in Guidance.

FAMILY TEACHER ORGANIZATION
Join us in the library at 6pm on April 8 to plan for Teacher Appreciation Week, a really important moment of the year that requires volunteers and donations to pull off. Deeringhspto@gmail.com for more information.

Also, don’t forget that a portion of all Thursday sales at Noble BBQ & Pizza goes to the DHS FTO. It’s been a great partnership so far, so please consider eating or getting takeout there on a Thursday.

SPRING TESTING
It’s testing season – a chance for our students to show what they know on a variety of exams.
● On Wednesday, April 9th, all 11th graders will take the Maine Science Test (including AM PATHS students). They should be on time at 8:20. The test will take approximately 3 hours, and students will be dismissed for the day when they complete.
● On Wednesday, April 16th:
   ○ 10th Graders will take the NWEA reading during an extra-long advisory. This helps us provide supports to students and make sure they are taking appropriately challenging classes!
   ○ 11th Graders will take the SAT, a college admission test. This is free to all students, and the school handles registration. Students simply need to show up on time at 8:20 with a charged school Chromebook. This will take about 3 hours, and students will be dismissed for the day when done. All students are exempt from PATHS this day.
● On Wednesday, April 30th, 10th Graders will take the NWEA reading during an extra-long advisory. This helps us provide supports to students and make sure they are taking appropriately challenging classes!
● AP tests start on Monday, May 5th. Registration is now closed. However, if a late test is needed for students who are already registered, please contact Melissa Labbe. Note that many late testing reasons will incur a $40 fee.
● Questions about testing should be directed to Melissa Labbe labbem@portlandschools.org

SENIORS
You should have received an email on 3/17 with graduation information, which can be found on our website. In addition, April is crunch time for Capstone presentations. This is a graduation requirement, and students have been receiving information about this and time to work all year in advisory. Presentations are on May 2. Students needing help should contact Jane Evans evansj@portlandschools.org. Seeing students’ cumulative projects is a highlight every year; we can’t wait to celebrate what the Class of 2025 has
accomplished!

YEARBOOK
The Deering HIgh School 2024-2025 yearbook is on sale now for $40. Order here or on in person on Fridays during Learning Center before April 24, 2025 to receive your copy at school in late may before graduation. Sales made after April 24 will arrive after graduation. For more information about this or other queries regarding yearbook, contact yearbook advisor Corene Wickenheiser at wickec@portlandschools.org. or reach out to the club at DHSyearbook@portlandschools.org

THIS MONTH IN ADVISORY
● April 2: Different focuses by grade level:
   ○ 9th: Trades and Career Lesson
   ○ 10th: Completing a health screener
   ○ 11th: AI Lesson & Information about/Preparation for Science Test & SAT
   ○ 12th Graders: Capstone
● April 9:
   ○ 9th, 10th, and 12th Graders: Lesson about AI, Discussion about their futures
   ○ 11th: Maine Science Test (see “Testing” above for more info)
● April 16: 90 Minute Advisory
   ○ 9th: Strengths Explorer Lesson & Check-Ins
   ○ 10th: Reading NWEA (see “Testing” above for more info)
   ○ 11th: SAT
   ○ 12th: Capstone Project Workshop: Preparing the Presentation
● April 30: 90 Minute Advisory
   ○ 9th: Empathy Lesson
   ○ 10th: Math NWEA (See “Testing” above for more info)
   ○ 11th: Class Meeting led by guidance about college & career prep & Senior Capstone project
   ○ 12th: Capstone Presentation practice & work time

CALENDAR
Apr 3 Ed Tech Appreciation Day
Apr 3 11:30 dismissal: Conferences 1:00-7:00
Apr 4 11:30 dismissal: Conferences 1:00-4:00
Apr 4 End of Third Quarter
Apr 4 School Librarian Day
Apr 7-11 National Assistant Principals Week
Apr 9: MEA Science Test for 11th Grade
Apr 13-20 Passover
Apr 16 NWEA Reading Test for 10th grade in Advisory
Apr 16 SAT for 11th grade in Advisory
Apr 18-27 April Break
Apr 20 Easter
Apr 23 School Bus Driver Day
Apr 24 Administrative Assistants Day
Apr 30 NWEA Math for 10th Grade in Advisory

GOOD PLACES TO GET THE LATEST INFORMATION
● Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
● DHS Instagram
● Rams Athletics Instagram
● Current Announcements to Students

Let us know if you have any questions. You are important to us!

Sincerely,

All of us at Deering High School