August 27, 2025

Hello Deering Students and Families,

Teachers are back at school this week prepping classrooms and getting ready for students, and we are really looking forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday! I am writing to let you know a few final reminders before school starts and to follow up to Dr. Scallon’s message about some new policies at Deering this year. Please contact me with any questions.

New Assistant Principal!

Please welcome Carlie Frederick as our new assistant principal here at Deering. We are so excited that Ms. Frederick has joined the Ram-ily, and brings with her many years of experience in the Portland Public Schools, including the past 15 years spent at Lincoln Middle School. 

First Day of School

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2nd; this is a full school day for ALL STUDENTS. School starts at 8:20 am, so please plan to arrive before 8:20 am! Breakfast will be available starting at 8:00 am. All buses will be running a normal schedule.

PATHS

Students attending school at Portland Arts and Technology High School will also start their programming at PATHS on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 2nd. AM PATHS students should arrive directly at PATHS in the morning, PM students should arrive at Deering. 

OPEN HOUSE

On Wednesday, September 10th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, we will hold an Open House for all students and their families. This is a chance to come together as a community, meet your students’ teachers, see their classrooms, and explore table displays featuring information about academics, athletics, and clubs. We will also be hosting a special session for families to meet our new administrators, as well as have time to chat with our Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed.

Student Password Reset

PPS will be resetting student password logins on Thursday, 8/28 for Infinite Campus and Google accounts. Students will receive new passwords on the first day of school. 

Schedules & Add/Drop

Deering High School's School Counseling team has released a letter to students ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, outlining important updates. We are welcoming two new members, Mr. Mutombo and Ms. Siegel, and have realigned our student caseloads. Please check your schedules on Infinite Campus for any changes and to find your counselor. In accordance with DHS new policy, students in grades 9-11 will have full schedules, and students in grade 12 will have at least 3 classes. Should you have a need to take less, please see your counselor or social worker. We are pleased to offer 4 new electives this year to help students maximize their schedules! Please see the larger announcement for more details on these policies and offerings!

Family-Teacher Organization (FTO)

Our Family-Teacher Organization will have their first meeting on Wednesday, October 8, from 6:00-7:00 in the Deering library. The agenda includes: welcoming new families, extended learning opportunities, STEM endorsements, seal of biliteracy, clink bags, mini grants, and a Q&A with the principal. All are welcome to attend, please reach out to deeringhspto@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page for more information. 

Advisory

Advisory will continue to be a required part of the school day at Deering, with attendance taken daily. This year, advisory will also carry academic credit. The program is designed to help every student feel connected, supported, and prepared for success. Research shows that when students experience belonging, their attendance and learning outcomes improve. Advisory provides each student with a dedicated adult advocate who will guide, listen, and support them throughout the year.

Students will participate in lessons from BASE, a social-emotional learning curriculum that teaches skills for resilience, self-management, and building healthy relationships. They will also engage with Common Sense Education’s digital literacy program, which focuses on safe and responsible technology use. 

Advisory also creates time for meaningful conversations, one-on-one check-ins, and group circles using the PPS Circle Protocol. These activities build community, foster empathy, and emphasize restorative practices. In addition, grades will be recorded for advisory participation, helping us track both academic progress and student engagement. Our goal is to create a school community where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive.

Cell Phones

Beginning September 2, Deering will implement the district’s new cell phone policy. Students may not have cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, or other personal electronic devices during school hours. Students who bring devices will secure them in lockable Yondr pouches for the day. Procedures will be explained to students on opening day. While this is a significant shift, we are confident it will help students stay fully engaged in their learning.

Vape Sensors

In response to feedback from students, staff, and families, PPS has installed vape sensors at Deering. These sensors detect the chemical signatures from vaping, smoking, and certain aerosols. When triggered, they send an alert to staff so we can respond quickly. The devices do not capture images, voices, or personal information. Alongside this, student support teams will provide education, counseling, and referrals to help students understand the health risks of tobacco and other addictive substances.

Community Safety

Creating safe and inclusive schools remains a top priority. School leaders and administrators have been given clear guidance on what to do if immigration enforcement agents or other unknown individuals approach staff or students. PPS policy recognizes only warrants issued by a judge, and staff are required to notify district leadership and legal counsel immediately if contacted. Families would also be notified as appropriate.

To date, there have been no incidents of immigration enforcement at PPS schools. Portland Police have assured the district that if they become aware of any enforcement activity planned at a school, they will work to ensure it does not occur. Our commitment is to protect the safety and well-being of every student, staff member, and family in our community.

In community,

Jeff Burnap

Assistant Principal