Dear Deering,
Our second semester is off to a strong start. Ms. Noor is back and launched the semester with a wonderful assembly inspiring students to be kind to each other and to focus on their learning and personal growth. It was a real Deering moment.
There has been a lot of talk among students about current events lately. We are a community of diverse beliefs and backgrounds, but we all share the commitment to be a safe, productive space for all students and teachers to be in community together and to accomplish the important work of teaching and learning. We are All One School, Minds On and Learning Together…. That’s the Deering Difference.
GUIDANCE UPDATES
School Counselors are excited to support your students as they begin the second half of the year!
- In February and March, students will receive important information about course selection for next year during advisory on 2/26 and 3/12. Choosing appropriately challenging courses is key to expanding postsecondary options. They’ll learn about electives, honors, AP options, and building a strong transcript. Please reach out with any questions!
- 9th Graders will be learning more about transcripts, college/career options, and their strengths through second-semester lessons in advisory, starting with activities on 2/12.
- 10th Graders will be focusing on connecting their strengths and personality to careers, as well as how clubs, sports, service, and early college opportunities can help during advisory lessons starting on 2/12. We encourage them to get involved!
- 11th Graders will be working with Counselors on postsecondary planning, including college applications, testing, financial aid, technical training programs, and more through advisory lessons and one on one meetings, starting on 2/12. This is an important time for them, and we’ll be working with them closely!
- 12th Graders: Counselors will continue supporting seniors with financial aid, scholarships, job opportunities, resumes, and ensuring a solid plan for their next steps using time during advisory, including on 2/12, as well one-on-one meetings.
ZEROS
During COVID, we began giving half credit for missing assignments in order to accommodate the challenging circumstances we were all in. We are ending that practice this semester. Students can now receive zeroes on assignments and assessments. Students will still have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of a standard. They will also have up to two weeks to retake and revise summative assessments for up to full credit if they take full advantage of Learning Center. Our full grading policy is here.
KNOW ANY INSPIRING DHS ALUMNI?
Do you know an alum of Deering High School that deserves recognition? The Foundation for Portland Public Schools will be giving the 2nd annual distinguished alumni awards on May 14. Nomination form here.
BBQ 4 DHS
Every Thursday night a portion of Noble's BBQ & PIzzeria sales will be donated to our Deering FTO. These funds will go directly into our programming to support students and staff. So plan your Thursday night meals (dine-in and takeout!). Noble BBQ is located at 476 Stevens Ave and you can find their menu and ordering info at noblepizzaandbbq.com. Thank you, Noble BBQ!
Q&A WITH SUPERINTENDENT SCALLON
Our next FTO meeting will be Monday, February 3rd at 6:00pm in the Deering Library. We will be hosting Superintendent Scallon as our guest speaker, and he will be sharing information about the new strategic plan and, specifically, the High School for the Future initiative. We are excited for this opportunity to communicate directly with him about the future goals of PPS as it relates to DHS.
SAFETY PRACTICES
On Tuesday 2/5 we will have our last focus day on safety during advisory (8:20-9:20). We will review our major procedures, practice a lockdown, and discuss scenarios where students and staff should use their judgment. Please contact Jeff Burnap (burnaj@portlandschools.org) with questions.
CALENDAR
February 3: Family Teacher Organization, 6pm
February 3: School Counselor Week
February 5: Lockdown Drill & Safety Lessons in Advisory
February 7: No School – Teacher Workday
February 12: Advisory lessons preparing for college and career.
February 14: Winter Formal Dance
February 17-21: No School
February 22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
February 26: Select courses for next year in Advisory. Seniors continue Feb. 12 lessons.
February 28: Approximate start of Ramadan