May 5, 2025

Dear Deering,

The flowers are blooming, signaling one of the best stretches of the year, filled with special guests, trips, ceremonies, and events. Here are just a handful of recent highlights:

• Margaret Hoyt was awarded the USM Russell Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Jonathan Graffius’ students provided more entries to the Maine App Challenge than any other school in the state.
• Amran Idow and Abdulkadir Munye gave memorable speeches at a community fundraiser for Make It Happen.
• Khalid Mahamed and Mya Landry were recognized by the Southern Maine Athletics Association for their citizenship. Khalid was also similarly recognized by the Maine Principals Association.
• Asa Tussing, Noah Rasheed, Ellis Wood, and Peter Rank ran a great blood drive at Deering for the Red Cross.
• Joey Foley and Corbin Burke each recently scored their 100th career goal in Lacrosse.
• Seniors presented their capstone projects to a packed gymnasium.
• Unified Bocce is entering its second year at DHS.

Of course, there are many, many more things worthy of celebration. If you have something to highlight, tell Liz Davenport, our PR wizard. 

Here are some updates for May:

TEACHER APPRECIATION

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week. Our FTO is doing something each day for teachers, but a kind email to a teacher you appreciate is always welcome in addition!

AP TESTING

AP tests started 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. 

JUNIORS

School Counselors have met with Juniors during Advisory to help them take the next step in their postsecondary journey. They were also introduced to Jane Evans, our Extended Learning Opportunities coordinator, to learn more about job shadows, internships, and other experiences outside the classroom. Betsy Rechel from Make It Happen and Joe Garrison from the Boys & Girls Club also talked about what their programs offer. There is a lot of support for juniors in the school and community! Ask your junior if they’ve had their junior meeting - all students should be meeting with a Counselor before the school year ends. 

SENIORS

May is a busy month! 

• Senior Awards Night is Thursday, May 29th, at 6:00 p.m. Invitations to this event will go out to seniors receiving an award or scholarship on Tuesday, May 13th. 
• Finals for seniors will take place on Thursday (5/29) and Friday (5/30). Following Friday's Block 2 final, seniors will report to the gym for their first graduation practice and distribution of their cap and gown. Don’t forget to turn in your Chromebook!  
• If you have any questions about graduation or senior events, please reach out to Heather Sawyer (sawyeh@portlandschools.org)
• We are gearing up for Project Graduation, an 6/6-6/7 overnight experience for graduating seniors. We need parent volunteers and are raising money with a lawn sign fundraiser and a way to send candy and congratulations to a student.

YEARBOOKS

Books are on sale until the inventory sells out. Books will be distributed Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3. Seniors, you will be done, but can come back to the building to collect them. Questions to DHSyearbook@portlandschools.org.

CULTURE DAY

Culture Day is a long-standing tradition and a favorite day at Deering. Students are encouraged to dress in traditional cultural wear, enjoy a fashion show, talent show, soccer, henna, hair cuts, and of course FOOD during an extended learning center on Friday, May 23rd. 

DISTRICT CELL PHONE POLICY

On 5/20, the School Board will do the first read on Policy JFCK- Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices. A vote is expected on 6/10. The proposed policy update would ban students from carrying personal electronic devices throughout the school day. The district is also working on the procedures for implementation of the policy. PPS wants as much input from students, staff, and families as possible. More information on the policy and engagement events can be found here.

THIS MONTH IN ADVISORY

• May 7: Vaping: Understanding the Risks and Staying Healthy 
  • Grupo Latino will meet separately to preview May’s announcements
• May 14: Different focuses by grade level
  • 9th: On track check-ins
  • 10th: Career lesson and discussion
  • 11th: Check-in and Capstone Proposals
  • 12th: Final Check-ins 
• May 21: 
  • Community Circle: School-wide culture
  • Senior celebrations in advisory
• May 28: Different focuses by grade level
  • Grupo Latino will meet separately to preview June’s announcements
  • 9th-11th: Advisory buddies get together for food and games
  • 12th: Whole grade celebration! 

 

CALENDAR

May 13 Final Fire Drill at the start of Block 2 (Rain date 4/14 Block 3)

May 17 Prom

May 21 Make It Happen Graduation, 4pm, Ocean Gateway

May 22 SLT in Ryan Hutchin’s room after school

May 22 Spring Concert, 6:30pm

May 23 Culture Day

May 29 Senior Finals in B3 & B4

May 29 Senior Awards Night 6-8pm

May 30 Last Day for Seniors, Finals B1 & B2, then they have a first rehearsal and cap & gown distribution

Jun 3 Graduation practice 9-12pm

Jun 5 Graduation 11am

Jun 6 Project Graduation (overnight)

Jun 17 Last Student Day-barring weather event

Jun 18 Last Staff Day-barring weather event

 

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