December 1, 2025

Dear Ramily,

I hope this message finds you well as we settle into the cozy rhythms of the winter season. December is a wonderful time to reflect, reconnect, and enjoy the celebrations that brighten these shorter days. Below you’ll find updates on some of the events and activities happening at Deering this month. Wishing you warmth and joy as we wrap up the calendar year and look ahead to finishing our first semester on January 23.

Family Teacher Organization (FTO) Meeting

The FTO will meet this Wednesday, December 3, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. in the Deering Library. Speakers will include Superintendent Scallon and Deering School Librarian Shana Genre, followed by time for FTO updates and Q&A.

School Fundraiser

In coordination with our FTO, we are launching a fundraiser to support student incentives and prizes at Deering. These incentives play an important role in encouraging positive behavior, celebrating growth, and fostering a joyful school culture where students feel seen and motivated.

We invite families, alumni, neighbors, and supporters to consider donating any amount. From now until December break, all donations made to the FTO will go directly toward this incentive fundraiser. You can contribute through the Foundation for Portland Public Schools website page. Your support will help fund rewards, celebrations, and recognition opportunities for students throughout the year. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!

Phone Pouch Reminder

We are asking all students to bring their Yondr phone pouch every time they enter the building, both in the morning and after lunch. Please help remind your student to bring their pouch each day.

2nd Annual Deering Cup Food Drive

Student Government is hosting its second annual food drive from Wednesday, December 3 through Friday, December 19. Students are able to earn 1 point for every food item that is donated, and 2 points for high-interest food (oil, flour, sugar, and snack foods like chips, bars, and gummies). The food will be split between our Ramily Market at Deering and Maine Needs.

Mamma Mia!

The Deering Players present the fall musical Mamma Mia! with performances in the Deering Auditorium on Friday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 13 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Winter Music Concert

Our Deering band, orchestra, and chorus will perform at this year’s Winter Music Concert on December 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the Deering Auditorium.

Deering Athletics & Clubs: A December to Remember for the Rams!

After wrapping up the fall sports season on Thanksgiving Day with the 113th Turkey Day Football Game between Deering and Portland, this week marks the official start of winter sports:

Winter Sports Season Openers:

• Basketball: Rams open the 2025–26 season this Friday, December 5 vs. Portland
• Boys Ice Hockey: Season opener on December 6
• Wrestling: Season opener on December 6
• Girls Hockey: Beacons co-op continues next week after opening vs. Lewiston and Greely
• Indoor Track: SMAA meet season begins December 9
• Swim (co-op): Season opener December 19 vs. Gorham at the Portland YMCA
• Nordic & Alpine Skiing: Training now; races begin January
• Winter Cheer: Competitions begin mid-January
• Unified Basketball: Competitions begin mid-January

Clubs & Cocurricular Events

• Debate Team: Nutcracker Sweeps Tournament on December 6 at Poland Regional HS (after multiple first-place wins at York)

Yearbook Updates

The deadline for senior pictures was December 1, but we are still missing many submissions. We want every senior represented, please send in photos by December 15. Families can purchase a senior advertisement for as low as $50. Ads must be ordered before February 1 to receive this discount. Contact DHSyearbook@portlandpublicschools.org for details. Seniors may submit artwork for the Yearbook Cover Contest. The deadline is January 9, and seniors will vote on the winner when the yearbook is released in June.

Important Dates for Your Calendar

Dec 3 6:00-7:00 pm FTO Mtg in the library 

Dec 12 6:00 pm Mamma Mia! by the Deering Players (pay what you can at the door)

Dec 13 1:00 and 6:00 pm Mamma Mia! by the Deering Players (pay what you can at the door)

Dec 18 6:00 pm Winter Concert

Dec 22 - Jan 2 No School for School Break

Jan 19 No School for MLK Day

Jan 23 Quarter 2 Ends, Semester 1 Ends

Feb 16 - Feb 20 No School for February Vacation

Mar 19 No School for Students (Teacher Work Day)

Mar 20 No School in observance of Eid

April 20 - 24 No School for April Vacation

June 15 Last Day of School (if no storm make-up days)

June 18 Last Possible Day of School (if 3 storm make-up days)

In community,
Jeff Burnap, and the Deering Ramily