Hello Deering Families,

Happy summer! We have celebrations, information about summer, and a few updates for next school year to share with you. 

Reflecting on our Success

• Science Olympiad Journey to Nationals: Representing Maine at the 42nd National Science Olympiad Tournament, Deering’s "Purple Team" won the prestigious National Spirit Award which comes with a $2,000 prize. Led by student officers (Iylarose Willis, Sophie Li, Alma Wallace, and Paisley Haskell) and Coach Davenport, the team was honored on stage for their outstanding character, sportsmanship, and positivity. 
• Maine Model United Nations: Guided by advisors Ms. Leffler and Mr. Jellison, our 47 member team formed the state's largest delegation at the annual Maine Model United Nations conference. After earning multiple individual honors, the school won "Best Large Delegation" for the second consecutive year, securing back to back state championships!
• Maine App Challenge Victory: By contributing over 50% of all statewide submissions, Deering won top honors and a $500 award at the 2026 Maine App Challenge. Congratulations to our innovative students and advisor Mr. Jonathan Graffius!
• Maine Gubernatorial Candidate Forum: Led by senior forum chair Noah Rasheed and a team of student questioners, Deering student leaders demonstrated exceptional civic engagement by directing a historic, nonpartisan Maine Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at Rowe Elementary. Senior Hilina Gugsa spoke eloquently with statewide media about civic responsibility during the event, which pressed candidates on education, housing, and social services.
• Spring Concert: Our annual Spring Concert was a wonderful celebration of our student musicians' artistic growth. Families and community members gathered in the auditorium to enjoy fantastic performances from the orchestra, chamber choir, handbells, and band.
• 2026 Russell Award Nominees: Every spring, the annual Walter E. Russell Teacher Award honors educators who make our campus vibrant and supportive. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Mariela Jacome, and nominees Jessica Bean, Kristin Leffler, Molly Callaghan, Susan Andersen, Lucy Sommo, Dave Brooks, Carina Spiro, and Mary Nance for their profound impact on our students!

Graduation Season

• Make It Happen Graduation: We celebrated the persistence, academic growth, and future paths of the Make It Happen program's graduating seniors at Ocean’s Gateway.
• Senior Awards Night: We honored the Class of 2026 with presentations from state officials and school leadership. Notable accolades included 11 STEM medals, 29 Seals of Biliteracy, and a stage celebration for the Top Ten Academic Scholars: Ellis Wood, Ellis Retzer, Alma Wallace, Amanda Shaw, Trieu Chung, Peter Rank, Noah Rasheed, Ivayla Varbanova, Jack Borland, and Zachary Lee.
• National Merit Scholars: Alma Wallace won a prestigious $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, and Valedictorian Ellis Wood secured a college sponsored National Merit Tufts University Scholarship.
• 152nd Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026: Held on June 4th at Merrill Auditorium, the student-centered graduation featured a global welcome in 14 languages, musical performances, and speeches from student leaders, the Superintendent, and school administration. See the video of the commencement ceremony here.

Summer Updates

• Work Permits: Over the summer, work permits are handled by appointment through Athletic Administrative Assistant Ms. Anais Aguirre. To schedule or ask questions, call the main office or email deeringworkpermits@portlandschools.org.
• Summer Hours: Main office hours vary, so please call ahead before visiting to ensure the right staff member is available to assist you.
• Summer Healthcare: Deering students can access medical, dental, vision, and mental health services (including sports physicals and vaccines) all summer at Greater Portland Health's clinic at Portland High School. Walk in Monday–Thursday (9:00 AM–4:00 PM) or call 207-874-2141.
• Welcoming Principal Ayala: We look forward to welcoming Principal Aris Ayala Cruz as they officially begin their leadership role at Deering this July.
• Assistant Principal Search: Principal Ayala is currently interviewing candidates for our next assistant principal, and the school will provide updates as the selection process progresses.

School Year 2026-27 Updates

• First Day of School for 2026-27: School starts August 31st. See the district calendar here. 
• New Bell Schedule for Deering: We will have a new bell schedule at Deering for the 2026-27 school year. We have moved our Learning Center block (RAM Block) before lunch instead of the end of the day. Times are still being finalized, but see the Proposed Bell Schedule here.

Have a safe, relaxing, and fun summer,