Hello Deering Rams!

As we wrap up the first quarter, it’s a great time to pause and appreciate how much our students and staff have accomplished this fall, both in and out of the classroom. Our fall sports teams and clubs have represented Deering with pride and heart, and we’re so grateful for everyone who supports them. With the days getting shorter and colder, we’re transitioning into the winter seasons, and it's a great time to refocus, recharge, and carry forward our momentum of a strong start to the school year.

DHS Sports – Purple Reigns!

Congratulations to our Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Cross Country, and Girls Volleyball teams for qualifying for the MPA playoffs! We also had two golfers qualify for the Class A State Championships, marking the first time in seven years that all DHS teams have advanced to states!

Fall Sports Highlights:

• Football can earn a playoff bid this week as they finish the regular season at Windham on Halloween night.
• Cross Country runners compete at the Class A State Meet this Saturday at Cony High School.
• Golf had its strongest season in years (varsity record: 5–5).
• Esports continues its impressive season in Fortnite, Super Smash Bros, and Marvel Rivals.

Thank you to our student-athletes, coaches, families, and the Boosters for making this a remarkable fall season. Purple truly reigns! 💜

Save the Date: Deering will host the 113th Turkey Day Game vs. Portland on November 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Field — at home for the first time in years!

 

DHS Winter Sports – Sign Up Now!

Winter sports are right around the corner! Students must register online through Arbiter Sports and have a current physical (valid for two years). Our winter sports include: Girls Ice Hockey, Boys and Girls Basketball, Indoor Track, Wrestling, Boys Ice Hockey, Competitive Cheer, Nordic & Alpine Skiing, Swimming, and a new Rock Climbing Club! Sign up today!

Stay Connected to DHS Athletics Online: Schedules & Scores, Team Info & Travel Policies, League Updates Livestreams, and Team Bus & Travel Info posted weekly in TEAM BANDS app. Family travel waivers are available on deeringathletics.org

DHS Clubs & Co-Curriculars

Our 50+ clubs and activities are off to a fantastic start this fall!

Highlights:

• Math Team and Debate Team kicked off successful early competitions.
• Drama Club is rehearsing for the fall musical Mamma Mia! with performances on Friday, December 12 at 6:00 pm, and Saturday December 13 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm
• Youth & Government, BSU, MSA, Key Club, Best Buddies, Grupo Latino, Ski Club, and many more are actively meeting and planning events.

Deering’s student life is thriving, thank you to all of the coaches, advisors and student leaders for helping make it happen!

Phone Update

We’re continuing to see great success with our new phone pouch policy! Teachers have shared that this change has greatly reduced classroom distractions and helped both students and teachers stay focused on learning. We’re so appreciative of our students for embracing this new routine so successfully.

 

We have noticed, however, that some students are using their phones in bathrooms and during lunch. Please help us reinforce the expectation that if a student has a phone at school, it needs to remain locked in pouches throughout the school day. You can support this effort by reminding your student to bring their pouch if they choose to bring a phone to school. Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue working with students to ensure everyone is following the policy and keeping our learning environment focused and respectful.

Social Work Support

The School Social Work Team is here to support students and families so that every student can learn, grow, and thrive. In addition to addressing social and emotional challenges, we help connect families with resources for basic needs such as housing, clothing, transportation, and mental health supports.

Food Access Support

We also recognize that food access has become an increased challenge for many families. Our free school food pantry is open every day for students and families, and we host fresh food drives on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the end of the school day. We also maintain an updated list of local food pantries and community food resources for anyone who may need extra support, linked here. 

If you are able, please consider donating to the Foundation for Portland Public School’s Food Fund.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we’re here to help, listen, and connect you with the resources that best support your family’s well-being.

9th and 11th grade A-K Jack Grande (grandj@portlandschools.org)

9th and 11th grade L-Z Amanda Atkinson- Lewis (lewisa@portlandschools.org)

10th and 12th grade A-K Zoe Eiber (eiberz@portlandschools.org)

10th and 12th grade L-Z Mariela Jácome (jacomm@portlandschools.org)

 

October had a fundraiser sponsored by our Key Club called “Socktober.” It’s not too late to donate socks! Please find more information here.

 

Updates from our Guidance Department

We hope everyone has had a great 1st quarter and is settling into the school year. Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Medeiros have been working with 12th graders on postsecondary plans—please encourage your student to meet with their counselor if they haven’t already. Ms. Seigel and Mr. Mutombo have been supporting 9th graders as they adjust to DHS.

Please review your student’s 1st quarter grades in IC. If you have concerns, connect with their teacher or counselor. Quarter 1 grades are not final and will be updated through the end of the semester. Let us know how we can support your student in reaching their goals!

Here are a few other reminders:

• If you are interested in seeing what colleges are visiting (or any upcoming activities) they are listed on our school calendar.
• We have a blood drive coming up on November 6. You can find out more information here.
• In partnership with The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), Parent University is hosting a FAFSA workshop on Wednesday, November 19, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Deering High School. Students and families can learn about college financial options and get help completing the FAFSA. Interpretation services and childcare will be provided. More information here

 

Senior Reminders

Capstone Projects

Every graduating senior is required to complete a capstone project. The first step in this process is submitting a capstone proposal for advisor approval. If your student has not yet completed their proposal or is struggling to come up with an idea, they can meet with Ms. Jane Evans on Thursdays during Block 4 (if they don’t have a class) or message her as soon as possible for support.

Yearbook

This year, we’re holding a Yearbook Cover Competition! Every senior is invited to submit an original art piece for the cover. Submissions can be in any medium, but they must be self-created—no AI-generated art is allowed. The deadline to submit is January 9, 2026. Seniors will vote, and the top five entries will move on to a second vote. The final winner will be revealed when the yearbook is published in June.

Senior Photos: All senior photos are due by December 1. We want every senior included in the yearbook, so please submit photos on time. Email photos to DHSYearbook@portlandschools.org, including the student’s full name.

Parent Ads: We’re offering a big discount on parent ads in the yearbook. Place an ad for your graduating senior before February 1 to take advantage of the discount. You can design the ad yourself, or we can create it for you. For more information, email DHSYearbook@portlandschools.org.

Deering Family-Teacher Organization

The Deering Family Teacher Organization (FTO) has launched a new partnership with the Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS). Donations to the Deering FTO can now be made directly through the FPPS website.

We’re also deeply grateful for the continued support of Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue and their “Community Give Back Nights.” You can support both Noble and Deering by dining at Noble on Thursday nights.

You are also invited to join our next FTO meeting on Wednesday, December 3, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. in the Deering High School Library. Come learn more about ways to get involved and support Deering High School, and take the opportunity to meet our Superintendent, Dr. Ryan Scallon and our school librarian Shana Genre, who will share updates and answer questions.

 

Greater Portland Health's School-Based Health Centers

 

Have a health question? We are here for you. Greater Portland Health's School-Based Health Centers provide Medical, Optometry, and Behavioral Health (counseling) services on-site at your school. To enroll, a parent or guardian must complete an enrollment form for you. If you are 18+ or your own guardian, you can enroll yourself. To get a paper copy of the enrollment form, come see a GPH team member at your school’s clinic or ask your school nurse. If you were seen in the School Based Health Center last year, you do not need to complete another enrollment form.

In partnership,
Jeff Burnap and All of Us Here at Deering!