Dear Deering Community,

We are wrapping up our 3rd week in school, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short time.

• Our cellphone and Yondr processes are well underway, and many of our students have internalized the morning and lunch routines.
• Many students are arriving at school on time and are engaged during the school day. 
• We hosted a successful Open House, Club Day sign-up, and witnessed great sportsmanship from our teams and students during athletic events.

Now that we are moving into week four and are really establishing our routines, I'd like to remind you of two important pieces of information. It’s good practice to review this information routinely with your student and to maintain collaboration!

• Attendance: Please be aware that there are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Anything that doesn’t fall within one of the reasons below is unexcused. [statute linked here]
  • Excused Absences include: 
    • Personal health, including the person’s physical, mental, and behavioral health.
    • Appointment with a health professional that must be made during the school day.
    • Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day.
    • A family emergency.
    • A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has prior approval.
• Behavior Protocol
  • Please see the student discipline policy for Portland Public Schools linked here. It details the district’s overall vision on discipline and student support.
  • Please see High School Behavior Response Protocol. This outlines what the policy looks like in practice when students engage in behaviors that impact other students and the community and the school’s responses.

Lastly, a reminder that on Monday, September 21, 2026, there is no school. We wish our Jewish students and families a meaningful Yom Kippur. We will welcome everyone back to school on Tuesday, September 22, 2026!

Thank you for your continued support,

Aris Ayala Cruz

Principal