February 2026

Hello Deering Families,

As we settle into the rhythm of Semester 2, I am reminded daily of why this community is so special. We are navigating a time where the world outside can feel complex and the political climate heavy, and I want to acknowledge that this weight is felt differently by everyone in our circle. In times like these, our students remain the heartbeat of Deering. We are an amazing group of individuals committed to being 'All One School,' and that bond isn't broken by distance or circumstance. It is a privilege to see our students continuing to lean into their growth and proving that when we focus on our shared humanity, we truly shine.

Important Updates & Reminders

• School Day: 8:20AM-2:50PM (1:50PM on Wednesdays): Please remember that students are expected to be engaged in learning from first bell to last bell each day. Students should remain on campus for all classes, Learning Centers, and Advisories unless they have official arrangements made with administration. Senior privilege allows 12th grade students to leave during a planned block off and at 2:05PM (Mon/Tues/Fri) if they are not booked with a teacher for Learning Center.
• Spirit Week: February 2nd – 6th: To celebrate our school spirit and the strength of our "Ramily," we are kicking off February with Spirit Week! Our student government worked hard at planning the details, and we are excited about the energy in the halls. There is also a food drive happening during spirit week. Students are collecting shelf stable donations.
• AP Exam Registration: Students enrolled in Semester 2 AP courses who plan to take the Spring exams must sign up and pay for those exams by March 6th. 
• Snow Days: We have had three snow days so far this year. If we have another snow day, it will be a remote learning day for students. Students will be asked to join their classes through Google Meet and complete assignments on Google Classroom on remote snow days. I will send out more detailed communication to students and guardians if this happens. 
• Yearbook: Our team of student editors is working hard on making this year’s Amethyst amazing. Unfortunately, we are still missing a lot of senior photos, so we have extended the submission deadline. Seniors can share a photo by emailing dhsyearbook@portlandschools.org. All senior photos must be submitted by Friday, February 13. Families, tell your student how proud you are of them by getting a yearbook ad (a discount is available through 2/13) and/or order a yearbook at this link:  https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/DHSYearbook2026

Administration Updates

We are currently in the interview process to hire a principal for Deering High School. We are appreciative of our hiring team made up of Deering students and parents, Deering faculty, and district leadership. We are confident that we will find the right leader for this amazing community!

In the interim, Alice Buckley, Director of Secondary Culture and Climate, and Caitlin Miller, former Special Education Director and Coordinator are serving on the Deering Administration team along with me, Carlie Frederick (Assistant Principal), Michael Daly (Co-Curricular Director) and Melissa 

Labbe (Admin Teacher Leader). 

 End of the Winter Sports Season

Winter sports are wrapping up. Come out this week to support our Boys Basketball team for senior night this Thursday, 2/5 in the Deering gym (5:30pm JV, 7:00pm Varsity), our Unified Basketball team this Friday, 2/6 in the Deering gym (3:30pm), and our Swim Team at the Portland YMCA Friday, 2/6 (5:00pm). Congratulations to our Cheer Team for making it to the State Cheer Challenge this upcoming weekend!

Support the Ramily

We are continuing our school-wide behavior reset incentives and providing grants for our teachers to fund their innovative classroom work. If you are able, please consider donating to the DHS FTO: Donate via the DHS FTO Link Here

Upcoming Important Dates

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 18 Last Day of School

Thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s make this February one where we all shine together!

Carlie Frederick, Assistant Principal