Hello Deering Community,

What a wonderful first week of school it has been! We were so glad to welcome back familiar faces and meet many new ones. The week began with an opening assembly where we reviewed schoolwide expectations and introduced the new phone policy. We even had a surprise guest appearance from “Taylor Swift,” who helped remind us what we might miss when our phones take our attention (ask your student 🙂).

We’re happy to share that the new phone policy is off to a great start! Students have been doing an excellent job locking their pouches each day, and staff have already heard some encouraging reflections after just a few phone-free days. Here are a few student comments:

“I don’t really miss my phone, actually.” “I feel better without it.”

“I love seeing faces in the hallway.” “It’s really not that bad.”

Thank you to everyone in our community for helping make this such a positive beginning. As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Here are a few additional updates to share:

One Entrance Plan

Beginning Monday, September 8, 2025, Deering High School will implement a new single point of entry procedure. All students and visitors must enter the building through the main entrance on Stevens Avenue during school hours, including before school, lunch, and dismissal.

The only exception is for students in designated special programs, who may use the back parking lot entrance when accompanied by staff.

All other doors will remain available for emergency use only.

This change reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure campus. By directing all entry and exit through a single monitored entrance, we can better ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors, quickly account for everyone in the building, and respond more effectively in any emergency situation.

Arrival and Departure Procedures

Morning Arrival

• All students and visitors must enter through the Stevens Avenue entrance.
• Exceptions: students in designated special programs or anyone with a documented medical need requiring an ADA-accessible door may use the back parking lot door.
• Students should have their phone and Yondr pouch out of your bag before entering the building.
• Students should form two lines at the Stevens Avenue entrance, and unlock their pouch  using the wall-mounted magnet 
• Students who already have their phone locked in a pouch may walk between the lines.
• All students should show their locked phone before they move past staff.
• Note: All doors remain available as emergency exits.

Lunch

• Students may exit through either the Stevens Avenue door or the back parking lot door. Magnets will be available at both locations for unlocking pouches
• Students should have their pouch out and ready before you get to the door.
• Unlock your pouch at one of the magnets and continue moving out of the building. Do not stop to take your phone out.
• Students must re-enter only through the Stevens Avenue entrance.

PATHS and Appointments During the Day

• For all other entry and exit during the school day (including PATHS and appointments), students must use the Stevens Avenue entrance only.

End of Day Dismissal

• At dismissal, students may exit through either the Stevens Avenue door or the back parking lot door. Magnets will be available at both doors for unlocking pouches.
• Students should have their pouch out and ready before you get to the door.
• Unlock your pouch at one of the magnets and continue moving out of the building. Do not stop to take your phone out.
• Students must re-enter only through the Stevens Avenue entrance.
   

Athletics

Deering fall sports have begun! Please come out and support our teams, all are welcome! Find schedules and more information here. 

Extended Learning Opportunities

Ms. Jane Evans is our Extended Learning Opportunity coordinator. Please join her Google Classroom where you'll find all kinds of opportunities from volunteering, after school opportunities at various places like the Telling Room, online classes, school visitors, summer camps, and more. Google Classroom code: 3shrij6 or please stop by 317 and say hi!

Open House

On Wednesday, September 10th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, we will hold an Open House for all students and their families. This is a chance to come together as a community, meet your students’ teachers, see their classrooms, and explore table displays featuring information about academics, athletics, and clubs. We will also be hosting a special session for families to meet our new administrators, as well as have time to chat with our Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed.

 

Cell Phones Policy Reminders

The new cell phone policy is off to a great start, with the overwhelming majority of students following the plan. To help everyone stay informed, detailed information about the policy can be found here. 

I also want to clarify the process for when a student is seen with a phone out anywhere in the building during the school day:

First Offense: The student is sent to an administrator, the phone is locked in the pouch, and kept in the administrator’s office for the day. The student may pick up the phone at the end of the day. A message is sent home to parents/guardians.

Second Offense: The student is sent to an administrator for a reflection conversation, and the phone is kept in the administrator's office for the day. Parents/guardians are contacted and are requested to pick up the phone at the end of the day. A written student reflection is completed, including acknowledging receipt and comprehension of the cell phone policy. 

Third Offense and Beyond: The student is sent to an administrator, and the parent/guardian is contacted to come to the school to have a conference. Parents/guardians take the phone with them. A plan is written for future phone possession based on the district’s template. The plan may also include detentions, community service, community council referral, and/or daily phone collection with an administrator as appropriate.

Thank you again for your commitment to our Ramily! 

In partnership,

Jeff Burnap

Assistant Principal