Deering Families and Students,

We are two weeks away from the start of the 2026-27 school year and are so excited to welcome you back! We have a few updates for this school year to share with you. 

School Year 2026-27 Updates 

• First Day of School (8/31): School starts August 31st. See the district calendar here. 
• New Bell Schedule for Deering: We have a new bell schedule at Deering for the 2026-27 school year. R.A.M. Block (Relationships. Academics. Mindfulness) will take place every day after Block 2 and before lunch. See additional information and the Bell Schedule here.
• Deering High School’s Administration Team: In addition to Carlie Frederick and I, please join us in welcoming Ilunga Mutombo to the administrative team! Ilunga formerly served as a counselor at DHS and PHS and was an administrator in Lewiston, ME. We are really excited to have him join our team!
• Cellphone and Technology Norms: Recently, the Maine legislature passed a law that effectively prohibits cell phone use in schools. As a district, last year, we adopted a policy prohibiting cellphones and other technology during instructional time in the school day. Please be advised that we will continue to use Yondr Pouches to manage this. We appreciate your partnership with this!
• 9th Grade Welcome Night (8/26): We are excited to welcome our newest members to the Ramily on Wednesday, August 26th from 5:30-7:00 PM. 9th-grade students and their families are welcome to attend. We will start with a brief presentation in the auditorium, followed by time to meet advisors and teachers. Chromebooks will also be available for students to pick up if families have completed the high school tech use forms (look for more information about this through ReachMyTeach).
• A Message from Counselors and Social Workers: Our Student Support Team will be sending out a welcome letter soon introducing each student to their counselor and social worker for 2026-27. Please note that the Add/Drop period officially starts Tuesday, September 1st. Students are asked to attend all of their classes on their schedule until they can schedule an appointment with their counselor to make any changes. 

Important Dates

Carlie, Mutombo, and I are honored and excited to be leading this school. We are passionate and hopeful for this community. Our goal is to continue elevating the gifts that exist here so that it can be the best it can be. See you on August 31st!

Aris Ayala Cruz, Principal