Deering High School Community, 

We are so excited to welcome you all back on Monday, August 31, 2026, for the first day of school! We want you to have an overview of what to expect on the first day and week of school (and get mentally prepared 🙂). 

Cellphones & Technology

We know that last year was the first year of Yondr pouch implementation and policy JFCK - Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices. On August 1st, the state of Maine also enacted the state's new “Bell-to-Bell No Cell” law. While we understand we need to abide by state laws and PPS policies, we are also invested in ensuring that the school environment is conducive to students’ learning. Please read the following carefully:

• Yondr Pouches
  • If your student has a Yondr pouch that they didn’t turn in at the end of last school year, please ensure they bring it on the first day of school.
  • If your student has not been assigned a Yondr pouch, they will receive one on the first day of school. 
• Cellphones & Smart Watches
  • The Yondr pouch needs to be locked, with your student’s cellphone and smartwatch inside, before they enter the school.
  • If your student chooses not to bring their cellphone/smart watch to school that day, upon arrival, they will sign in with an adult, affirming that they do not have it.
• Headphones
  • Need to be out of ears in community spaces.
  • Can only be used in the classroom if the teacher of that class has given permission or if the student has a formal accommodation.
• Personal Computers
  • Students have access to district Chromebooks.
  • Students cannot use personal computers.
• If students have a device on the school premises
  • An adult will kindly ask them for the device.
  • The device will be in the main office for the duration of the day.
  • Administrators will follow adequate protocols.

Setting the Tone for School Year 2026-27

We know that this past academic year, Deering High School was in flux when it came to school leadership. Despite this flux, Deering still saw growth across assessments and other important strategic plan measures. We need to continue building on this positive trajectory and continue elevating our community’s self-efficacy. Please see the two updates below. 

• First Day of School Agenda

• RAM Block
  • Is an important part of a Deering High School student’s day.
  • Will be a time to enhance and continue to develop social-emotional and academic skills and habits every student needs to be a successful young adult.
  • Is required for ALL STUDENTS, unless they are (1) a senior who has completed an exemption form due to being enrolled in courses outside of DHS or (2) a student enrolled in PATHS whose enrollment in that institution requires them to be at PATHS at a specific time. 
• School Spirit
  • We want to harness the positive energy and collective gifts of this community, which means that we will be more intentional about celebrating students and staff throughout this school year.
  • On the first day of school, each grade will have assemblies that will welcome and celebrate students. We hope that this can excite our students for the school year!
• School doors open at 8:05 AM and classes start promptly at 8:20 AM.

Ms. Frederick, Mr. Mutombo, Mr. Daly, and I are feeling HOPEFUL for this school year. We have an extremely special group of students from different parts of Portland and different parts of Maine who have specifically chosen to be at Deering. Together, we will do amazing things! #GORAMS!

Sincerely,

Principal Ayala (Mx. Ayala)