April 2026

Hello Deering Families,

Spring has arrived! With Quarter 4 underway and April break just around the corner, there is a tangible sense of momentum at Deering. We are entering the final stretch of the 2025-26 school year with much to celebrate and even more to look forward to!

Reflecting on our Successes

• Justice for Women: We were honored to host Dr. Jane Anyango, whose 20 years of nursing leadership has bridged the gap between global policy and frontline care for marginalized groups like the Batwa people. Our students gained invaluable perspectives on compassionate healthcare and community advocacy.
• Deering Players Triumph: Congratulations to our drama department! Their poignant production of Elephant’s Graveyard earned the title of MPA Class A Runner-Up. Kudos to Director Alyssa Rojecki and our talented cast for their professional and moving performance.
• Musical Excellence: The 2026 All City Concert was a beautiful showcase of district-wide talent. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Abby Hutchins and Ms. Bridget DePaola for their dedicated leadership in music education here at Deering!
• Community Connections at Conferences: Thank you to everyone who attended our Spring Conferences. The energy in the building was wonderful, and we value the partnership we share in supporting student progress.
• BSU First Annual “The Stage is Yours”: Together with their dedicated advisors, our talented Black Student Union hosted an incredible event to celebrate black excellence including original poetry and creative writing, musical performances, a science experiment, and Angolan Kuduro dance. 
• Service in Action: Our recent Blood Drive collected 28 pints for the American Red Cross. Special thanks to student leaders Peter Rank, Ellis Wood, Noah Rasheed, Nyah Dennez, and Charlotte Pelletier for organizing this life-saving effort.
• STEM Expo: From local meteorologist Ted McInerney to student-led displays from the classes of Ms. Sawyer and Mr. Davenport, the gym was buzzing with scientific curiosity. It was a fantastic day of hands-on learning for the entire Portland community.
• Junior Planning: Our 11th graders recently met with counselors Ms. Aley Watts and Mr. Ilungo Mutumbo to map out their remaining time at Deering and prepare for the exciting transitions ahead.
• Excellence in Sex Education Award-Rising Star: We want to congratulate teacher Margaret Hoyt for receiving the Maine Family Planning Rising Star Award for her modified health class! She’ll be awarded at the Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference on April 7th in Lewiston.

Upcoming April Events

• April 10 = Lockdown Drill: We prioritize collective safety through regular practice. We recognize these drills can be sensitive; our Student Support Services team is available to assist any student who needs support.
• April 16 + 30 = State Testing (10th/11th Grade): * April 16: 10th Grade Reading / 11th Grade Science; April 30: 10th Grade Math / 11th Grade SAT. Reminder: Get plenty of rest. Please arrive with fully charged laptops. Free breakfast is available in the cafe to help students fuel up! More information to come about the schedule and requirements.
• April 16 + 30 = Senior Support Sessions: 12th graders will meet in the cafeteria (8:30–10:00 AM). Counselors will have stations students can visit to apply for scholarships, work on their resumes, get help logging into college portals, get support finalizing their postsecondary plans, and more. Students should bring their charged laptops, login info for their schools (if applicable), and their questions! 
• April 16 = National Honor Society (NHS) Convocation + Junior Book Awards: Join us at 6:00 PM in the auditorium to celebrate our juniors’ academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Accepted applicants will receive an invitation to the ceremony. 
• April 17 = Culture Day: Deering celebrates our global heritage! This day honors the diverse backgrounds—spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America—that make our "Ramily" unique. Enjoy food, displays, and shared traditions.
• April 20–24 = April Break: No school. Our staff will be taking a well-earned rest. The front office will have limited hours; please call ahead before visiting.

Community Requests and Reminders

Prom Donations: Help every student shine! The Ramily Market is seeking gently used suits, formal dresses, and accessories for the upcoming prom season.

Support Students Through an FTO Donation: If you are able, please consider donating to the DHS FTO: Donate via the DHS FTO Link Here

Turn in Library Books: We are hoping to get back our long overdue library books. To see what may be checked out, your student can visit our school library catalog here. Sign in with Google. Click “My Stuff” and then “Checkouts” to view any books still checked out. Please contact Ms. Genre at genres@portlandschools.org if you have any questions.

Senior Lawn Signs Available:  Deering High School Project Graduation 2026 is selling Lawn Signs again this year to support DHSPG 26! Get your sign today: Deering High School Class of 2026 Lawn Signs Order Form

Attendance-When is Sick Too Sick for School?: Please see this flyer from Nurse Nalli as a reminder about when students should stay home due to illness.

 

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Deering a joyful place to learn!

Carlie Frederick, Assistant Principal