The Deering Weekly Update
THIS IS AN ABRIDGED EDITION of the NEWSLETTER, DUE TO THE SHUTDOWN.
SEE the AMAZING #DEERING STRONG VIDEO HERE!!
(made by student gov)
Vol. 4, April 3, 2020. If you have news you'd like to share or questions about something you read here, please contact Sarah Shmitt at shmits@portlandschools.org
|
A PPS Food Fund has been created through the Foundation for Portland Public Schools. Anyone who wants to help can donate to the Food Fund to provide for families experiencing food insecurity during this crisis. The link to donate is here.
|
HERE is the district's information page on the COVID-19 virus.
HERE is our DEERING COMPREHENSIVE CALENDAR.
DHS Twitter: @DeeringHS
For Deering's Sport Schedules, visit www.deeringathletics.com
Find Superintendent Xavier Botana's latest Blog here
2020 YEARBOOK: Purchase Today!
The 2020 yearbook can be ordered online at YBPAY.com and the id number is 11227420. The cost is $70.
Hannaford Helps Schools
Hannaford once again is sponsoring their Hannaford Helps School program. This year the program will run at the Forest Avenue store from March 1-May 16th. All you have to do is place your receipt in the Hannaford slot marked 'Deering.'
Last year Deering received close to $300.00 for our students. Thank you!
DEERING PARENT GROUPS NEWS
Deering PTO
NEXT PTO MEETING: May 11, Knock on wood. Deering Library, 6:00-7:30.
Questions, contact DeeringHSPTO@gmail.com PLEASE GET INVOLVED and SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL! Contact us at DeeringhsPTO@gmail.com
Deering Consolidated Boosters
NEXT MEETING: May 6
Please join us on Wednesday, May 6 at 6 pm in Room 219. Can’t make the meeting? Email us at deeringboosters@gmail.com to find out how you can help.
WORK ON YOUR CAPSTONE FROM HOME!!
Check out this list compiled by the Portland Press Herald for things you can do from home or as a volunteer during the Covid crisis.
April 3, 2020
STEM Newsletter Items
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year.
Look for STEM ELOs & STEM Scholarship opportunities to be posted here each week.
If your student is new to Deering or new to the STEM Endorsement work, encourage them to join the Google Classroom for program requirements, ELO trackers and general announcements. Google Code: xa03aiv
STAY TUNED FOR COMING ANNOUNCEMENTS
⇨ Please check descriptions/deadlines from prior posts.
GUIDANCE NEWS
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all students, parents, and guardians during these uncertain times.
This week’s Guidance News includes:
-
How parents can join the Guidance Google Classroom so you can get grade specific info that we post for students on academic issues, college & career planning, as well as tips on maintaining positive social/emotional health
-
The typical posts on the latest info on SAT Test Dates and Cancellations, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Parenting Tips, Summer Opportunities, and Careers in Maine
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DEERING SCHOOL COUNSELORS
School Counselors are available during 9:00am-3:00pm, Monday - Friday to answer questions and help guide all students, parents, and members of the Portland community. You can contact us by email or schedule a virtual meeting with your counselor.
Tracey Moore, A-E: email: mooret@portlandshools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://mooret.youcanbook.me/
Joanne Abrams (in for Ms. Alexis), F-L: email: abramj@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://abramj.youcanbook.me
Libby Heselton, M-N: email: hesell@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://hesell.youcanbook.me
Farausi Cherry, O-Z: email: cherrf@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://cherry14.youcanbook.me/
Letter to Seniors and their Parents & Guardians
Dear Seniors and Parents/Guardians:
The School Counselors extend our deepest wishes for your good health and well-being during these uniquely challenging times. We recognize that you are balancing numerous responsibilities as you care for loved ones, keep up with school work and try to finalize your plans for next year. All of this at once can be stressful.
This post contains information to help you make decisions for your post-secondary options. Our purpose is to let you know we are available to help. Below are some tips and helpful links. Please reach out to your school counselor if you have any questions or concerns. We are working our regular schedules and are here to help you navigate this process. Our contact information is at the bottom.
Still need to apply?
If you haven’t finished your applications to college, or want to discuss options other than college, contact your school counselor and we will help you step by step. It is not too late.
Considering which colleges to choose?
Check your email or college portal for updated information on virtual tours, accepted student events, etc. Most college websites offer a virtual tour under their visit page. Campus Reel has 15,000 videos, tours, and experiences on over 300 college campuses.
For the most up-to-date information, please reach out to your intended college admissions office and/or website.
How to Make College Decisions When Campuses are Closed, NYTimes.com, March 16, 2020
How do I check for Financial Aid and Compare Awards?
The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) offers easy to understand information on comparing financial aid award letters. These are the experts we turn to with questions! Be sure to visit their site for information on financial aid and scholarships. Use this Worksheet to help compare costs and award packages from different colleges.
Ready to pay your deposit to a college?
May 1, 2020 is the nationwide college decision date. Many colleges are starting to extend the deposit due date. NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) has posted an on-line tool to research the impact of COVID-19 on the college admissions process for individual colleges across the country. For the most up-to-date information, please reach out to your intended college admissions office and/or website.
How do I decline an acceptance offer?
Congratulations on deciding which college to attend! After you say, “Yes!” to your chosen college, it is common courtesy to reach out to the admissions representative of each college you do NOT plan to attend. It is nice to send a short email to the admissions person you have built a relationship with and decline their offer. Not sure who? You can search for the admissions representative that covers Maine. Often, you can decline the offer in the online admissions portal.
Why You Should Contact the Schools You’re NOT Attending, College Raptor, January 27, 2020
Sample template for declining an admissions offer of acceptance. Be sure to email each note individually to the primary admissions representative at each college you are declining.
Dear Ms. or Mr. ________,
I am writing to thank you for the acceptance to XXX College. After serious consideration of my options, I have decided to attend {YYYY} College.
Thank you for your time and assistance with my college search.
Sincerely,
{your first and last name}
Deering High School, Portland, Maine
Scholarships?
We put all the scholarships we hear of into Naviance. If you can’t remember how to login to Naviance, contact your school counselor and we will help get you set up again.
How can we help?
School Counselors are available during 9:00am-3:00pm to answer questions and help guide you through this process.
Tracey Moore, A-E: email: mooret@portlandshools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://mooret.youcanbook.me/
Joanne Abrams (in for Ms. Alexis), F-L: email: abramj@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://abramj.youcanbook.me
Libby Heselton, M-N: email: hesell@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://hesell.youcanbook.me
Farausi Cherry, O-Z: email: cherrf@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://cherry14.youcanbook.me/
If you haven’t already, please join the Class of 2020 Guidance Google Classroom. The join code is vs33n7e
Letter to Juniors and their Parents & Guardians
Dear Juniors and Parents/Guardians,
The School Counselors extend our deepest wishes for your good health and well-being during these uniquely challenging times. We recognize that you are balancing numerous responsibilities as you care for loved ones, keep up with school work and set yourself up for the best options after high school (post-secondary). All of this at once is stressful.
This post contains tips and helpful links to help you understand your post-secondary options. Our purpose is to let you know we are available to help. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are working our regular schedules and are here to help you navigate this process. Our contact information is at the bottom.
What is the latest on standardized testing (SAT/ ACT/ AP Exams)?
CollegeBoard has officially cancelled the May 2, 2020 SAT & SAT II tests. Refunds will be given to those who registered for the May administration and whose test centers were closed in March. The next scheduled testing opportunities are June 6 and August 24. Stay tuned for upcoming updates from CollegBoard.
The school-day SAT for Juniors on April 14th has been postponed. Once we hear more from the CollegeBoard, we will advise you how best to plan. Colleges are aware of how difficult this is for you and many may be moving toward not requiring testing. See Fairtest.org for a list of schools that are already test-optional.
The May AP tests have not yet been changed. Of course, when we hear any information about these tests, we will let you know.
How do you think next year’s college admissions process will differ?
We'll have to wait and see each college’s specific policies, but we expect more schools to go test optional. For those who are not going to make the move to test optional, we would expect them to weigh other pieces of the application more heavily (previous grades, recommendations, and essay for example). Again, it will likely take some time for each college to formulate their thinking around the situation, but know that we are watching closely and will keep you informed.
As many colleges are unable to hold in-person events this spring, many have switched to online information sessions. Please refer to THIS LIST for updates about colleges who are holding these online sessions. We highly recommend that if you are interested in one of the schools on this list, you should try to attend the information session. For colleges not on the list, please check that college’s admissions website to see if they have alternate information posted.
Here are a few more ideas on how to best research colleges when you are unable to visit the campus (Grown & Flown, 2020):
-
“Take virtual tours: While virtual tours aren’t as good as visiting in person, they are still a great way to learn more about a college. Most college websites offer a virtual tour under their visit page, or you can head to Campus Reel at https://www.campusreel.org/ which offers 15,000 videos, tours, and experiences on over 300 college campuses.
-
Contact admissions: Reach out to the admissions offices of all the colleges on your list to let them know you have to postpone or cancel your trip. Ask them if they have any virtual options for connecting with their admissions team. Some colleges offer phone calls or might be willing to set up a video chat with a student admissions ambassador.
-
Use your family network: Make it your family mission to find friends of friends who have students at the colleges on your teen’s list. Reach out to these people to set up a time to speak with them about their experience at the college of interest so you can get a first-hand take on what campus life is like.
-
Use social media: Many students prefer to use YouTube, Instagram, CollegeBoard, and Twitter to learn more about colleges. It certainly requires discretion, as there are a variety of students representing colleges on social media. For that same reason, it can give your student a more realistic view of a school—the good and the bad. It’s also great to follow colleges on all social media platforms.”
How can we help?
We want to meet with each of our juniors to conduct a ‘Junior Interview’. To schedule an appointment, use the youcanbook.me link next to your School Counselor’s name below. Once the appointment is booked, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the meeting. We will be available Monday - Friday; 9am - 3pm for virtual appointments.
Tracey Moore, A-E: email: mooret@portlandshools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://mooret.youcanbook.me/
Joanne Abrams (in for Ms. Alexis), F-L: email: abramj@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://abramj.youcanbook.me
Libby Heselton, M-N: email: hesell@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://hesell.youcanbook.me
Farausi Cherry, O-Z: email: cherrf@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://cherry14.youcanbook.me/
If you haven’t already, please join the Class of 2021 Guidance Google Classroom join code: i34mfbk
Resources: https://grownandflown.com/coronavirus-visit-colleges/
IS YOUR 11TH GRADE CHILD UNSURE ABOUT HOW TO START THE COLLEGE PROCESS? ARE YOU AS THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN NOT SURE HOW TO HELP THEM FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY MAY WANT TO DO AFTER THEY GRADUATE IN 2021?
We are encouraging juniors to contact their counselor (after they have a comfortable rhythm going with their current online Deering courses-so no pressure here!). We can get your child started with how to search for colleges or we can give them a list of schools to begin researching. We can answer most any ?s they or you may have in order to begin the college process. We’re here waiting to help. When your child is ready, they can reach out by contacting us at:
School Counselors are available during 9:00am-3:00pm; Monday-Friday.
Tracey Moore, A-E: email: mooret@portlandshools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://mooret.youcanbook.me/
Joanne Abrams (in for Ms. Alexis), F-L: email: abramj@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://abramj.youcanbook.me
Libby Heselton, M-N: email: hesell@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://hesell.youcanbook.me
Farausi Cherry, O-Z: email: cherrf@portlandschools.org, or book an appointment using this link: https://cherry14.youcanbook.me/
April 14th SAT POSTPONED (planned for all Juniors) . A new date has not been determined at this time but we will let you know of any updates as soon as we get them.
Students did not have to register or pay for this exam as it is a part of the Maine DOE’s high school assessment requirement for all Maine public high schools.
Important Upcoming SAT
Testing Dates
Click here for all 2019-20 SAT/SUBJECT TEST dates, deadlines and registration info.
A number of Juniors choose to take the SAT one, two, sometimes even three times in order to get comfortable with the test and hopefully improve their scores. Upcoming test dates for juniors will be updated on www.collegeboard.org. As your child becomes more familiar with the actual test, they learn where their strengths and weaknesses are and can utilize Khan Academy for FREE practice in order to improve their test scores for college admission and heightened opportunities to get more merit scholarships.
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration
(Additional Fee)
May SAT has been Cancelled
**JUNE 6, 2020 MAY 8, 2020 MAY 27, 2020
** The June 6 Test Date is the last one for the 2019-20 school year
The cost of the SAT exam for the 2020 academic year is $49.50 for the basic exam and $64.50 for the SAT with Essay.
Guidance Google Classroom and How Parents Can Join
The DHS Guidance Google Classroom is where School Counselors will be updating information specifically geared to your teen at their grade level. Most students have already joined their Guidance Google Classroom but a few have not. Few parents have joined our Google Classrooms but we invite you to join anytime! See what your child is getting from us about College and Career Planning as well as course selection for 2020-21. Below are the codes for each grade to join. Parents and students can get in at their leisure and check it out!
Seniors-Class of 2020 Guidance Google Classroom- Join Code is: vs33n7e
Juniors-Class of 2021 Guidance Google Classroom-Join Code is: i34mfbk
Sophomores-Class of 2022 Guidance Google Classroom-Join Code is: ebljhzw
Freshmen-Class of 2023 Guidance Google Classroom-Join Code is: p7smt4h
Raising Teens is Hard Work!
The internet means that there is never a shortage of reading material, but we all know that quantity doesn't always mean quality. Shannan Younger, blogger for Between Us Parents highlights six articles about raising teens that she found helpful:
http://www.chicagonow.com/between-us-parents/2017/03/articles-about-raising-teens/
Changing College Majors: It’s Really Common
Are you worried that your teenager doesn’t know what college major he or she wants? This is a common worry that parents and guardians of high school students experience. Check out the following article by Lynn O’Shaughnessy that will hopefully ease your mind. Click here: http://www.thecollegesolution.com/changing-college-majors-really-common/
Top 10 College Majors That Lead to Good Careers
Here’s an entertaining video on specific collegiate majors of study that can set your child up for a lucrative job after graduation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRAZrrFwSpE
|
Evaluate Even the Most Confusing Financial Award Letter
|
|
It's the season for financial aid letters.
Financial aid awards should be straight forward, but often they're confusing.
Here's a major reason why these letters are typically dreadful:
Award letters usually omit an incredibly critical figure that is essential in determining whether an award is a good one or stinks.
Here is a great article by CBS Educational Correspondent and College Expert, Lynn O’Shaugnessy on the most important aspects of a Financial Aid Award Letter that students and parents should know in order to accurately assess whether they are getting a good deal or not:
http://www.thecollegesolution.com/evaluating-a-financial-aid-letter-whats-usually-missing/
$$$$$
Scholarships and Resources for Finding Them
$$$.
Here are some reputable resources for scholarship searches:
FAME (the Financial Authority of Maine) lists many scholarship and financial aid resources on their website (famemaine.com). Look through the Maine Scholarships list and have your student apply to several. This is the best site we have found for advice on paying for college. MES is another scholarship resource, as in the Maine Community Foundation.
We found a good resource for scholarship information from Reviews.com. This is a website “dedicated to conducting data driven and unbiased research about topics that can help make an impact in people's lives.” Below is a link that covers the best scholarship search sites, what you should know about scholarships, and how best to apply, etc: Reviews.com scholarship search
LendEdU for scholarships and search tips: http://lendedu.com/blog/scholarships
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS OF COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS
Some scholarships have deadlines of April 1, 2020 for getting applications in! April 1st will be here before you know it. Make sure your child looks through all the scholarships available here (at bottom of the page) and in other resource areas for clarity on deadlines for submission so they don’t miss out!
Local Portland and Maine State Scholarships
More and more Local and State Scholarships are being added all the time on your senior child’s Home Page of their Naviance Account this time of year! If you want to see that comprehensive list, ask your child to show you their Naviance Account. The Scholarship List is on the Naviance Home Page in the left, bottom corner of the page. (Students who may have forgotten their Username & Password for Naviance can always see Ms. Adams in Guidance to get refreshed on that information.)
Agnes Freyer Gibbs Scholarship Fund
The Agnes Freyer Gibbs Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 to provide renewable support for students majoring in journalism or a field reasonably related, including all forms of print, broadcast or electronic media. Recipients must be graduating seniors at Maine high schools or home-schooled in a Maine community during their last year of secondary education, with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students will be chosen based on demonstrated interest in journalism, financial need and academic achievement. There is a preference for female applicants. Those interested in careers in Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising are not eligible for consideration.
Apply Online at https://mcfscholarships.fluidreview.com
Guy P. Gannett Scholarship Fund
The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by the Guy P. Gannett Foundation to provide renewable support for students majoring in journalism or a field reasonably related, including all forms of print, broadcast or electronic media. Recipients must be graduates of Maine high schools or home-schooled in a Maine community during their last year of secondary education. Students will be chosen based on demonstrated interest in journalism, financial need and academic achievement. The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship recognizes students who will become journalists. Their dedication to this profession is evident in their choice of coursework and extracurricular activities. Recipients are encouraged to apply for renewal consideration throughout their post-secondary and graduate education. As recipients progress through school, the Selection Committee expects to see a significant increase in demonstrated intent to pursue a career in journalism.
Application Deadline: April 1
Apply Online
https://mcfscholarships.fluidreview.com
2020 Mitchell Scholarship
The 2020 Mitchell Scholarship online application is now open!
Interested students can “like” the Mitchell Institute Facebook page to address questions and to stay updated on the latest news about the scholarship.
The 2020 recipients of the Mitchell Scholarship, representing more than 130 high schools from every community in Maine, each will receive a scholarship award for $10,000 to be paid in four equal installments of $2,500. In an effort to help more Maine students attain higher education, the Mitchell Institute provides scholarships for Maine students planning to attend two- and four-year degree programs at colleges both in- and out-of-state.
Once Scholars are selected, the Mitchell Institute helps them navigate college and the world beyond through personal and professional supports. In addition to offering the financial support of the scholarship, the Mitchell Institute offers a wide array of personal, academic and professional support programs, as well as a network of more than 3,000 Mitchell Scholars, Alumni, and partners—all of which amounts to much more than a check.
The 2020 Mitchell Scholarship online application is now open until April 1st!
Click here for the application link: http://mitchellinstitute.org/scholarship/
If you would like to review the blank application form, you can click the Preview link at the bottom of the application landing page.
Please note that the Mitchell Scholarship has two deadlines:
Due by April 1, 2020
High School Transcript with mid-year grades
Recommendation letter (from high school teacher, counselor, or principal)
Student Aid Report from FAFSA
Due by May 1, 2020
Acceptance letter from applicant’s top college choice
Itemized financial aid offer from applicant’s top college choice
2020 Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund offers renewable, four-year scholarships to students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others (in school, their community, or at home), a strong work ethic, and leadership qualities.
DHS class of 2019 graduate Salam Salir was the recipient of last year’s Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship.
Application Process for Current Deering Seniors (Class of 2020):
Ø New applications will be posted on the website www.phillips-scholarship.org in December 2019.
Ø The New High School Application and New College Application are due at noon on May 1, 2020.
Ø The Early Response Option for High School Students Application is due at noon on April 3, 2020.
Ø We welcome questions! Please call 978-744-2111 or email staff@spscholars.org.
2020 Richard H Pierce Memorial Scholarship
Established in honor of MES founder, Dick Pierce, who passed away in 2011, this scholarship is based on merit and financial need. The goal is to provide support for students who might not otherwise continue their post-secondary education without financial assistance. A scholarship for $5,000 will be awarded on a renewable basis for up to 4 years to the winning recipients
Application deadline is April 1, 2020. The application is now open. Visit this website to apply: https://mesfoundation.org/scholarships.html
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please email us at info@mesfoundation.org
Summer 2020 Study Opportunities
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES IN EVERY STATE THAT HAVE PRE-COLLEGE COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE SUMMER FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.
DON'T FORGET--Your student can also study abroad! Check out CIEE's Global Navigators Programs for high school students here.
HERE IS A LIST OF SELECTIVE SUMMER COLLEGE PROGRAMS: https://www.collegetransitions.com/top-summer-programs-for-high-school-students/
Career Opportunities in Maine
DESTINATION OCCUPATIONS HAS UPDATED THEIR SITE WITH MANY EXCITING, WELL-PAYING JOB OPPORTUNITIES RIGHT HERE IN MAINE FOR BOTH TEENS AND ADULTS .
So. . . What do you want to do? Destination Occupation is the place to go for an insider’s look at Maine’s best careers with some of the state’s most dynamic employers, from entrepreneurial ventures to Maine’s largest organizations! This is a great site for teenagers wanting to know more about specific career fields as well as what job opportunities are available in Maine today. The site is also superb for adults as well. Click here for more information.