Chronology

This page was created originally for the 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009 and its creation was supported by the District 113 Foundation Grant. Students who have contributed to this page include: Nat Howard (2023)

1930

Census reports the population of Deerfield at 1852 residents.

1937

A delegation from Deerfield, with Harry Wing as a spokesman, presented reasons why the Board of Education should consider plans for the erection of a high school in the Village of Deerfield.

1940

Census reports the population of Deerfield at 2278 residents.

1955

Board member Frank Conley was authorized to negotiate for 50-60 acres of the 160 Petersen tract along north Waukegan Road.

1957

Population of Deerfield rose to 7609 residents.

1958

The Board of Education resolved to build a school in Deerfield to house 1200 immediately and 2000 ultimately. In May, voters approve a bond issue for $4,250,000 to build a high school in town, by a vote of 3097 to 2004. In June, Harlan Philippi, guidance director at HPHS, was designated principal of the new school.

1959

The design for the school by Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett began to be realized when Joseph J. Duffy Co. contracted to build the school. By the fall, most of the concrete had been poured and structural steel erected.

The images above are of David and Lois Marks, who celebrated their 50th anniversary the same year as the high school. David Marks worked for the architecture firm Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett, which designed the high school. David and Lois were dating at the time of the school's dedication. Use the link below to listen to the story of their date to that event. The Marks' not only moved to Deerfield, but their three daughters and grandchildren have gone to DHS! Their lives have paralleled the life of DHS.

1960-1961

List of original faculty at DHS and their tenure here (a Google Doc).

First meeting of the PTO.

Village of Bannockburn cedes the high school property to the Village of Deerfield.

DHS becomes member of the IHSA.

Opening day at Deerfield High School on September 6, with Class of 1963 and Class of 1964 constituting the student body—about 490 strong. There were 32 Faculty members.

Dedication Ceremony held December 11.

A student-faculty basketball game was held. Government Day, a tradition started at HPHS, saw DHS students running the local government for one day, under the guidance of the Village Manger.

1961-1962

Student population reached 868.

1962-1963

Student population reached 1275.

Senior Privilege introduced for the first graduating class.

Our Year At Deerfield (OYAD) chosen for the title of the DHS yearbook.

Other “firsts”: school musical Brigadoon, prom, graduation (in the auditorium)

In 1963 (spring or fall), the PTO sponsored a variety show, known as The Band Aid, because its proceeds would fund the band uniforms. Faculty members Anita Gorr and Paul Adams, both in tutus, performed a ballet number in the show. The marching band ended the event with “Seventy-Six Trombones.”

1963-1964

Student population reached 1484.

Robert Benson appointed principal after Harlan Philippi leaves for Boston University.

“Firsts”: Warrior Weekend, complete with pep rally, floats, bonfire and dance; football and basketball victories; State champion athletes (wrestler Ted Parker and swimmer Bruce Jacobsen); graduation moved to the Exhibition Gym.

JFK Award established by the Class of ’64 to honor the memory of the recently assassinated president.

1964- 1965

Student population reached 1723.

A referendum to approve a bond issue for the expansion of both district schools passed

Listen to Barbara Harris recall how her husband Fred and she came to live in Deerfield and eventually coach the DHS football team, raising three children, Jeff, Rick and Susan, all who are DHS alumni. Their family’s history parallels the history of the school and town.

1965-1966

Student population reached 1883.

1966-1967

Student population reached 2105.

Construction work on the expansion of DHS included conversion of G-hall English and I-hall Math classrooms into science laboratories; expansion of Counseling into I-hall, conversion of C-100 into a health classroom, and enlarging the PE locker room space; new construction included an expanded Library, PE gyms, new classrooms for English east of F-hall, and math classrooms in Q-hall, and a new cafeteria nd bus lobby. E114 and E116 became Team Teaching rooms, and a closed-circuit TV system was put into the math rooms, PE gymnastics and dance areas.

Football team goes undefeated for the season.

In June, the first graduation is held at Ravinia.

1967-1968

Student population reached 2301.

Senior English classes begin to use a college model, with large group meetings in E114 and E116 and twice-weekly seminars of 10-12 students. Sociology, Humanities, Contemporary US History and Man and His Changing Society would make use of a similar model in the coming years.

1968-1969

Student population reached 2458.

The Supreme Court hears arguments in the case Tinker v. Des Moines Board of Education and rules that Constitutional protections do not end at the school house door. Students began to test the District’s dress code. Early in 1968, Paul Hamer refused to have his hair cut to meet the administrators’ expectations. Hamer was suspended, but the Board changed policy and began to allow more freedom in student appearance. By 1969, beards, slacks and jeans adorned faculty and students alike.

Listen to Rick Weil tell the story of a Free Speech walkout by students protesting the revocation of Gentle Wednesday.

1969-1970

Student population reached 2504.

The attendance area boundary changed to allow students living in the area west of Highway 41 but east of Deerfield to choose either high school in the district. The Board continues to extend that policy on a year-to-year basis.

The first Special Education teacher was employed by DHS.

A Senior Option program began, providing eight semester seniors with three choices: to graduate at the end of seventh semester, to continue taking their regular program, or to continue taking only two classes and P. E., leaving school early to work, take course work at local colleges, or do volunteer work in the social services.

On March 11, 1970, a new student organization—Youth for Environmental Salvation (YES)—held an all-school teach-in on environmental issues, with special classes, films, lectures and discussions rather than regular classes on that day.

1970-1971

Student population reached 2544. Some students must share lockers.

Board established its first procedures for dealing with drug abuse.

Smoking in bathrooms and in North Trails became a disciplinary issue, as did graffiti along the fence on Waukegan Road.

Students interested in politics created a Critical Issues forum and attended programs dealing with Vietnam and the 1972 Presidential campaigns.

1971- 1972

Student population at 2493.

A DHS cast won first place in a state one act play competition, under the direction of Irene Kramsky.

Students sought and gained representation on the Board of Education, with Mark Bole serving as the first student representative. The student representative could participate in discussion, question administrative reports and place items on the agenda.

YES efforts led to the end of the Homecoming bonfire.

Seniors began the tradition of Senior Teaching Day.

1972- 1973

Conflicting reports on Enrollment: one report suggested it peaked at 2542; another report lists enrollment at 2463.

Miss Sally Sharkey became the first teacher representative to the Board of Education.

Girls interscholastic athletics, under the aegis of the IHSA, began in 1972-73.

A snow-fence enclosure, adjacent to the east windows of the cafeteria, became the designated smoking area for students, who could only enter if they had a parental approval pass. The unofficial name of the location was the “O.K. Corral.” In later years, the pass system was abandoned, the area was blacktopped and a yellow line was painted to designate the territorial limits of the student smokers.

1973- 1974

Student population at 2452.

DHS Football won the CSL Championship, beginning a streak of winning seasons over the coming years.

Powder Puff football was first played during Warrior Weekend.

Listen to Brian Cole talk about DHS Football in the 1970s.

1974- 1975

Student population at 2424.

DHS Football reached the state play-offs.

1975- 1976

Student population at 2455.

DHS Football won the State 5A Championship.

Girls Field Hockey finished 3rd in State.

Model UN founded

1976- 1977

Student population at 2392.

DHS Cross Country Teams, coached by Len Kisellus, won the State Championship.

Board president Nancy Brandt led the District to a successful referendum vote, supporting a bond issue which, along with rising property values, put the school district in a comfortable income position.

Listen to Gayle Luehr remember what DHS was like in 1977 and how much sports have changed since then.

1977- 1978

Student population at 2290.

Theodor Repsholdt became acting principal, securing the permanent position the following school year.

DHS Cross Country Teams repeated their victory in the State Championship, earning the team the title National Champions. Three runners—Keith Hampton, Tom Stevens, and Todd McCallister—were named to the All-State team, with alternates Mark McCallister and Dane Rutstein. The cover of OYAD reflected pride in this team with cover art portraying a distance runner.

Lyn Chisolm and Sue Schopf won the state badminton doubles championship.

1978- 1979

Student population at 2201.

Listen to Lori James talk about the Homecoming parade, pep rally, the Spirit Jug and Powder Puff football game.

1979- 1980

Student population at 2064.

In May, the Board approved a Freshman Advisory system for each school.

Deerfield police department and a cluster of concerned parents met with school administrators to plan a community-wide drug awareness program. This effort spawned the Deerfield Citizens for Drug Awareness (DCDA), which would go on to host a speaker on drug and alcohol use/abuse at the high school each subsequent year.

1980-1981

Three primary needs seemed to determine the course of Deerfield High School in its third decade: (1) coping with its transformation from a large to a much smaller high school, (2) refocusing its curriculum and instructional efforts to increase student achievement, and (3) combating adolescent use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.

In March, the function of a computer coordinator was established.

In the spring, an Illinois State Board of Education inspecting team cited both DHS and HPHS for failure to meet the 300 minute per day classroom assignment of its students. After rejecting a proposal to establish 55 minute periods, the school period was lengthened to 42 minutes, following a first period of 48 minutes, and students were encouraged to enroll in six and even seven classes as an alternative to study hall as they registered for the next school year.

1981-1982

Students revived the American Field Service club. DHS also hosted AFS Day, which included ten foreign exchange students attending high schools in surrounding towns.

Computer Club began upon inspiration from the introduction of new computers in the Math Department.

“Preppie” and “Punk” were two styles that emerged at DHS.

In the summer before the school year began, the Board adopted policy #6450 on use of drugs and alcohol, providing for mandatory suspension of any student who either used or distributed drugs or alcohol during school hours, on school property, or attended any school activity under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Listen to Dr. Brian Cole talk about cliques at DHS (M-hallers, smokers, jocks), the no-tolerance policy for alcohol abuse, and the production of West Side Story.

1982-1983

In August, Booster Club members Jack Daley and Alan Meyers proposed that the Board and the Club jointly fund the construction of an all-weather outdoor track. The track would be ready by 1984.

In February, the Board negotiated the sale of the third high school site located between Baxter Labs and Thorngate Country Club on Sanders Road.

1983-1984

The Early Bird program began, with upperclassmen volunteering to serve from 7:40 to 8:20 a.m. as tutors.

Concerns about academic honesty were raised by students and staff. After extensive committee work in both schools, an academic honesty policy was created and approved by the Board.

A Shakespeare Festival was held.

Mike Morrison won the #1 Boys Singles Tennis crown, a feat he would repeat each year while at DHS.

1984-1985

In October, First Lady Nancy Reagan met with members of DCDA and DHS students to discuss the presidential campaign and prevention of drug use/abuse.

Glenn Hartwick was hired to develop a district-wide substance abuse program.

The first Senior Boat Party was held.

Listen to John Motzko talk about drug use at DHS and Nancy Reagan.

1985-1986

President Ronald Reagan’s helicopter landed at DHS, allowing the president to proceed to Sara Lee, where he gave a speech.

DHS Golfer Brett Packee won State for the second year in a row. Listen to coach Fred Dickman discuss the DHS Golf Team from the time he began coaching it in 1975 until today.

Listen to John Motzko talk about Reagan’s DHS landing.

1986-1987

The English Department added Power Reading and Study Strategies to its offerings for students.

DHS topped the state of Illinois in ACT scores with an average of 22.6.

Listen to Gayle Luehr retell a story about Chicago Bear Walter Payton, likely from the 1987 strike year, when the team practiced at DHS.

1987-1988

John Scornavacco was named principal at DHS. Like his predecessors Philippi, Benson and Repsholdt, Scornavacco began his professional career at HPHS. As a member of the HPHS Class of 1959, he was the first graduate of that school to hold a principalship in the District. Among his new initiatives, Scornavacco began hosting breakfasts with students as a way to hear their voices.

Music began to be broadcast in the hallways during passing periods. On the soundtrack: Genesis, Boston, U2 and classical music. Students were invited to drop off cassettes at the front office.

The school underwent some renovations, including new windows with blinds between the panes. The Attendance and Deans offices were moved to their current location opposite the Auditorium to make access easier for students.

Other “firsts”: Deerprints began to switch to computer-based publishing. Bike Club and DASA began as new student clubs. The English Department began offering a Great Books course and AP Junior English.

All-State Warrior Athletes: Lindsay Knapp—Football (and All-American), Becky Bruch—Swimming (and two Olympic trial cuts), Laurie Gold—Gymnastics, Joel Meadow—Soccer (goalkeeper)

DHS Average ACT score jumped to 23.3.

Listen to John Motzko talk about Bike Club, DASA and playing basketball with the Chicago Bulls.

1988-1989

Enrollment dropped to 1280 students.

Improvements made to DHS included replacing the original tables in the student cafeteria with the two-table hexagonal shapes still in use in 2010. In the North Café, carpet, benches and a television playing MTV continuously helped to create a relaxation space for kids dubbed the Student Union.

In an effort to make DHS a smoke-free school, the entering class was prohibited from using the smoking area, and upperclassmen were again required to have parental permission.

A committee of teachers began to discuss school climate. Eventually, this work would lead to the formation of the First Class program.

Under the direction of its new Band Director Dan Brame, the Marching Band hosted its first annual Bandorama concert.

Following the Laurie Dann incident in Winnetka, school security increased.

1989-1990

Boys’ Golf reached the State Finals.

New clubs: Earthworks— the student organization focusing on the environment, and Peer Helping—a program in which students help students.

Sculptor Sharon Halford began her tenure as artist-in-residence. Halford’s sculptures are inspired by nature. Touching the Spirit is featured in the small courtyard at the start of I-hall.

Black History Month was officially recognized at DHS, with students organizing various programs aimed at educating and changing student attitudes.

1990-1991

The old metal shop and auto shop classrooms were converted into the studio theater and physics technology labs, respectively.

The first Assault Control Tactics class for women.

WERCS-Plus opened to further assist students with reading and study skills across the curriculum, with teacher tutors from science, social studies and other areas.

The Deerprints and OYAD publication centers were created.

1991-1992

Firsts: Fiber optic cables installed at DHS. The Company class began. The Library began computer-based check-out of books. The PERC (weight training room) was built. Lockers were painted gray. Display cases were added to the front lobby to showcase student activities.

Paul Adams celebrated his 200th victory as coach of the DHS football team, with a 30-0 win over rival Maine East. After 35 years of coaching football, including 25 as head coach, Adams was inducted into the IHSA Hall of Fame.

DHS set up an AIDS committee to educate students about the disease.

1992-1993

Fiber optic system allowed for the installation of a closed-circuit TV network, featuring a TV in every classroom with a central command for all visual programming requests.

Sports happenings: Steve Pappas was hired to be the head basketball coach and English teacher. Art Edstrom was awarded the Illinois Swimming Hall of Fame Award and the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches of America Outstanding Service Award. Varsity Club was revived. Paul Adams announced his retirement. DHS hosted its first Special Olympics.

The Homecoming Pep Rally was interrupted by a walk-out by the Junior Class.

The childcare center, now known as Deer Park, opened for district 113 and 109 staff. Child Development classes benefitted from this addition.

Masterpiece Theater began under the direction of Anita Goldberg, Kate Severns and David Hirsch. Later it would be renamed StageWrite.

Listen to David Hirsch talk about the first StageWrite and its evolution over the years.

Alumni Day program began, sponsored by the CCRC.

School Chest raised a record $24,000.

1993-1994

Principal John Scornavacco and other staff traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from President Bill Clinton. DHS was especially cited for the climate of the school, given the First Class program, and its academic excellence. DHS celebrated with the entire student body, Board members and public officials at an assembly on November 2.

An audio- and video-equipped Language Listening Lab opened in E100.

Sports: James Harrington became the head football coach. On January 7, DHS hosted its first “Pack the Place” with Boys Swimming, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys Wrestling, and Girls Gymnastics. Attendees could trade canned goods for tickets. A dance followed, with proceeds from the $4 ticket going to Haven House. A coed water polo team began play at DHS.

Comfortable furniture and a compact disc jukebox were added to the Student Union (the part of today’s Café nearest the back lobby), making it a more relaxing and attractive space for students. In a Deerprints article, one student suggested Macintosh and PC computers be added—an idea quite ahead of its time.

The Staff Development Committee worked with community member and educator Dr. Sherman Beverly to plan ways in which to bring more cultural diversity into the DHS curriculum.

In April, the “open” hallways policy began, allowing students to pass through hallways during class periods without a pass, except during the last five minutes of each period.

DHS became one of five pilot schools chosen by the NAMES Foundation to host the AIDS Quilt.

1994-1995

Physical changes: The driving range was converted to a parking lot, and separate sections of all lots were demarcated for staff, student and ride-share parking; later in the year, Governor Edgar cut the Ride-Share program. Picnic tables were installed at the courtyard. DHS, HPHS and the Administration Building all were connected to the internet.

Firsts: Linda Hanson began her tenure as Superintendent of District 113. An Athletic Code was initiated. GIMA hosted Mr. DHS during School Chest, with winner Tom Zelski. A winter pep rally for winter sports was hosted, in conjunction with an assembly celebrating School Chest. Two iguanas were introduced to the ecosystem of the Vivarium. Dance Troupe was selected to go to the State Dance Festival Showcase. DHS staff participated in Take Our Daughters to Work Day. AP English classes begin open enrollment, reversing a policy of application-based enrollment.

All State thespians: Amber Skalski, Sarah Lappin, Sara Solheim.

The DECA team from DHS won the State Championship.

In March, DHS students in CARE participated in an exchange program with Steinmetz High School students. All participating students were part of a year-long discussion group sponsored by Facing History and Ourselves.

An outdoor concert in the courtyard, dubbed “Ravinia Night” featured DHS bands, with proceeds going to school publications.

Sports: The DHS Hockey Team celebrated its 20th season by making it to the State Semi-Finals. The Boys Tennis team won the State championship.

Due to reconstruction project at Ravinia, graduation was held at Northwestern’s Welsh-Ryan Arena, whose floor was carpeted for the occasion.

Listen to Michael Clack, Tech Director, discuss the art of technical theater.

1995-1996

Building changes: Short bookcases helped to create separate class spaces for the Library. WDHS studio gained a makeover. To help with their increase reliance on new technology, staff got a dedicated computer lab (the FRAT) next to the Library. A Science lab for classes was installed at J103.

The Tree Sculpture honoring Deerfield Scholars was installed in the front hall.

Listen to John Motzko remember when the first Mac was brought into DHS and when computers finally came into wider use during this year.

Sports: The outdoor track was rebuilt with new, resilient and lower-impact materials. Table tennis began as an intramural sport. Junior Ryan Hogan broke Tim Hanson’s school record of 1001 career points in basketball, averaging 27 points per game. The Girls Varsity Badminton Doubles Team went undefeated, winning the State Doubles Championship Title.

CBS news featured a story of First Class.

Firsts: Deerprints began publishing an article on a “Worthy Warrior,” which designated one excellent athlete who sustained at least a B average. DHS joined HPHS in a Job Shadowing Program, matching students with local businesses. A climbing wall was built in the Intramural Gym for the Outdoor Adventure Class. Teachers began using email for communication and in their curricula. Spring Fine Arts Exhibition showcased local artists and student art.

Listen to Bob Zima talk about the Outdoor Adventure class.

Results from a drug survey revealed shocking statistics to the community: 66% of freshmen, 83% of sophomores, 88% of juniors and 93% of seniors had used alcohol; 21% of freshmen, 42% of sophomores, 60% of juniors and 74% of seniors reported having been drunk; 17% of freshmen, 30% of sophomores, 41% of juniors and 59% of seniors had tried or regularly used marijuana.

Listen to Bob Zima discuss drug abuse at DHS and his advice to students.

Honors: All ten competitors from DECA won State competitions. Freshman Chris Hirata and Junior Paul Novak won medals at the State Engineering Competition. The Board of Education was awarded the National School Board Association and Kennedy Center Award. The Model United Nations team earned “best delegation.” Deerprints earned the Golden Eagle Award from NISPA.

1996-1997

Resource periods replaced study halls
Homecoming Theme: "A Travel Through Time"
Cell phone usage not allowed while inside the school
Fall Play: "You Can't Take It With You"
Black face worn by some seniors at homecoming, seen by some as problematic
Float contest at homecoming parade eliminated, so no floats were present this year
First year of DHS Ultimate Frisbee Team
Poetry Reading Club created this year
School Chest Organization: Timber Point Camp for Disabled Children
Deerprints named a National Pacemaker finalist by the National Scholastic Press Association and the Newspaper Association of America Foundation
DHS emphasizes technology with its several computer labs and Internet connection.
STUNTS theme: "TV High...Don't Touch That Dial"
Water main break on 1/13/97 led to the cancellation of classes on that day
DECA had many state medalists (multiple first and second place winners, in addition to a number of top ten state finalists)
Musical: "My Fair Lady"
Over 130 DHS Band and Choir students participated in the Minnesota Music Tour
Eighteen DHS students won the WERCS writing contest

1997- 1998

Eugene Chung, remembering how he was hired, explains how he knew that DHS was an incredibly special place. Listen here.

1998-1999

Jon Crawford began his tenure as principal of Deerfield High School.

July 23rd- August 7th Deerfield Boys Soccer travels to Bitburg, Germany to play
Boys Cross Country wins state finals in 1998
December 11, 1998: a new sport is being introduced to Deerfield; ping pong
1999: Alexi Poppi was nominated to compete in the national Principal’s Leadership Award Scholarship Program

The Deerfield Warrior football team won 23-3 in a homecoming game against Highland Park
“Warriors around the World” was the homecoming theme
Late Sept/early Oct: Deerfield Commons shopping center closed for good
Movie tickets reached a new high of $8.00
1999 fall play was Mother Hicks
House impeaches President Clinton… Clinton vows to serve “until the last hour of the last day of [his] term”
Blizzard of ‘99
December 1998: U.S. strikes Iraq
DHS Football team finished with a 5-4 record, just barely missing the state playoffs
DHS golf team was perhaps the most successful in DHS history
New coaching staff hired for the DHS hockey team - season used as a rebuilding season: new staff, shortage of players… hockey team expected to dominate in the following season

1999-2000

The homecoming theme was "Bungle in the Jungle."
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Chicago awarded a grant to the DHS and HPHS Foreign Language departments.
DHS' Student Congress team was awarded first place at their meet in St. Charles.
Electronic devices, such as computers, became more widespread.
Fall Play ("By the Skin Of Our Teeth") sold out.
Tumbler show: "Let's Get Loud"
School Chest Organization: Starlight Foundation, which granted wishes to terminally ill children.
Deerfield High School decided to teach evolution, even though the IL State Board of Education's standards contained no explicit reference to it.
Marching Band got first place in Division II for Bands with 60-100 members at the Sycamore Public Festival Parade competition.
STUNTS theme: Travel, with the title "Are We There Yet?"
New Freshman Integrated Team (FIT) for freshmen combined algebra, basic sciences, English, history, and PE into two three period blocks of time, with remaining periods for foreign language and electives.
Student Congress wins at Hersey High School
DHS band and DHS and HPHS combined orchestra, Chorus, and Choraliers performed at Walt Disney World.
Many school from DHS' DECA won Area 14/15 IL association competition for high schools in Cook and Lake counties
DHS took first place in Division II engineering competition at the College of Lake County
Deerfield High School open-mic Art Cafe created

2000-2001

New ways to combat theft at DHS added due to large increase in amounts of items stolen from DHS students
Homecoming theme: "Lost In Space"
New DHS art department chair: Andrea Johnson
STUNTS Theme: STUNTaSia 2000
Fall Play: "House of Blue Leaves"
School Chest Organization: Hess Family Fund
DHS celebrated World AIDS Day
New unofficial club: Cake Club, which hosts a cake-eating day once a month.
Musical: "Pippin"
Turnabout theme: "Winter Wonderland"
DHS Band and Chorus traveled to Bloomington, Indiana and Nashville, Tennessee
DECA won regional and state competition
Grant given to DHS by IEPA to restore Middle Fork
Boys swimming team won conference title
Varsity and junior varsity gymnastics took first place at conference
DHS Student Congress got first place in the State Invitational Tournament
First year students had to take PSAE, which was required for juniors
All teachers provided computers for the first time
Spring play: "Four Stories Tall," written by DHS Theatre students
Theatrix show: "Improv Noche"
First year of Jam 4 Justice

2001-2002

Construction: new X hallway, new R hallway, expanded Studio Theater
Early bird classes randomly assigned (mandatory, but not voluntary), more options this year (before voluntary with very few options)
New attendance policy
Students now permitted to use cell phones in school when not in class
New clubs: Astronomy club, Bowling Team, Drill Team, and Good Karma Cafe
"Fall One Acts" (six short plays)
Fall Play: "The Heidi Chronicles"
Musical: "The Sound of Music"
New outdoor laboratory for science classes
Homecoming theme: "Let's Make History"
School Chest Organizations: Didier Family Fund and Friends for Steven
DHS counseling department was the most prestigious in the state (won Leo G. Bent award)
Jam 4 Justice organization: Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA)
First year of the DHS "Celebration of the Arts"
Theatrix theme/name: "Pastrami Hat"

2019-2020

This was the first year under Superintendent Dr. Bruce Law. The fear of the spread of COVID-19 shut down the school on March 13, 2020. The District transitioned to all-remote learning, delivered asynchronously to allow students, staff and their families the flexibility to deal with the pandemic restrictions and health effects. Graduation was held in two forms: a video program with most of the traditions, including honoring each graduate by name, and as a drive-thru in the front parking lot at DHS, with each graduate walking across a stage, photographed and with caravans of loved ones cheering them on.

See the WDHS-TV News Senior Show, which aired May 22, 2020. It features stories of retirees, then a special survey of Seniors asking what they would have done if they knew March 12, 2020, was their last day at DHS before the pandemic shut down the school, other questions, a montage of news and culture from the last four years, and teachers saluting the Class of 2020.

2020-2021

The COVID-19 pandemic created a year like no other at DHS. School began with remote instruction, with most classes held over Zoom. Strict protocols allowed some activities on school grounds in the fall, and a hybrid learning model began on February 23, 2021, with about a third of students opting to come into the building and the rest remote.

See the WDHS-TV News Senior Show, which aired May 14, 2021. It features stories of retirees, surveys of Seniors in the halls, and a montage of news and culture from the last four years.

Report abuse