Deering High School
Learning Model
At Deering, we believe students succeed when everyone is valued, challenged, and empowered. For us, living up to these values means creating a strong and inclusive community, supporting all students in achieving at high levels, and promoting student voice and youth advocacy throughout our academic and co-curricular programs.
9th Grade Academics
English: English 9, Honors English 9 (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)
Math: Algebra I, Accelerated Algebra II (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)
Science: Earth and Space Science, Honors Earth and Space Science, Engineering by Design (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)
Social Studies: World Civilizations, AP Human Geography (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)
Available Electives: Creative Writing, Intro to Drama, Statistics and Probability, Intro to Computer Programming, Internet Technology, Google Applications, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, Art I, Band, Chorus, Intro to Music, Orchestra, PE, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish.
***Other courses offered based on recommendations of a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or students needing English language support
Academic and Social/Emotional Support for 9th Graders
Team 9: Teams of 9th grade teachers meet weekly to discuss students and plan for interventions and support.
Advisory: Held two times per week with a focus on high school transition, study skills, and time management.
WINN Block: A period of the day where students can schedule time to get extra help from their teachers.
Supports and Enrichment Opportunities
English Language Learner (ELL) Supports
EL Academy (for SLIFE students)
ELL English
Language Acquisition for Social Studies, Science, & Math
Academic Language Support for Transitioning ELS
Alternative Education Program
Special Education Supports
Functional Life Skills Program (district)
Practical Academics (multiple subjects)
Functional Academics (multiple subjects)
Speech & Language Services
Occupational Therapy Services
Physical Therapy Services
Co-Curricular Athletics, Clubs, and Opportunities
Deering Debate Team at the State Championship tournament in 2020!
Athletics: Golf (boys), tennis, wrestling, cross country, field hockey (girls), football, eSports, soccer, volleyball (girls)l, alpine skiing, basketball, ice hockey, indoor/outdoor track & field, Nordic skiing, swimming, cheerleading, baseball, softball, lacrosse.
Clubs/Activities: Black Student Union, Anime, Breccia (Literary magazine), Chess Club, Can We? Project, Film Club, Social Media Team, Girls Who Code, Teach Portland, Model United Nations, Seeds of Peace, Teen Trendsetters, Debate Team, Drama Club, Muslim Student Association, National Honors Society, Outdoors Club, Natural Helpers, Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Key Club, Project Graduation, and Student Government.
Other Opportunities: Make it Happen, Deering Mentoring, Jobs for Maine Graduates, Internships, BREATHE, Teacher Aides.
School Contact Information
Website: https://dhs.portlandschools.org/
Principals: Abdullahi Ahmed, Alyson Dame
Assistant Principal: Jim Moses
School Counselor: Asia Alexis, Farausi Cherry, Libby Heselton, Tracey Moore
ELL: Bridget Balanda, Molly Callaghan, Jen Lunt, Elizabeth Cockrell, Sarah Sirois, Wendy Toole
Special Education: Emily Daniels, Janice Tevanian, Joe Foley, Anne Bischoff
Co-Curricular Director: Michael Daly