No. 1 October, 2015 CLOCKTOWER Deering’s Quarterly Community Newsletter | 2015, no. 1

Calendar

October 30: Slam of the Dead Poetry Slam

November 7: SATs

Nov. 11: Veterans Day, no school

November 13: 1st Quarter ends

November 25-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, no school

December 5: SATs

December 10, 11, 12: Shrek, The Musical

December 23- January 3: December Recess, no school

Above: Deering’s restored clocktower. The restoration took four months and was overseen by PPSD project manager, David Onos.

Photo credit: Audrey Rolfe

Clocktower 1 No. 1 October, 2015 From Principal Waltz...

Greetings DHS of our thirteen Advance Placement classes’ study families and groups, working on Senior Capstones, and readers, internships.

Thank you for Also, Deering High School is currently designing a trusting us with new “hands on” Science Technology Engineering your child’s Mathematics (STEM) lab. We have painted and education by started moving equipment for our VEX Robotics choosing Deering! Club, Introduction to Engineering and Robotics We take this trust class, University of Maine S.M.A.R.T. Storm- very seriously. You water Researchers program, and our new 3-D care about your Printer! children. I care about them. The Three science and two math teachers are attending teachers and staff a “Think Tinker & Inspire Workshop” for two in the school care days, helping to build the capacity for students to about them as well. pursue the STEM endorsement on their diplomas as well as Enrichment opportunities during our This publication is our first electronic step toward newly established WINN. time. communication and understanding that will benefit every child in the school. Please allow me to share We will expose students to “real world” career some of our exciting work. opportunities right here in greater Portland and throughout the globe. We will get them excited We are continuing to define our mission, as it about potential job opportunities, future career relates to student-centered learning through our options and educational opportunities beyond high identity as a member of the International Studies school. School Network. In closing, know that we care, connect, challenge, We are in a continuous improvement process by and celebrate our students. If you have any kudos, developing and revising our curriculum so that concerns, questions, and/or suggestions, please -Students have a say in what they learn, share them with us. how they learn and how they show us what they learned, Appreciatively, -Students investigate questions and perform tasks that adults would perform or study in the real world, -Students study topics, issues, and Ira Waltz phenomena of global importance and Principal -Students share their work- and receive feedback- from audiences with relevant expertise and on the web. In support of this continuous improvement, we have introduced a What I Need Now (WINN) period. This is a new forty-five minute block of time added to our schedule four days per week. During this block of time, we provide students with academic support and enrichment activities as well as Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO). Our ELOs may include becoming a member of one

Clocktower 2 No. 1 October, 2015

Superintendent’s Corner

by Portland Superintendent Jeanne Crocker

Dear Families,

Welcome to a new school year! As we begin this year, I want to tell you how much we value you as our partner in your child’s education. We encourage your involvement and collaboration to help your child succeed in school.

To foster student success, one of our primary goals this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly. Attendance is key to keeping kids on track academically and engaged in all aspects of school life.

Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success, starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families still play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and in helping them understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But we also know that when students miss too much school – regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent – which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. Research shows:

• Children chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of third grade. • By sixth grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school. • By ninth grade good attendance can predict graduation rates as well as success in college.

Absences can add up quickly. A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month! Clearly, going to school regularly matters.

When our students are not at school, we notice because we care. We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Please make sure you are familiar with the school calendar to assist in your family scheduling for vacations and medical appointments. You can find the school calendar on the district website, www.portlandschools.org, under “News & Calendars.”

Let us know how we can best support your family so that your child can show up for school on time every day. We want your child to be successful in school. If you have any questions or need more information please contact Deering High.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Crocker

Clocktower 3 No. 1 October, 2015 SHREK BY: SOPHIA MORIN ‘16

The Story This fall, the Deering Players will present When Shrek's swamp is taken the fun-loving over by an overwhelming production of Shrek Anthony Cavalaro amount of fairytale creatures, the Musical (choreographer) and he must find the culprit, Lord Who's Who? Farquaad, who sent them here. cast Little did Shrek know, he will A show would, after all, be meet a fun loving donkey in nothing without its directors, and technical crew. the way. Meanwhile, Lord Alongside Kathleen Harris (director), the Deering Players welcomes Kara Farquaad discovers that Larochelle as our new musical director! Kara is a current teacher at Hall Princess Fiona will be the love Elementary School and we couldn't be happier to have her with us. Our show of his life. However, he is too would also be incomplete without a handy technical crew that is newly led by scared to save the damsel in the wonderful Carolyn Claypoole. Carolyn is a Deering High graduate who distress who is locked in a castle that is guarded by a fire- worked as a techie throughout her four years. She also went on to receive a breathing dragon. Upon arrival degree in Theatre Arts from Acadia College in Canada. The choreographer is in the land far far away, Anthony Cavallaro, a very talented senior at DHS. We are ecstatic to welcome Farquaad declares Shrek as them all to the team, and hope to have a wonderful season with their help! her rescuer. Once Shrek saves Finally, the actors who will bring this show to life: playing the role of Shrek will Fiona, their journey back to the be William Weeks (senior), Fiona will be played by Sophia Morin (senior), castle soon turns into a Donkey will be played by Will Mathis (junior), and Lord Farquaad will be played romance that nobody saw by Anthony Cavallaro (senior). The whole cast and crew is working very hard on coming; and the rest is this production and we can't wait to share it with you all. history... Come see the show and find out how this all unfolds through magic, song, When? SHREK the Musical will be performed on December 11 at 7pm

December 12 at 2pm & 7pm

And December 13 at 2pm

See you there! Duloc Dancers!

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Deering JMG volunteers to help clean up Longfellow playground By: Kiara Neal ‘16 and Public Relations Officer At the beginning of October, the JMG students went over to Longfellow. We took part in a tremendous amount of community service. We had to take all of the wood chips that had gotten washed down to the garden out and move them to another area. It took about 30 wheelbarrows. We had to shovel and rake piles of dirt into them. A lot of hard work was put in as a team and pushing everyone along. Other classes focused on weeding or other areas of clean up. By the end of the day, the project was completed!

Left: Deering senior Mustafa Khamis and Miles Bisher at the Financial Literary Fair

Financial Literacy Fair By: Dora Perez ‘16 and Deeq Mohamed ’16 On October 14, community volunteers came in to help with the Financial Literacy Fair. The fair was sponsored by Key Bank and organized by the Guidance Department and JMG. Students chose a career they would like to have and had to move from booth to booth to create a real life budget for themselves at age 22. The fair was a mind opening experience. It helped many students realize how to live independently. Being 22 independently isn't as easy as we thought. Right after graduating, we have to find our own way of doing things. This experience helped us visualize how our life would be if we were to live independently in the future with our chosen career. We calculated what taxes we had to pay. We had to figure out what's necessary, deciding between what's desired and what is needed. Also, we had to decide what to do with extra money like save it or go on a vacation. If we were in debt we had to figure out what we needed to do to change that. We had to use our money wisely and have some money leftover in case of unexpected emergency, which was simulated at a chance booth. Also, it can help you change your career choice if you could not live like you want on that salary. We believe that this Financial Literacy Fair should be recommended for every senior every year.

Clocktower 5 No. 1 October, 2015 Orchestra Plays at Citizenship Ceremony

Members of the Deering-Portland-Casco Bay Orchestra from Deering performed at USM's Abromsen Center's Hannaford Hall for the Citizenship Ceremony for 91 new citizens on September 17, 2015! This is the 28th performance in 14 years by our dedicated students! Their next eforts on behalf of our community will be a performance at City Hall on Monday, December 7th, for the inauguration of the School Board. Stay tuned!

left to right, are: Peter Gribizis, PHS, Priscilla Maccario, DHS, Francesca Houran CBHS, Lucas Jasonides, DHS Julia Lancia, DHS, Lucy Tumavicus, DHS, Owen Ganter, DHS, Iris Walter, PHS and Annie Dodson, CBHS

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International Studies Schools Network News

TRAVEL and HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES for DHS STUDENTS

Last summer, thirteen Deering High School students traveled to seven countries to immerse themselves in new cultures and, in some cases, to participate in community service activities. These trips were made possible in large part because of scholarships provided by Portland-based CIEE, the Council for International Education and Exchange. Students will be sharing their stories on Deering’s “Learning Without Borders” blog (http:// blogs.portlandschools.org/issn/). (see story on page 10).

This coming year, students will once again have the opportunity to apply for summer study and travel through the Global Navigators program. And in April, students from Chile and Russia will be our guests at Deering; we are looking for host families to welcome them. Students who host a Russian will be able to visit their ‘sibling’ in Russia over April break. Finally, Deering staff is coordinating a trip for students to the Dominican Republic for April, 2017 through EFTours.

If you are interested in any of these international opportunities, please contact either Mr. Gomez at [email protected] or Ms Shmitt at [email protected]

The DEADLINE for all of these programs is DECEMBER 1, 2015.

****FOR PARENTS INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION ON EITHER STUDENT TRAVEL or HOSTING A CHILEAN or RUSSIAN, there will be an informational meeting November 5 at 7 pm in the Deering High School library.**** The United States State Department also offers chances for high school students to travel and study abroad. For those interested in critical languages such as Mandarin, Arabic, Persian, and Russian, among others, scholarships are available for a year of cultural and language immersion. For study in Germany, the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program provides students with host families for the academic year. The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad Program offers merit-based scholarships to spend a year in any one of a host of countries, including Senegal, Thailand, Turkey, India and Ghana. For more information on any of the State Department programs, go to [email protected].

Clocktower 7 No. 1 October, 2015

CIEE Global Navigators Program - Summer 2016 https://www.ciee.org/high-school-summer-abroad/scholarships/

Visit Arkhangelsk, Russia - April 2016 www.arkhangelsk.org/

Host Russian Students - March 2016

Host Chilean Students - March/April 2016

Department of State Opportunities - Summer 2016 http://blogs.portlandschools.org/issn/2015/09/30/u-s-department-of-state-travel-opportunities/

EF Global Citizen Scholarship - Summer 2016 http://m.links.eftours.com/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=mVFSbMKt%2BI00MpJ1gqSD1LibEaF88vyX

EF Tour to Dominican Republic April 2017 http://www.eftours.com/educational-tour/dominican-republic-empowering-children? utm_source=brochure&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=tourcode

From the Nurse’s Office

No Scents is Good Sense

Colognes, perfumes and scented products are everywhere. These products have been used for centuries, but there is a growing awareness of the negative impact these products can have on indoor air quality and personal health. Over 3000 chemicals are now used in making fragrances and one perfume can contain up to 500 different chemicals. Fragrance chemicals vaporize into the air and are easily inhaled triggering respiratory irritations and breathing difficulties.

For people with medical conditions such as asthma, allergies, migraines or chemical sensitivities, scented products can trigger serious health reactions. In addition, scented products can cause sore throats, runny nose, sinus congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache, inability to concentrate, dizziness, fatigue, mental confusion, anger, irritability, nausea, muscle aches and anxiety.

Thank-you for contributing to a healthy indoor air quality for staff and students by not using perfumes, colognes or other scented products.

Clocktower 8 No. 1 October, 2015

Julie McGarvey (Kralendijik, Bonaire) - “The most unforgettable moment Why travel of my trip was the day we went windsurfing, and snorkeling. We spent 3 hours racing up and down the shoreline on our boards. After 3 hours of abroad? Deering windsurfing we got all of our snorkeling gear on, and went on an hour snorkel. On the snorkel we swam with the sharks, sting rays, and sea students will tell turtles. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.” you why!

Below: Siobahn Densmore (Madrid, Spain)- “An unforgettable moment during my time away would definitely be hanging out with my host family and gathering with their friends and family for a fiesta. I was able to really step out of my comfort zone and dance and sing with them. “

Above: Neilab Habibzai (Sevilla, Spain)- “Study abroad! You will learn so many great things you have never thought of before. Studying in a different country changes you by making you think from an outside perspective. Definitely worth it.”

Clocktower 9 No. 1 October, 2015

“Amethyst” in ColorYearbook 2016

Yearbooks are $70.00

Make Checks out to Deering High School Yearbook

Contact Mrs. Miller for Payment Plan Option Yearbooks can also be ordered on line: www.ybpay.lifetouch.com Yearbook ID Code: 11227416

Would you like to honor your Senior with a baby ad? Deadline is December 1, 2015

Contact Mrs. Miller for more information: [email protected] or 874-8164

Clocktower 10 No. 1 October, 2015

NEW COURSE OFFERING - CERAMICS

The Art Department is excited to announce a new course starting second semester. Ceramics I is a semester course designed for students interested in creating functional and sculptural works in clay. There will be a focus on clay-specific hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil and slab as well as the basics of glazing. Students will be introduced to the history of ceramics, the many purposes of clay, and properties of the material. If you enjoy making things with your hands, this is the class for you!

If you are interested in enrolling in the Block 4, Ceramics I class and have already taken Art I Foundations, please see your guidance counselor!

Clocktower 11 No. 1 October, 2015

A New Lease On Art

Room 401 has been renovated to its former glory and Mrs. Rolfe, Ms. Robertson and the students are loving it! If you haven’t seen it, take a trip to the fourth floor before or after school to check it out. Special thanks to project manager, David Onos and his crew for their excellent work and to Deering’s custodial staff for helping with the move from the first floor to the fourth.

Check out the art exhibit of Deering students work at Portland Public Schools Central Office, 353 Cumberland Avenue. Photos (Clockwise) : Maddy Ryan,Chelsea Cardilli, Eilish Carpenter, J.J. Youlou, Jamie McCann

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Make It Happen Saint Joseph’s College Students Shadow Deering Teachers by Kathleen Harris and Pdg VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Muhamiriza’16 The Make It Happen center needs some more volunteers for the after school academic center. This semester five education students from St. The Make It Happen center is a language Joseph’s College are visiting classes at acquisition, academic support, and college prep. Deering High School. These prospective program for ELL students. We need volunteer teachers are getting a glimpse of what it is like academic coaches to work with ELL students to teach in a diverse Maine school. What who need extra help with schoolwork. Anyone better place than Deering High School! The college students and their host Deering can do it! You don’t need any qualifications to teachers are: become an academic coach; you just need to Taylor Penman with Brian Dodge show up ready to assist the students! The after Lucas Fisher and Patrick Martin with Jana school center is open 2:30-4:30, so if you have Boody-Billings an interested in volunteering please e-mail the Marissa Berry with Kathleen Costello Make It Happen coordinator Danielle Wong at Gretchen McKeen with Kathleen Harris [email protected] Deering senior, Pdg Muhamiriza interviewed two of the college students, Marissa Berry and Gretchen McKeen.

I interviewed two students from St. Joseph’s College who are enjoying their three month experience at Deering High School. Marissa Berry, 19, is originally from Boston. She is taking writing centered courses. Her hobbies are reading, publishing and theatre. Deering H.S. is bigger than she thought it would be. She can’t wait to learn from the Teacher Shadowing program.

Gretchen McKeen, 21, was born in New Hampshire. She is a junior majoring in secondary school English education. Her hobbies are zumba dance and reading. She told me that Deering is bigger than her high school and much fancier. Her expectations are gaining teaching experience and expanding her learning.

Photographed: Marissa Berry (left) and Gretchen McKeen (right)

Clocktower 13 No. 1 October, 2015

beyond her regular work hours to get the job done. Gloria Miller Honored by Crocker said that the most recent example of School Committee Miller’s devotion to Deering was evident during the Gloria Miller, an administrative assistant at Deering past few months when Deering's co-curricular High School, was honored this week by the athletic administrator, Mel Craig, needed to take Portland Board of Public Education and Interim sick leave to care for her mother out of state. Superintendent Jeanne Crocker for being “the “Without a moment's hesitation, Gloria did what heart” of the high school. she always does – saw the need and stepped in to “For 20 years now, if you found yourself within the help,” Crocker said. “You have to understand that walls of Deering High School, on the athletic ‘stepping in to help’ meant she came in and filled facilities or simply within a 5-mile radius, you can the role and responsibilities as if Mel were doing feel the heart of Deering High School. Her name is them herself. There was no extra compensation for Gloria Miller,” Crocker said at the school board’s her extra work and dedication, no extra kudos – just Oct. 6 meeting. “While she is a proud Bulldog Mrs. Miller doing what she does best: taking care graduate, she is an even prouder Deering Ram. She of those around her.” has dedicated her life to RamNation, supporting not Crocker also cited a recent example of Miller’s only her five children through becoming Deering dedication to Deering students, as related to her by alumni but tens of thousands of other students as Deering Principal Ira Waltz: well. There is no Deering graduate who does not “A student was due at college in New Hampshire know Mrs. Miller.” on a Thursday this past August. When she Crocker said that Miller “wears so many hats for happened to randomly speak with him on the Deering, we have lost count over the years. While Tuesday, he shared that he had not been able to Gloria’s official position is athletic/attendance/ secure a ride down there to move into the dorm. activity accounts administrative assistant, her work You need to know Mrs. Miller NEVER takes sick ethic knows no bounds.” days. So when she informs us on a Tuesday that she Miller plays a direct role in organizing and was taking a sick day Thursday, it raised concern managing over 42 co-curricular activities at and alarm. Not only did she use her own vehicle Deering. In addition, she has been the lead advisor and gas to bring him down to college, she helped of both the Yearbook and Project Graduation. him unpack, made his bed up for him and when he She also is key to the success of Deering Athletics. realized he forgot a pillow – off she headed to go “While many have come through the doors of purchase one for him. She won't admit it, but we Deering to fill the role of athletic director, there has suspect she also may have slid him a twenty as she been one constant over the years, Mrs. Miller,” hugged him goodbye.” Crocker said. “Gloria is the heart of Deering Crocker concluded: “Mrs. Miller is not only the Athletics and mother to five children, bleeds purple. she is the mother to ALL While she may not of RamNation and we hold the official are blessed to have her.” title of athletic PHOTO CAPTION: director, make no Pictured from left to mistake who is the right are Interim backbone of the Portland School daily work that gets done to make sure Superintendent Jeanne we are providing Crocker; Deering High the best programs School administrative we can to extend assistant Gloria Miller; our classrooms and Portland Board of onto the Public Education Chair competition field.” Miller often Sarah Thompson. volunteers her time

Clocktower 14 No. 1 October, 2015

Legends of the Hidden High School by Kerry Wells, ’16 The Tunnel of Misconception

Many legends of Deering High School From rattling radiators to leaking water have been confirmed to be true. This legend is pipes, it is not difficult for the students of not one of those. Rumors were started about a Deering High School to notice that our facility tunnel connecting Deering and Longfellow is… vintage. However, the age of our building Elementary during the Cold War. It was, in comes with a long and intricate history, seldom theory, used as a safety passage in case of a explored by both students and faculty. Today, that bombing. This is an exaggerated truth. inconsistency is broken. Technically, there is a tunnel that connects Deering and Longfellow, but not for the aforementioned purpose. It is a heating vent, not The Mystery of the Underground Well nearly large enough to bring an entire school from one building to another unnoticed. Brian, In the bowels of the boiler room sits a our head custodian, controls the levels of heat wooden door. This is not just any door, but rather given to the schools. If Longfellow needs heat a passageway through time. Since Deering was during the winter, he only needs to flip a lever. built, a stream of fresh water has flowed endlessly beneath it. Filtering through the lawn, this water is perfectly The Legend of Drama Club’s Past safe to drink. In Many millennials do not know that before fact, the the new gym was constructed, the old gym was current located where the current music and drama head departments are today. This gym included a custodian’s basketball court and a running track, suspended former boss over the court. Today, this facility houses the regularly many hundreds of costumes that the drama sipped the department uses in its performances. Along with historical this eerie reminder of our schools history is an liquid. This even creepier hallway behind it. Deemed “Wood stream is Alley,” this hallway houses a petri dish of known to signatures from former students, mainly members overflow of the drama club. At the end of the passageway, into the there is an old fashioned light fixture with a single custodian’s light bulb, along with a wooden door that offices after supposedly leads to the third floor. Does it heavy rainfall. really…..who knows?

Clocktower 15 No. 1 October, 2015

DEERING SPORTS by Andrew Gordon

This is the first of an occasional series focusing on Deering’s student athletes, asking them why they play the sport they do. I spoke to one athlete representing each of Deering’s Fall sports, in order to get an idea of what motivates them to play, what they love about their sport, and what they appreciate about their coaches.

AVERY DONOVAN - VOLLEYBALL Fun is a key aspect of Avery’s volleyball experience- she simply loves to play, and enjoys being part of a close-knit team. She likes the fact that Volleyball is fast paced and exciting, and especially enjoys the moment when something that has been worked on in practice comes together on the court. She had not played before entering Deering, and her decision to play was made independent of the fact that her older sister Delaney is also on the team. her favorite parts of the game are blocking and spiking, and she is excited by the success of Deering’s first season as a varsity program.

JOEY BURKE - FOOTBALL Joey thought long and hard when I asked him what he enjoyed most about playing football. After all it involves long practices, bumps and bruises, and you only get to play once a week. Then he gave me a list of reasons - it’s great exercise, it keeps him busy after school, it relieves his stress, he likes being around the team, and he also enjoys the physicality. He looks forward to the games on Friday nights, and gets an adrenalin rush when breaking through the cheerleaders banner and running onto the field. As a corner his biggest thrill comes when he makes an interception. He has enjoyed his senior year after a few roller coaster ones, and is hopeful of making the playoffs.

KAYLA THOITS - FIELD HOCKEY Kayla has played field hockey since sixth grade, and loves both the sport and the people who play it. She appreciates the skill that’s needed to play the game well, and realizes that she’s learned a lot over the years. She enjoys the competitive nature of the game and the speed at which it’s played, and loves how her team gets along and how everyone feels free to talk to each other. The highlight of field hockey for her is scoring, which is quite rare compared to some other sports. She appreciates how dedicated Coach Koharian is to the team, and how she makes sure to push the team to maximize its potential.

PHOEBE BELL - GIRLS SOCCER Phoebe is a junior defensive player on the Deering varsity girls soccer team - interestingly she ran cross country for her freshman and sophomore years, as she had conflicts with her club soccer team. She says that she’s always played soccer (since age 4) and loves it for the team environment, and how it allows her to be competitive. As a defender her favorite part of the game is making a solid tackle and clearing the ball, and the most challenging part of the game is taking throw-ins, as she claims to have no arm strength. She likes that the team gets on well on and off the field. She appreciates Coach Olson for his ability to communicate, offering positive feedback with constructive criticism.

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ROMAN ANDERSON - BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY Roman breaks the trend - he is honest enough to admit that he does not really like cross- country, and participates purely to stay in shape for the Indoor Track season. It’s his second season, but he feels that he is not very good at the sport and does it for something to do and for the fitness aspect. He does enjoy his team, which is full of energy, and especially the team dinners. He appreciates Coach Myatt for knowing what he’s doing, and fostering team spirit.

ALEX SMITH - GOLF Alex started playing golf at Deering in his sophomore year, after injury prevented him from playing as a freshman. He has learned more about the game at Deering than anywhere else, and likes the people on his team. He likes the relaxed nature of the sport, and how it offers the individual the chance to decide whether to be competitive or not. His greatest weakness is his tendency to over-think on the course, which leads to mistakes. He believes that his coaches work well together, as Coach Goodman really knows his stuff and Coach is a really nice guy who keeps things light.

CASSIDY BIGELMAN - CHEERLEADING Cassi is a captain of the revitalized Deering cheerleading team. She has cheered at Deering since her freshman year, and feels close to the other team members. She likes that the girls are comfortable enough together to talk about personal things, as well as about cheering. She enjoys the sport as it keeps her healthy and because people who underestimate what it involves are awed when they see what the team accomplishes. She enjoys the stunts that are performed, where she is a base. She appreciates her coach because of his motivational qualities, and how he never gives up on the team even when things get tough.

JONATHAN BUJAMBI - BOYS SOCCER Even though his team was coming off a tough loss to Cheverus, Jonathan still talked to me about his love for the game of soccer that’s he’s been playing since the age of about 8. He likes the tactical side of the game, the need for patience and the use of knowledge built up through experience. He knows how important it is for the team to work collectively to achieve one goal, and enjoys when his team’s ability to pass and possess means that it makes other teams do the chasing. he wants to focus on his own ability to shoot with accuracy, especially from free kicks. He appreciates Coach Costigan because he is open to taking ideas from the players and the captains, and has built up an atmosphere of trust.

JULIA LANCIA - GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY Julia is a sophomore who likes running and her coaches, but most of all likes that everyone involved with her sport is supportive and appreciative of each other. She is often wished good luck by other teams at the start of races, something that has never happened in other sports she’s played. She finds her sport super rewarding, and that completing each 5K gives her a sense of real accomplishment. She likes the idea of racing against herself, even if the mental stamina aspect can be tough. The father/son Myatt coaching duo complement each other well, with Mr. Myatt senior being supportive and never disappointed, and Mr. Myatt junior being motivational both before and after a race. It’s the most fun sport she’s ever been involved with, she enthuses.

So what did I learn - Deering’s student athletes love their sports, appreciate their coaches, and value the experience that team sports provide.

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Students undertook a combined Deering and King Middle School outing club trip in June to South Bristol, Maine with Camp O-AT-KA at Knight's Cove. The eight Deering students and six King Middle School students joined chaperones Jef Borland from Deering and Kirsten McWilliams from King Middle School. They camped, kayaked, swam, cooked outdoors, and ate smores. Below are two student reflections.

The Definition Of Love by Amy Isaro ‘19 This weekend Deering High and King middle went on a kayaking trip to O-AT-KA's satellite site called Knight's Cove in South Bristol, Maine. We took off Friday after school. As we arrived there, we met the guide in charge of us for the whole weekend named Ken. We got to know each other and kayaked on Saturday, half of the day. In the afternoon, we went to a park called Fort William Henry and we played different games such as frisbee and volleyball. I played volleyball with my friends. As we

Below: Joy Mugaju ,Divine Ingabire, Amy Isaro

were playing, a man approached us and asked us what we were doing. We said we were playing volleyball. He then asked," Do you girls know the definition of love?" We replied,"No!" He then said," The definition of love is letting out various emotions." We were all amazed because no one had ever thought of love that way. He also showed as a magic trick, making a stone disappear. Those were my favorite parts because I learned new perspectives. I realized that my education can happen in different places. It does not have to be only in school. Education can happen in every part/place of the world. As Tom Bodet says,"In school you are taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you are given a test that teaches you a lesson." Education can happen anywhere.

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girls being in my tent, hearing the sound of water droplets hitting my tent made it very Truly camping challenging to sleep at night. Not only that, but also the sensation of smoke coming into

by Joy Mugaju ‘19 eyes as we cooked over the fire was a very painful experience. When I first heard about Deering's However, the far most challenging kayaking trip I thought it would be a great part about the trip was kayaking back to the opportunity for me and my friends. I had the campsite. I remember the thought of being idea it would be just like one of my favorite flipped out of the kayak and the fish dragging camps, Camp Vega. This camp is placed on me down had went through my head the huge field right on the beautiful Echo Lake. It whole time. My arms felt as if they were has huge cabins with indoor plumbing and about to fall off, but after that very lights. Also, the camp has a big dining room challenging experience I only hold onto the where we eat the best meals that are cooked memory of the view of the sea while I was for us. After experiencing such an amazing out there. The sight of the pure blue sky camp, I had the idea that camp O-at-ka above me as the wind swiftly would be somewhat similar, even though I blew across my face while the shoreline had been made aware of the rigor of this trip. trees sat unharmed by man stood close. Just When we finally arrived at the looking at this extraordinary view I was campsite my friends and I were so excited to reminded of how gorgeous this earth is see the beautiful view of the sea. Once we without the touch of man. laid our feet on the ground full of leaves and Even though I faced many challenges twigs, all we could see were tall trees with at camp O-at-ka I am now be able say it is about six tents spread apart. Although being my new favorite camp. Just being able to in the woods was not a problem for me, what experience life where we do not only rely on was a problem was the little mosquitoes our own resources, but of the earth's has pricking at me all day long. Also, though cold opened my eyes to the true meaning of temperatures was not a problem due to six camping. Also, there is the bonus that I had become even closer with my friends who I have Frank Nyarushatsi ,Ray Nyarushatsi ,Sadie known since sixth Rhinehardt,Joy Mugaju grade. Plus, I now have an idea of what Deering holds for me in the future. So, though, the camp may have had its ups and downs, I would like to say thank you for g i v i n g m e t h i s e x t r a o r d i n a r y experience, and hopefully I will be able to come back next year.

Clocktower 19 No. 1 October, 2015 Welcome our new staff!

Mr. Abdullahi Ahmed, Assistant Principal by Zainab Jalal ‘16

Deering welcomes Mr. Ahmed as assistant principal of Deering High School. Mr. Ahmed was previously a science and Arabic teacher at Deering H.S. He was the first certified public school teacher of Arabic in Maine. Before coming to Deering Mr. Ahmed taught at Portland High School. Mr. Ahmed was born in Somalia. He speaks Arabic, Somali, English and Urdu. He has degrees from the University of Pakistan and the University of Southern Maine, where is is currently a doctoral candidate. His hobbies are playing soccer, reading and writing. After talking with Mr. Ahmed I can tell that he fits the position of assistant principal perfectly.

Ms. Caroline Roberge, Assistant Principal by Leyla Ukash ‘16

Deering is happy to welcome Ms. Caroline Roberge to Deering High School as an assistant principal. Ms. Roberge was formerly an assistant principal in New Hampshire and a math teacher at Brunswick High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Anna Maria College in Massachusetts and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix. Ms. Roberge likes helping students prepare for their futures and assisting the students who are struggling with school. She describes her leadership style as collaborative. Her hobbies are knitting and reading

Mr. James Harmon, Science by Ray Kha ‘16 Deering welcomes Mr. James Harmon back to our faculty. Mr. Harmon has teaching experience from King and Lyman Moore Middle Schools; Noble, Biddeford and Deering High Schools. He was an astronomer at USM’s Southworth Planetarium for nineteen years and worked at the Maine Medical Labs in Biotechnology. He has a close connection to Deering. His grandmother worked at Deering H.S. in 1928 and his three children all graduated from DHS. He likes to run, as well as play and compose music.

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Mr. Andres Llorente, English by Dorcas Uwase ‘16

Mr. Llorente is one of the new teachers at Deering High School. He has been teaching for fourteen years, but not always in a high school. Although he was born in Brunswick, Maine Mr. Llorente has travelled extensively and taught in London, England. He is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is fluent in English, French and Spanish. His hobbies are writing and producing films. His first impression of DHS is that it is a busy place.

Ms. Stacy Nightingale, Mathematics by Kaeyle Ridge ‘16

A new addition to the Mathematics Department at Deering is Ms. Stacy Nightingale. Teaching is a second career for Ms. Nightingale who previously worked in finance. Before coming to Deering she taught at Edward Little H. S. in Auburn as well as Portland H.S. She is very impressed with the students and staff at Deering. Ms. Nightingale has a strong family connection with Deering since her mother, aunt and uncle all attended school here. In her free time she spends time with her husband, three sons and her dog.

Ms. Kaitlyn Stefanski, Mathematics by Matthew Mikkelsen ‘16

Ms. Kaitlyn Stefanski is a new member of the Mathematics Department. She was born in Concord, New Hampshire and graduated from John Start Regional H.S. Before coming to Deering she taught for two years at Noble High School and was an intern at Portsmouth H.S. She holds a bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of New Hampshire. She loves Deering and says that the students are wonderful and capable of great work. The teachers are some of the friendliest and most helpful individuals she has ever met. Ms. Stefanski enjoys rock climbing, hiking, making soup and reading.

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Ms. Hannah Ciechomski, Science by Leyla Ukase ‘16

Ms. Ciechomski was born in Portland, Maine and attended Portland High School. Ms. Ciechomski attended Beloit College in Wisconsin and is a master’s degree candidate at the University of Southern Maine. Before coming to Deering Ms. Ciechomski taught in Thailand. Her first impression of Deering is that everyone is friendly and helpful. The quality she respects in a teacher is that of a good communicator with students and other teachers. When not at school she enjoys hiking with her dog.

Dr. Younus Alfayyadh, World Languages by Iman Enan'16

Mr. Younus Alfayyadh is Deering’s new Arabic teacher. He has been teaching for almost ten years, mostly outside the U.S.A. He was born in Iraq, where he attended university. Dr. Alfayyadh taught Arabic classes at the Islamic Society of Portland and is a professor at the American Open University in Virginia. His hobbies are reading, watching soccer matches and using social media websites. His first impression of Deering H.S. is that is very big and organized and that his colleagues are friendly and welcoming.

Ms. Fang Song, World Languages by Grace Uwimana ‘16

Welcome to Ms. Song, Deering’s new teacher of Chinese language. Ms. Song was born in Beijing, Shandong Province. She studied at Qiqihar University and holds a master’s degree from Heilongjiang University. Ms. Song has eleven years of teaching experience. Before Deering, Ms Song taught at a vocational school in Beijing. She enjoys sports, playing hacky sack, jumping rope and music. She says that the teachers are nice at Deering and the students are energetic and sweet.

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Ms. Heidi Cameron, ELL by Iman Enan ‘16

Ms. Cameron was born in Portland, Maine. She attended Peary and Lyseth Elementary School, Lyman Moore Junior High and graduated from Portland H.S. While at Portland H.S. she played five varsity sports. Heidi received a B.A. from Bowdoin College with a major in comparative religion and minored in women’s studies. Ms. Cameron holds an ELL endorsement and an M.S. in literacy education. She has taught in Florida and South Portland schools. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crafting, sewing, quilting and being informed about politics. Ms. Cameron is the advisor of the Mock Trial Team at Deering.

Ms. Adriane Gainer, FLS, Ed. Tech. by Grace Uwimana ‘16

Ms. Gainer was born in Vermont. She attended college in Duxbury, MA and the Maine College of Art. Prior to coming to Deering she taught for three years at Windham Middle School. At Windham she was an assistant track coach. Her hobbies are running, biking, surfing and painting.

Brenda Gushee, ELL by Andrew Gordon

Brenda Gushee is a new addition to the ELL department at Deering High School. She comes here from the Multilingual Office and Ocean Avenue School. She is a Mainer, born in Warren on the mid-coast, and in her leisure time enjoys gardening, reading, and remodeling old houses. Her daughter is a graduate of both Deering and McGill University in Montreal, and is now a massage therapist. Brenda has taught at a variety of levels, including college, but this is her first time at high school. She has been struck by the considerate and supportive nature of her colleagues, and is learning a lot!

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The CLOCKTOWER is an official publication of Deering High School EDITOR: Andrew Gordon ([email protected]) GRAPHICS: Anne Dixon ([email protected])

Student contributors: Sophia Morin ’16, Kiara Neal ’16, Dora Perez ’16, Deeq Mohamed ’16, Pdg Muhamiriza’16, Kerry Wells, ’16, Amy Isaro ‘19, Joy Mugaju ’19, Zainab Jalal ’16, Iman Enan’16, Leyla Ukash ’16, Ray Kha ’16, Dorcas Uwase ’16, Kaeyle Ridge ’16, Matthew Mikkelsen ’16, Grace Uwimana ‘16

Thanks to Ms. Harris’ Senior English class for interviewing our new staff.

Pictured,left to right:

Zainab Jalal, Iman Enan, and Grace Uwimana

COT-9 UPDATE by Dan Legage

The freshman students and collaborative of teachers (COT-9) are off to exciting start to the 2015-2016 school year! The class of 2019 has made a smooth transition to DHS and has already made many positive contributions to the Deering school community.

During the first quarter, students have been working on many exciting projects and activities in their classes. Students are archiving exemplars of their work in their digital portfolios The digital portfolios will be showcased during “Student -Led Conferences the week of November 2nd.

The freshman collaborative is a group of teachers who coordinate curriculum, assessment and instruction that is student centered, interdisciplinary and globally focused. Teachers develop projects and investigations that demonstrate the four pillars of global competence (Investigate the World, Recognize perspective, Communicate ideas, Take action). Teachers and students work collaboratively to meet standards. Students are provided a system of interventions and supports as they work to achieve their goals.

For more information about the happenings of COT-9 and the Deering Freshman please visit our Freshman webpage : https://sites.google.com/a/portlandschools.org/dhs-freshmen/home

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News from the Guidance Department

Beginning on October 22nd, the Guidance Department will be working with senior students during every WINN block in the new College & Career Center in the Cafeteria. Senior students are able to receive extra support with: *Starting the College Application Process *Early Decision/Early Action Process *Naviance Help *CommonApp Help *Signing up for the SAT and/or ACT *General Questions If a senior student is looking for some extra help in the college and career planning process, this is the place to be! Seniors may be pre-booked by their School Counselor but are also able to sign up for this WINN block through their Deering Coach.

The Guidance Department is also gearing up to host several informational events this year. On Tuesday, October 6th we held our first College & Career Event of the year and featured Bill Smith in an engaging workshop about Financial Aid. Mr. Smith did an excellent job explaining the different types of Financial Aid that students can receive and also helped families understand how to find colleges that match their finances. Mr. Smith is also making a wonderful offer to work with families of senior students on planning for college costs on a limited first come, first serve basis. Mr. Smith is considered an expert on the subject of financial aid as he has designed financial aid calculators for several top colleges. If you would like to sign up for this opportunity you can check out www.scholarfits.com or call Mr. Smith directly at 773-4142.

School Counselors will be holding workshops every Tuesday night in January. In order to accommodate the tight schedules of our students and families, we will be presenting two workshops – one on the new SAT and the other on the college choice process – and each workshop will be presented on two nights. Families have a choice of attending the presentation about the new SAT on the evening of January 5th or January 19th, and the workshop about the college choice process on January 12th or January 26th.

We also will be holding two Guidance Nights, where students and families are welcome to come in during the evening and speak with a School Counselor. These nights will be held on Thursday, November 12th from 6:00 – 8:00pm and Thursday, April 28th from 6:00 – 8:00pm. No question is too small – we hope to see you there!

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The Guidance Department is sponsoring several other fantastic events this year – be sure to mark your calendars!

Self-Directed SAT Prep Workshop with Eric Johnson Thursday, February 11th 6:30 – 8:00pm

Early Awareness of Financial Aid for Freshmen and Sophomores with Bill Smith Thursday, February 25th 6:00 – 8:00pm

Financial Aid Literacy Workshop Tuesday, March 22nd 6:00 – 8:00

Important Standardized Testing Dates 2015-2016

Test Type Test Date Sign-Up Deadline Current SAT / SAT II November 7, 2015 October 9, 2015 Subject Tests Current SAT / SAT II December 5, 2015 November 5, 2015 Subject Tests ACT December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 Current SAT / SAT II January 23, 2016 December 28, 2015 Subject Tests ACT February 6, 2015 January 8, 2016 NEW, Redesigned SAT March 5, 2016 February 5, 2016 ACT April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 NEW, Redesigned SAT / May 7, 2016 April 8, 2016 SAT II Subject Tests NEW, Redesigned SAT / June 4, 2016 May 5, 2016 SAT II Subject Tests ACT June 11, 2016 May 6, 2016

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CLASS OF 2016 IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, November 2nd: Deadline for Yearbook Pictures to Ms. Miller

Thursday, November 5th 2:40-3:40: Senior Senate Meeting with Decorator for Prom

Friday, November 6th: Dodgeball Tournament (Class of 2016 Fundraiser)

Friday, November 13th: Deadline for Yankee Candle Order Forms to be turned in (Class of 2016 Fundraiser)

Monday, November 23rd: American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by the Class of 2016

Tuesday, December 1st: Deadline for Baby Photos in Yearbook to Ms. Miller

Wednesday, January 27th 6pm-8:30pm: ELL FAFSA Night (Sponsored by Make It Happen!)

Thursday, January 28th: FINAL EXAMS BLOCKS 1 & 2

Friday, January 29th: FINAL EXAMS BLOCKS 3 & 4

Wednesday, March 16th during DC: Cap & Gown Meeting with Josten’s

Tuesday, March 22nd 6:00pm-8pm: Financial Aid Literacy Workshop

Saturday, April 30th 8pm-11pm: PROM at The Portland Company (58 Fore Street)

Tuesday, May 17th 4:30pm-6:30pm: Made It Happen Graduation (Ocean Gateway)

Thursday, June 2nd: FINAL EXAMS BLOCKS 1 & 2

Friday, June 3rd: FINAL EXAMS BLOCKS 3 & 4

Tuesday, June 7th: Senior Capstone Project Symposium

Wednesday, June 8th: Senior Last Assembly

Thursday, June 9th (Time To Be Determined): GRADUATION

DATES & TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE CHECK http://deeringhighrams2016.weebly.com/ FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN SENIOR SENATE MEETINGS ARE ON FRIDAYS AT 7:40AM

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