Congratulations to DPHS senior Katie Nelson. She was selected as the Fire Department Student of the Year. Katie was able to ride in the fire truck with a full escort to school! Way to go Katie!
Yesterday evening, the Board of Directors recognized Laurie Goodnight with the Above and Beyond Award. Laurie leads our Special Education Department with incredible dedication. She’s a role model for staff, a great communicator with families, and works tirelessly to support student success through thoughtful scheduling, connecting with outside resources, and ensuring proper accommodations.
From organizing work-site learning opportunities to building paraeducator schedules, Laurie does it all with high energy and a student-first mindset. She’s often the first to arrive and the last to leave, and is deeply respected for her knowledge, leadership, and work ethic.
Thank you, Laurie, for going above and beyond!
#inspireexcellence
Congratulations to Deer Park Middle School for earning the Washington State Board of Education and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Outstanding Achievement Award for the 2023-24 school year. Only 16% of schools in Washington earned this award. Deer Park Middle School was recognized for student growth, specifically, " Growth for students in one or more racial or ethnic groups." Their collaboration, focus on standards, common assessments, data analysis, and student growth continue to pay off. For more information: https://sbe.wa.gov/our-work/school-recognition.
A Little Free Library was recently added at Deer Park Elementary. With support from staff, the library was registered and installed to help share the joy of reading with students, families, and the community. Students learned about the program, created bookmarks from old catalog cards, and helped fill the library with donated books. Special guests came during the special ribbon-cutting ceremony, including author and writer Laura Chamberlain and Dexter. Ms. Chamberlain also donated a book she wrote! This small but mighty library is one more way to promote a love of books and learning all year long. Stop by to check it out! Many thanks to Ms. Kellie Hunt, librarian, Jollene Vining, principal, and PTO for their support. Download the Little Free Library app to find others nearby!
Our Unified Track and Field team at DPHS has worked hard all season! The Unified Shot Put & the Unified 100m dash were added to the GSL this year, including our previous events; the Sprint Medley Relay (100m, 100m, 200m, 400m) and 4x100m relay. Now we have a total of 4 events, which is great considering in Track and Field, all athletes are only allowed to compete in a total of 4 events per meet. To compete in the Unified Division, an athlete with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability is paired with a partner on the track team. The athlete and their partner will both get their measurements, and the score will be determined by taking the average of the 2. We are looking forward to competing at State in all 4 events this year and seeing inclusion grow in the world of Track and Field.
DPMS 6th graders are making memories that will last a lifetime at Camp Reed and all doing well at camp this week!
Student voice and perspective matter! Many thanks to this year's DPHS Student Advisory Council for volunteering their time to share their experiences and thoughts. This year, this group of students shared their honest insights as to what is going well and what areas can be improved. Today, students shared their gratitude to staff who have positively impacted them; overall, they shared they were most appreciative of those who challenged them, held them to high expectations, believed in them, listened, and cared for them. Many of these students will be starting a new journey following graduation on June 7. Many thanks to the students!
At the May 12th board meeting, Tanya Barcellos, Head Cook at the High School, was honored with the Above and Beyond award.
In her first year as a lead, Tanya has shown unwavering dedication and a positive spirit every single day. She’s known for her flexibility, always stepping in wherever she’s needed without ever complaining. Whether it’s managing changing schedules or lending a helping hand, Tanya does it all with a smile and a warm greeting for every student.
Beyond the kitchen, Tanya is deeply committed to her community, often volunteering her time and energy. She’s also a proud and loving grandmother who brings that same care and heart to her work.
Tanya truly embodies what it means to go above and beyond, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of Deer Park School District.
As we honor and remember those who have served, please remember there will be no school on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Congratulations to our 5th Graders in the Math is Cool Masters!
While they didn’t make it to the podium, the team delivered an outstanding performance, earning a perfect score on the Team Multiple Choice Test and going undefeated in all their College Bowl matches. The competition was tough, but our students showed incredible determination, teamwork, and academic excellence. We’re so proud of their effort and spirit. Great job, team!
What an incredible STEAM Night community event! Students and families experienced fun, hands-on learning. Students were able to experience the arts, including drama and music, world languages, math, science, Ag science, industrial arts, and marketing! Many thanks to the educators for their creativity, excellence, and innovation in creating such a remarkable event. #inspireexcellence
Today, elementary students lined the sidewalks to watch the high school marching band practice for the Torchlight Parade. A fun break in the day, especially for the younger students who enjoyed watching the high schoolers in action.
Attention Deer Park Families!
Need help with food this summer? Your children may qualify for $120 in grocery benefits through the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program. Plus, kids and teens 18 and under can enjoy free meals at local sites, no paperwork needed.
Both programs help stretch your food budget while school is out.
Find out how to apply and where to get meals:
https://www.hungerfreewa.org/freesummerfood
Congratulations to our DPHS FFA and Agricultural students who have taken part in the Spokane Jr. Livestock Show and WA State FFA Convention. At the State Convention, Deer Park FFA took 5th in state livestock. This was a highly competitive process: 45 teams, 7 classes, 1 team activity of Keep/Cull, and each student gave 3 sets of oral reasons -- a FULL day! The Horticulture and Botany classes had the opportunity to collaborate with the Deer Park ECAP in touring the greenhouse and planting a Zinnia. At the Spokane Jr. Livestock Show a few successes were:
Porter Whitmore: Grand Champion Sheep Fitting & Showing FR/SO
Raegan Reedy: Grand Champion Goat Fitting & Showing JR/SR and 5th Overall Fitting & Showing Swine
Raegan Reedy: Round Robin Grand Champion FFA JR/SR
Kaycee Haney: 4th overall Goat Fitting & Showing
At the April 28th board meeting, the board recognized Richelle Harget, Home Link consultant, for the Above and Beyond award. Richelle has been a dedicated member of the Deer Park Home Link team for many years, known for her unwavering support of students, families, and staff. Her calm, positive presence fosters a collaborative school culture. When an urgent need for a Spanish-endorsed staff member arose, Richelle, a bilingual educator, stepped up and earned the endorsement, showcasing her commitment to growth and meeting community needs. In addition, Richelle coordinates state testing at Deer Park Home Link, a challenging task in a non-traditional learning environment. She approaches it with grace, professionalism, and a clear focus on student success. She is also recognized for her innovative approach to family engagement, continually finding creative ways to strengthen school-community connections. Many thanks to Richelle for her dedication and commitment to students and families.
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight staff members who have gone above and beyond. #inspireexcellence
With summer on the way, we are looking for a Seasonal Assistant Groundskeeper to support our maintenance crew and care for our school grounds. This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy outdoor work and take pride in keeping spaces clean, safe, and welcoming. Click the link below to apply today!
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/1585/opening/119379
Many thanks to the DPE PTO for a fun Donuts with Grown Ups today! Feel free to share your fun pictures with us too!
Congratulations to the Lady Stags - 2A GSL Champions!
Our Varsity Softball team wrapped up an incredible season with a 16-2 record, earning the title of 2A Greater Spokane League Champions.
Great work, ladies. Your hard work and teamwork paid off!
Happy National School Nurses Day to our incredible school nurses!
They work hard and do it with smiles on their faces. Without them, we could not do the important work we do as a District. Thank you for the care and compassion you show our students in all of our schools. We appreciate you!
As we celebrate and honor the excellence of our educators, we hope you will feel inspired by our Dear, Deer Park video. Educators: You matter and you make a difference. Thanks for inspiring excellence! Thank you for all you do! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSHx0tacRHk
#inspireexcellence