Deer Park values our students and student voice! Today, the DPHS student advisory council participated in the survey, "What are your hopes and dreams for your future?" as the District begins developing the profile of a Deer Park graduate. Students also provided ideas and suggestions for how to improve the school. Way to go, students!
Happy National School Counseling Week to our amazing Deer Park counselors! Your guidance, compassion, and commitment makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for fostering belonging and supporting every student's academic and personal success. Your impact is felt here at Deer Park.
#DPSD #NationalCounselorWeek #NSCW26
Deer Park High School Band and Choir students performed at the Northeast Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Festival at Cheney High School this past weekend. Approximately 40 of our High School students participated, performing unique musical selections that they prepared for the event. Students received ratings and critiques from judges and competed with students from across our region.
Several students placed and may get the opportunity to perform at the State Solo and Ensemble contest in April. Special congratulations to Owen Stapf - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Bassoon category, Pretty Princess Percussion Party (Ava Berg, Onesimo Garcia IV, Emily Harris, Marlon Gomez-Catalan) - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Small Percussion Ensemble category, Christopher Heath - 1st Alternate (2nd Place) Bass Voice category, and Austin Cohrs - State Qualifier (1st Place), Soprano/Alto Saxophone category.
*The DPHS music programs are available to students thanks to our community! Music programs are funded by local levy dollars. Thank you for your ongoing support - our students appreciate it!
Several students placed and may get the opportunity to perform at the State Solo and Ensemble contest in April. Special congratulations to Owen Stapf - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Bassoon category, Pretty Princess Percussion Party (Ava Berg, Onesimo Garcia IV, Emily Harris, Marlon Gomez-Catalan) - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Small Percussion Ensemble category, Christopher Heath - 1st Alternate (2nd Place) Bass Voice category, and Austin Cohrs - State Qualifier (1st Place), Soprano/Alto Saxophone category.
*The DPHS music programs are available to students thanks to our community! Music programs are funded by local levy dollars. Thank you for your ongoing support - our students appreciate it!
Our very own Nyckalyna Strickland received the Girl Scout Lifesaving Award late this past year. She was honored for her quick thinking and resourcefulness in calling 911 while home alone with her dad, who was growing increasingly ill. According to a cardiologist at Sacred Heart, it was possible that if Nyckalyna had not called 911 for her dad, he may not have made it through the night.
We are so proud of the awareness and quick thinking shown by our students. Read the full article here - https://aptg.co/xfm001
#DPSDProud #GirlScout #LifesavingAward
We are so proud of the awareness and quick thinking shown by our students. Read the full article here - https://aptg.co/xfm001
#DPSDProud #GirlScout #LifesavingAward
Deer Park Middle School's Math is Cool students participated in their Regional Competition at Mead High School this last weekend. Coaches Andrea Dean and Shawna Cosner led our students to some great results.
Our 6th-grade team placed 1st earning a bid to the Masters Competition in April. Our individual medalists were Joshua Cosner, who placed 2nd, and Anna Bentler, who placed 7th.
The 8th-grade team placed 3rd, with Addy Simonson placing 5th as an individual and Samantha Cosner placing 8th.
Along with those amazing results, congratulations to our school winners: Joshua Cosner for 6th grade, Lochlyn Hardwick for 7th grade, and Addy Simonson for 8th grade.
What a fun and awesome experience!
#DPMS #MathIsCool #Competition
Our 6th-grade team placed 1st earning a bid to the Masters Competition in April. Our individual medalists were Joshua Cosner, who placed 2nd, and Anna Bentler, who placed 7th.
The 8th-grade team placed 3rd, with Addy Simonson placing 5th as an individual and Samantha Cosner placing 8th.
Along with those amazing results, congratulations to our school winners: Joshua Cosner for 6th grade, Lochlyn Hardwick for 7th grade, and Addy Simonson for 8th grade.
What a fun and awesome experience!
#DPMS #MathIsCool #Competition
Deer Park's very own Kael Morris (Home Link) has traveled a lot the last couple of weeks. At the University of Montana, Kael scored 1st place in the Middle School Missoula Bullseye Tournament and 2nd for overall (grades 4th - 12th). He also participated in the National Indoor JOAD and National Indoor Tournament, scoring 1st in both events, ranking him #1 in the state for NASP.
Along with Kael, we had Jaiden Johnson (High School), who placed 3rd in the JOAD tournament and 2nd in the Indoor Nationals tournament. And Berkley Haikkila (Home Link) placed 2nd in the JOAD tournament.
Congratulations to all our amazing archers for their hard work and dedication!
#DPSDProud #Archery #NationalTournaments
Along with Kael, we had Jaiden Johnson (High School), who placed 3rd in the JOAD tournament and 2nd in the Indoor Nationals tournament. And Berkley Haikkila (Home Link) placed 2nd in the JOAD tournament.
Congratulations to all our amazing archers for their hard work and dedication!
#DPSDProud #Archery #NationalTournaments
Belonging. Learning. Inspiring Excellence. That is what DPMS is all about! Congratulations to Jeremy Beal and Nicolas Vavuris, DPMS students in Destination Imagination, and the English Language Arts (ELA) team. At Monday's board meeting, Mr. Beal and Mr. Vavuris were highlighted and thanked for their work that supports students. Destination Imagination students provided a skillful, creative, and fun example of their program that fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. The ELA team highlighted their professional learning community work centered around essential standards, common assessments, and ensuring students are provided with "what they need" and "just in time." Way to go, DPMS!
Highlights from Home Link this week include the Opportunity Fair for middle school and high schoolers and their families. This event supports students by allowing them to connect with and learn about future options during and beyond high school, while engaging families as partners in that process.
This Friday, staff also met together for training and reflection as they roll into the second semester. The collaboration, professional learning is such a great opportunity for staff to connect and be reminded of what Home Link is all about.
#DPSD #HomeLink #FamilyConnection #Opportunity
This Friday, staff also met together for training and reflection as they roll into the second semester. The collaboration, professional learning is such a great opportunity for staff to connect and be reminded of what Home Link is all about.
#DPSD #HomeLink #FamilyConnection #Opportunity
This week at the Arcadia, a beloved retired teacher, Mrs. Palanio, visited fifth-grade classrooms to teach students the art of Zentangle. She emphasized that Zentangle is not about artistic ability, but about enjoying the process of creating intricate, unique designs using simple steps. It's a great reminder that growth comes from the process, not just the outcome.
#DeerParkArcadia #StudentGrowth #Zentangle
Not an atypical morning in the transportation facility. With an ongoing shortage of bus drivers, the Deer Park team rallies to help ensure students have rides to school. Office and maintenance staff, Kerri, Stacy, Ron, and Justin, stepped in to drive buses, and available subs were driving as well. And this morning, Kristi (Elementary) and Alexa Allman covered the phones and dispatch, and Kelly (ECEAP) helped earlier this week as well.
Thank you, team, for pulling together this week and making it happen.
Looking for a part-time gig? We're hiring!
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/1585
#DPSDTeam #Transportation #StudentsFirst
Thank you, team, for pulling together this week and making it happen.
Looking for a part-time gig? We're hiring!
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/1585
#DPSDTeam #Transportation #StudentsFirst
City of Deer Park Officials and Superintendent Allman met with Congressman Baumgartner last week. Why is it important for city and school officials to meet with state and federal legislators? To build relationships, advocate for local needs (like school funding/programs), influence federal policy affecting our communities, and provide real-world context to data, ensuring their constituents' voices and specific local issues are heard and understood at the national level, which is crucial for securing support and resources. Thank you to Congressman Baumgartner for meeting with us and visiting Deer Park!
Congratulations to DPHS Cheer! The girls competed at the Sageview Classic, and the Small Game Day team earned a bid to state! We’re so proud of our DPHS cheerleaders 💙! Way to represent Deer Park!
Reminder: No school this Monday, January 19th, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
We hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
Many thanks to the Facilities Advisory Committee for participating in the future planning of Deer Park School District! It was great to have so many voices and perspectives represented from the community! To learn more about the FAC: https://www.dpsd.org/page/facilities-advisory-committee
This week wrapped up many of Home Link's end-of-semester projects and performances, showcasing the amazing work happening across our schools. These experiences this semester have really reflected our commitment to student growth, belonging, and excellence, as stated in our 2025 Strategic Plan.
Registration for next semester is happening this week, and new classes begin next week! A fresh semester and new opportunities are just around the corner.
#DPSD #HomeLink #EndOfSemester
Registration for next semester is happening this week, and new classes begin next week! A fresh semester and new opportunities are just around the corner.
#DPSD #HomeLink #EndOfSemester
Staff shout-out to our amazing recess supervisors from Arcadia and DPE! Anita, Jessica, and Carly (Arcadia), along with Hannah, Misti, Kristina (TLC), Ashley, Bella, Lizzy (kitchen), Kelcy, and Wendy (DPE), show up every day, rain, snow, or shine.
They keep our kiddos safe, smiling, and cared for by listening to stories, tying their shoes, and sharing hugs and laughter. Thank you for all you do to help create a space of belonging. We appreciate you!
#DPSD #Elementary #Arcadia #RecessSupervisors
Yesterday, our Elementary School teachers spent their evening diving into the Science of Reading. Their dedication shows how we keep learning at the center of what we do, inspiring excellence in our day-to-day.
#DPE #ScienceOfReading #TeacherLearning
#DPE #ScienceOfReading #TeacherLearning
Fifth graders in Mrs. Granard’s class explored earthworms and their role in decomposing materials and enriching soil through hands-on investigation. During the "Ask a Worm" activity, students observed worms and designed fair tests to study their behavior, including whether worms prefer dry or wet environments.
By asking questions, gathering evidence, and making real-world connections, these students engaged in learning that builds critical thinking and a deeper understanding of science.
#DPSD #LearningInAction #HandsOnLearning
By asking questions, gathering evidence, and making real-world connections, these students engaged in learning that builds critical thinking and a deeper understanding of science.
#DPSD #LearningInAction #HandsOnLearning
Fourth graders at Arcadia come together twice a week in literature circles to discuss their reading and take on specific roles tied to the text. Through meaningful conversations, students build critical thinking skills and engage in collaborative learning. Experiences like these create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels a sense of belonging, voice, and connection.
#ArcadiaElementary #Belonging #CollaborativeLearning
Happy School Board Directors Month! 🎉
This month, we want to publicly thank the Deer Park School District Board of Directors for their time, leadership, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.
School board service is a big responsibility—often behind the scenes—and their work helps ensure our schools are strong, stable, and well-supported. Their duties include:
✅ Hiring and evaluating the Superintendent
✅ Approving the district’s annual budget
✅ Authorizing public bids and major expenditures
✅ Making decisions on property acquisition or sale
✅ Approving collectively bargained agreements
✅ Adopting core curriculum
It’s also important to recognize how school board governance works: individual board members have authority only when acting together as a board in legally held meetings, and district business is conducted in open public meetings (with limited exceptions for property or personnel matters). In short, the board’s role isn’t to manage day-to-day operations—it’s to ensure our schools are managed well.
Thank you, Board of Directors, for your service and dedication to Deer Park schools! 💙📚
Learn more about the Board of Districtors here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors
#SchoolBoardDirectorsMonth #ThankYouSchoolBoard #DeerParkSchoolDistrict #PublicEducation #CommunityLeadership
This month, we want to publicly thank the Deer Park School District Board of Directors for their time, leadership, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.
School board service is a big responsibility—often behind the scenes—and their work helps ensure our schools are strong, stable, and well-supported. Their duties include:
✅ Hiring and evaluating the Superintendent
✅ Approving the district’s annual budget
✅ Authorizing public bids and major expenditures
✅ Making decisions on property acquisition or sale
✅ Approving collectively bargained agreements
✅ Adopting core curriculum
It’s also important to recognize how school board governance works: individual board members have authority only when acting together as a board in legally held meetings, and district business is conducted in open public meetings (with limited exceptions for property or personnel matters). In short, the board’s role isn’t to manage day-to-day operations—it’s to ensure our schools are managed well.
Thank you, Board of Directors, for your service and dedication to Deer Park schools! 💙📚
Learn more about the Board of Districtors here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors
#SchoolBoardDirectorsMonth #ThankYouSchoolBoard #DeerParkSchoolDistrict #PublicEducation #CommunityLeadership
