Deer Park School Board of Directors, Eric Keller, Lindsay Lofstrom, and Superintendent Dr. Allman engaged in legislative advocacy in Olympia. During this time, they met with legislators, including our own Representative Andrew Engell, from around the state to express concerns about the MSOC funding gap for Deer Park School District, requested to reduce or eliminate educational mandates, and requested legislators give School Boards local control. Dr. Allman gave a testimony expressing concerns about the state's inadequate staffing ratios and allocations. They even met with the governor's assistant and were the first educational constituents to meet with her.
Friendly reminder: No School on February 14 and 17!
Congratulations to our Deer Park Rotary Student of the Month for February, Senior RJ Gillaspy. RJ is an outstanding student at Deer Park High School, holding strong at a cumulative high school G.P.A. of 3.8. He is involved in pretty much every activity offered at DPHS. RJ is always willing to lend a hand when needed, and he brings great positive energy to the student body. RJ is a leader who has held a variety of class officer positions throughout his high school career. He has been a Varsity Baseball player since his Sophomore year, and he has aspirations to continue his playing career at the collegiate level. Well deserved RJ, thanks for making Deer Park High School a better place with all that you have been a part of!
Congratulations to the Stag Wrestling team! They took home the Battle of the Horns for the 7th consecutive year on senior night. The boys are also 2025 2A Greater Spokane League Champions. Way to go!
*Thanks to our community for supporting athletics and activities! Athletics are supported out of local levy funds.
Congratulations to Savannah Nail, DPHS senior! Her art, "Worlds Apart" is representing Deer Park High School in the NWESD 101 Regional Art Show.
Deer Park Schools values the arts & appreciates our community's support of the arts through the local levy as well. It helps ensure all students have a way to engage, find their gifts and talents, and belong to our schools!
Shout out to DPSD counselors as we celebrate National School Counseling Week! Our counselors are committed to ensuring all students belong, thrive, and are set up for success. Thank you to Amy, Christie, Kirsten, Shelly B., and Shelly W.! DPSD is so fortunate to have you! *And, thank you to our community for supporting our local levy which helps fund our counseling staff.
The Lady Stags wrestling team competed in the "Bring Home Da Beef" tournament in Quincy. These 4 girls are ranked 7th in the state as a team! Katie and Evelyn took 1st, and Hailey took 2nd. Currently, Katie is ranked 1st, Hailey 2nd, and Evelyn 4th! Way to go Stags!
Please find the February 2025 DPSD update from Dr. Allman: https://5il.co/36tnr. Have a great weekend!
Next Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting: Feb. 11, 2025, 6:00 pm @ District Admin Office. Come join us!
How do you remember learning math as a student? Deer Park math classrooms have transformed into THINKING and ENGAGED classrooms. This instructional pedagogy engages students in learning math in a different way: It encourages thinking as well as builds confidence for students in mathematics. This instructional methodology moves students away from just "mimicking" the teacher and "wrote" math to thinking, exploring, and being curious about their own learning. It also provides an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning. Book reference: Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl
School funding: Did you know that district costs have increased significantly & beyond our control? These include maintenance, supplies, and operating costs (MSOCs): costs have increased overall as have insurance and maintenance and operations costs such as heating/cooling and utility costs. Check out the gap between state funding and district costs. The gap is absorbed by local funds.
We are proud of our DPHS Competitive Cheer team! They placed 4th at State this weekend! The girls gave their best performance of the season at State and did an outstanding job of representing Deer Park!
Thank you to the community for your support!
Approximately 30 students from the DPHS band/choir program participated in a solo and ensemble competition this weekend. Students from all across Northeastern Washington participated. Congratulations to our musicians:
Christopher Heather, state qualifier, 1st Place Baritone Voice
Samantha Empert, state qualifier, 1st place, Mezzo Soprano voice
Shelby Tomlanovich, 2nd alternate state qualifier, 3rd place, Alto Voice
Austin Cohrs, 2nd Alternate state qualifier, 3rd place, Alto/Soprano Saxophone
Ava Berg, 2nd Alternate State Qualifier, 3rd place, Timpani
Theodore Putman earned 2nd Alternate (3rd place) for Tenor/Bari Saxophone
Many thanks to our community for supporting our musicians!
Congratulations to Evan Henry, Providence Student Athlete of the Week!
Read all about it! Stay up to date with the Facilities Advisory Committee and their input/feedback. Many thanks to the Tribune for also providing an update. Learn more here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/facilities-advisory-committee
We need your input & we want to hear from you! Contact Superintendent Alexa Allman if you have comments, thoughts, ideas, and suggestions: alexa.allman@dpsdmail.org.
Did you know that by students filling out the FAFSA form it is the gateway to $? Whether a certification program, 2-year or 4-year college, this provides students access to scholarships and financial aid. Thanks to DPHS counselors and the College Success Foundation, we are hosting a FAFSA completion night on January 23, 2025, at 5:00 pm at DPHS! This evening is targeted toward high school seniors. There will be mini-grants available to the school, food, and drawings! Please share!
Many thanks to the Deer Park School Board for their commitment to our students, staff, and the community! What does the school board do? The list of School Board duties is lengthy, including hiring the Superintendent, making decisions on property acquisition or sale, approving collectively bargained agreements, authorizing public bids and large expenditures, approving the district's annual budgets, adopting core curriculum, as well as specific issues related to personnel. For more information visit our School Board website: https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors.
Friendly reminder: No School on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr., Day.
Miss the FAC meetings? Stay up to date & visit our website: https://www.dpsd.org/page/facilities-advisory-committee
