Did you know that public school systems are held to high accountability measures to ensure transparency, responsibility, and that public funds are spent wisely? Districts are held accountable through annual public audits (State Auditor's Office), School Board oversight, state reporting requirements (OSPI), public access and transparency, and performance measures (OSPI).
To learn about DPSD's budget: https://5il.co/2vdf5
To view DPSD's financial documents and records (all public), visit: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/school-apportionment/safs-report
Learn about WA state school funding: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding and https://www.waschoolfunding.org/
We want to hear from you! Before moving forward with the recommended capital levy, the School Board wants to hear from its families, staff, and community regarding the committee’s priority projects. The district has created a survey that allows stakeholders to provide input. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts to help the School Board ensure that the committee’s recommendation aligns with our community’s priorities. Please take a moment to fill out our survey below. Please complete by June 20th. Survey here: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/168300841/welcome
For more information, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
Facilities Advisory Committee: https://www.dpsd.org/o/dpsd/page/facilities-advisory-committee
The state’s school funding formula doesn't provide resources for large capital costs. While resources are provided through limited funds for general care and upkeep, districts must rely on capital levies and bonds to address larger renovations and new construction needs.
Congratulations to our 2025 Retirees!
We had the honor, a few weeks ago, to celebrate and recognize the staff members who are retiring this year. As part of our tradition, each retiree who has served our district for over five years is presented with a golden apple - a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and the deep appreciation we hold for their commitment.
We are truly grateful to all those who have dedicated themselves to the education, safety, and care of our students. Your hard work has left a lasting impact, and we thank each of you for your passion, commitment, and service.
Thank you, Lauren Inman, Kevin Kernan, Scott Carlson, Adeline Tooley, Dawn Geyer, Kathy Sanborn, Lisa Carnes, Kim Ruyrok, Esther Collin, Joyce Henning, and Renee Attridge!
We wish you all the very best as you embark on new and exciting adventures in the next chapter of your lives.
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
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
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
Many thanks to ALL of our educators for their dedication, patience, and determination to ensure students feel a sense of belonging and grow & engage academically! We appreciate YOU! Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week!
Happy Lunch Superhero Day to our incredible Food Service team! Your hard work and warm smiles are truly appreciated. Thank you for keeping our students fueled and ready to learn!
Many thanks to Mayor Verzal for inviting and including the Deer Park School District in the City's Community Parks and Open Space planning process! Although this process is focused on the city's needs, it was inspiring for business leaders (including the Chamber of Commerce) and the City to highly consider the needs of our kids and families! What a great group of representatives from the community. We are excited to see where this planning process takes our community and how we can continue to partner and work together as a cohesive team.
Our Arcadia students had the opportunity to attend the Spokane Indians baseball game on Tuesday. Our students had a great time enjoying the game and the atmosphere. Big thanks to the Spokane Indians for the invitation!
DPHS Baseball update: H3H is back- we once again fight mental health!
Come spend the day with us!
On Sunday, April 27th, DPHS Baseball is hosting the 2nd Annual H3H Marathon Day of Baseball at the DPHS Baseball Field.
We are proud to be one of the only high school baseball program in Washington to take this on—and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
Why This Event Matters:
This day is about much more than baseball. We are coming together to raise mental health awareness, especially for student-athletes. One of the day’s highlights will be a powerful presentation by Kimber Erickson of KELLENCARES, a local foundation dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health.
Mental Health Talk: 12:00 PM in the theatre
Open to all—parents, players, and community members are encouraged to attend
What to Expect:
Baseball games all day
Music & a live emcee to keep the energy high
Silent auction- we could use more items :)
Delicious food
Tons of fun activities for the whole family!
We'll see you on April 27th!
🌟 Thank you to our incredible Deer Park School District community! 🌟
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all community members, board members, staff, and administrators for their dedicated work on our strategic plan. Together, we've reviewed progress, analyzed data, and gathered invaluable feedback from staff, students, and our community. Your thoughts and insights are shaping a vision and long-term plan that will guide us towards even greater excellence.
Deer Park Inspires Excellence! 🦌💫
#DeerParkSchools #CommunityEngagement #StrategicPlanning #Excellence
Thank you bus drivers for ensuring our students make it to school and home each day safely! We appreciate you! Celebrating national bus driver day on Tuesday, April 22, 2025! #thankabusdriver
This spring, we are also excited to host webinars featuring the Screenagers series, a documentary series that explores the impact of screen time, social media, gaming, and digital balance on youth and families. These films provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help families navigate the challenges of growing up in a digital world. Feel free to share this information with others!
Wednesday, April 16: Screenagers 1, 4:00 pm (Growing Up in the Digital Age)
Zoom: https://dpsd-org.zoom.us/j/87622661368
Wednesday, April 23: Screenagers 2, 4:00 pm (Screenagers: The Next Chapter)
Zoom: https://dpsd-org.zoom.us/j/82845475361
Wednesday, April 30: Screenagers 3, 4:00 pm (Screenagers: Under the Influence)
Zoom: https://dpsd-org.zoom.us/j/83854583769
