#DPSD #FourthGrade #FutureReady
Using community feedback, research, and our district’s strategic priorities, this team worked collaboratively to define the skills and characteristics our students need to be ready for their future.
We want all DPSD students to be:
- Confident, independent, and self-reliant
- Critical thinkers & problem solvers
- Personally and socially accountable
- Effective communicators
- Flexible and adaptable
- Contributing members to society and the community
We’re grateful for the voices, perspectives, and passion that made this work possible. This is how strong communities build strong future-ready students in Deer Park. 💙
#DPSD #ProfileOfAGraduate #FutureReady #CommunityDriven
It was a fun-filled and delicious evening last Thursday for Deer Park 3rd and 4th-graders!
For the Future Chefs cook-off, Arcadia received 40 great recipe submissions. This year’s theme, “Choose a favorite recipe from a country or culture,” inspired creativity and variety, with 6 finalists selected to participate.
A special thank you to our High School volunteers, our kitchen staff, and judges for making this event possible. We also appreciate the teachers, administration, and parents who came to cheer the contestants on!
Congratulations to all of our Future Chefs!
#FutureChefs #Arcadia #DPSD
Hazel Hogan from Ms. Conroy's class placed 6th individually, and Hadlee Burns from Ms. McKenzie's class placed 13th!
Awesome work, you guys, we are so proud of you!
#MathIsCool #FourthGrade #DPSD
#StudentLearning #FourthGrade #DPSD
At the MAC, students explored the interactive exhibit “Brick by Brick: We Built This City,” where seven of Spokane’s iconic landmarks were brought to life using LEGO bricks. Each model was thoughtfully paired with historical insights from the Joel E. Ferris Archives along with real-life photographs, helping students make meaningful connections between the past and present. Through this experience, students gained a deeper understanding of how architecture has shaped our local community.
The learning continued with a tour of the historic Campbell House, where students stepped back in time to explore daily life in the early 1900s. This immersive experience offered a glimpse into what a household looked like around 1910, bringing history to life in a memorable and meaningful way.
#DPSD #ARC #ThridGrade #FieldTrip
It’s exciting to see students learning, creating, and problem-solving in such innovative ways!
#DeerParkArcadia #CardboardArcade #ThirdGradeSTEAM
Fifth-grade STEAM students participated in a Shark Tank-style presentation. Each student was to pitch their idea to the class, clearly explaining the problem their product solves, how it works, and why consumers would want to buy it.
Meanwhile, Fourth-grade students stepped into roles as archaeologists for their Archaeologist Diorama project. Each student recreated what they believed a certain area of the world may have looked like in the past.
The students' innovation, confidence, and persuasive skills were on full display. What a fun and hands-on way to learn!
#DeerParkArcadia #FifthGradeProjects #FourthGradeProjects
This past Friday, our 5th Grade Math Is Cool team placed 4th in their division. Congratulations! And a special thank you to the 4th-graders for their support and encouragement for the 5th graders. What a blast!
#DPSD #MathIsCool #5thGrade
This dedicated team exemplifies service, collaboration, and unwavering support for our students and one another. They handle every situation with detail and care, grace under pressure, efficiency, and a positive attitude that keeps our school community running smoothly. Their commitment does not go unnoticed — they are often the first friendly face you see and the steady support behind the scenes.
Thank you, Arcadia Office Staff, for all that you do to make a difference each day. We appreciate you! 🌟👏
#DeerParkArcadia #Learning #Angles
#StudentAchievement #Arcadia #SafetyAward
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
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
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
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
📣 Community Voices Needed!
The Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC) is meeting soon, and we want to hear from you. The FAC discusses large capital projects—the work that helps us plan for the future and preserve our community’s facilities and capital assets.
💬 Please join us to share your reflections, insights, and priorities. Your voice helps shape what comes next.
🗓️ Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting: January 14, 2026
🕒 Time: 6:00 pm
📍 Location: District Administration Office (N 428 Main)
Everyone is welcome—come listen, learn, and be heard. #CommunityInput #FacilitiesPlanning #FutureReady
