🎉 DEER PARK’S STORY GOES NATIONAL! 🦌💙
We are excited and proud to share that Deer Park School District has been featured nationally by The Education Magazine as one of “The 10 Elite School Districts Shaping Education in 2026.”
There is something special about Deer Park. It’s our students. Our staff. Our families. Our community. It’s the Stag Pride, the small-town spirit, and the way people come together to support our schools and one another.
We don’t do this work for recognition—we do it because we believe deeply in our students and their futures. But when great things are happening, sometimes others take notice!
This national recognition celebrates the work happening throughout our schools and the strong partnership between our district and community. This recognition belongs to all of Deer Park!
We invite you to read the article, share it, and celebrate with us:
🔗 https://www.theeducationmagazine.com/the-10-elite-school-districts-shaping-education-in-2026-4/
We are proud of where we have been, excited about where we are going, and grateful for the community that makes it possible.
Strong schools build a strong community!
We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence.
We are excited and proud to share that Deer Park School District has been featured nationally by The Education Magazine as one of “The 10 Elite School Districts Shaping Education in 2026.”
There is something special about Deer Park. It’s our students. Our staff. Our families. Our community. It’s the Stag Pride, the small-town spirit, and the way people come together to support our schools and one another.
We don’t do this work for recognition—we do it because we believe deeply in our students and their futures. But when great things are happening, sometimes others take notice!
This national recognition celebrates the work happening throughout our schools and the strong partnership between our district and community. This recognition belongs to all of Deer Park!
We invite you to read the article, share it, and celebrate with us:
🔗 https://www.theeducationmagazine.com/the-10-elite-school-districts-shaping-education-in-2026-4/
We are proud of where we have been, excited about where we are going, and grateful for the community that makes it possible.
Strong schools build a strong community!
We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence.
Today, our Deer Park Elementary community came together for our Ranger Rockstar Assembly!
Staff, parents, and students gathered to celebrate our incredible Ranger Students nominated as exemplars of Belonging and Connection.
Second Grade Leaders, Libby Newman, Madelynn Frickey, and Vivi Presho shared what it means to Belong at DPE.
A huge congratulations to:
- Our Ranger Rockstar Nominees for leading by example and making everyone feel welcome!
- Golden Dustpan Winners for keeping their classrooms spotless!
- Specialist Rockstars recognized for going above and beyond in Music, Library, and PE!
Shoutout to the winning classrooms who got to enjoy holding onto those coveted Specialist Champions Belts and Golden Dustpans until our next assembly! Keep up the amazing work, Rangers!
#DeerParkSchools #ElementaryRangers #RockstarAssembly
Staff, parents, and students gathered to celebrate our incredible Ranger Students nominated as exemplars of Belonging and Connection.
Second Grade Leaders, Libby Newman, Madelynn Frickey, and Vivi Presho shared what it means to Belong at DPE.
A huge congratulations to:
- Our Ranger Rockstar Nominees for leading by example and making everyone feel welcome!
- Golden Dustpan Winners for keeping their classrooms spotless!
- Specialist Rockstars recognized for going above and beyond in Music, Library, and PE!
Shoutout to the winning classrooms who got to enjoy holding onto those coveted Specialist Champions Belts and Golden Dustpans until our next assembly! Keep up the amazing work, Rangers!
#DeerParkSchools #ElementaryRangers #RockstarAssembly
Today at Deer Park Elementary, students participated in the Ranger Dash for Cash.
Mr. O'Neal and Mr. Toon have spent hours preparing all of our little Rangers to participate in climbing ropes, tunnel crawls, and other obstacles. Students can be seen climbing, dashing, and beaming with joy! What fun!
#DeerParkSchools #Elementary #RangerDash4Cash
Mr. O'Neal and Mr. Toon have spent hours preparing all of our little Rangers to participate in climbing ropes, tunnel crawls, and other obstacles. Students can be seen climbing, dashing, and beaming with joy! What fun!
#DeerParkSchools #Elementary #RangerDash4Cash
🌟 Introducing Deer Park School District’s Profile of a Graduate!
Last spring, students, staff, families, and community members came together to identify the skills, mindsets, and characteristics we want every Deer Park student to develop as they prepare for life beyond our schools. The result is our Profile of a Graduate—a shared vision for helping students become successful learners, leaders, and community members.
Throughout the year, we’ll highlight one characteristic and invite our schools and families to help students recognize and strengthen these qualities in themselves.
Our September Profile of a Graduate characteristic is:
⭐ Confident, Independent & Self-Reliant
We want our students to develop the confidence to make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, trust their judgment, embrace a growth mindset, and take responsibility for what they need to succeed.
From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, we are preparing students not only for what comes next—but to believe in their ability to navigate it.
We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence. 💛💙
#DeerParkSchools #ProfileOfAGraduate #WeBelongWeLearnWeInspireExcellence #DeerParkProud
Last spring, students, staff, families, and community members came together to identify the skills, mindsets, and characteristics we want every Deer Park student to develop as they prepare for life beyond our schools. The result is our Profile of a Graduate—a shared vision for helping students become successful learners, leaders, and community members.
Throughout the year, we’ll highlight one characteristic and invite our schools and families to help students recognize and strengthen these qualities in themselves.
Our September Profile of a Graduate characteristic is:
⭐ Confident, Independent & Self-Reliant
We want our students to develop the confidence to make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, trust their judgment, embrace a growth mindset, and take responsibility for what they need to succeed.
From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, we are preparing students not only for what comes next—but to believe in their ability to navigate it.
We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence. 💛💙
#DeerParkSchools #ProfileOfAGraduate #WeBelongWeLearnWeInspireExcellence #DeerParkProud
This week, at Deer Park Elementary, Mrs. Hunt introduced our kindergarten students to the wonderful world of the library. She shared interactive “Magic Books” that respond as students read, encouraging them to practice expressive, animated reading responses.
What a fun way to learn!
What a fun way to learn!
Our goal in transportation is to ensure all students arrive to and from school safely and on time! As we are migrating to new transportation systems, we need updated information for all returning and new students. Our goal is to ensure we have accurate and updated records for the first day of school. If your child plans to ride the bus, you MUST register annually: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMi6tA-M7KUwGD9cmTeNN6wndYW_vc5p1UnyzJjrz1cQR2dw/viewform?usp=dialog
The Deer Park School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Caleb Krantz to the School Board. The Board is excited to welcome him to the Board and appreciates his willingness to continue serving our students, staff, families, and the Deer Park community.
Caleb Krantz is a local parent and engineer with a history of involvement within the District since moving to the community in 2010. His daughter graduated in 2023, and his son is a senior at the high school this year. Caleb has served as a CTE advisor and a member of the Facilities Advisory Committee for over 10 years. He has been an active supporter of multiple booster clubs and also a member and president of the Committee to Support Deer Park Schools.
Krantz will officially take the oath of office and be sworn in at the August 24, 2026, School Board meeting. We look forward to having him join the Board and contribute to the important work of supporting our schools and students.
Caleb Krantz is a local parent and engineer with a history of involvement within the District since moving to the community in 2010. His daughter graduated in 2023, and his son is a senior at the high school this year. Caleb has served as a CTE advisor and a member of the Facilities Advisory Committee for over 10 years. He has been an active supporter of multiple booster clubs and also a member and president of the Committee to Support Deer Park Schools.
Krantz will officially take the oath of office and be sworn in at the August 24, 2026, School Board meeting. We look forward to having him join the Board and contribute to the important work of supporting our schools and students.
Schools are open for business, and educators across the schools, pre-K-12, are engaged in professional learning! DPSD is committed to working collaboratively in ongoing processes of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for our students. We share a common goal: to ensure high levels of learning for all students! Our educators are demonstrating a desire and commitment to helping all students learn by working collaboratively to ensure success for all students. Way to go, educators! We are getting inspired to launch an awesome year for students!
Deer Park School District follows the Department of Health guidelines for air quality. See the Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality guidelines: https://5il.co/3p67p
Welcome back to school! As you are preparing for the first day of school (Wednesday, August 26, for 1st - 12th grades), here is a list of school supplies your child will need this year. The remainder of the school supplies are provided, many thanks to our community that supports the local levy.
1. Backpack
2. Comfortable shoes for PE
3. Headphones (child-sized, over the ear, 3.5mm jack; no Bluetooth or wireless)
4. Box of Kleenex
1. Backpack
2. Comfortable shoes for PE
3. Headphones (child-sized, over the ear, 3.5mm jack; no Bluetooth or wireless)
4. Box of Kleenex
The Deer Park School District Board of Directors is seeking to fill an open position. Residents of the school district may apply to fill the unexpired term ending December 2027. Applicants interested in serving must reside in the Deer Park School District #414. The Deer Park School District map is available on the website: www.dpsd.org.
The vacancy on the five-member board will be filled through an application and selection process per Washington State Law. The remaining School Board members will review materials and will conduct an interview with the applicants in an open public meeting. All citizens are invited to nominate candidates for the position, provided that the nominees will be eligible registered voters who reside in the Director district. Deer Park residents who are interested in the vacant seat must submit a letter of interest and resume to: Alexa Allman, alexa.allman@dpsdmail.org or 509-464-5507. Applications are due by July 15, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
A letter of interest must include answers to the following questions:
1. What experiences, talents, skills, and/or knowledge do you bring to the School Board that you would like to highlight?
2. Given what you know of the community of Deer Park and the Deer Park School District, what do you believe one or two of the Board’s primary priorities should be for the next couple of years?
Materials should be delivered to:
Alexa Allman
Deer Park School District
PO Box 490
Deer Park, WA 99006
For more information or to verify your residency in the Deer Park School District, please contact Joanne Greer, joanne.greer@dpsdmail.org or 509-464-5517.
The vacancy on the five-member board will be filled through an application and selection process per Washington State Law. The remaining School Board members will review materials and will conduct an interview with the applicants in an open public meeting. All citizens are invited to nominate candidates for the position, provided that the nominees will be eligible registered voters who reside in the Director district. Deer Park residents who are interested in the vacant seat must submit a letter of interest and resume to: Alexa Allman, alexa.allman@dpsdmail.org or 509-464-5507. Applications are due by July 15, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
A letter of interest must include answers to the following questions:
1. What experiences, talents, skills, and/or knowledge do you bring to the School Board that you would like to highlight?
2. Given what you know of the community of Deer Park and the Deer Park School District, what do you believe one or two of the Board’s primary priorities should be for the next couple of years?
Materials should be delivered to:
Alexa Allman
Deer Park School District
PO Box 490
Deer Park, WA 99006
For more information or to verify your residency in the Deer Park School District, please contact Joanne Greer, joanne.greer@dpsdmail.org or 509-464-5517.
Rain couldn’t dampen DPE's spirit for field day! 🌧️❌
Even with a little wet weather, Field Day 2026 was an absolute blast! From the classic parachute in the gym and high-energy indoor bowling to epic tug-o-war battles and rock climbing, our students brought the energy. We even braved the elements for some messy outdoor water games before cooling off with popsicles inside! 🍧✨
Huge shoutout to our amazing staff and volunteers for pivoting so fast and making today unforgettable. Our kids definitely proved that a little rain just makes the memories sweeter!
#FieldDay #ElementarySchool #SchoolSpirit #RainOrShine #MakingMemories #BestDayEver
Even with a little wet weather, Field Day 2026 was an absolute blast! From the classic parachute in the gym and high-energy indoor bowling to epic tug-o-war battles and rock climbing, our students brought the energy. We even braved the elements for some messy outdoor water games before cooling off with popsicles inside! 🍧✨
Huge shoutout to our amazing staff and volunteers for pivoting so fast and making today unforgettable. Our kids definitely proved that a little rain just makes the memories sweeter!
#FieldDay #ElementarySchool #SchoolSpirit #RainOrShine #MakingMemories #BestDayEver
Summer is here! The last day of school is this Wednesday, June 10th!
Pickup times vary with each school -
Elementary & Arcadia: 10:30 AM | Middle & High School: 10:10 AM
Bus pickup to follow shortly.
The first day of school for the 2026 - 27 school year is August 26th.
Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe summer break. See you back in August!
Pickup times vary with each school -
Elementary & Arcadia: 10:30 AM | Middle & High School: 10:10 AM
Bus pickup to follow shortly.
The first day of school for the 2026 - 27 school year is August 26th.
Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe summer break. See you back in August!
Students at Deer Park Elementary earned a Bubble Party as a school-wide PBIS reward! Everyone had so much fun, students and staff included. Many thanks to PTO for providing the sno-cones! What a great day!
Deer Park Preschool’s new playground is officially open!
After a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony today, staff had the chance to test it out and have some fun before the preschoolers, who will get to enjoy it starting Monday.
What an exciting addition for our students and school community!
#DeerParkSchools #ECEAP #NewPlayground
After a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony today, staff had the chance to test it out and have some fun before the preschoolers, who will get to enjoy it starting Monday.
What an exciting addition for our students and school community!
#DeerParkSchools #ECEAP #NewPlayground
Many thanks to Deer Park Elementary School's PTO for hosting a fun Donuts with Grownups event! We love that our community gathers at the school for children!
Our kindergarten classrooms have been full of excitement lately. Students have been studying the development and life cycle of chickens, and this week, the lesson came to life as 6 baby chicks successfully hatched.
This hands-on experience provides a great front-row seat to the wonders of biology. How cool is it that our students get to witness this firsthand?!
#DeerParkElementary #LifeCycle #BabyChicks
This hands-on experience provides a great front-row seat to the wonders of biology. How cool is it that our students get to witness this firsthand?!
#DeerParkElementary #LifeCycle #BabyChicks
Summer EBT Program/Sun Bucks
States can provide $40 per summer month per child to families with eligible school-age children for them to buy groceries, similar to how USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are used.
If you didn’t fill out a free or reduced lunch form this year because school meals are already free, you could be missing out on the new Summer EBT Program! Students who qualify for Free or Reduced school meals at Deer Park Elementary, Arcadia Elementary, Deer Park Middle School, and Deer Park High School are eligible to receive $120 for summer groceries.
To qualify for Summer EBT, families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meals application.
Questions?
Call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230
Applications are available at any school office or you can request to have one sent home with your student.
States can provide $40 per summer month per child to families with eligible school-age children for them to buy groceries, similar to how USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are used.
If you didn’t fill out a free or reduced lunch form this year because school meals are already free, you could be missing out on the new Summer EBT Program! Students who qualify for Free or Reduced school meals at Deer Park Elementary, Arcadia Elementary, Deer Park Middle School, and Deer Park High School are eligible to receive $120 for summer groceries.
To qualify for Summer EBT, families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meals application.
Questions?
Call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230
Applications are available at any school office or you can request to have one sent home with your student.
How do we ensure ALL DPSD students are ready and successful for college, career, and life? 🎓Educators, leaders, community members, and even a recent graduate came together to answer that exact question.
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
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
Yesterday evening was full of fun at Deer Park Elementary during our ‘Spring Into Reading’ Family Engagement Night. We love seeing our students and families come together to celebrate learning and literacy!
#FamilyEngagement #DeerParkElementary #SpringIntoReading
#FamilyEngagement #DeerParkElementary #SpringIntoReading
