Last Friday, dedicated educators pre-K - 12 came together to learn, plan, and gear up for student success! Educators learned how assessments can be used as a source of information to build hope, efficacy, and achievement, how to apply an efficient and accurate assessment design with colleagues, and how to enhance the formative purpose of assessments to drive learning.
Are you curious about the history of the current transportation facility (1890)? Many thanks to the Clayton/Deer Park Historical Society for the history, information, and photos! With the influx of settlers into northeastern Washington in the late 1880s came the need to build housing and clear the land for farming. The settlement of the greater Deer Park area began when homesteaders started claiming plots of land. Once a claim had been staked, they had to work hard to make the land habitable by clearing trees and brush to provide enough room for a house, garden, and tillable fields. At first, the trees were used for log houses and firewood. As sawmills were imported, the trees were reduced to lumber. Large amounts of lumber were needed as more and more settlers moved into the area. (Source: https://www.cdphs.org/uploads/3/4/2/0/34204235/newsletter_30_downsizesinglepageweb.pdf). For more information visit: https://www.cdphs.org/index.html
Did you know that the short-term capital levy will address the necessary road improvements on the 42-acre parcel? If the levy is approved, the district will extend the existing D Street and Aspen Streets to provide access to the new transportation center and existing facilities. Improvements will include utilities, on-street parking, and stormwater facilities, five-foot sidewalks, curbs and street lighting on both sides of the roadway. Learn more here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
Did you know that if the proposed short-term capital levy is approved, Deer Park’s local education tax rate will still be below the average when compared to the 13 Spokane County school districts? To learn more about the proposed short-term capital levy costs, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025costs
Did you wonder why the facilities committee recommended a short-term levy instead of a bond? The smaller scope of the projects is far better suited for a capital levy. Unlike a bond that assumes longer-term debt to address larger-scale projects like new schools, a capital levy is a common way Washington schools fund smaller-scale projects like those being proposed. To learn more about the short-term capital levy, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
The District has created a Strategic Plan, and one of the identified areas of focus is academic engagement! Our young learners at DPE are learning about digraphs, trigraphs, and phonemes to lay a strong foundation for early literacy. The students are not only learning the prerequisite oral skills for early literacy, but they are also engaged in high levels of learning and engaged in high academic vocabulary through the reading of their anthologies. Yes, students are using these terms and vocabulary in class!
Did you know that the DP Transportation facility is surrounded on all sides by a train track, Spring Creek, and wetlands? This prohibits the current Transportation facility from being expanded. Currently, the facility parks 36 buses, contains a 6-bay garage, and a covered carport for 4 SUVs. There are about 35 employees who also need to park their vehicles (and share 2 bathrooms). This is all contained in an area that is less than 2 acres. The District is asking the community to consider relocating and rebuilding the transportation facility.
Kindergarten Math Fun!
Our kindergarteners are working hard on building their foundational math skills! This week, students are learning their combinations to five using red and blue dots. They are also getting lots of practice during math workplaces, where they can explore, practice, and apply what they’ve learned in fun and engaging ways.
We are so proud of their effort and excitement for learning. These important skills will help set them up for future success in math!
#DPSD #Kindergarten #MathFun
Our kindergarteners are working hard on building their foundational math skills! This week, students are learning their combinations to five using red and blue dots. They are also getting lots of practice during math workplaces, where they can explore, practice, and apply what they’ve learned in fun and engaging ways.
We are so proud of their effort and excitement for learning. These important skills will help set them up for future success in math!
#DPSD #Kindergarten #MathFun
Did you know that by purchasing the 42-acre parcel from the city, and developing the road and associated infrastructure, this ensures Deer Park will have the necessary space to address current and projected facility and program
needs as we are planning for the future? Learn more about the project here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
needs as we are planning for the future? Learn more about the project here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
Greetings DPE Families !
Reminder, Picture Day Tomorrow!!
Reminder, Picture Day Tomorrow!!
The short-term capital levy will address many preservation projects at Arcadia Elementary, including replacing the 30-yr old roof, 30-yr old gym HVAC units, 30-yr-old flooring, and installation of safety fencing. To learn more about the proposed Arcadia improvements, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/arcadiaproject
The second week of Taekwondo with Master Kim wrapped up this past week at Deer Park Elementary School. Each year, Master Kim selects a winning class, and this year it was Mrs. Galassi's second-grade class! Way to go!
#KeepKickingIt #Taekwondo #DPElementary
#KeepKickingIt #Taekwondo #DPElementary
Last week, Deer Park High School FFA hosted an Agriculture Farm Day for our Elementary students. Students were given learning opportunities around animal care, science, farm equipment, and important safety practices, all led by our high school FFA members.
What an awesome experience bringing students together to learn about Ag in a fun, safe environment. Thank you to our FFA members for sharing their knowledge and passion with the younger students.
#FFA #FarmSafety #HandsOnLearning
What an awesome experience bringing students together to learn about Ag in a fun, safe environment. Thank you to our FFA members for sharing their knowledge and passion with the younger students.
#FFA #FarmSafety #HandsOnLearning
Some highlights from Preschool's Open House!
It was a great time welcoming families and allowing little learners to explore our preschool program. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
#DPSD #PreschoolOpenHouse #EarlyLearning #FutureReady
It was a great time welcoming families and allowing little learners to explore our preschool program. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
#DPSD #PreschoolOpenHouse #EarlyLearning #FutureReady
Did you know that the Deer Park School District has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by not asking the community to support additional capital projects financially? The last capital project measure that the community financially supported was the high school bond (which will be paid off this December). The following projects have been accomplished by the District recently through demonstrating fiscal responsibility and savings and WITHOUT asking the community for additional funds: Varsity softball field, Bleachers and pressbox, DPE roof, safety vestibules at all of the schools, DPMS addition, Clayton kitchen, Clayton storage unit, paving, & fence, laptops for students, DPE chiller lines replacement, Security cameras installed, Arcadia, ECEAP & DPE, Home Link/Administration exterior paint, High school soffit paint, Home Link bathroom addition/Admin conference room, High school irrigation pump/smart meter, High school stadium fencing, Bus garage parking lot grading and dust control, Bus garage drivers' room remodel and admin office construction. All of these projects have been accomplished while working diligently to provide daily custodial and grounds maintenance.
Did you know that today (9/25/25) is "Perfect Square Day?"
A Perfect Square Day is a date where the month, day, and year numbers can all be represented as perfect squares (like 9, 16, 25). For example, September 16, 2025 (9/16/25) is a Perfect Square Day because 9 is 3², 16 is 4², and 2025 is 45². This particular date is also special because the square roots (3, 4, and 5) form the well-known Pythagorean triple (3² + 4² = 5²), making it a particularly noteworthy event for mathematicians.
Do you know when the next perfect square day will be?
From: Your math educators in Deer Park School District
A Perfect Square Day is a date where the month, day, and year numbers can all be represented as perfect squares (like 9, 16, 25). For example, September 16, 2025 (9/16/25) is a Perfect Square Day because 9 is 3², 16 is 4², and 2025 is 45². This particular date is also special because the square roots (3, 4, and 5) form the well-known Pythagorean triple (3² + 4² = 5²), making it a particularly noteworthy event for mathematicians.
Do you know when the next perfect square day will be?
From: Your math educators in Deer Park School District
How much will my taxes increase if the levy is passed? The short-term, 4-year capital levy is estimated to cost $1.45/$1,000 assessed value. The current bond, which will be paid off after this year, is assessed at $1.03/$1,000. If approved, tax rates would increase by $0.42/$1,000 over current levels for four years. Learn more here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
Greetings DPE Families
Late Start Wednesday begins tomorrow - Sept 24th
Late start Wednesday's are the last Wednesday of every month.
Buses will be running 1 hour later.
Parent drop off begins @ 9:20
See Deer Park Elementary webpage for all upcoming dates!
Late Start Wednesday begins tomorrow - Sept 24th
Late start Wednesday's are the last Wednesday of every month.
Buses will be running 1 hour later.
Parent drop off begins @ 9:20
See Deer Park Elementary webpage for all upcoming dates!
Did you know that the district will appoint a 10-member, independent Community Levy Oversight Committee to ensure accountability and fiscal transparency throughout the duration of the levy? To learn more about the committee or if you are interested in serving, contact Dr. Allman (alexa.allman@dpsdmail.org). Click here to learn more: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levyoversight
Last week’s family picnic at Deer Park Elementary was a wonderful reminder of what our strategic plan, “Building Bridges, Making Connections,” is all about. It was fantastic to welcome families to our school, share in laughter and conversations, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.
Our goal is to unite schools, families, and the wider community through trust-based partnerships that share responsibility for student success and well-being. Events like the family picnic are more than just fun—they are opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build the relationships that help every student flourish.
Thank you to all the families who joined us and helped make the day memorable. Together, we are building bridges and making connections that last a lifetime!
Our goal is to unite schools, families, and the wider community through trust-based partnerships that share responsibility for student success and well-being. Events like the family picnic are more than just fun—they are opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build the relationships that help every student flourish.
Thank you to all the families who joined us and helped make the day memorable. Together, we are building bridges and making connections that last a lifetime!
