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.
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!
Middle School students engaged in "Community Service!" Community Service projects include the 4S project, with 7th and 8th graders helping with clean up and beautifying our community, and the Generation Alive project; students worked in an assembly-line packaging meals for the GreenHouse Food Bank. The students raised $5,805, funding approximately 23,000 meals that will be distributed through the GreenHouse Food Bank.
Thank you to the Northside Community Voice for sharing the photos.
Thank you to the Northside Community Voice for sharing the photos.
Deer Park Middle School sent three teams to this past weekend’s Masters Math is Cool competition at Moses Lake High School. We’re excited to share that Addy Somonson earned a 6th-place trophy for her individual performance.
We’re so proud of all our students for representing Deer Park with excellence!
#DPMS #MathIsCool #GoSpikes
We’re so proud of all our students for representing Deer Park with excellence!
#DPMS #MathIsCool #GoSpikes
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.
The Middle School recently hosted an energetic Staff versus Student basketball game, elevated by the appearance of the Middle School Band. This high-energy event coincided with Spirit Day, featuring 6th grade in white, 7th grade in yellow, and Minion-themed attire, and 8th grade in blue. It was an outstanding way to showcase school pride and community spirit before heading into Spring Break.
#DPMS #SpiritDay #StudentEngagement
#DPMS #SpiritDay #StudentEngagement
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
At the annual Eastern Washington Regional Science & Engineering Fair, Deer Park 7th-grader, Olivia Jarvis (O.J.) was awarded the ONR Naval Science Award for Cytogenetics Explained.
Held annually at WSU, Spokane, the fair brings together 6th - 12th grade students to promote the development of communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.
O.J. was one of only five middle school students among the 100 competitors there. She presented her research to three individual judges and engaged with the public, confidently explaining her project and answering questions.
Congratualtions O.J.! Looking forward to seeing what you'll do for your 2027 project!
#EWRSEF #ONRNavalScienceAward #CytogeneticsExplained #DPMS
Held annually at WSU, Spokane, the fair brings together 6th - 12th grade students to promote the development of communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.
O.J. was one of only five middle school students among the 100 competitors there. She presented her research to three individual judges and engaged with the public, confidently explaining her project and answering questions.
Congratualtions O.J.! Looking forward to seeing what you'll do for your 2027 project!
#EWRSEF #ONRNavalScienceAward #CytogeneticsExplained #DPMS
Students at DPMS who earned a plus card by having one tardy or less, no referrals, and no Ds or Fs per academic quarter were rewarded with a special field trip. Students also earn SpikeBucks by being respectful, responsible, and safe within the building. Thank you, students, for inspiring excellence! Way to go!
Friendship/Valentine’s Day = KINDNESS day at our schools! 💘Students across the District celebrated and had so much fun! Shoutout to our students for encouraging others, including everyone, and spreading joy with thoughtful notes and helping hands. 🌟
Deer Park Middle School's Math is Cool students participated in their Regional Competition at Mead High School this last weekend. Coaches Andrea Dean and Shawna Cosner led our students to some great results.
Our 6th-grade team placed 1st earning a bid to the Masters Competition in April. Our individual medalists were Joshua Cosner, who placed 2nd, and Anna Bentler, who placed 7th.
The 8th-grade team placed 3rd, with Addy Simonson placing 5th as an individual and Samantha Cosner placing 8th.
Along with those amazing results, congratulations to our school winners: Joshua Cosner for 6th grade, Lochlyn Hardwick for 7th grade, and Addy Simonson for 8th grade.
What a fun and awesome experience!
#DPMS #MathIsCool #Competition
Our 6th-grade team placed 1st earning a bid to the Masters Competition in April. Our individual medalists were Joshua Cosner, who placed 2nd, and Anna Bentler, who placed 7th.
The 8th-grade team placed 3rd, with Addy Simonson placing 5th as an individual and Samantha Cosner placing 8th.
Along with those amazing results, congratulations to our school winners: Joshua Cosner for 6th grade, Lochlyn Hardwick for 7th grade, and Addy Simonson for 8th grade.
What a fun and awesome experience!
#DPMS #MathIsCool #Competition
Belonging. Learning. Inspiring Excellence. That is what DPMS is all about! Congratulations to Jeremy Beal and Nicolas Vavuris, DPMS students in Destination Imagination, and the English Language Arts (ELA) team. At Monday's board meeting, Mr. Beal and Mr. Vavuris were highlighted and thanked for their work that supports students. Destination Imagination students provided a skillful, creative, and fun example of their program that fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. The ELA team highlighted their professional learning community work centered around essential standards, common assessments, and ensuring students are provided with "what they need" and "just in time." Way to go, DPMS!
Happy School Board Directors Month! 🎉
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
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
Did you know that Deer Park School District has a Strategic Plan that identifies top priorities? The strategic plan was created in collaboration with teachers, paraeducators, administrators, school board members, and community members. The team analyzed surveys, academic data, and current progress. These priorities guide the District's focus to ensure all students belong, learn, and we inspire excellence. To read the full strategic plan: https://aptg.co/0Sdh0Z.
Deer Park School District wishes our families and community a happy new year! We look forward to seeing you on January 5, 2026!
Deer Park Middle School has been full of fun and excitement these last days of school! Here are some highlights from Ugly Sweater Day and the Christmas Band Concert, which wrapped up our holiday celebrations.
#DPMS #ChristmasCelebreation #Concert
Deer Park Middle School students got the opportunity this week to earn a trip to the Spokane Valley Mall for strong academics and positive behavior. These students maintained all C's or higher, no tardies, and no referrals for a quarter, which earned them a Plus Card. A Plus Card entitles the holder to a myriad of special responsibilities and privileges. Students who got to go on this field trip had to have a Plus Card, Spike Bucks to enter the drawing, and/or have a friend who had been drawn (as each drawing winner got to bring a friend). These hard-working students got to spend the day at the mall, shopping and having fun!
#DeerParkMiddleSchool #PositiveBehavior #StudentRewards
Notification from DPSD:
The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a high-wind advisory starting this evening (Tuesday) at 10 p.m. and in effect through Wednesday at 4 p.m. The NWS advisory lists SW winds from 25-45 MPH with gusts up to 60 MPH for Spokane and neighboring counties. According to NWS, damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, leading to possible power outages and difficult travel.
We anticipate that some of our bus routes may be affected by road debris. Please be patient as buses may be running behind schedule for student pick-up and drop-off tomorrow. Additionally, we will be monitoring HVAC and electricity in the schools early in the morning.
Families: Please monitor your email in the morning for updates. If no communication is received from the District, please attend school as scheduled.
For information on school delays and closures: https://aptg.co/35_mMX
The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a high-wind advisory starting this evening (Tuesday) at 10 p.m. and in effect through Wednesday at 4 p.m. The NWS advisory lists SW winds from 25-45 MPH with gusts up to 60 MPH for Spokane and neighboring counties. According to NWS, damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, leading to possible power outages and difficult travel.
We anticipate that some of our bus routes may be affected by road debris. Please be patient as buses may be running behind schedule for student pick-up and drop-off tomorrow. Additionally, we will be monitoring HVAC and electricity in the schools early in the morning.
Families: Please monitor your email in the morning for updates. If no communication is received from the District, please attend school as scheduled.
For information on school delays and closures: https://aptg.co/35_mMX
Middle School Spirit Week highlights! Lots of fun, excitement, and school spirit to wrap up the last few days of school before the new year.
#SpiritWeek #DPMS
#SpiritWeek #DPMS
