Deer Park Middle School

How do you remember learning math as a student? Deer Park math classrooms have transformed into THINKING and ENGAGED classrooms. This instructional pedagogy engages students in learning math in a different way: It encourages thinking as well as builds confidence for students in mathematics. This instructional methodology moves students away from just "mimicking" the teacher and "wrote" math to thinking, exploring, and being curious about their own learning. It also provides an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning. Book reference: Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl

School funding: Did you know that district costs have increased significantly & beyond our control? These include maintenance, supplies, and operating costs (MSOCs): costs have increased overall as have insurance and maintenance and operations costs such as heating/cooling and utility costs. Check out the gap between state funding and district costs. The gap is absorbed by local funds.

Tomorrow, Friday the 24th of January is a half day. The Middle School start time is the same. Ending time is 12:00 noon. ----- Wednesday, January 29: 1-hour late start -- Middle School doors open at: 9:08 am

Read all about it! Stay up to date with the Facilities Advisory Committee and their input/feedback. Many thanks to the Tribune for also providing an update. Learn more here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/facilities-advisory-committee We need your input & we want to hear from you! Contact Superintendent Alexa Allman if you have comments, thoughts, ideas, and suggestions: alexa.allman@dpsdmail.org.

Many thanks to the Deer Park School Board for their commitment to our students, staff, and the community! What does the school board do? The list of School Board duties is lengthy, including hiring the Superintendent, making decisions on property acquisition or sale, approving collectively bargained agreements, authorizing public bids and large expenditures, approving the district's annual budgets, adopting core curriculum, as well as specific issues related to personnel. For more information visit our School Board website: https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors.

Friendly reminder: No School on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr., Day.

Miss the FAC meetings? Stay up to date & visit our website: https://www.dpsd.org/page/facilities-advisory-committee

School funding: Did you know that DPSD's insurance premiums have nearly doubled in the past couple of years? In 2024-25, DPSD has budgeted to spend $4.4M more on MSOCs than the state-funded amount. Of that $4.4M, $825K is to cover our insurance & utility costs. Those costs have increased by over 94% in the past three years.

Would you like updates and input on capital projects and priorities for DPSD? Please join us! Monday, Jan. 13, 6:00 pm. Visit our FAC website to learn more: https://www.dpsd.org/page/facilities-advisory-committee

Many thanks to DPSD's School Board! https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors

Ever wonder about DPSD's finances? Check out our Citizen's Guide to learn more: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2495/dpsd/4780693/2024-25_Citizen_s_Guide_to_Budget.pdf

Happy New Year from Deer Park School District! Please find Dr. Allman's January update: https://5il.co/3406z.

On behalf of Deer Park School District, Happy New Year!

Many thanks to DPSD's School Board Members! https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors

Sixth graders at DPMS helped collect, sort, and organize food for our local Greenhouse Food Bank. Students picked up the food, sorted and organized it, and delivered it to the Greenhouse so the food could be ready for distribution. Thank you DPMS for your service and for supporting our community!

Congratulations to DPMS Wrestling! They finished their season last week at the League Championship earning 2nd place! We are proud of each student who participated this year. Special recognition goes to: Champions Logan Crawford, Sam Race, Ryder Williams, Landon McCoy, and William Lang-Senesey, and 2nd Place Caellum Acorn and 4th place Jackson Darnall *Thank you to the community for supporting the levy which funds these activities for students!

Deer Park School District wishes our community and families a delightful and wonderful holiday break: December 23 - January 3. Happy New Year!

Want to learn more about how WA schools are funded? Learn more here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2495/dpsd/4350105/Web_Version_-_Funding_FAQs.pdf

Hello DPMS Musicians and Families, This email is to remind you that Thursday, December 12th is our winter concert for 6th grade band and jazz band. The concert starts at 7PM in the DPMS gym. Students should arrive by 6:30 PM to set up their instruments. Please help your students remember to wear their DPMS music polos. Looking forward to a great performance! -Mr. Dysart Mr. Benjamin Dysart Band and Choir Teacher Deer Park Middle School (509) 464-5845

School Funding: Do you know how schools are funded and what the current reality is for WA state schools? Learn more here: https://www.waschoolfunding.org/ Schools do not receive any funding for capital projects, renovations, or updates to HVAC, etc. from the state.