Each morning, students at Deer Park Arcadia Elementary dive into their Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons with the Second Steps program. Through SEL, students learn how to understand their feelings, make positive choices, and build strong, caring relationships. #DPArcadia #SocialEmotionalLearning #SecondSteps
3 days ago, DPSD
Did you know that when voters approve a District measure, they are voting for a specific dollar ($) amount, and that total $ amount does not change? Depending on the number of taxpayers in Deer Park (and because Deer Park is growing), the actual cost per taxpayer has significantly decreased because there are more to share the total cost. The District does not receive more $ when there is growth. For example, notice that when the high school bond was passed in 2009, the estimated tax rate was $2.69/$1,000 and $3.20/$1,000 of assessed value in 2010 and 2011. Since then, that same high school bond rate has decreased to $1.04/$1,000! The 4 year capital levy the District is asking voters to consider is estimated to be a cost of $1.45/$1,000 which will allow the District to not only accomplish the four (4) project goals from this capital levy, but provide taxpayers a reasonable, predicable tax rate for future planning.
3 days ago, DPSD
One awesome Arcadia student had a great day demonstrating expectations around being Responsible, Respectful, Safe, and Kind. This student earned the privilege of wearing this fun costume for a few minutes. This brought joy to everyone who saw him in the halls! Keep persevering, Arcadia students! #wecandohardthings
3 days ago, DPSD
Did you know that the state’s school funding formula doesn't provide resources or funding for large capital costs? While resources are provided for general care and upkeep, districts must rely on locally-funded capital levies and bonds to address larger renovations and new construction needs. To learn more about the short-term capital levy, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
4 days ago, DPSD
The capital levy that the Deer Park School District is asking the community to consider includes capital projects (which the state does not fund) that "preserve our past and plan for the future." This is Arcadia Elementary's roof. It needs to be replaced along with the HVAC system. The roof at Arcadia, along with safety and security systems pre-K - 12 (intercoms, emergency alert systems, and phones), as well as other upgrades to Arcadia Elementary, such as fencing and new carpet, along with the purchase of the land east of Deer Park Elementary School and rebuilding of the transportation facility, are capital projects included in the capital levy. Ballots will hit your mailboxes later this week. Photo credit: Angie McBride
5 days ago, DPSD
Our youngest learners (pre-school) are eagerly watching and awaiting the extension of their playground! Many thanks to the maintenance and facilities team for their hard work! You make a positive difference for our children!
5 days ago, DPSD
This week at Home Link, we’ve had a fun and creative week so far! Some of the highlights include Mrs. Ish’s Pour Paint class and Mrs. Hunsaker’s Cheerleading class. In Pour Paint, students experiment with pouring and splashing paint onto canvas, then use swirling and spreading techniques to create vibrant, abstract art. Meanwhile, in Cheerleading, students learn how to do a variety of cheer moves and routines each week. We love seeing our students explore their creativity and energy in such fun ways!
#HomeLink #WeeklyHighlights
6 days ago, DPSD
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.
7 days ago, DPSD
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
7 days ago, DPSD
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
7 days ago, DPSD
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
9 days ago, DPSD
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
11 days ago, DPSD
Yesterday, students and staff at Deer Park Middle School showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by dressing in every shade of pink, from soft pastels to bold neons. The hallways were filled with vibrant color and unity as the school came together to honor those who have lost their battle with breast cancer, celebrate the survivors who continue to inspire us, and support those who are still fighting. Pink Out Day is more than just a dress-up event; it’s a powerful reminder that we stand together in hope, strength, and love. At Deer Park, we believe that together, we are stronger than cancer.
#PinkOutDay #BreastCancerAwareness #DPMSPride
11 days ago, DPSD
Arcadia’s third graders had a blast learning about sustainability with Waste Management. Through fun, hands-on activities and visuals, they explored what it means to Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. What fun!
#DPArcadia #Sustainability #WasteManagement
12 days ago, DPSD
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!
12 days ago, DPSD
Some Home Link highlights for this week include Mrs. Schafer bringing in her miniature Zebu cows for the Farm Class in Clayton. And over in Mr. Flatter's "Leather and You" class, students got to experience dying leather. What a blast!
#LeatherWork #FarmClass #HomeLink
12 days ago, DPSD
Arcadia students laced up for their annual Dash for Cash fundraiser on Friday, proudly hosted by the PTCA! Students collected donations to support their school, then celebrated their efforts by running and walking in the Dash for Cash event.
Congratulations to Mr. Seagreave’s 5th graders, the top-earning class overall—they enjoyed the well-earned reward of spraying Assistant Principal Mrs. Link with silly string!
Grade-level champions also included Mrs. Emtman’s 3rd graders and Ms. Conroy’s 4th graders, who each made an impressive showing in their fundraising efforts. Way to go Arcadia!
14 days ago, DPSD
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.
14 days ago, DPSD
Reminder that there is no school for Learning Improvement Day this Friday, October 10th. Enjoy your upcoming long weekend!
14 days ago, DPSD
Shoutout to the incredible leadership, hard work, and dedication our principals bring to our schools every single day. From supporting students and staff to making tough decisions and building a positive school culture, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you!
