📰 Profile of a Graduate: From Deer Park to the Front Page! 🏀
Where are DPSD graduates now? We love seeing where our alumni soar! Meet Mathew Callaghan, a Class of 2022 Deer Park graduate who turned his passion for community and storytelling into a thriving career. Today, Mathew is a front-page general assignment reporter for The Spokesman-Review!
"Interested = Interesting." That's the piece of advice The Spokesman-Review reporter and Deer Park Class of 2022 alum Mathew Callaghan carries with him every day.
Whether he was finding lifelong friendships on the DP basketball court or diving into English and science with his educators, Mathew always brought grit and kindness to everything he did. Through hard work and the Running Start program, he fast-tracked his journalism degree at WWU and now writes front-page stories covering the Pacific Northwest!
Mathew’s journey took him from Homelink to Deer Park High School, where he balanced academics, Running Start, and basketball through the challenges of the pandemic. He credits amazing educators like Molly Murphy and Christine Holstock for teaching him critical thinking and a powerful work ethic.
His advice for current students? "Care about your community. Interested = Interesting. You get what you want by caring."
#DeerParkPride #ProfileOfAGraduate #DeerParkAlumni #SpokesmanReview #ClassOf2022 #CommunityFirst
Standing strong, supporting each other, and wearing pink with pride! Last week, Deer Park Middle School came together as one community for Pink Out Day. Beyond raising awareness for breast cancer, our students and staff showed that everyone belongs here and no one fights alone.
#DeerParkSchools #DeerParkMiddleSchool #PinkOutDay #BreastCancerAwareness
#DeerParkSchools #DeerParkMiddleSchool #PinkOutDay #BreastCancerAwareness
📚 When Educators Learn, Students Thrive! 🌟
This past Friday, our Deer Park School District educators, pre-K-12, came together for a Learning Improvement Day dedicated to professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement!
Just as we encourage our students to be lifelong learners, our teachers and staff model that same commitment every day. Through meaningful collaboration, reflection, and professional learning, our educators continue to strengthen their practices, share ideas, and find innovative ways to support student success.
These days are an important investment in our students! Every conversation, every new strategy, and every opportunity to learn together helps us create stronger classrooms, more engaging learning experiences, and better outcomes for ALL students.
Learning isn't just for students—it's for ALL of us!
We Belong. We LEARN. We Inspire Excellence.
#DeerParkSchoolDistrict #StagPride #LifelongLearning #LearningImprovement #StrongerTogether #InspiringExcellence
This past Friday, our Deer Park School District educators, pre-K-12, came together for a Learning Improvement Day dedicated to professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement!
Just as we encourage our students to be lifelong learners, our teachers and staff model that same commitment every day. Through meaningful collaboration, reflection, and professional learning, our educators continue to strengthen their practices, share ideas, and find innovative ways to support student success.
These days are an important investment in our students! Every conversation, every new strategy, and every opportunity to learn together helps us create stronger classrooms, more engaging learning experiences, and better outcomes for ALL students.
Learning isn't just for students—it's for ALL of us!
We Belong. We LEARN. We Inspire Excellence.
#DeerParkSchoolDistrict #StagPride #LifelongLearning #LearningImprovement #StrongerTogether #InspiringExcellence
First-grade classrooms at Deer Park Elementary are actively building safe, respectful, responsible, and kind learning environments through daily Morning Meetings focused on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). During these structured gatherings, students practice essential social skills and cultivate a positive culture. As part of this routine, 1st graders celebrated "Thankful Thursday" this last week by sharing what they are grateful for. All of this helps in creating a strong sense of belonging and community in the classroom while strengthening peer connections across the grade level.
#RangersCare #ThankfulThursday #WeBelong
#RangersCare #ThankfulThursday #WeBelong
Deer Park slowpitch softball has earned their way into the postseason and will open the playoffs at Sageview HS in Pasco on Monday.
DPSD would like to thank Ms. Tanya Barcellos for her service in Deer Park! Tanya is a Food Services Hero who ensures all students feel a sense of belonging, valued, welcomed, and seen. She always shares her positive energy and smiles with everyone who steps into the kitchen. We wish Tanya the very best of luck in her new role as a manager. Thanks for making our schools a better place! We will miss you, Tanya.
🎉 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.
At Deer Park Middle School, students in Mrs. Rasmussen's class tie-dyed shirts to all match for Dynamic Duo Day during Homecoming week. Activities like this are a great reminder that belonging isn't about being identical. Watching our students collaborate and support one another during this tie-dye activity was a good reminder of what makes our community so special.
#DeerParkSchools #TieDye #MiddleSchool
#DeerParkSchools #TieDye #MiddleSchool
Throughout the month of October, classrooms at Arcadia are focusing on Bullying Prevention. Arcadia’s school counselor, Ms. Amy, is visiting each classroom to proactively teach lessons from the PBIS Expect Respect curriculum. These lessons help students learn how to recognize bullying, respond appropriately, and work together to create a safe, respectful, and welcoming school community.
#DeerParkSchools #BullyingPrevention #October
#DeerParkSchools #BullyingPrevention #October
Home soccer tonight in the stadium. JV at 4:00 and Varsity at 6:30. Please remember to park in the student lot and enter the south gate as the north gate will be closed.
🧠💡 October Profile of a Graduate Spotlight: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
This month, Deer Park School District is highlighting another important characteristic from our Profile of a Graduate: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving.
We want our students to become thoughtful, independent thinkers who analyze information, weigh the pros and cons of decisions, and draw their own conclusions. Critical thinkers learn to break down complex issues, question assumptions, consider different perspectives, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Whether solving a math problem, working through a disagreement, evaluating information, or tackling a real-world challenge, these skills help prepare our students for success in school, work, and life.
At DPSD, we’re preparing students to think deeply, ask questions, solve problems, and confidently navigate their future.
💙💛 We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence.
#DeerParkSchools #ProfileOfAGraduate #CriticalThinking #ProblemSolving #WeBelongWeLearnWeInspireExcellence
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
Happy School Custodian Day! Thank you for the dedication and care you show day in and day out to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming. Because of you, our buildings are ready for learning and success every single day. We truly appreciate all that you do!
#CustodianAppreciationDay #DPSD
#CustodianAppreciationDay #DPSD
🎉 Congratulations to our Deer Park Rotary Student of the Month - Kaelin Newsom! 🎉
We are proud to recognize an outstanding Deer Park High School student whose dedication, work ethic, and vision for her future are truly impressive!
Kaelin is actively involved in Cross Country, Track, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Knowledge Bowl, and French Club, all while taking an extremely rigorous academic schedule that includes several College in the High School courses.
And her commitment extends well beyond the classroom! She works as a barista and social media manager and is gaining valuable hands-on experience as a kennel assistant at a local veterinary clinic—an especially meaningful opportunity as she pursues her dream of one day becoming a veterinarian. 🐾
When talking about her future, she shared that she values her strong work ethic and is “creating her own blueprint” for what comes next.
What a wonderful example of a student taking ownership of her learning, seeking opportunities, working hard, and intentionally building a pathway toward her future. Congratulations Kaelin!
👏 Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to Deer Park Rotary for celebrating and supporting our students!
#DeerParkSchools #StudentOfTheMonth #DeerParkRotary #ProfileOfAGraduate #StudentSuccess #FutureReady
We are proud to recognize an outstanding Deer Park High School student whose dedication, work ethic, and vision for her future are truly impressive!
Kaelin is actively involved in Cross Country, Track, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Knowledge Bowl, and French Club, all while taking an extremely rigorous academic schedule that includes several College in the High School courses.
And her commitment extends well beyond the classroom! She works as a barista and social media manager and is gaining valuable hands-on experience as a kennel assistant at a local veterinary clinic—an especially meaningful opportunity as she pursues her dream of one day becoming a veterinarian. 🐾
When talking about her future, she shared that she values her strong work ethic and is “creating her own blueprint” for what comes next.
What a wonderful example of a student taking ownership of her learning, seeking opportunities, working hard, and intentionally building a pathway toward her future. Congratulations Kaelin!
👏 Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to Deer Park Rotary for celebrating and supporting our students!
#DeerParkSchools #StudentOfTheMonth #DeerParkRotary #ProfileOfAGraduate #StudentSuccess #FutureReady
October is Bullying Prevention Month! And at Deer Park, our approach is intentionally proactive and preventative, and that starts with the following:
- Belonging
- Positive Behavior Intervention
- See Something. Say Something.
- Recognizing Conflict vs. Bullying
While October provides an opportunity to bring additional attention to bullying prevention, this work isn't limited to one month. It is part of the work we do every day.
Learn more in the attached banner below or take a look at the Board's policies and procedures surrounding bullying at the link below.
We Belong. We Include. We Speak Up.
https://app2.boardontrack.com/public/OoBmtz/documents?categoryId=53015
#October #BullyingPrevention #DeerParkSchools
- Belonging
- Positive Behavior Intervention
- See Something. Say Something.
- Recognizing Conflict vs. Bullying
While October provides an opportunity to bring additional attention to bullying prevention, this work isn't limited to one month. It is part of the work we do every day.
Learn more in the attached banner below or take a look at the Board's policies and procedures surrounding bullying at the link below.
We Belong. We Include. We Speak Up.
https://app2.boardontrack.com/public/OoBmtz/documents?categoryId=53015
#October #BullyingPrevention #DeerParkSchools
Deer Park Home Link’s Outdoor Ed program is always a big hit! Today, Principal Mrs. Hausman, Principal Mr. Abrams, and Superintendent Alexa Allman stopped by to see all the fun activities our students are participating in.
Outdoor Ed is a great hands-on learning opportunity for our Home Link students, and it’s wonderful to see them learning, exploring, and having fun!
#DeerParkSchools #HomeLink #OutdoorEd
Our softball team plays in the Kenny V Classic tonight at Merkel fields. Games begin at 5:30 with our game set at 7:30 on field #5 against Cheney. A ticket purchase is required so be prepared to with a ticket purchased online on go fan or in person at the gate. GSL passes are accepted.
At Deer Park Arcadia Elementary, Ms Rickel's students recently took their reading lesson outside to enjoy a lovely fall day. What could be better? According to her students, "Nothing is better!"
#DeerParkSchools #ArcadiaElementary #ReadingLesson
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
Deer Park athletics if very excited to formally announce the hiring of Tyler McLean as our next head boys wrestling coach. Please help us welcome Tyler to the Stags family!
