Last spring, students, staff, families, and community members came together to identify the skills, mindsets, and characteristics we want every Deer Park student to develop as they prepare for life beyond our schools. The result is our Profile of a Graduate—a shared vision for helping students become successful learners, leaders, and community members.
Throughout the year, we’ll highlight one characteristic and invite our schools and families to help students recognize and strengthen these qualities in themselves.
Our September Profile of a Graduate characteristic is:
⭐ Confident, Independent & Self-Reliant
We want our students to develop the confidence to make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, trust their judgment, embrace a growth mindset, and take responsibility for what they need to succeed.
From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, we are preparing students not only for what comes next—but to believe in their ability to navigate it.
We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence. 💛💙
#DeerParkSchools #ProfileOfAGraduate #WeBelongWeLearnWeInspireExcellence #DeerParkProud
At Deer Park Arcadia Elementary, classes have enjoyed a visit to what remains of the historic Arcadia Orchard next door. Before heading out, students watched a video from the Clayton Deer Park Historical Society explaining how the orchards were established in 1909 and what ultimately led to their failure by 1924. Students especially enjoyed learning that the remaining apple trees were once part of what was known as the world’s largest orchard!
#DeerParkSchools #ArcadiaElementary #ArcadiaOrchard #DeerParkProud
What a fun way to learn!
🌟 Deer Park Rotary Student of the Month 🌟
Congratulations to our latest Deer Park Rotary Student of the Month, Noah Brown!
A Deer Park student since elementary school, this outstanding young man has grown into a tremendous leader and positive influence at Deer Park High School. As ASB President and a member of the basketball team, he leads by building relationships, helping others, and making sure students feel welcomed and connected.
Perhaps one of the best examples of his commitment to his school community is his decision to remain on campus at DPHS as a senior. For him, being at the high school means having the opportunity to welcome students, strengthen school culture, and continue serving as a student leader.
He shared that one of his favorite Deer Park memories is the staff vs. student basketball game—a fitting favorite for someone who values fun, relationships, school spirit, and bringing people together!
We are incredibly proud of the leader Noah has become and grateful for the positive impact he continues to have on those around him. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 💙🤍
#DeerParkPride #StudentOfTheMonth #StudentLeadership #WeBelong #WeLearn #WeInspireExcellence
Our staff had a little fun showing their Coug ❤️🐾 vs. Husky 💜🐾 pride—and while we won’t officially declare a winner… we clearly know which team brought the MOST spirit today! 😉😂
Thanks to our staff for bringing the fun, friendly rivalry, and school spirit! Now… Go Cougs? Go Dawgs? You decide! 🏈
#DeerParkPride #AppleCup #GoCougs #GoDawgs #WeAreDeerPark
#DeerParkSchools #DPMS #GoSpikes
Back on August 24th, at the Middle School, our 8th graders were part of welcoming our incoming 6th graders!
A big thanks to our amazing 8th-grade leadership students for stepping up at the orientation, helping our newest team members navigate schedules, master tricky locker combinations, and answer every question in between.
It's been an awesome start to the school year!
#DeerParkSchools #DPMS #GoSpikes
Principal Mrs. Vining and Assistant Principal Mr. Cromwell were busy dishing out cookies while the Elementary PTO offered popcorn and cotton candy.
Thank you to our Elementary staff and PTO who helped make the start of the school year a welcoming and fun experience for our families!
Our students received LaunchNW scholarships to attend Whitworth University, Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane Community College, Eastern Washington University, and Gonzaga University.
Thank you, LaunchNW, for investing in our students and helping launch Deer Park High School graduates into their next chapter!
Learn more about LaunchNW and its scholarship program: https://launchnw.org/
Emma Noble - PreSchool Administrator
Brett Cromwell - Elementary Assistant Principal
Tanner Stansbury - High School Assistant Principal
Sam Abrams - Home Link Assistant Principal
Eric Sivertson - Athletic/Activities Director
We are pleased and excited to have each of them joining us and look forward to this new school year and all it'll bring!
Earlier this week, leadership gathered to align around our strategic plan, strengthen instructional practices, analyze data to identify key priorities, and map out actionable steps for the 2026–27 school year.
We are all looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Classroom materials and other inventory have been delivered and are being organized and unpacked. Construction for a new sidewalk to the portables has begun, and new furniture is being built.
We also want to thank everyone who has helped organize, move, or even just expressed support. And a huge shout-out to our maintenance team for everything they have done to help transform our building. We could not do it without them!
Caleb Krantz is a local parent and engineer with a history of involvement within the District since moving to the community in 2010. His daughter graduated in 2023, and his son is a senior at the high school this year. Caleb has served as a CTE advisor and a member of the Facilities Advisory Committee for over 10 years. He has been an active supporter of multiple booster clubs and also a member and president of the Committee to Support Deer Park Schools.
Krantz will officially take the oath of office and be sworn in at the August 24, 2026, School Board meeting. We look forward to having him join the Board and contribute to the important work of supporting our schools and students.
Attention returning families of Deer Park School District!
The 2026 - 27 school year is upon us, and Annual Enrollment is open and must be completed before the first day of school. Please log in to Skyward - Family Access to verify your student's and family information.
Please reach out to the district with any questions about logging into Skyward, or to your student's school with questions or concerns about updating information.
Thank you!
Steve’s impact can be seen across our district—in the buildings he helped create and improve, the systems he built, the projects he led, and the relationships he formed along the way. From major construction and renovation projects to the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our schools safe, functional, and ready for students, Steve has served our district with professionalism, care, and an incredible attention to detail.
Most importantly, Steve has always approached his work with a deep commitment to our students, staff, and community.
Steve, thank you for your leadership, your service, and the lasting legacy you leave in Deer Park. We are grateful for all you have done and wish you the very best in retirement!
