🚌💛 Kindness is on the move at Deer Park Middle School!
Our DPMS students put a Random Act of Kindness into action by celebrating their own Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
Students showered our incredible bus drivers with handmade cards, flowers, posters, cheers, and lots of applause to remind them just how much they mean to our schools. 🌸👏
Our bus drivers do so much more than get students from place to place. They are often the first friendly face our students see in the morning and the last one they see at the end of the school day. They help keep our students safe, cared for, and connected.
To our Deer Park bus drivers: THANK YOU! We see you. We appreciate you. And we are so grateful for everything you do for our students and families each and every day! 🚌❤️
And to our DPMS students—way to show what kindness, gratitude, and belonging look like in action!
We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence.
#DeerParkSchools #BusDriverAppreciation #RandomActsOfKindness #DPSD #WeBelong
Our DPMS students put a Random Act of Kindness into action by celebrating their own Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
Students showered our incredible bus drivers with handmade cards, flowers, posters, cheers, and lots of applause to remind them just how much they mean to our schools. 🌸👏
Our bus drivers do so much more than get students from place to place. They are often the first friendly face our students see in the morning and the last one they see at the end of the school day. They help keep our students safe, cared for, and connected.
To our Deer Park bus drivers: THANK YOU! We see you. We appreciate you. And we are so grateful for everything you do for our students and families each and every day! 🚌❤️
And to our DPMS students—way to show what kindness, gratitude, and belonging look like in action!
We Belong. We Learn. We Inspire Excellence.
#DeerParkSchools #BusDriverAppreciation #RandomActsOfKindness #DPSD #WeBelong
🌟 Introducing Deer Park School District’s Profile of a Graduate!
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
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
Deer Park Middle School's spirit was amazing at the back-to-school assembly last week! The grades and staff battled it out in an epic relay race to prove who rules the school, but Spike the Mascot stole the show with a legendary dance with Braxton. What a great way to start the year and show Ohana!
#DeerParkSchools #DPMS #GoSpikes
#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
Our goal in transportation is to ensure all students arrive to and from school safely and on time! As we are migrating to new transportation systems, we need updated information for all returning and new students. Our goal is to ensure we have accurate and updated records for the first day of school. If your child plans to ride the bus, you MUST register annually: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMi6tA-M7KUwGD9cmTeNN6wndYW_vc5p1UnyzJjrz1cQR2dw/viewform?usp=dialog
The Deer Park School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Caleb Krantz to the School Board. The Board is excited to welcome him to the Board and appreciates his willingness to continue serving our students, staff, families, and the Deer Park community.
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.
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.
Deer Park School District follows the Department of Health guidelines for air quality. See the Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality guidelines: https://5il.co/3p67p
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
