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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Did you know that by purchasing the 42-acre parcel from the city, and developing the road and associated infrastructure, this ensures Deer Park will have the necessary space to address current and projected facility and program
needs as we are planning for the future? Learn more about the project here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
needs as we are planning for the future? Learn more about the project here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
The short-term capital levy will address many preservation projects at Arcadia Elementary, including replacing the 30-yr old roof, 30-yr old gym HVAC units, 30-yr-old flooring, and installation of safety fencing. To learn more about the proposed Arcadia improvements, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/arcadiaproject
Deer Park Middle School held its annual Run 60 last week. Their one and only yearly school-wide fundraiser that supports school and classroom activities all year long.
Spike was there to cheer on the students; there were snow cones, flower leis, and a relay race.
Congratulations to this year's winner, Weston!
What a fun and exciting day for everyone to be involved in!
#Run60 #Fundraiser #DPMS
Did you know that the Deer Park School District has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by not asking the community to support additional capital projects financially? The last capital project measure that the community financially supported was the high school bond (which will be paid off this December). The following projects have been accomplished by the District recently through demonstrating fiscal responsibility and savings and WITHOUT asking the community for additional funds: Varsity softball field, Bleachers and pressbox, DPE roof, safety vestibules at all of the schools, DPMS addition, Clayton kitchen, Clayton storage unit, paving, & fence, laptops for students, DPE chiller lines replacement, Security cameras installed, Arcadia, ECEAP & DPE, Home Link/Administration exterior paint, High school soffit paint, Home Link bathroom addition/Admin conference room, High school irrigation pump/smart meter, High school stadium fencing, Bus garage parking lot grading and dust control, Bus garage drivers' room remodel and admin office construction. All of these projects have been accomplished while working diligently to provide daily custodial and grounds maintenance.
Did you know that today (9/25/25) is "Perfect Square Day?"
A Perfect Square Day is a date where the month, day, and year numbers can all be represented as perfect squares (like 9, 16, 25). For example, September 16, 2025 (9/16/25) is a Perfect Square Day because 9 is 3², 16 is 4², and 2025 is 45². This particular date is also special because the square roots (3, 4, and 5) form the well-known Pythagorean triple (3² + 4² = 5²), making it a particularly noteworthy event for mathematicians.
Do you know when the next perfect square day will be?
From: Your math educators in Deer Park School District
A Perfect Square Day is a date where the month, day, and year numbers can all be represented as perfect squares (like 9, 16, 25). For example, September 16, 2025 (9/16/25) is a Perfect Square Day because 9 is 3², 16 is 4², and 2025 is 45². This particular date is also special because the square roots (3, 4, and 5) form the well-known Pythagorean triple (3² + 4² = 5²), making it a particularly noteworthy event for mathematicians.
Do you know when the next perfect square day will be?
From: Your math educators in Deer Park School District
How much will my taxes increase if the levy is passed? The short-term, 4-year capital levy is estimated to cost $1.45/$1,000 assessed value. The current bond, which will be paid off after this year, is assessed at $1.03/$1,000. If approved, tax rates would increase by $0.42/$1,000 over current levels for four years. Learn more here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
Did you know that the district will appoint a 10-member, independent Community Levy Oversight Committee to ensure accountability and fiscal transparency throughout the duration of the levy? To learn more about the committee or if you are interested in serving, contact Dr. Allman (alexa.allman@dpsdmail.org). Click here to learn more: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levyoversight
🌟 Citizenship, kindness, positivity, and camaraderie go beyond the classroom in Deer Park! 🌟
In Deer Park, we believe running is about more than just the finish line. It’s about lifting one another up, celebrating effort, and making sure every runner feels the joy of success. 🏃♀️🏃♂️💪
This week, we were honored to receive kind words from a community member of another school’s cross-country team., "There was a group of your Cross-Country athletes ... They were amazing young adults. They cheered on EVERY competitor, from the first to the last - even staying far beyond parents and even some coaches. They made an incredible difference and exhibited characteristics you should be so proud of. ...Please know that you are creating a culture at DPHS that spills out into the world in such a positive way. We all should take a lesson from these incredible young people. Thank you for all you do for them and those they interact with. It truly makes a difference."
What a reminder that sportsmanship and encouragement create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community! 💜🤝
Together, we’re building more than athletes — we’re building caring teammates, strong leaders, and a positive culture that lasts well beyond the race.
#Community #Sportsmanship #Kindness #DeerParkPride
In Deer Park, we believe running is about more than just the finish line. It’s about lifting one another up, celebrating effort, and making sure every runner feels the joy of success. 🏃♀️🏃♂️💪
This week, we were honored to receive kind words from a community member of another school’s cross-country team., "There was a group of your Cross-Country athletes ... They were amazing young adults. They cheered on EVERY competitor, from the first to the last - even staying far beyond parents and even some coaches. They made an incredible difference and exhibited characteristics you should be so proud of. ...Please know that you are creating a culture at DPHS that spills out into the world in such a positive way. We all should take a lesson from these incredible young people. Thank you for all you do for them and those they interact with. It truly makes a difference."
What a reminder that sportsmanship and encouragement create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community! 💜🤝
Together, we’re building more than athletes — we’re building caring teammates, strong leaders, and a positive culture that lasts well beyond the race.
#Community #Sportsmanship #Kindness #DeerParkPride
Did you know that the 42-acre parcel, currently owned by the city, was identified as being the last available site within city limits that could reasonably serve to support a future school site? That’s why the Facilities Advisory Committee prioritized it in the short-term capital levy. Learn more about the project here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
Many thanks to the Spokesman Review for the article featuring, "‘Our last and best hope’: Deer Park School District asks voters for $14.5M levy to replace aging bus barn, acquire land and other projects." The Deer Park School District will be asking the community to consider a short-term capital levy (4 years) to accomplish projects including district-wide safety and security (phones, intercom, emergency alert system, fencing, etc.), new roof & HVAC system for Arcadia, purchase of the last land available in Deer Park (and completion of the road), and re-building of the transportation facility. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/sep/16/our-last-and-best-hope-deer-park-school-district-a/
Preserving our Past. Planning our Future. Did you know that the Deer Park School District has developed a long-range facilities plan that balances facility preservation and planning with an emphasis on keeping tax rates as low as possible for the community? To learn more about the District's intermediate and long-term plans, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/longrangeplan
Preserving our Past. Planning our Future. The short-term capital levy will address many preservation projects at Arcadia Elementary, including replacing the 30-yr old roof, 30-yr old gym HVAC units, 30-yr-old flooring, and installation of safety fencing. To learn more about the proposed Arcadia improvements, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/arcadiaproject
