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July 31, 2025
Dear Deer Park Families,
Welcome Back, Dreamers!
As the summer days begin to wane, a palpable sense of excitement fills the air here at Deer Park! We are absolutely thrilled to extend a warm welcome back to all our returning students and families, and a special greeting to those joining our wonderful community for the very first time.
This year, our theme is inspired by the powerful and uplifting song "Dreamers," the anthem that resonated across the globe during the FIFA World Cup. Just as the song encourages us to "look who we are, we are the dreamers," we believe every child at Deer Park holds a unique set of talents, curiosities, and aspirations. Our goal is to nurture these dreams, helping each student discover their potential and achieve great things. We want every student to feel empowered to "make a wish and say it like a prayer," knowing that with hard work and support, their dreams can come true.
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Our school is more than just a building; it's a thriving community. As the song suggests, Gather 'round now, look at me... The door is open now every day. Strong relationships are the bedrock of effective learning and a supportive work environment. We will actively seek opportunities to connect with one another, share ideas, and uplift each other.
Furthermore, our partnerships with families and the wider community are invaluable. This one plus two, rendezvous all invited. When we collaborate, we create a seamless web of support for all students. We will work hand-in-hand together with all parents, guardians, and community organizations, recognizing that their involvement is crucial to our shared mission.
Dedicated Staff and Summer Adventures
Our dedicated teachers are excited to return to the building soon and begin meticulously preparing their classrooms and refining their lessons to ensure an engaging and enriching learning experience for every child. Their passion and commitment are truly inspiring, and we can't wait for you to see all they have in store.
Speaking of summer, I, Mr. D'Amato, had a fantastic time recharging in sunny Florida, enjoying the beautiful beaches and making cherished memories with my kids. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax and reconnect before diving back into the exciting hustle of the school year.
Our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Hitz, also had a memorable summer, taking her kids to Disney World for their first magical visit, followed by a few weeks of well-deserved relaxation at the beach with her family. We're all refreshed and ready to embark on this new journey with you!
Welcoming New Team Members
We are also incredibly excited to announce the addition of several talented new staff members who will be joining our Deer Park family. Please join us in welcoming:
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Marie Glaser - Art Teacher
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Heather Livingston - 3rd Grade Teacher
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Melissa Brown - Strings Teacher
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Alana Simon - Preschool Instructional Assistant
We know they will be invaluable assets to our team and bring fresh energy and expertise to our students.
Important Dates to Mark Your Calendar
To help you plan ahead for a smooth start to the school year, please mark your calendars with these important dates:
August
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August 13th - 4:30 p.m.: eNotify email with Teacher Assignment & Room Number
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August 14th - 10:00 a.m.: Open House - Kindergarten, Preschool/PAC
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August 14th - 1:15 p.m.: Open House - New Students Grades 1 - 6
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August 14th - 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Open House - 1st Grade to 6th Grade
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August 18th: First Day of School!
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August 29th: Holiday - Labor Day Break
September
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September 1st: Holiday - Labor Day Break
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September 4th - 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.: Back to School Night for Grades K, 2, 4 and 6
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September 10th - 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Back to School Night for Grades 1, 3 and 5
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September 17th - 12:25 p.m.: Early Release Wednesday - Dismissal
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September 23rd: Holiday / Rosh Hashanah
Early Release Wednesdays
We are also excited to share an important update regarding our early release schedule. After a successful pilot of three-hour early release Mondays at the elementary level in the 2024-25 school year, FCPS will shift to eight early release Wednesdays for elementary schools in the 2025-26 school year. Moving to Wednesdays for a three-hour early release will address scheduling issues related to frequent Monday holidays and provide a more consistent schedule for planning time. We encourage all parents/caregivers to have their student take their normal route home (bus, walk, kiss and ride) on early dismissal days.
Here are the current scheduled Early Release Wednesday dates:
- September 17th
- October 15th
- November 19th
- December 17th
- February 25th
- March 25th
- April 29th
- May 20th
We are looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences for all our dreamers. We can't wait to see your children's smiling faces in the hallways soon!
Warmly,
Mr. D'Amato & Mrs. Hitz
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