Deer Park Elementary News and Information January 22, 2026

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calendar reminder graphic

2nd Quarter Ends January 28th 
Dismissal at 1:25 p.m.

Wednesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter and an early release for students.

Schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 29, for a staff development day, and Friday, January 30, for a teacher workday.

 

Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.

Second Quarter report cards will be accessible to parents online via ParentVue February 5th. Paper report cards will not be sent home for 2nd quarter with the exception of translations and parents without
parentvue accounts.

Please be sure you have an active SIS ParentVue account and can login. If you need assistance, please contact our Registrar.

 

Start the Day Strong!

Getting to school on time sets the tone for a great day!  Whether you are catching the bus, walking with friends, or riding in the car, leaving a little earlier helps everyone start the day calm, ready and smiling.

On time arrival means more time to settle in, less stress in the morning and a stronger start to learning.  Make every morning count, see you on time!

Deer Park picture

Winter Spirit and SCA Craft Day January 23rd! Tomorrow!

Deer Park is SNOW much fun!

Our SCA representatives will lead classes in a Snowman Craft. 

Wear clothes that make you think of SNOW! Like white, blue or sparkles!

snowman clip ART

The Fastest Way to Hear About
School Delays or Closings ❄️

Update your contact information in SIS ParentVue  to make sure you receive notifications of school delays or closings. Emails and text messages are sent to parents/caregivers based on the email addresses and cell phone numbers entered in ParentVUE. 

If your information is correct but you are not receiving updates from FCPS, contact the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Watch a video to see how FCPS makes weather delays or closing decisions.  Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Even When School is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow days. Consider these winter activities  to blend education and play for your child in the event of weather-related closures.

 

spelling bee clipart pic

Second Annual Deer Park Spelling Bee!  Sign Up Now!

DPES will be holding its second annual Scripps National Spelling Bee on Wednesday, February 11th at 9:00am in the library (during school hours!).  There will only be one school-wide competition and your student must be signed up to participate. Study guides and resources to prepare for the Bee will be shared via email upon sign-up. The last day to sign up is Friday, February 6, 2026.

The Spelling Bee is open to all students grades 2-6 enrolled at DPES and the winner will represent Deer Park at the Fairfax County Spelling Bee on March 22nd at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Participating is a fun and competitive intellectual challenge for students that will build confidence, reward study and preparation, and increase vocabulary!  If you are interested in volunteering as an event helper, or if you have any other questions, please email kim.graham@gmail.com.

Sign up here:  https://forms.gle/qUcpWNGpxJgW1qpy5


bucky logo

Bucky's Run Club!

Who: Deer Park Students of all abilities in grades 3-6. Sign up is first-come, first-served. The first 40 students to sign up will be notified by Mrs. Katchmark.

What: An after-school wellness running club for students to build relationships with peers and Deer Park staff members through fitness activities and running. The club will conclude in June with a 5k race in the Deer Park neighborhood to celebrate the efforts of our students alongside their families & friends. Please send any further questions along to Club Coordinator Kelsey Katchmark at kmkatchmark@fcps.edu.

When: Practices will be held every Wednesday, 3:45-4:30*, April 8, 2026-June 3, 2026. Our end of season 5k will be held on Sunday, June 7 at 8:30 am.

*Some weeks practice will be held on Tuesday or Friday, rather than Wednesday due to student holidays.*

Where: All practices will be held at Deer Park Elementary.

Cost: Registration fee is $50 per child (includes T-shirt & 5K race fee). Registration fees are due after participation is confirmed. Payment information will be provided to club members by Mrs. Katchmark.

Registration: Please register using this link no later than Thursday, March 26th.

We would also like any student, who participates in Bucky’s Run Club to also join us on September 20 for the Asha-Jyothi Fairfax 5K!

Registration Link: https://www.asha-jyothi.org/event/2026fairfax5k/          

  • School Name: Students, as well as their friends and families, should select "Deer Park" from the School Name dropdown during registration to ensure their entries are correctly associated with Deer Park Elementary.
  • Early bird pricing is $20 until March 2026 (no coupon required)
  • April 1-Sept 8 Regular price is $35 5K Run/Walk (all age) Discount Code: AJ4SCHOOLS (Save $10 per registration)
asha jyothi picture

 

Deer Park will once again participate in the 5K Fun Run/Walk with Asha Jyothi.

Asha-Jyothi (AJ) 5K Run is a fun-filled family event with foot tapping music, delicious food and friendly course. It is a volunteer based non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the underprivileged by providing access to education and healthcare. 

AJ generously donates all the registration money from each school back to the school for its STEM needs.

It's not too early to register for this fun family event!  2026 Fairfax-18th Annual 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run

  • Race Date: Sunday Sept 20th, 2026
  • Race Time: Fun Run starts at 8AM and 5K starts at 8:30AM
  • Price Details: Early bird price $25 from April – May. Regular price of $30 from June – Sept.
    • Price increases by $5 one week before the event

 

Chantilly Youth Association Flag and Tackle Football

Spring Flag Football and Summer Tackle 2026!

It’s fun!: Plain and simple, flag football is loads of fun.

More information at ChantillyFootball.org

chantilly football picture

 

Stone MS Winter Musical - Frozen Jr.

Frozen flyer for Stone MS

Experience the magic of Frozen Jr. as the talented Stone Middle School cast brings Arendelle to life! A heartwarming, high-energy production filled with beloved songs, laughter, hygge, and unforgettable moments for the whole family.

Dates: Friday, February 6th at 7:00pm

Saturday, February 7th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

Location: Stone Middle School Theatre 

Tickets: $5 students; $10 adults: Tickets link!


 

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.

 

Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students

School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. 

The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.


PTA News
www.deerparkespta.org

Movie Night

Tomorrow! Friday, January 23
Doors open at 6pm
Deer Park Cafeteria
Free Admission

Concessions, Pizza & All Beef Hot Dogs (while supplies last) and Drinks (Cash or card)

Bring your pillows,blankets,stuffies and adult chaperone!!

We need Adult volunteers, please arrive around 5pm to help setup.

lilo and stitch picture
pta dance party flyer

Winter Dance Party
Friday, February 6

Scan the QR code to help donate to the event. If you would like to help setup email us pta.deerparkes@gmail.com

 

After School Clubs

Tuesday

Art and Cooking Clubs start on Tuesday January  27th!

Cooking: Baroody's No Bake Bonanza
Class dates

01/27/2026, 02/03/2026, 02/10/2026, 02/24/2026, 03/03/2026, 03/10/2026

Doodlers/Mixed Media Art
Class dates

01/27/2026, 02/03/2026, 02/10/2026, 02/24/2026, 03/03/2026, 03/10/2026

Thursday

Lego Spike/Essential Robotics: Amazing Amusement Park
Class dates

02/05/2026, 02/12/2026, 02/19/2026, 02/26/2026, 03/05/2026, 03/12/2026

https://bc-ffx-deerpark.jumbula.com/winter-2026

 

yearbook

Families! Don't forget to order your yearbook  for the 2025-2026 school year!

Use school code 22187, cost is $20 each

📸 If you have photos from field trips, classroom celebrations, or school events that you would like to share, please send them to emtobin@fcps.edu.

⭐️We also want to include some features from many students about their dreams for the future. Some students may have already filled this out with their homeroom teacher, but you can fill this Google form with your student to include their dream: https://forms.gle/yCuKE7xivGqP4L6m9. Feel free to email Ms. Tobin with any additional yearbook questions, emtobin@fcps.edu.

 

pta membership logo

 

Let's hit 150 this year! Your annual membership gives the PTA the ability to help kids dream big — even yours! And the best part? No extra obligations required!

Let's Get Signed Up for PTA!

 

Spirit Wear and Spirit Days

spirit wear

Spirit Wear Store is open online. Grab some spiritwear for the school year!

Click here to order!

Email pta.deerparkes@gmail.com if there is something you would like to see listed as an option!

 

Girl Scouts

Attention Kindergarten Parents!

Are you interested in joining your child(ren) up for Girl Scouts? We have a new Deer Park Kindergarten troop formed that meets Thursday at 6pm, twice a month at Deer Park Elementary. If you are interested in joining this troop, please email Megan Durst at megankdurst@gmail.com (Deer Park GS Troop)


Sponsors

A huge thank you to our sponsors for Deer Park! Your support is greatly appreciated as we move towards our goals for the school! Want to become a sponsor? Click here 

Check out our 2025-2026 Partnerships below:

 

Mt Kim logo

Mt. Kim Martial Arts (Before and After School)  offers Taekwondo programs that help students build confidence, respect, and focus. They also provide Before & After School programs. Families can contact Mt. Kim Martial Arts at 703-802-0020 for more details and ask about a free trial Taekwondo class.

Card My Yard Centreville Thank you to our Deer Park educational partner, Card My Yard Centreville for your support of our PTA programs! Use Code DPES20CVILLE for your own Card My Yard purchases to give back to the PTA.

card my yard logo
victory martial arts logo

Victory Martial Arts Thank you for your partnership and event support! Check out their class specials here, or give them a call at 703-988-9300. Ask about the Deer Park family free classes. Victory Martial Arts will help your student build focus, discipline and confidence

bounce logo

Creating the Ultimate DJ Experience for Weddings, Events, Clubs, & Everything In-Between

DJ Bounce is passionate about delivering an unforgettable musical experience for your celebrations.

LS Plumbing Services, thank you for your support.

LS plumbing logo
bowa logo
pta follow logo

january clip art

Upcoming Dates

January

23rd - Winter Spirit and Craft Day! Wear winter colors

23rd - PTA Movie Night @ 6:00 p.m.  Lilo & Stitch

28th - End of Second Quarter - 2 Hour Early Dismissal @ 1:25 p.m.

29th and 30th - Teacher Workdays / No School for Students

February

5th - Progress Reports available in SIS ParentVue

6th - PTA Winter Dance

10th - Quarterly Awards (by invitation)

11th - 2nd Annual Spelling Bee

11th - PTA Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

12th - Perfect Attendance Celebration

16th - Presidents' Day Holiday / No School

17th - Teacher Workday / No School for Students

25th - Early Release Wednesday - Dismissal at 12:25 p.m.

27th - Deer Park VS Coates ES Basketball Game @ Westfield HS (more information to come soon)

March

8th - Daylight Saving Time Begins - Spring Forward!

13th - PTA Bingo Night - 6:00 p.m.

18th - PTA Meeting - 6:00 p.m.

20th - Eid al Fitr Holiday / No School

25th - Early Release Wednesday - Dismissal at 12:25 p.m.

26th - Spring Portraits and Class Group Photos

27th - 3rd Quarter Ends / Early Dismissal at 1:25 p.m.

Spring Break - March 30th - April 3rd April 6th - Student Holiday / Teacher Workday

April 10th - Student Holiday / Teacher Workday

April 10th - Kindergarten 26 - 27 Orientation @ 10:00 a.m.


Contacts

Bob D'Amato, Principal: rjdamato@fcps.edu

Heather Hitz, Assistant Principal: hahitz@fcps.edu

Laurie Holmberg, Administrative Assistant: laholmberg@fcps.edu

Laura Zirzow, Student Information Assistant: lezirzow@fcps.edu

Lynn Heick, Office Assistant: lmheick@fcps.edu

Jessica Arevalo, Parent Liaison: jmarevalo@fcps.edu

Main Office: 703-802-5000
Health Room: 703-802-5010
Attendance Line: 703-802-5011
Attendance email: Deerparkelem.Attendance@fcps.edu

PTA: pta.deerparkes@gmail.com