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February 5, 2026
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Laptops and Chargers!
Please make sure your student returns their laptop and charger if they have not already done so. They are needed for in class school work!
Thank you.
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Weather Delay/Cancellation Reminders
When we have weather challenges, the best place for information is the FCPS website for delay and closure information.
In the event of a 2 Hour Delay = Deer Park Doors open at 10:15 a.m.
What is the Bus schedule for a 2 hour delay:
Student pick up time will be two hours later than it normally is. For example, if a child has a pick up time of 8:10 a.m., when we operate on a two-hour delay their pick up time will become 10:10 a.m. With any type of weather delay, there will be disruptions. We ask that our students be at their stop five minutes before their scheduled pick up time. We also ask parents to monitor the Bus Delay website to get up-to-date information on the route status. The website will record if the bus is running more than 15 minutes late.
https://www.fcps.edu/weather
Please do not drop students off before 10:15 a.m.
PTA Winter Dance Postponed
The Winter Dance scheduled for tomorrow evening has been postponed until February 20th. Please see additional PTA information below.
Deer Park Kindness Week!
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Monday - Dreaming of Kindness
Wear your PJs
Tuesday - Team Up for Kindness
Wear your sports jerseys
Wednesday - Crazy for Kindness
Wear wacky or mismatched socks
Thursday - Be Your Best Bucky!
Wear your DP Spirit wear or colors!
Friday - Love to Be Kind
Wear your Valentine's colors
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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.
Please sign up at this link: Bucky's Run Club sign up! No later than Thursday, March 26th
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Cultural Observances around the World
February
All Month - Black History Month
2 - Groundhog Day
17 - Lunar New Year
12 - Makhu Bucha Day (Buddhist-Thailand)
1-2 - Tu BiShvat (Jewish)
16 - Presidents’ Day
15 - Maha Shivratri (Hindu)
17 - March 18 Ramadan
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February is Love the Bus Month
February is Love the Bus Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the transportation professionals who safely support students every day across Fairfax County Public Schools. This includes our drivers, attendants, floaters, trainers, supervisors, mechanics, dispatchers, and support staff.
We love our Deer Park drivers!
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Happy Counselor Appreciation Week! 💙
This week, we celebrate and thank our incredible school counselors for all that you do—supporting our students, guiding families, and always being a steady, caring presence in our school community. Your compassion, dedication, and hard work do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for you today and every day.
Thank you for all that you do!
17th Annual Chinese New Year Festival
The Asian Community Service Center invites students, teachers and families to join the fun at the upcoming 17th Annual Chinese New Year Festival, Feb. 14 at Luther Jack Middle School.
This festival offers students a wonderful opportunity to experience an important part of Asian culture in an engaging and hands-on way. Our 2026 theme is Filial Piety, a core traditional value that highlights respect, gratitude for parents(also teachers). Through cultural activities, students can learn how these values are expressed in daily life and traditions.
There will be many interactive experiences designed especially for children, including Chinese games, crafts, calligraphy, and writing their names in Chinese. Students can practice their Chinese language skills while enjoying dragon and lion dances, traditional performances, and a variety of Asian handmade foods. Each child will also receive a lucky red envelope at the entrance as part of the New Year tradition.
We encourage students to wear Chinese traditional clothing or their own cultural attire to celebrate the Year of the Horse and bring home good luck from this joyful event.
Date/Time: Feb. 14, Sat./10:30am to 5:30pm
Location: Luther Jackson Middle School
3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042.
Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for children (6-12) and FREE for children under 6.
* If you buy tickets online from the website, there is a 5% discount.
Free parking
website: www.ChineseNewYearFestival.org
Spelling Bee signup is Happening Now! Don't BEE late!
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The 2nd Annual DPES Spelling Bee will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 9:00pm in the library. The earlier your student is signed up, the more time they have to prepare!
Sign up here!
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February PTA Meeting
Please join us for the February PTA meeting on February 11th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library or Virtual via ZOOM at this link.
Winter Dance Party - New Date
Winter dance party, rescheduled to Friday, February 20, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Concessions for sale (Hot Dogs and Pizza while it lasts)
FREE Admission with Adult Chaperone
Yearbook!
Families, don't forget to order your yearbook for the 2025-2026 school year. Use school code 22187 - $20.00 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: My dreams - click here. Feel free to email Ms. Tobin with any additional yearbook questions, emtobin@fcps.edu.
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Membership
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 the PTA!
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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 be a sponsor? Click here.
Check out our 2025-2026 Partnerships below:
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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LS Plumbing Services, thank you for your support.
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Upcoming Dates |
February
9th - Progress Reports available in SIS ParentVue
11th - 2nd Annual Spelling Bee
11th - PTA - Board Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
16th - Presidents' Day Holiday / No School
17th - Teacher Workday / No School for Students
20th - PTA Winter Dance
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
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