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March 12, 2026
Superintendent Reid Visits Deer Park!
Deer Park had a very special visitor this week, Superintendent Dr. Reid stopped in to see our school. She toured Bucky's Rest Stop with our new sensory/calming space, our Advanced Academics classroom, Art class, and our new STEAM Lab. She then visited a few additional classrooms.
We are very proud of the strong community at Deer Park. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to do their best everyday.
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Important Dates for Your Calendar!
March 9 to March 23 - Family Engagement Survey
fcps.edu/family-engagement-survey
March 18 - PTA Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
March 20 - Eid Holiday/No School
March 25 - Early Release Wednesday @ 12:25 p.m.
March 26 - Class Group Photos - Don't be absent!
March 27 - End of 3rd Quarter/dismissal @ 1:25 p.m.
March 30 - April 6th - Spring Break/Teacher Workday
April 10th - Teacher Workday/No School
April 21st - Virginia Statewide Elections / No School
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Recess Policy Update!
We wanted to provide an update with the school recess policy. After further school reflection and very low referral rates, we feel the school is in a good place with behavioral expectations and strategies to resolve issues quickly while maintaining a safe recess environment. Therefore, effective immediately, students will have the opportunity to play in any zone on the playground and mix with other classrooms each day. Please keep in mind that if expectations are not followed or if behavioral referrals increase grade levels may need to make adjustments or work with specific students and families to resolve any issues or concerns. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Victory Martial Arts visited Deer Park this week during PE classes. Martial Arts classes focus on getting physically fit, improving focus and developing a postive self-image while having fun and making friends.
Office Visitor Management System
If you've visited Deer Park recently, you will have noticed our new "Raptor" Visitor Management System. This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry.
You can expedite entry by downloading the Raptor Safe App and create a Raptor Passport and take your own selfie. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school.
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 Pooch Time At Deer Park
Students were treated to some quality "pooch time" this week. Teachers nominate their class or groups of students who have shown that they deserve to have quality time with a specially trained dog from Heeling House.
Students can ask questions to the dog's handler, pet the dog and watch the dog perform some tricks. It's a great way to provide positivity throughout the school and incentivize making good decisions.
Preschool 2026-2027
Do you have a Preschool student?
Deer Park has an inclusive PreK/Head Start program to provide a quality preschool experience with comprehensive services at no cost to qualifying families, who reside in Fairfax County. Though families may qualify, spaces are limited, and selection is based on need, not “first come, first serve”, with PreK priority given to 4 year olds and Deer Park based students. More information and the application in both Spanish and English can be found at this link.
Early Childhood/Preschool application.
This program will be in addition our existing preschool Special Education Class Based program and our Preschool Autism Program. If you think your preschooler has a developmental delay or a disability contact Child Find for FCPS. Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs. Child Find screenings are free to residents of FCPS whose child is 2 through 5 years old. Early Childhood Registration/Childfind
If you have a child who is under the age of 2, who may have a delay contact Infant and Toddler Connection for a free screening.
Early Head Start Application / Prek
Your child may also qualify to be a Community Peer in a preschool special education classroom. More information on this program will be available soon.
PreKflyer English
PreKflyer Spanish
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Kindergarten Orientation
2026-2027 |
Do you have rising Kindergartener who will be 5 by September 30th? Registration is in progress and we are excited to meet them.
We will have a Kindergarten Orientation on April 10th at 10:00 a.m., when you and your child are invited to meet our Principal, Mr. D'Amato, Assistant Principal, Mrs. Hitz and other staff members. While the students visit the kindergarten classrooms, you will learn about the Kindergarten program and discuss administrative matters such as schedules and buses.
Please begin the enrollment process at this link: online-registration, and then contact the office to complete the enrollment. 703-802-5002.
Please share this information with your neighbors! We are looking forward to welcoming our new Kindergarteners in August!
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Westfield High School International Night! |
Thursday, March 26th
Join Westfield HS families for this special evening celebrating the diverse cultures that make up our community.
Potluck - 5 - 6pm - Cafeteria
Fashion Show - 6 - 7pm - Gym
Performances - 7 - 9pm - Gym
Food Trucks - 5 - 9pm - Outside
WHS International Night 2026
WHS International Night Food Trucks
Admission: Entry is free for FCPS students. For adults and all other guests, tickets are $5
Measles
Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update
Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.
If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.
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March PTA Meeting
Wednesday, March 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Join us in the Library or virtually here at 6:30 p.m.
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6th Grade Bingo
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Our Annual Family Bingo Night hosted by the 6th grade class is coming APRIL 24th! There will be great prizes, and concessions (drink, candy, pizza and all beef hot dogs) for sale.
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Come out for a night of FUN, FOOD and PRIZES. This event supports the 6th grade end of year class party. More details coming soon.
6th GRADE FAMILIES:
We need your help to run this event so that the 6th grade can get 100% of the proceeds. If you are available to help please email pta.deerparkes@gmail.com
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Brick Fundraiser
A new BRICK FUNDRAISER coming soon! We have partnered with Polar Engraving on a special project on the playground. Under the new playground sunshade we will lay your custom Deer Park Community bricks down! They will be sealed to last for years to come! Keep an eye out for more information!
Yearbook Ordering Time
Families, don't forget to order your yearbook, filled with all the memories of the 25-26 school year!
Use 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:
What are your dreams?
Feel free to email Ms. Tobin with any additional yearbook questions, emtobin@fcps.edu
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Membership
Let's Get Signed up for the PTA!
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!
Spirit Wear and Spirit Days
Spirit Wear is available to order online! Grab some spirit wear for the school year! Email pta.deerparkes@gmail.com if there is something you would like to see listed as an option.
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!
Mt. Kim Martial Arts/Before & 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 |
March
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
Spring Break continues through April 3
6 - Teacher Workday - No School for Students
10th - Student Holiday / Teacher Workday
10th - Kindergarten 26 - 27 Orientation @ 10:00 a.m
14th - 3rd Quarter Grades available in ParentVue
15th - April PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.
20th - 24th - Spring Book Fair
21st - Virginia Statewide Elections / No School
23rd - Celebrate DP Night 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (details coming soon)
24th - 6th Grade/Family Fun Bingo Night 6:00 p.m.
29th - Early Release Wednesday Dismissal @ 12:25 p.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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