Deer Park Elementary News and Information April 9, 2026

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April 9, 2026


calendar reminder graphic

Teacher Workday Tomorrow April 10th

No School for Students


kindergarten clip art

2026-2027 Kindergarten Orientation Tomorrow

Do you have rising Kindergartener who will be 5 by September 30th? 

We will have a Kindergarten Orientation tomorrow, April 10th at 10:00 a.m., when you and your child are invited to meet our Principal, Mr. D'Amato, our amazing Kindergarten Team 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 share this information with your neighbors! We are looking forward to welcoming our new Kindergarteners in August!

FCPS Online Registration


Cultural Observances Around the World

April

All Month – Arab American Heritage Month 

All Month – Autism Awareness Month 

All Month – Month of the Military Child 

April 10 and April 12 - Good Friday and Easter (Orthodox)

April 14 – Vaisakhi (Sikh)

April 22 – Earth Day 

 

Optional Parent Input Form for
2026-2027 Class Placement

The end of the year is quickly approaching and we are already looking ahead to next school year. At Deer Park ES, your child’s academic success is our top priority. To determine the appropriate educational environment for your child for the 2026-2027 school year, we invite you to share information regarding your child’s needs.

List your child’s academic strengths and areas for growth or describe the type of discipline and/or reinforcement that works best for your child. You may also want to include your child’s learning style (visual, audio, tactile) and characteristics of the classroom structure or teacher personality that you feel will meet your child’s needs.

Your input is appreciated. Every effort will be made to place your child in the environment you request, but please keep in mind that not all requests can be granted. In addition, we are unable to honor specific teacher requests.

It is not required to fill this form out.

Parent Input Form DPES 2026-2027

Please return form to the office no later than June 12th.

 


ewallet pic

Scholastic Book Fair!

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! Get ready for the newest gotta-read books, bestselling series, and favorite characters that students love. Plus, every purchase supports our school. We can’t wait to have you join us for the Best. Week. Ever!

Sale Hours:

Wednesday, April 22: 9:00 - 3:20

Thursday, April 23: 9:00 - 3:20 and 5:00 - 6:30

Friday, April 24: 9:00 - 12:00

Make it easier than ever for your child to shop the book fair by creating an eWallet! Check out the details on our book fair homepage here.

 


paper doll pic

Celebrate Deer Park Week

April 20 - 24, 2026

Prior to spring break, we sent home a paper doll/flag to decorate representing your favorite foods, sports, a flag to show your family's heritage, your hobbies, etc. The dolls will be displayed in the hallways during our Celebrate DP Week.

Please return the doll to your child's classroom teacher by tomorrow, April 10th, 2026 (dolls will not be returned).

DP night pic

Thursday, April 23rd - 5:00-6:30 p.m.

What: A celebration of our Deer Park community, favorite foods, fitness, care for the earth and our love of reading.

When: Thursday, April 23 - 5pm to 6:30

Where:  Deer Park Cafeteria, Gym, Lobby, Library

The evening will include:

Shopping at the school book fair!
*Read-Alouds
*Make your own bookmark
*Centreville Regional Library
*Meet Asha Jyothi
*Food tastings from Deer Park Families
*Family Fitness & Healthy Living Night
*DP Green Team Exhibits
*Performances by community groups

Please sign up at this link: Bring your favorite finger food/dessert here! You can drop food off in the office on April 23, 2026 any time or bring it when you come in the evening.

Family Celebration Night- Food 2026

Family Celebration Night Food 2026 -Spanish

Family Celebration Night Food 2026-Korean

Family Celebration Night Food 2026-Arabic

Family Celebration Night Food 2026-Urdu


Community Peer Program

Deer Park Elementary School is pleased to announce that we will have community peers in our preschool program. The Community Peer Program provides an opportunity for preschoolers with all abilities to work and play on a regular basis.

Our program will invite community peers, who are aged 3 - 4 years old, to join our classroom. The early childhood special education program uses a child-centered approach to learning. The goal of this program is to encourage active learning and promote social interaction and acceptance.

Please complete the attached interest form or Families Interested in Community Peer Program Google Form  if you would like your 3-4 year old child to be considered for the Community Peer Program.

Community Peer Interest Form

26 27 Community Peer -English

26 27 Community Peer -Spanish


running bucky logo

Fun Fit Fridays Returning Soon

Get those sneakers ready for some morning exercise and fresh air to get your Fridays started with Principal D'Amato and friends.

As part of our wellness initiative, we invite you and your child(ren) to Fun Fit Friday.  Students in all grade levels (PK-6) are welcome to participate, as well as parents and teachers!

Starting April 24th through June 5th!

8:10 - 8:30 a.m.


Rising 7th Grade Health Message

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older; 
  • Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;  
  • A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
  • After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.

Rising-7th-Grader-Parent-Immunization Letter


PTA News
www.deerparkespta.org

PTA Afterschool Classes

Registration is OPEN! Hurry and grab a spot!We’re delighted to kick off our Spring 2026 session with an exciting lineup of Enrichment Programs for your children! 

⭐️REGISTRATION DETAILS ️ ⭐️

Opens: currently open

Closes:  Sunday, April 19 @ 11:59 PM

⭐️  ️ ️ FINANCIAL AID REGISTRATION DETAILS ️ ️ ⭐️

Opens: currently open

Closes:  Wednesday, April 15 @ 11:59 PM **

** closes earlier than general registration

Register here!

Tuesdays/April 28 to June 9

K-POP Hip Hop, Adrenaline Dance Force, K-6th $131
Cooking: Baroody Bakes, K-6th $220

Thursdays/April 30 to June 11

Canvas & Clay, KidCreate Studios, K-6th $180

Minecraft Architects: Building Our World, K-6th $220

pta class info pic

bingo nite

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. 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

 

brick

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 Order Deadline - April 13th

Place your yearbook order now, for the 2025-26 school year. Use code 22187, $20.00 each

We do not order extra copies, so please place your order now so you don't miss out.

 

Spirit Wear

The Spirit Wear Store is open online to grab your spiritwear!

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

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!


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.

Thank you Card My Yard Centreville  for yoursupport of our PTA programs! Use Code DPES20CVILLE for your own Card My Yard purchases to give back to the PTA.

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.

 

dj 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
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april may flowers

Upcoming Dates

April

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.

24th - Fun Fit Friday - on the track at 8:10 a.m.

24th - 6th Grade / Family Fun Bingo Night 6:00 p.m.

May

1st - 6th Grade Panoramic Photo

13th - May PTA Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

15th - Bucky's Block Party

20th - Early Release Wednesday - Dismissal at 12:25 p.m.

25th - Memorial Day Holiday / NO School

26th - Teacher Workday / NO School for Students

27th - Eid-Al-Adha Holiday / NO School


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