Deer Park Elementary News and Information April 30, 2026

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April 30, 2026


kiss and ride map with arrows detailing how parents should drop off students

Safety First Please!

We have had an increase in cars entering the bus loop in the morning creating a dangerous situation with late buses entering at the same time. Please do not enter the bus loop to drop off students. 

Students arriving after 8:40 a.m. are late and must be escorted to the office after the parent has parked in a parking spot.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe.


6th Grade Panoramic Photo Tomorrow

Friday, May 1st - 8:45 a.m.

Don't be absent and don't be late!  No Makeup Day

All orders placed before photo day will be shipped home with no shipping charge.

Place your pre-order here.


school mascot a deer with blue tshirt with Deer Park on it pictured running

Fun Fit Friday Tomorrow!

Join Principal D'Amato and friends on the track every Friday morning (weather permitting) at 8:10 a.m. for some fresh air and exercise to get your day started.

Everyone is welcome.

Fridays through June 5th! 8:10 - 8:30 a.m.


comic book style graphic featuring the words "pep rally" in yellow and red

SOL Testing Season is Upon Us

On Tuesday Principal D'Amato held a Pep Rally for students in Grades 3-6. Let's swap "test anxiety" for "test energy"!  Let's Go Deer Park!

3rd Grade: May 5th Reading; May 12th Math

4th Grade: April 29th Reading; May 19th Math

5th Grade: May 7th Reading; May 14th Science and May 22nd Math

6th Grade: May 8th Reading; May 21st Math

pep rally photo with banner of Deer Parkpep rally photo with students

 

School Lunch Hero Day!

May 1st is School Lunch Hero Day when we take this opportunity to honor our dedicated cafeteria team! Our students in grades 3-6 made cards for our cafeteria staff to show their gratitude for all that they do for our students.

Thank you Ms. Martin, Ms. Cho, Ms. Kim, Ms. Zheng and Ms. Jeong!

Five cafeteria staff members posed in front of children's drawings

a collage of 12 images titled Celebrate DP Week 2026

Celebrate Deer Park Night was a Success!

Thank you to all the families who brought a dish to share!  A special thanks to the singers of Shrek, High Kicks and Taekwondo in Action for their high energy performances! It was wonderful to see our community enjoy all the activities the night had to offer.

A special thanks to Ms. Stamp and Ms. Wheeler for organizing this wonderful community event.

rectangular mosaic-style display made with decorated popsicle sticks with words united in Kindness

May 6 - Let's Get Moving

banner with text "walk bike and roll" in colorful blue and green tones

National Walk, Bike and Roll to school day is May 6!  Let's celebrate the joys of active commuting and joining the community spirit by walking or riding together.

 It’s fun! Remember the thrill of riding a bike for the first time or walking or rolling to school on the first day? There’s a feeling of joy and independence—a sense of adventure—that doesn’t fade. Of course, there are many other benefits to walking, biking or rolling to school too.


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.

Parent Input Form DPES 2026-2027 (it is not required to complete this form)

 


Community Peer Playdate

Welcome to our Community Peer Playdate for the 2026–27 school year!

Peers in the community who are age 3-4 are invited to join us on June 10th from 1:30–2:30 PM for a fun and engaging time to connect, play, and build friendships.

Location: Deer Park ES, Room 8 (Please enter through Door 1 to check in at the main office)

Would you like more information about the program? Please complete this google form.


Westfield High School Spring Musical

Westfield High School Theatre Presents

Anastasia: The Musical

Journey to the past with us! Perfect for all ages!

April 30, May 1, May 2, May 8 at 7 PM
May 3 & May 9 at 12 PM

Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student/senior. All seats reserved. All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com

Note: May 1st at 7pm is our American Sign Language interpreted performance.

theatrical poster for the Anastasia production at Westfield High School

PTA News
www.deerparkespta.org

Staff Appreciation Week May 4-8

This year our theme is Red, White & Blue - We Appreciate You! We have daily treats planned, and updating their staff lounges with new tables, chairs and decor! We need your help to spoil them! Please consider donating to our staff appreciation gift and treats!

appreciate clipart

Sign up to support the festivities!

Teacher Wishlists and Favorites here!

Staff Appreciation Spirit Week (May 4-8)

Monday - Surprise your teacher with a "stack" of colorful items like post-it notes, stationary or flair pens. WEAR your favorite red, white or blue pajamas.

Tuesday - Show your teacher there is no one better than them by bringing a special note or card from you!  WEAR school colors or spirit wear.

Wednesday - Put together a red, white and blue snack pack for your teacher or their favorites.  WEAR your favorite team jersey. Bonus if it is red, white and blue.

Thursday - Bring a single RED flower (real or paper) for a Red-y to Bloom desk bouquet. Seeds or a potted plant is nice too!  WEAR wacky red, white and blue hair or accessory day.

Friday - Send your STAR teacher off to celebrate the weekend with a gift card from you!  WEAR your favorite red, white and blue outfit.

spirit week chart with ideas of activities each day in red and blue

 

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!

Click here to become a sponsor.

 

Mt. Kim Martial Arts (Before & Afterschool) 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 for your support of our PTA programs! Use Code DPES20CVILLE for your own Card My Yard purchases to give back to the PTA.

Thank you Victory Martial Arts  for your partnership and support. Check out their class specials  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.

Creating the Ultimate DJ experience for weddings, events, clubs and everything in-between.

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

bounce logo
ls logo

LS Plumbing Services, thank you for your support.

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may clip art

Upcoming Dates

May

1st - 6th Grade Panoramic Photo

4th - 8th - Staff Appreciation Week

6th - National Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day

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

15th - Bucky's Block Party

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

22nd - Last Day to checkout Library Books

25th - Memorial Day Holiday / NO School

26th - Teacher Workday / NO School for Students

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

June

3rd - Field Day

3rd - ALL Library books must be returned

4th - Strings and Band Concert, 6:00 p.m.

5th - 6th Grade Musical, Shrek Jr, 7:00 p.m.

9th - SCA, Patrol & Green Team Celebration (students only)

10th - June PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

7th - Run Club Neighborhood 5K Final Run

12th - Kindergarten Blastoff Ceremony @ 1:00 p.m.

16th - 6th Grade Celebration Party (students only)

16th - Last day for AM/PM, ECCB Preschool

17th - 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony 9:00 a.m. (doors open @ 8:45 for parents)

17th - Last Day of School - Dismissal at 1:25 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