Deer Park Elementary News and Information October 8, 2026

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October 8, 2026


Deer Park bucky mascot in tshirt, shorts and sneakers

Fun Fit Friday AND

PTA Fun Run Tomorrow

Put those sneakers on for Fun Fit Friday first thing in the morning AND tomorrow is go time for the PTA Fun Run!

See PTA Fun Run information below!

Send your student to school wearing appropriate clothing and sneakers to be ready for tomorrow’s Deer Park Fun Run.

Parents are welcome to come and cheer!

9:00-10:00 AM - 2nd, 3rd, and Primary Enhanced Aut
10:30-11:30 - Kindergarten, 1st Grade, AM Preschool, ECIP, PAC
12:40-1:40 - 6th Grade, PM Preschool
2:20-3:20 - 4th, 5th and Upper Enhanced Aut

 Volunteers appreciated: Fun Run Volunteers! Thank you for supporting our DP students!!


National Principal's Month

principal damato

October is National Principal's Month

We celebrate Principal D'Amato for his exceptional dedication, kindness, and leadership. His support helps our students and staff feel valued and
encouraged every day.

We appreciate all Principal D'Amato does to make our school a wonderful place to learn and work!

School Performance!

The Virginia Department of Education has released the "School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF) accountability data and finds Deer Park in the "Distinguished" performance category with an overall rating of 91 Points. We are fully accredited!

This report is based on state reading, math and science assessments. Schools receive credit for students approaching grade level standards, English Learner student growth and readiness which is also based on the school's chronic absenteeism rate! Attendance matters. 

 


Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day

Yesterday was a beautiful morning for the National Walk, Bike and Roll to school Day. We have a new record of 106 students that walked
or biked to school. Thank you for participating.  

A big thank you to Ms. Marco for organizing the event and to BUCKY who stopped by to cheer for the students!

students, teacher and mascot on walk to school day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Monday, October 12

Student Holiday
No school for students

Monday, October 12, is a student holiday and school planning day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. See the complete school year calendar.

Calendar reminder graphic
thumb tack with mark your calendar clipart

 

Early Release Wednesday

Our first early release Wednesday is October 21st.

School will dismiss at 12:25 p.m.

(This does not include PAC, Preschool or
Enhanced Aut classes)


 

Westfield Homecoming Parade

Westfield HS had their homecoming parade last Friday. Thank you to all who came out to support the band and Westfield/Deer Park community and catch some candy!

FCPS principals at Westfield parade

 

Custodian Appreciation Day

A big thank you to our Custodial Team, Doris, Adel, Maria, Marta, Erasmo and Khai taking care of our Deer Park home.

They keep Deer Park sparkling clean and safe day and night.

6 bucky school mascot dressed in tshirt for custodian apprc day

 

Asha Jyothi Ceremony

Asha Jyothi continues its commitment to education by providing Yearly Educate Innovate Grants and Matching School Donations. Principal D'Amato joined the celebration and check distribution ceremony on October 1st along with other FCPS and Loudoun County leaders. Deer Park received $4,956.

The money will be used for student field trips, school-wide hands on learning experiences in STEAM and to support all student needs.

Thank you Deer Park Community for your support!

asha jyothi group with principal and Dr Reid

 

What to Wear in P.E.

Wear the right shoes for PE!  Play safe and have fun!

Not Appropriate:
Flip flops, Crocs, Heelys, Slides, Boots, Dress Shoes, Sandals and Platform Shoes

Appropriate:
Athletic Shoes, Running Shoes, Cross Training Shoes, Basketball Shoes, Tennis Shoes

The right shoes help prevent injuries and help your
child do their best!

shoes for PE class

Westfield HS flyer for production of Romeo and Juliet

 

Westfield High School Theatre

Workshop Details: 
Westfield High School Theatre is offering a FREE workshop for students in 4th to 8th grade on October 12 from 10am to noon.

Students will play theatre games, take a backstage tour, and enjoy an immersive theatre experience!

 

Registration required, space is limited,
Sign up here.

Performance Details:  Westfield High School Theatre Presents

A story of young love, family rivalry, and the enduring power of hope.
October 15th & 16th at 7 PM
October 17th at 2 PM & 7 PM.

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

Note: October 16th at 7pm is our American Sign Language interpreted performance.


 

Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr

FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place. 

Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff. 

Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day. 

A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.

 

Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey

As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. 

Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15. 

Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu. 

 

FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers

FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.

Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:

  • Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
  • Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.

Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.

 


save the date starburst

 

Bucky's Thanksgiving Barbeque Bash

Save the Date!

When: November 19th

Time: During your child's regularly scheduled lunch time.

Menu: Grilled 100% all beef hot dog, chips, dessert treat and water.

We hope you can join us for this FREE family event.


 

New ParentVUE Mobile App is Here

The new ParentVUE mobile app is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The updated app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure FCPS sign-in experience.

Families who use the mobile app must download the new version by December 2026 to maintain continued access to their child’s information through the app. Families will still be able to access ParentVUE through a web browser.

In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.

Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app.


PTA News
www.deerparkespta.org

Fun Run Tomorrow!

It's not too late to sign up! We are getting closer to reaching our goal of $25,000, but the recipe for success isn't complete without you! Sign up at MyBooster.com today. Just a few minutes of your time can make a BIG difference.

great wolf lodge flyer splash into your day pass

Every ounce of support is like adding the secret ingredient to create something amazing for our students. Plus, registered families can earn @greatwolflodge day passes when our fundraising goal is reached. Sign up and share your page to help us get there!

We will collect money until October 16th!

We appreciate our volunteers! Please sign up here: deerparkespta.org/fun-run

 

Trunk or Treat Trunk

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat is October 23rd from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Donations for candy or trinkets can be dropped off in the office. Bring your own candy/trinkets as backup.

Sign up to Decorate for Trunk or Treat Fall Festival !

clip art trunk or treat with candy

 

New Kindergarten Girl Scout Troops
Being Formed

Girlscout

 

Tuesdays Location: London Towne Elementary School
Date: October 20
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM

Thursdays Location: Bull Run Elementary School
Date: October 15
Time: 6:15–7:15 PM

Email for more information: megankdurst@gmail.com


 

PTA Reflections Art Contest time

Calling all Deer Park artists and creators! It’s PTA Reflections Art Contest time!

What is Reflections? It’s a PTA-sponsored art contest held at Deer Park every year that gives YOU a chance to get creative, express yourself, and share your ideas!

This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.”

So, think about what makes your culture special to you, get creative, and turn your ideas into art!

Don’t forget—all entries are due November 16, 2026.

Have questions? Ask your teacher or have a grown-up reach out to the PTA for more information.

We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!

 

pta art reflections clipart

Call for Entries / Explore the arts and express yourself!

Deadline for entries is
November 16, 2026

Link to entry form:  Entry form.

Submit: 
Submit here.

For details, click here.

 

 

 

Brick Fundraiser

brick with engraving pta and school mascot deer with shorts and tshirt

Be a permanent part of our school’s history with the Deer Park Elementary Brick Fundraiser. Your personalized brick will be displayed on school grounds for years to come, creating a lasting "pathway" of support. 

Find out more and how to order: 

DP PTA Design your Brick!

Membership

Yearly Membership renewal for 2026-2027 school year is open!  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 you signed up for the PTA!

Spirit Wear and Spirit Days

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 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 for more information.

Mt. Kim Martial Arts and After School

Card My Yard Centreville

Victory Martial Arts

BOWA

Centreville Aquarium

DJ Bounce

pta social media logo

clipart pumpkin and flowers

Upcoming Dates

October

9 - PTA Fun Run

12 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day for Staff

19 - Federal Impact Aid Survey forms available in Parentvue

21 - Early Release Wednesday - 3 hr Early Dismissal at 12:25 p.m.

23 - PTA Fall Festival

30 - 1st Quarter Ends / 2 hr Early Dismisal at 1:25 p.m.

November

1 - Daylight Saving Time ends (clocks move back 1 hour)

2 and 3 - Teacher Workdays / No School for students

10 - Fall Picture Make-Up Day

11 - PTA Meeting - 6:30 p.m. Deer Park Library and Virtual

12 - 1st Quarter Progress Reports go home in Thursday Folders

16 - PTA Art Reflection Entries deadline to submit

19 - Bucky's Bash - During your child's scheduled lunchtime

25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break / No School

December

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

10 - 5th and 6th Grade Chorus Concert @ 6:00 p.m.

19 - PTA Ice Skating Night

December 21 - January 1st - Winter Break

School resumes January 4th, 2027


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

Attendance line: deerparkelem.attendance@fcps.edu

Attendance voicemail:  703-802-5011