Deer Park Elementary News and Information October 15, 2026

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Calendar reminder graphic

Early Release Wednesday

Our first early release Wednesday is October 21st.

School will dismiss at 12:25 p.m.

Your child will follow the dismissal procedure (staying or leaving early) that was indicated at Back to School Night. For student safety, please do not make any last minute changes to your child's dismissal plan.  (This does not include PAC, Preschool or Enhanced Aut classes)


preschool children with principal

Preschool's little learners bring the Prinicpal notes of appreciation.


 

Outstanding Employee Nominations 2026-2027

FCPS Needs Your Help!  If you have worked with an outstanding employee at Deer Park, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Deer Park families are invited to nominate outstanding employees.

We are now accepting nominations to recognize our outstanding employees at Deer Park for the 2026-2027 school year. Please consider nominating an outstanding member of our staff so that they may be recognized for their day-to-day efforts in supporting our students, staff and FCPS initiatives.

Nominations for Outstanding teacher; Outstanding Principal; Outstanding Professional Staff Leader; Outstanding Educational Services Employee; Outstanding Operational Services Employee.

LINK:  Submissions here! Thank you for your support!

Deer Park one school flyer mascot with children

6th Grade Happenings!

actor Khelo Thomas talking to students virtually

After finishing the book and the movie Holes, sixth grade students had an opportunity to have a video call with actor Khleo Thomas who played the character Hector “Zero” Zeroni.

Students were provided opportunities to step up to the microphone and practice their portrait of a graduate skills of communicators and ask questions they had come up with to Khleo who provided thoughtful answers and some background information about the filming process and movie. This added another layer of understanding and reality to Louis Sachar’s story. We are so grateful to Ms. Tobin for setting up this unique and memorable experience!”

student group asking questions to Khleo Thomas

6th Grade Youth Survey 

6th Graders participate in the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Friday, November 20th. Use the FCPS Youth Survey Site to access the parent letter, information on how to opt out your child from the Youth Survey, and a copy of the survey questions.


New Literacy Webinar Series

Fairfax County Public Schools is presenting a literacy webinar series to help families understand reading assessments, reading plans, and how to support their child at home.  The series and topics:

October 20,10 a.m.- Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child

December 15, 10 a.m.- What is a Reading Plan?

February 19, 10 a.m.- How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?

May 14, 10 a.m.- Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer. 

Register here: 2026 Webinar


Fall Weather!

Chilly fall weather is here, so please send your child to school dressed for the colder temperatures. We go outside for recess every day, so a warm coat, hat, and gloves are helpful. Dressing in layers can keep children comfortable throughout the day. Please label your child’s belongings with their name. Thank you for helping us keep everyone warm!


Coming Soon - Federal Impact Aid Survey

The Impact Aid Program is a federal program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program’s mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned, and therefore tax exempt, property.

FCPS is pleased to announce that the Federal Impact Aid Survey will once again be available electronically through your ParentVUE account beginning October 19th through January 31, 2027.

For families that do not have access to ParentVUE or prefer to complete a paper form, a printed form will be provided by the school after October 28th.

Find out more about the survey on the FCPS website.


westfield flyer for trunk or treat

Westfield Home Economics Club Hosting Trunk or Treat

The Westfield Home Economics club is hosting a trunk or treat event at Westfield High School on October 17th from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Offering candy as well as homemade healthy treats.

Wear your Halloween Costume and join the free fun!

 


black and white theatre ticket

Theatre 4 Kids!

Hello, Families!
We're excited to offer you new, free theatrical experiences this season! Here are the shows we are offering this October. Get your tickets by filling out the forms under each show!

This offer is sponsored by the non-profit organization, Theatre 4 Kids Foundation, run by FCPS high school students with a mission to inspire the next generation of performers, artists, and technicians by providing unforgettable performing arts experiences for students and their families. More information can be found at our website: theatre4kids.org, or email us at theatre4kidsfoundation@gmail.com!

Sincerely, Theatre 4 Kids

At the Alden Theatre-McLean Community Center

Borishevich Duo - Oct 25 @ 2 pm - 20 Tickets Available
Real-life couple pianist Margarita Loukachkina and violinist Nikita Borisevich and their piano prodigy son return to the Alden stage for an afternoon of breathtaking chamber music! Longtime audience-favorites, the group is well-known for creating a rich and intimate musical experience that celebrates artistry, connection and the joy of performing together. Enjoy an inspiring program of classical masterworks performed with passion, precision and heart. https://forms.gle/bxZGj52jGt9AvEPp7

At Westfield High School
Romeo & Juliet - Oct 15 @ 7 pm,  Oct 16 @ 7 pm, Oct 17 @ 2 + 7 pm
In Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall passionately in love despite their families’ bitter feud. Their secret romance sets in motion a chain of passion, conflict, and heartbreaking consequences. A story of young love, family rivalry, and the enduring power of hope. https://forms.gle/pp5izTfdK5aYThEw6

At Irving Middle School

Princess Party Smackdown and In the Forests of the Night - Oct 23 @ 7 pm, Oct 24th @ 7pm
Olivia's seventh birthday party is going to be amazing. Her mother is going to make sure of it. That's why she's hired five different princesses and a weird alien thing to show up. But Olivia's outrageous demands lead to an improv-ed princess show that ends in bloody noses, animal sacrifice, and probably an alien takeover of the planet. In the Forests of the Night: Thirteen students are compelled by their dreams to play a game in the woods to keep a mysterious monster at bay. Not everyone gets to play it again. https://forms.gle/6sQZefWbEWXoTdSU7


Beginner Course Underwater Hockey

Oakmont Rec Center / Saturdays 5:45-7:00 p.m. for Youth ages 8-14 (co-ed)

Check the website for exact dates and costs. Parents can learn too with a 50% discount. Similar to the local youth soccer teams, we're a non-profit run by volunteers but there is a cost associated with it to cover the pool time. 

All equipment is provided, participants only need to wear a swimsuit and bring a towel.

scan code for underwater hockey

Find more information at the website: https://capitaluwh.org/youth or use the scan code!


Superintendent Community Conversations

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.


PTA News
www.deerparkespta.org

Fun Run - Last Day to Donate Today

It's not too late to help us reach our goal!

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!

https://mybooster.com/v3

 

Fall Festival!
October 23: 6-8PM

Food trucks, bounce house, face painting, games and music!

Parental supervision is required; this is not a drop off event.

clipart orange car with trunk open and candy for trunk or treat

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!

pta fall festival flyer with pumpkins ghosts sponsor logos

girlscout with green slime

 

New Kindergarten Girl Scout Troops Being Formed!

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

 

engraved brick with Deer Park Elementary PTA

Brick Fundraiser

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: 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!  Sign 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.

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

follow pta social media clip art

fall clipart pumpkin october leaves

Upcoming Dates

October

16 - Last Day to donate to the Fun Run Goal!

19 - Federal Impact Aid Survey available to complete in Parentvue

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

23 - PTA Fall Festival - 6-8PM

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

November

1 - Daylight Saving Time Ends (clocks fall back 1 hour)

2 and 3 - Teacher Workdays / No School for students

10 - Fall Picture Make-Up Day

11 - Veterans Day Assembly @ 9:30 a.m. (more information to come)

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

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

20 - 6th Grade Youth Survey 

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.

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