Deer Park Elementary News and Information February 19, 2026

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February 19, 2026

Early Release Wednesday

February 25 - Dismissal 12:25 p.m.

Our next early release Wednesday is February 25th, 2026. We will dismiss at 12:25 p.m. Our students will be dismissed the same way they were dismissed during the previous early release Wednesdays. Please plan accordingly.

February 25
March 25
April 29
May 20

Deer Park VS Coates

Friday, February 27th

Come out and cheer for Deer Park staff as they take on Coates Elementary staff in this annual heated rivalry. We need our Deer Park families to come out and cheer loudly, show your energy and school pride!

Last year it was a hard fought battle but Deer Park was victorious! Let's do it again this year!

Where: Westfield High School
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. / Game at 6:30 p.m.
Entrance: Door 11

Tickets - $4 per person or 4 tickets for $15.00

Tickets for the game and for concession items must be purchased at the door with cash or credit. No presales

Be sure to buy from Deer Park Concessions - Not Coates.

Please help support the PTA and Deer Park to make this event a success
by volunteering here!

Students MUST be accompanied by an adult. NO Drop offs.

100th Day of School!

Look how far we have come! Last Friday was our 100th Day of School. Students celebrated this milestone with counting, estimating, and dressing up as "a 100 year old person". We are 100 days smarter!

Literacy Celebrations

The students have been working hard on developing and demonstrating their reading skills. We are celebrating over 200 students who have showed significant growth at this point in the year. Certificates will be coming home for these students in their Thursday folders. Please join us in celebrating their hard work and progress.

In addition, as a school, we had 42% of our 3^rd through 6^th graders meet their annual typical growth at mid-year on the iReady assessments. We also have 36% of those students move up at least one grade level on the same assessment which increases our students performing at or above grade level to 47% instead of 34% from the beginning of the year.

All K-2 students and select 3-6 students took a Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) to identify students who are high risk for reading difficulties. Based on our fall assessments, we had 54% of our K-6 students identified to need additional reading support. On our winter assessment 20% of those students showed overall improvement.

The students have earned over 600 Lexia certificates with at least an 80% achievement. That achievement is reflected in 50% of students moving bands to reflect on or above grade level.

Menu Substitution

Due to availability the following change to the menu is necessary:

Breakfast:
Monday, February 23rd, serving Maple Belgian Waffles instead of Bagel.

See the menu at this LINK.

Black History Month at Deer Park

To celebrate Black History Month at Deer Park, classes PK-6 chose a famous Black American across various careers (arts, sciences, entertainment, education, literature, politics, etc.) to read and learn more about as a class. Classes in grades PK-3 created posters with their learning to display on the first floor of Deer Park and classes in grades 4-6 created Google slides that are being shown in the lobby.

Deer Park's Famous Black Americans Slideshow '26

FCPS' Black History Month Celebration

Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence

Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.

Summer Learning

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

PTA News
www.deerparkespta.org

Winter Dance Party - Tomorrow!

Dress up if you wish for our annual winter dance party!
Friday, February 20 in the Cafeteria
6-8 pm