What's New?

From the Desk of Mrs. Warman

Dear Amity Families,

Thank you for a wonderful first week back from break! December definitely arrived in full force—with the cold and a few flakes of snow to welcome us into the season.

Throughout this quarter, the Amity Roller Rink has been rolling full speed ahead in our PE classes. Our students have absolutely loved this experience, and the excitement in the gym has been easy to see each day. A huge thank you to Mrs. Fowler for bringing this fantastic program and opportunity to our school. We are grateful for all the work that has gone into giving our Wildcats such a fun and memorable experience.

I will admit… I have yet to be brave enough to lace up a pair of skates myself—but I’m sure the students will convince me eventually!

As we head into next week, please remember to send students dressed warmly for outdoor recess. We will continue to go outside as long as the “feels like” temperature is above 25 degrees.

Thank you for another great week at Amity.

Laura

Amity Weekly Photo Gallery

This is the Amity Weekly Photo Gallery! Each week, you'll find a collection of photos from the week, captured by our dedicated teachers and staff. These snapshots highlight the wonderful moments and activities happening throughout our school. Be sure to check it out and see all the amazing things our students are up to!

Full Gallery

Sick Guidelines Reminder

Cold and flu season is here! Please review our Sick Guidelines to know when your child should stay home—especially for symptoms like fever, vomiting/diarrhea, flu/COVID-like illness, strep throat, pinkeye, and other contagious conditions. If a student becomes ill at school, families will be asked to pick them up.

Thank you for helping keep our classrooms healthy and ready for learning!

Click the link below to view the full Sick Guidelines document.

View Here

School Closing Information Reminder

As we enter a season of unpredictable weather, we want to ensure all families are prepared in the event of a school closing or delay. Deer Park Schools will share any schedule changes through multiple communication channels, including:

• Text and phone call alerts

• Email notifications

• The district website

• Local news stations

• District social media accounts

Please take a moment to verify your contact information is up to date on FinalForms and make sure you are connected to the platforms that work best for your family. With potentially hazardous weather in the forecast over the coming weeks, staying informed will help ensure everyone remains safe and prepared.

Amity Counselor Newsletter

Breakthrough Cincinnati: Academic Enrichment Program

Breakthrough Cincinnati (BTC) is a four-year, tuition-free academic enrichment program designed to energize students to enter college with confidence.

What can families expect?

• A four-year program beginning the summer before 6th grade, but students can apply entering any grade between entering 6th graders and entering 9th grade

• Tuition-free academic-focused summer and school year programs, including meals, field trips, and supplies.

• Year-round support including monthly college and career enrichment, weekly tutoring, and continued college-focused support throughout high school.

• Mentoring from college-aged role models (Teaching Fellows) and a network of like-minded peers.

• Summer Program Dates: June 29, 2026–July 31, 2026 (excludes July 3). A typical day runs from 9 AM to 4 PM. Transportation to and from the program is included.

• Who does BTC prioritize? BTC prioritizes students who are:

  • First Generation College Students

  • From Single Parent Households

  • Low Income

Students currently in 5th or 6th grade who aspire to attend college are prioritized to apply, and students currently in 7th and 8th grade may also apply. There is a request to continue the program through its entirety for 4 years if you begin in grade 6.

To Apply: Visit breakthroughcincinnati.org.

No School Winter Break

On December 19th there will be no school for students as our teachers will be participating in Professional Development and Records. Then Winter Break will be Monday December 22nd- January 5th. Students will return to school on Tuesday January 6th, 2026.

Lost & Found Reminder

Our Lost and Found is beginning to overflow! If your child is missing a sweatshirt, coat, water bottle, or any other item, please encourage them to stop by the Lost and Found located next to the nurse’s office.

All unclaimed items will be donated over Winter Break, so please take a moment to check before they’re gone. Thank you for helping us reunite these items with their owners!

Attendance Matters

Sandy’s Closet & Family Resources

As the weather turns colder, Sandy’s Closet is fully stocked with winter coats, socks, and other warm clothing items — all free for our Deer Park families! The closet is open every school day from 8:00 AM–3:30 PM. If you need an alternate time to visit, please email Patty Hadden at hadden.p@dpccsd.org to arrange a convenient pickup.

In addition, simple, ready-to-make meal packs are available through Student Services at Holmes. Families may stop by the office any school day or contact us directly for support.

We encourage all families to take advantage of these wonderful resources — they’re here to help keep our students and families warm, supported, and well-fed this season!

For any questions, individuals can contact Pam Gilreath.

Student Safety Reminder

As we move into the winter months and the mornings become darker, we want to remind everyone to be extra cautious during arrival and dismissal times. Please be mindful of our students walking to and from school and drive slowly when entering or exiting the Amity parking lot. Just a reminder that the main driveway entrance off of Galbraith becomes a Do Not Enter zone after 7:30 AM. This helps ensure the safety of students and staff in that area. Thank you for your continued attention to keeping all of our Wildcats safe!

Recess During Cold Weather

With a return to colder temperatures, please remember to send your child to school with appropriate outdoor attire for recess. We will be going outside whenever the “feels like” temperature is 25 degrees or above. This gives our students time to burn some energy while getting some fresh air. Our recesses are 20-30 minutes so it is important that our students be comfortable while they are outside. 

Amity Elementary Community Resources

Click Here

Deer Park School Lunch

Reminder each school year families have to reapply for Free and Reduced Lunch. There are applications in the front office at Amity. Please reach out to Diane Daily with any questions 513-936-6275.

December Lunch Menu

Due to supply issues, lunch menu options change frequently based on availability. The most up-to-date menu is below, however, please continue to check the Deer Park Food Services website for the latest information.

Visit the Website

Looking Ahead

Please mark these important dates on your calendar:

• Professional Development/Records Day (No School): Friday, December 19
• Winter Break (No School): December 22-January 5  
  • School resumes on Tuesday Jan. 6

In Case You Missed It

Arrival & Dismissal Reminder

Just a quick reminder to please be mindful and respectful of our neighbors during arrival and dismissal. Our shared goal is to make sure every student gets to and from school safely. Thanks for helping us keep things running smoothly!

Cell Phone Policy

We understand that students are starting to get cell phones in the later grades within Amity. Please help us in talking to your student about the following expectations prior to the start of school. This year Amity Elementary students will be expected to turn their cell phones off when they get to Amity in the morning and keep them off until the end of the day. This is a change from last year. We believe this will help eliminate distractions throughout the academic day. Because all students are issued a chrome book at the beginning of the school year there is not a need for students to access their cell phones during the school day for academic purposes. If students need to connect with you during the school day, they are welcome to use the phone in the front office to call you.

FinalForms

We will continue to utilize FinalForms in an effort to help simplify your life!  Please login to FinalForms at https://deerpark-oh.finalforms.com to update any new information or to confirm that there are no changes for the 2025-26 school year. If you do not have a home computer, please use one of Amity’s computers during the Meet and Greet located in the PDC or visit the local library where computers are available for public use.

Schoology

The Schoology Learning Management System offers a tremendous amount of information in a user friendly version. You will be able to communicate with your child’s teachers, check homework and grades, and find teacher resources through teacher Schoology pages.

Schoology Link

2025-26 PDF District Calendar

Each year, the Deer Park Board of Education approves the district's yearly calendar, which can be found on the Deer Park Schools website. This calendar includes official school dates, holidays, and breaks. Additionally, a printed event calendar will be sent home with your student during the first week of school. For your convenience, you can access the PDF calendar using the link provided below.

View the Calendar

Staying Connected

There are multiple ways to stay connected to Amity Elementary School.

• Email Newsletter: All parents who have completed FinalForms should receive Amity Weekly Newsletters. If you are not currently receiving them, please register for the email communication. To register, simply go to www.deerparkcityschools.org and click on the button on the bottom of the page that says “Subscribe to District News”. From there, you will send an email requesting that you be added to future email communication from the district.
• X: Follow Deer Park Schools for the most up-to-date news and happenings at @DeerParkSchools or @DeerParkAmity
• Facebook: follow us at Deer Park Community City Schools.

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Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success

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A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians of Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School Students,

As we approach the final weeks of the semester, we want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. This time of year can be especially busy for students and families, and we truly appreciate everything you do to help keep your child engaged and on track. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our PTO, Athletic Boosters, Band and Color Guard Boosters, and Drama Boosters. Your dedication and support make a tremendous difference for our students—thank you for all you do.

We also want to remind you that our winter exams are scheduled for the final week of the semester. Please review the exam schedule and expectations outlined below. These assessments provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their growth and understanding of the semester’s material. As we prepare, please encourage your child to review their coursework, take advantage of teacher-provided study resources, and get plenty of rest.

Warm regards,
John Vander Meer
Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School Principal

Building Spotlight

Congratulations to our December H3 MVP Students of the Month! We celebrated these outstanding students on Friday morning with a recognition reception, and their photos are now proudly displayed in the vestibule at the main entrance. A special thank-you to our sponsors, MVP and the PTO, for their continued support in making these celebrations possible.

• Ella Behrens - 7th Grade
• Luke Gertz - 8th Grade
• Abigail Hagy - 9th Grade
• Aliyah Waters - 10th Grade
• Ruby Adamson - 11th Grade
• Greg Leonard - 12th Grade

Hospitality Pre-Apprenticeship Success

Two of our students recently completed their hospitality pre-apprenticeships through the CEES program at the University of Cincinnati, and we are excited to highlight their accomplishments!

Tiana Hornsby spent the semester gaining real-world experience at Starbucks, while Rita Venus worked at the Teacher’s Café on UC’s campus. Both students participated in on-site learning every Wednesday, building valuable skills in customer service, workplace communication, and time management.

Building News

Winter Exam Week (This is different from the EOC Testing Listed Above)

Please see this  Document for schedule and we will have more information to come.

Breakthrough Cincinnati: Academic Enrichment Program

Breakthrough Cincinnati (BTC) is a four-year, tuition-free academic enrichment program designed to energize students to enter college with confidence.

What can families expect?

• A four-year program beginning the summer before 6th grade, but students can apply entering any grade between entering 6th graders and entering 9th grade
• Tuition-free academic-focused summer and school year programs, including meals, field trips, and supplies.
• Year-round support including monthly college and career enrichment, weekly tutoring, and continued college-focused support throughout high school.
• Mentoring from college-aged role models (Teaching Fellows) and a network of like-minded peers.
• Summer Program Dates: June 29, 2026–July 31, 2026 (excludes July 3). A typical day runs from 9 AM to 4 PM. Transportation to and from the program is included.
• Who does BTC prioritize? BTC prioritizes students who are:
  • First Generation College Students
  • From Single Parent Households
  • Low Income

Students currently in 5th or 6th grade who aspire to attend college are prioritized to apply, and students currently in 7th and 8th grade may also apply. There is a request to continue the program through its entirety for 4 years if you begin in grade 6.

To Apply: Visit breakthroughcincinnati.org.

School Closing Information Reminder

As we enter a season of unpredictable weather, we want to ensure all families are prepared in the event of a school closing or delay. Deer Park Schools will share any schedule changes through multiple communication channels, including:

• Text and phone call alerts

• Email notifications

• The district website

• Local news stations

• District social media accounts

Please take a moment to verify your contact information is up to date and make sure you are connected to the platforms that work best for your family. With potentially hazardous weather in the forecast over the coming weeks, staying informed will help ensure everyone remains safe and prepared.

Sandy’s Closet & Family Resources

As the weather turns colder, Sandy’s Closet is fully stocked with winter coats, socks, and other warm clothing items — all free for our Deer Park families! The closet is open every school day from 8:00 AM–3:30 PM. If you need an alternate time to visit, please email Patty Hadden at hadden.p@dpccsd.org to arrange a convenient pickup.

In addition, simple, ready-to-make meal packs are available through Student Services at Holmes. Families may stop by the office any school day or contact us directly for support.

We encourage all families to take advantage of these wonderful resources — they’re here to help keep our students and families warm, supported, and well-fed this season!

Free & reduced Lunch Form

This is an important reminder that Free and Reduced Lunch forms must be completed every school year. Benefits do not roll over from the previous year.

Please log in to Final Forms and complete a new application so your child can start or continue receiving free or reduced lunch and breakfast.

If you have any questions, please contact Traci Day at day.t@dpccsd.org.

We want to ensure every student has what they need to be successful at school. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions.

Counselor's Corner

Click HERE for the Counselor’s Corner!

Looking Ahead

• Boys JH Basketball vs. Madeira: Monday, December 8 | 4:30/5:30 p.m.
• HS Choir (Crawford): Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 7 p.m.
• Amity 4th Grade Holiday Musical (Amity Gym): Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 6 p.m.
• JH Holiday Concerts (Crawford): Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 7/8:15 p.m.
• Boys/Girls Varsity Bowling vs. Indian Hill (Eastgate Bowl): Wednesday, December 10 | 3:30 p.m.
• Boys JH Basketball vs. Mariemont: Wednesday, December 10 | 4:30/5:30 p.m.
• Boys JV/Varsity Basketball vs. Finneytown: Wednesday, December 10 | 6:30/8 p.m.
• Boys/Girls Varsity Bowling vs. Mariemont (Madison Bowl): Thursday, December 11 | 3:30 p.m.
• 6th Grade Band/Choir Holiday Concert (Crawford): Thursday, Dec. 11 | 6:30 p.m.
• Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Madeira: Friday, December 12 | 6:30 p.m.
• JH Girls Basketball vs. Taylor: Monday, December 15 | 4:30 p.m.
• High School Bands Holiday Concert (Crawford): Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 6:30 p.m.

In Case You Missed It

Schoology and FinalForms

Please be sure your FinalForms are updated. Please check your previously entered information for accuracy. You may click here to access the forms and get started.

Secondly, as a reminder, teachers use Schoology to keep grades and assignments up to date. Schoology’s platform offers a tremendous amount of information in a user-friendly version. You will be able to communicate with your child’s teachers and check homework and grades through Schoology. If you need your Schoology login information, please contact the main office at 513-891-0010.

Bell Schedule

For the Jr./Sr. High School  Schedule please click here Click Here 

A couple of things to keep in mind regarding the daily schedule:

• The school day will be 8:10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Doors will open at 7:30 a.m Students may buy breakfast during this time
• All students arriving prior to 8:00 a.m. will report to the cafeteria until the bell rings, releasing them to their lockers and class.

Update to Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School Backpack & Cell Phone Policy

Following the recent enactment of a bill by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, all schools are now mandated to implement cell phone policies. In alignment with this directive and our commitment to fostering an optimal learning atmosphere, Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School students will be required to put all electronic devices—including cell phones, headphones, AirPods, and similar items—in their backpacks or lockers. Students will be allowed to take their backpacks to class this year. This will enable all students to arrive to class on time and provide extra protection for their Chromebooks.

If a student is caught with their phone, headphones, or other electronic devices out anytime during the school day, they will be required to place the device in an assigned Yondr Pouch going forward for a determined period. Please see the student handbook for complete details. For any questions or further discussion, feel free to contact me directly at 513-891-0010 or via email at vandermeer.j@dpccsd.org.

Your support is crucial to the continued success of this expectation at Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School. Together, we can provide a more enriching and distraction-free learning environment for our students.

Attendance Reminders/Updates:

Please review the following instructions:

• When a student is absent, please call the attendance line at 891-2414 before the start of the school day.
• If a student will have a late arrival or early dismissal, please email DPHSattendance@dpccsd.org no more than one day in advance. Be sure to include the student's name, reason for leaving/arriving late, and the time the student will be picked up.
  • Ensure that all emails come from an address we have on file for a parent/guardian. If the email address is not on file, it will not be accepted.
  • If you send an email or a physical note for early dismissal, you do not need to come in to sign your child out; we will allow them to sign out on their own.
  • However, if you only call and do not provide written permission, you will be required to come into the school and sign your child out on the SafeId kiosk, located in the main lobby.
• Even if your child is 18, they will not be permitted to leave without parental permission.
• Any medical appointment or court appearance is excused and will not be counted against a student.
  • These appointments will only be marked as medically excused once documentation (e.g., a medical note) has been received to verify.

Dress Code Reminders

As we welcome everyone back for another exciting school year, we want to remind students and parents about the importance of adhering to our dress code, especially with the extreme heat we're experiencing. We understand that staying cool is a priority, but it's equally important to dress appropriately for the school environment. Please ensure that all clothing choices align with our dress code policy, which promotes a respectful and focused learning atmosphere. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. For your reference, dress code information can be found in the student handbook which is accessible through FinalForms.

2025-26 PDF District Calendar

Each year, the Deer Park Board of Education approves the district's yearly calendar, which can be found on the Deer Park Schools website. This calendar includes official school dates, holidays, and breaks. Additionally, a printed event calendar will be sent home with your student during the first week of school. For your convenience, you can access the PDF calendar using the link provided below.

View the Calendar

Staying Connected

There are multiple ways to stay connected to Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School. Please see the attached flyer for ways to stay connected through Email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Text Messages.

• E-Mail: Newsletter: All parents who have completed FinalForms should receive Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School Weekly Newsletters. If you are not currently receiving them, please register for the e-mail communication. To register, simply go to www.deerparkcityschools.org and click on the button on the bottom of the page that says “Subscribe to District News”. From there, you will send an email requesting that you be added to future email communication from the district.
• X: Follow Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School for the most up-to-date news and happenings! @DeerParkHS, @DeerParkSchools, @dpcounselor, and @DP_Athletics
• Instagram: Follow @deerparkhs for photos featuring students, teachers and staff!
• Facebook: Follow us at Deer Park Community City Schools and Deer Park Jr/Sr High School.

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Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success

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The Deer Park Schools Holiday Concert Series is set to begin next week, showcasing the incredible talents of our students across grade levels. These festive performances are a highlight of the season and are open and free to the public.

The series will feature a variety of concerts and performances that promise to fill the air with holiday cheer. All events will take place at the Crawford Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Below are the details for each performance:

• HS Choir (Crawford Auditorium): Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 7 p.m.
• Amity 4th Grade Holiday Musical (Amity Gym): Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 6 p.m.
• JH Holiday Concerts (Crawford Auditorium): Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 7/8:15 p.m.
• 6th Grade Band/Choir Holiday Concert (Crawford Auditorium): Thursday, Dec. 11 | 6:30 p.m.
• High School Bands Holiday Concert (Crawford Auditorium): Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m.

These concerts provide a wonderful opportunity for the Deer Park community to come together and celebrate the season with the sounds of student music and performance. We invite family, friends, and neighbors to join us in supporting our young musicians and performers.

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Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success!

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Deer Park families and staff members:

Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, all Deer Park Schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority, and the current weather forecast indicates conditions that make travel unsafe.

All extracurricular activities, practices, and events scheduled for Tuesday are also canceled. We encourage everyone to stay off the roads if possible and to exercise caution if travel is necessary.

Families are reminded to monitor the district’s official website (deerparkcityschools.org) and social media channels for further updates. Should additional closures or delays be required, we will communicate that information promptly.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our Deer Park community. Stay warm and safe, Wildcats!

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Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success!

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