What's New?

From the Desk of Mr. Drouhard

Dear Amity Families,

It was great seeing everyone along the parade route on Friday! I always love when students see their teachers outside their classroom. Their eyes light up, they give the biggest smile, and there is always a turn to their parent to say “there’s my teacher”. Those are special moments to get to experience. Our students and teachers care so much about each other!

Take Care,
Josh

Weekly Photo Gallery

Click the link below to access photos from all around Amity Elementary during the week! 

Full Photo Gallery

Socktober

Our Youth Service Club will once again be stocking Sandy’s Closet at Holmes with new socks.  Please see the information in the flier for details of how you can help. 

Amity Socktober Event

PTO Fundraiser

The Deer Park PTO is hosting a fundraiser this October by selling cookie dough. Please see the flier below and check your students back for a paper copy of the information.

Deer Park Community Conversations in October

Dear Parents and Community Members,

We are excited to invite you to a special community conversation that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our school. Your input and insights are invaluable as we embark on the journey of reviewing school data and revising our strategic plan for the next 3 to 5 years.

Our school has always been committed to providing the best possible education for our students, and this conversation is an opportunity for you to be an integral part of that process. We will share important data on student performance, school facilities, and community engagement, and we want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations for our school's future.

Together, we will brainstorm ideas, set priorities, and create a roadmap for the next few years. Your perspective as parents and community members is essential in ensuring that our school continues to thrive and provide the highest quality education.

We will be hosting three separate community conversations in October on the following dates: Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm, Wednesday, October 11th at 1:00pm, and Thursday, October 26th at 9:00am. Please RSVP by filling out the form found here - Community Conversation RSVP. All Community Conversations will take place in the PDC at the Holmes Building (8688 Donna Lane).

Your active participation will help us chart a course that reflects the values and aspirations of our entire school community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and the future of our school.

Sincerely,

Jay Phillips
Superintendent

Deer Park Youth Basketball Registration

If you're interested in playing Deer Park Youth Basketball this year, you have until Oct. 22 to sign up! Visit http://www.dpbasketball.org for more information or to sign up today!

Conference Sign-Up 

Conferences will be held on Thursday, September 28th and Friday, September 29th. Please see the sign up below to sign up for conferences with your child’s teachers. We are able to accommodate parents in person, over the phone, and digitally via Google Meet. 

Amity Conference Sign Up

September 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!

• Conference Day (NO SCHOOL): Thursday, September 28
• Conference Day (NO SCHOOL): Friday, September 29
• Amity Harvest Night: Thursday, October 19 | 6-7:30 p.m.

In Case You Missed It

Harvest Night

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting our Fall Harvest Night on Thursday, October 19th. Harvest night runs from 6:00-7:30 with a variety of events spread throughout Amity Elementary. From 6:00-7:00 there will be literacy games and activities at each grade level run by our teachers. Our book fair will also be open that night for purchases which benefit our Amity Library. At 7:00 the 3rd grade class will hold a performance in the gym. This event is free for all, so please mark your calendars.

See You At School!

Its always tough to tell if you should send your student to school. As part of attendance month, we put together this flier to be helpful in making that decision.

Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest

The Division of State Fire Marshal is conducting the annual statewide fire safety poster contest. The purpose of the contest is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the issues related to fire safety education and who have shown the ability to visually portray that knowledge.

The contest will take place during Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 8-14) to help emphasize and support local fire safety education efforts. Posters must include a fire prevention theme, which may include themes similar to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, “Kitchen Safety Starts with you”, or another appropriate message. The contest is open to all elementary school children in Ohio. Two grade categories will be eligible: grades K-3 and grades 4-6. The twelve winning posters will receive a special recognition by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

If you have questions or want the full rule details, please reach out to Huana Laine, our Amity Art Teacher.

Paying School Fees

Please remember to pay your student fees for the 2023-2024 school year. Fees can be paid in the front office during regular office hours or by using PaySchools. You will need a student ID to set up a PaySchools account. These are found on fee forms and are the same number your student uses for their lunch account. If your student doesn’t know this number, please feel free to reach out to us with questions at 513-891-5995. You can also email our secretaries, Diane Daily and Beth Teague for help.

PTO- Dine to Donate Night

View the Link

Amity Fall Conferences

Amity Fall Conferences are held on Thursday, September 28th from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, September 29th from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This is a great time to check your child's progress and learn about their strengths and areas for growth. Sign-ups for conferences will be published in the Amity Minute on Sunday, September 17th.

No School- September 28th and 29th

Just a reminder that there will be no school for students on Thursday, September 28th and 29th, as our teachers will be conducting conferences.

MAP Testing

MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testing in reading, reading fluency and math will start occurring over the next couple of weeks. We took these tests in the fall as a baseline and will take them in the spring to check progress along the way. This will encompass all of our grades at Amity. This is not a high stakes test, like the Ohio State Tests, but we do always want our students to do their best. These online tests allow us to understand where students are currently in the tested subject area, so that we are better able to tailor how we teach them. I just wanted to keep you informed that this will be occurring in our classes.

Staying Connected

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

• Newsletter: All parents who have completed FinalForms should receive Amity Weekly Newsletters. If you are not currently receiving them, please register for the e-mail communication. To register, simply go to https://www.deerparkcityschools.org/ and click on the button on the bottom of the page that says “Subscribe to District News”.
• Twitter: 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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What's New?

A Message from the Principal

Hello Deer Park Families! 

I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this Homecoming Week such an incredible and memorable event.

From the organizers and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to the students and alumni who showed up in full force to support our school, thank you. The energy and enthusiasm that filled the air was truly infectious, and it was heartwarming to witness the strong sense of community that our school embodies.

The performances, games, and activities were all top-notch, and it was evident that every detail was carefully planned and executed. I am grateful to be part of such a vibrant and spirited community, and I want to extend my appreciation to each and every person who contributed to making this homecoming day a resounding success. Thank you for reminding us all of the power of unity and school pride!

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

Building Spotlight

From our pep rally, football game, band, homecoming court and king and queen Palmer Honsaker and Ava Erdman, Friday was a tremendous community event in The Park! We'll have plenty more photos to share in the coming days, but here are a few of our favorites from Friday! We'll continue to add pictures to this. gallery throughout the week.

View the Gallery

Building News

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Attention 9th Grade Families:

As noted in previous newsletters, our district is giving the Terrace Metrics Assessments to grades 6 - 12. On Monday, our 9th graders will be taking this assessment, which will provide data on our students’ social/emotional strengths and needs. Please know that the results of the assessment are confidential; no teacher will have access to your child’s results.

For more information or to opt your child out of this survey, please click here.

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Conference Information

Parent-teacher conferences serve as a crucial platform for open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers. These conferences provide an opportunity for parents to discuss their child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement with their teachers. Teachers, on the other hand, can gain valuable insights into a student's home environment, learning style, and any challenges they may be facing. This exchange of information allows both parties to work together in the best interest of the child's education. Parent-teacher conferences also foster a sense of partnership and trust, as parents feel more involved and informed about their child's academic journey. Ultimately, these conferences play a vital role in enhancing student success and building a strong school-home relationship. We hope to see you on September 28th or 29th Please click on the link to schedule a visit. 

Parent Conference Link

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Deer Park Community Conversations in October

Dear Parents and Community Members,

We are excited to invite you to a special community conversation that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our school. Your input and insights are invaluable as we embark on the journey of reviewing school data and revising our strategic plan for the next 3 to 5 years.

Our school has always been committed to providing the best possible education for our students, and this conversation is an opportunity for you to be an integral part of that process. We will share important data on student performance, school facilities, and community engagement, and we want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations for our school's future.

Together, we will brainstorm ideas, set priorities, and create a roadmap for the next few years. Your perspective as parents and community members is essential in ensuring that our school continues to thrive and provide the highest quality education.

We will be hosting three separate community conversations in October on the following dates: Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm, Wednesday, October 11th at 1:00pm, and Thursday, October 26th at 9:00am. Please RSVP by filling out the form found here - Community Conversation RSVP. All Community Conversations will take place in the PDC at the Holmes Building (8688 Donna Lane).

Your active participation will help us chart a course that reflects the values and aspirations of our entire school community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and the future of our school.

Sincerely,

Jay Phillips
Superintendent

Counselor's Corner

Check out important info from the guidance office by clicking the link below.

Counselor's Corner

Looking Ahead

Please mark these important dates on your calendar:

• Monday, September 25: 7th/8th Grade Volleyball vs. Finneytown | 4:30/5:30 p.m.
• Monday, September 25: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Northwest | 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 27: 7th/8th Grade Volleyball vs. Wyoming | 4:30/5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 27: Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Reading | 7 p.m.
• Thursday, September 28: 8th Grade Football vs. Wyoming | 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 11: Optional Pre-ACT for juniors and seniors
• Wednesday, October 25: PSAT testing for all sophomores

In Case You Missed It

Paying School Fees

Please remember to pay your student fees for the 2023-2024 school year. Fees can be paid in the front office during regular office hours or by using PaySchools. You will need a student ID to set up a PaySchools account. These are found on fee forms and are the same number your student uses for their lunch account. If your student doesn’t know this number, please feel free to reach out to us with questions at 513-891-0010.

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A Message from the School Nurse

Deer Park Community City Schools has partnered with the Smile Programs…the mobile dentists to offer in-school dental care! 

The mobile dentist will be coming to the Jr. /Sr. High School on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023.

Simply sign up your child today at www.myschooldentist.com or fill out and sign a permission form. Permission forms will be available for students to pick up in the main office. Please return forms to the school nurse by Friday, November 3rd. 

Even better, dental care is usually at no cost to you. All insurance is accepted including Medicaid and CHIP. For those without insurance, a low cost self-pay option is available.

For more information please visit www.myschooldentist.com

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Testing Updates:

Pre-ACT participation:

This year, Deer Park High School will be providing the PSAT to all sophomores and the SAT for all juniors, cost provided by the school. If you would like your sophomore or junior to enroll in the Pre-ACT in October, registration is now open in the counseling office. The cost for the Pre-ACT is $18 and checks can be made payable to Deer Park High School. This is not a required assessment, but could help prepare for the ACT if your student plans to opt in to the ACT as well. Deadline for registration is September 27th.

PSAT:

Save the date: All sophomores will take the PSAT on October 25th, 2023. More information to come. 

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Pre-Order 2023-24 Junior High or High School Yearbooks Today!

Pre-order your junior high or high school yearbook today at yearbookforever.com. Simply select either Deer Park Junior High or Deer Park High School. The junior high yearbook is priced at $40, while the high school yearbook is $70. Students can also make payments using cash or checks made out to Deer Park Community City Schools. If you have any questions about the yearbooks, please feel free to reach out to Carolynn Sullivan at sullivan.c@dpccsd.org.

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No School- September 28th and 29th

Just a reminder that there will be no school for students on Thursday, September 28th and 29th, as our teachers will be conducting conferences.

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Join Area Students at The Leadership Summit

The Leadership Summit is the premier Leadership Conference for 7th-12th graders. The theme is Leadership, Advocacy, and Inclusion.

Students will be inspired by local leaders who share stories of how they persevered in the face of adversity to become respected leaders people seek to follow. They will learn how to become resilient leaders and ways to bring about positive change in their school, community, and in the world.

The Leadership Summit

• Thursday, September 28th
• 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• University of Cincinnati
  • Tangeman University Center - Great Hall
  • 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220
• Click here to view the event flyer

Featured speakers: 

• Mark Weiker: Partner, Abdnour Weiker, LLP
• Latisha Martin: Advocate, Montgomery County DD Services
• Ashley Neal: Chief Operating Officer, TruCare Provider Services
• Diana Mairose: Advocate, Hamilton County DD Services
• Sadie Everett: Community Relations, University of Cincinnati
• Kimberly Huckleby: Founder, Ladies of Leadership
• Julia Saldanha: Director of Programs, NAMI | Southwest Ohio
• James Schleicher: Life Coach, Team IBB
• Steve Pelton: President, hChoices

Tickets are Free, lunch is provided, but seating is limited.

Register Online

Questions, contact: 440-478-8282 or jean@allchoicesmatter.org. You don't want to miss this awesome event!

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Homework Club

Did You Know: If your child needs extra help with their school work or just a place to do homework we have a homework club available for your child after school. Please see below for the schedule:

Junior High:

• Monday: Tracy Smith, Room 153
• Tuesday: Jami Baker, Room 137
• Wednesday: Lauren Troxell, Room 58
• Thursday: Mckenzie Wills, Room 58
• Friday: Lauren Troxell, Room 58 (until October 19th)

High School:

• Monday: Suzy Beck, Room 233
• Tuesday:
  • Sept. 5 - Oct. 24: Mark Devine, Room 239
  • Beginning Oct. 31: Elaine Feldman, Room 155
• Wednesday: Suzy Beck, Room 233
• Thursday: Mark Devine, Room 239
• Friday: Alex Moore, Room 275 (until October 19th)

Staying Connected

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

• Newsletters: All parents who have completed FinalForms should receive Wildcat Weekly Newsletters. If you are not currently receiving them, please register for the e-mail communication. To register, simply go to https://www.deerparkcityschools.org/ and click on the button on the bottom of the page that says “Subscribe to District News”.
• Twitter: Follow Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School for the most up-to-date news and happenings! @DeerParkHS, @DeerParkSchools and @dpcounselor.
• Facebook: follow us at Deer Park Community City Schools and Deer Park Jr/Sr High School
• Instagram: follow us at DPHS Principals

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Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success
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Deer Park Schools is thrilled to announce a new initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring the outstanding achievements of our Deer Park/Great Oaks students. Starting this academic year, Deer Park Schools will proudly feature a segment at each monthly Board of Education meeting dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of our exceptional students.

We believe in the importance of recognizing and applauding the hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements of our students. These young individuals are the future leaders, innovators, and community builders, and it is our privilege to shine a spotlight on their accomplishments.

For the month of September, we are delighted to honor two outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to their chosen fields of study:

Peyton Lawson, Class of 2024 (Equine Science and Management):

Emma Fields, Class of 2025 (Firefighting/ Emergency Medical Service)

Deer Park Schools is proud to recognize Peyton and Emma as exemplary students who embody our district's values of excellence, dedication, and community engagement. These young individuals serve as shining examples of the potential that lies within every Deer Park student.

Deer Park Schools remains committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive, excel, and achieve their dreams. We look forward to continuing to showcase the outstanding accomplishments of our students in the months and years ahead.

- Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success - 

 

Dear Deer Park Families -

Homecoming Week is one of my favorite Deer Park traditions! From pep rallies to parades, and plenty of sporting events, nothing brings the community together quite like the festivities of a Homecoming celebration!

This week, we've got plenty going on and I've recorded a video message to keep you in the loop. Please click on the image above or the link below to be taken to my Superintendent's Message.

One item of note, below I've included a graphic of game expectations for our Varsity Football contests. I discuss the reasoning for these in the video, however, I wanted to make all of our families aware before our home contest on Friday night. All of these policies and procedures are here to keep our students and families safe on Friday nights. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Have a great Homecoming Week and Go Wildcats!

Sincerely,
Jay Phillips
Superintendent

Watch the Video

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Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success!

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Dear Deer Park Schools Families,

We hope this message finds you well and ready for an exciting academic year ahead. We're here to share crucial information about a significant change that will impact how missed class times are calculated, as mandated by the State of Ohio under HB 410. Our commitment to providing the best education for your children remains unwavering, and we believe these changes will enhance our efforts.

What's Changing? It's important to note that these changes are not school policy adjustments but rather a state-mandated initiative as outlined in Ohio HB 410. Under the provisions of this legislation, there have been updates to the way missed class time is tracked. Our goal is to ensure that students receive the necessary support to excel academically while complying with the new attendance regulations.

Understanding the Changes: To help you grasp the new calculation methods, we've created a helpful graphic that outlines the different ways absences will now be tracked. This visual aid will be a valuable reference as you navigate the attendance policy adjustments.

Click to View as PDF

Why These Changes Matter: We believe that these changes will lead to improved communication between parents, students, and educators regarding attendance. By keeping a closer eye on missed class time, we can collectively ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

What You Can Expect: Our school staff is fully prepared to implement these changes seamlessly. You'll notice more transparent communication about missed class time and a stronger focus on providing necessary resources to support your child's education.

We understand that change can bring questions, and we're here to address any concerns you may have. Feel free to reach out to our attendance department or your child's respective school office for clarification or assistance.

Thank you for your continued trust in Deer Park Schools. Together, we're creating an environment where every student can thrive academically and socially.