What's New?

A Message from the Principal

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well and that you're enjoying the early days of the new school year. We've had a fantastic start, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for ensuring your children arrive at school on time and ready to learn. The importance of regular attendance and punctuality cannot be overstated, as research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly and arrive on time are significantly more likely to succeed both academically and in their future endeavors.

As we wrap up our second week, it's clear that the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and teachers are making a positive impact. The transition back into the academic routine has been smooth, and it's inspiring to see our school community coming together to support one another on this journey.

Please remember that my door is always open to you. Should you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact me via email at vandermeer.j@dpccsd.org or call the school directly at 513-891-0010. Your involvement and feedback are invaluable to us, and we're here to assist in any way we can.

Thank you once again for your continued support. Here's to a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!

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

Building Highlight

Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School is proud to offer a comprehensive support system designed to aid students in their learning journey. We encourage you to review the opportunities outlined below and urge your child to take full advantage of them.

Weekly Homework Club Schedule
We offer an after-school Homework Club that meets every day of the week. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to receive additional help with their assignments and improve their understanding of various subjects.

View the Schedule

Support for 7th and 8th Graders
7th and 8th graders are welcome to join us on Thursday mornings at 7:30 AM to work directly with their teachers. This early morning session is specifically tailored to address their needs and help them start their day on a positive note.

High School Student Support
Recognizing the diverse class schedules and unique needs of high school students, we have updated our support system. High school students can now coordinate with their teachers to schedule support sessions Monday through Thursday, depending on the teacher's professional development schedule. This flexible approach ensures that all students can find a time that works best for them.

A Commitment to Student Success
With the extensive support available, we believe there is no reason for any student to struggle academically. It is our commitment to ensure that every student has the resources and help they need to succeed. We strongly encourage your child to utilize these support opportunities to enhance their learning experience.

Please ensure your child is aware of these support options and encourage them to participate. Together, we can make a significant difference in their academic journey.

Building News

Powder Puff Information

Get ready for an exciting evening at the annual DPHS Powder Puff Tournament! Here are the key details:

• Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024
• Time: Starts at 6:00 PM (Gates open at 5:15 PM)
• Location: DPHS Football Field
• Admission: $5 per person (Pay at the gate)

Special Highlights:

• Split the Pot & Raffles: Participate for a chance to win! (You do not have to be present to win.)
• Concessions: Available throughout the event.
• Half-Time Jump Contest: Don’t miss the excitement during the break!
• Youth Cheerleaders: Cheer on the players with our youth cheer team!
• National Anthem: Performed by Abby Spangler.

Class Colors:

• Seniors: Gray
• Juniors: Red
• Sophomores: Black
• Freshmen: White

Please note that class colors are required for players and coaches.

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Junior Class Prom. Be sure to come out, show your school spirit, and enjoy a fantastic evening of friendly competition!

DPHS Homecoming 2024 - Ticket Information

Get ready for the DPHS Homecoming Dance 2024! This year's theme is "Movie Night in the Park," and it's sure to be an unforgettable evening. Here's everything you need to know about ticket sales:

• Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
• Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: DPHS Gymnasium
• Ticket Price: $30 per ticket (Cash Only)

Ticket Sales:

• When: Wednesday, September 4 - Friday, September 6, 2024
• Where: Tickets will be available for purchase during high school lunch hours.
• Scarlet students only: Tickets can be purchased in the main office after school until 3:30 PM

Guest Information:

• Students planning to bring a guest who is not enrolled at DPHS must complete a Guest Form.
• All guests from outside the district must be pre-approved by a principal before tickets can be purchased.
• Guest Forms can be picked up in the Main Office and Room 157.
• Please contact Mrs. Henry if you have any questions or concerns.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic night of fun and memories—grab your tickets early!

Extra 2023-24 Yearbooks for Sale!

There are a couple 2023-2024 high school yearbooks for sale still! The cost is $70. See Ms. Sullivan to get yours today! You can email her at sullivan.c@dpccsd.org with any questions!

Important Expectations for All Athletic Events

As we gear up for an exciting season of Deer Park athletics, we want to remind everyone of the expectations for attending all athletic events. To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, please note that any students or children under 9th grade must be accompanied by a parent or adult to attend these events.

Thank you for your cooperation, and let's make this season one to remember by showing our Wildcat pride responsibly!

DPHS Homecoming Dance: Movie Night in the Park

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the DPHS Homecoming Dance! This year's theme is "Movie Night in the Park," so join us for a night of fun, dancing, and cinematic vibes!

Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 14
• Time: 7–10 p.m.
• Location: DPHS Gymnasium
• Cost: $30 per ticket

Counselor's Corner

Click HERE for the Counselor’s Corner!

Looking Ahead

Please mark these important dates on your calendar:

• JV/Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Taylor: Tuesday, August 27 | 5/7 p.m.
• JV/Varsity Volleyball: Tuesday, August 27 | 5:30/6:30 p.m.
• 7th Grade Volleyball vs. Indian Hill: Wednesday, August 28 | 4:30 p.m.
• Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Mt. Healthy: Thursday, August 29 | 7 p.m. 
• Labor Day (No School): Monday, September 2
• Board of Education Work Session: Tuesday, September 3 | 4:30 p.m.
• Conference Day (No School): Thursday, September 26
• Conference Day (No School): Friday, September 27

In Case You Missed It

First Day Magic at Deer Park Schools!

As is tradition, each year, we're excited to share all the smiles and memories from the first day. From bright smiles to brand-new backpacks, our Deer Park family made this year's start truly unforgettable. Check out our video featuring all the amazing moments captured by our community. Let's keep the momentum going, Wildcats! Watch the full video now! 

Watch Here

Schoology and FinalForms

Please be sure your FinalForms are updated prior to your child starting school, as mentioned above, before receiving his/her Chromebook. 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.

Attention 7th and 12th Grade Parents: Immunization Requirements

Parents of 7th and 12th graders, if you haven't yet completed the required immunizations for 7th grade (Tdap and Meningococcal ACWY) or 12th grade (Meningococcal ACWY), please do so as soon as possible. Send a copy of the immunization record to the school nurse's office or email it to c.scholl@dpccsd.org.

Per the Ohio Department of Health, all required immunizations must be completed before the 15th day of school—September 3, 2024. Students who have not completed their immunizations by this date will be excluded from school until they are up to date.

Click here for a full list of the Ohio Department of Health’s Immunization Requirements for School Attendance. 

Bell Schedule

Please click here for Jr./Sr. High School Lunch and Bell Schedules 

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.

Attendance Reminders/Updates:

A few changes are being made for this school year. 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.

2024 Picture Day Information

View the Full Flier

2024-25 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

Job Opportunities for Seniors/Recent HS Graduates

For students interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing, the Good Jobs Challenge is a good place to start! This program will equip you with hard and soft skills to help launch you into a career in manufacturing! We have positions in cutting, assembly, fabrication, epoxy, and more! These jobs are:

• Min. $17 / hour
• Full-time
• PTO
• Dental and health insurance
• 401k
• 1 year of free job coaching at your place of employment!

We are looking for candidates who like working with their hands, standing on their feet, are comfortable with basic math, and have a desire to learn! For questions, more information, or to apply visit: https://www.cycyouth.org/gjcamp/

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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