Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School Wildcat Weekly: March 22, 2026

A Message from the Principal

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

We hope you had a wonderful weekend!

This is our last full week before spring break, and we will begin state testing prior to the break. Please take a moment to review the attached document for the testing schedule and important information about what to expect in the coming days.

We encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the importance of doing their best on these assessments. These tests can play a significant role in their academic progress, including graduation requirements and future college opportunities.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support.

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

Building Highlights

Deer Park JH Band Excels at 2026 OMEA Solo & Ensemble Event

This past Saturday, March 21, several members of the Deer Park Junior High Band traveled to Sycamore High School to participate in the District 14 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo & Ensemble competition. These talented students took on the challenge of performing either a solo piece (accompanied by Mr. Vetter on piano) or a duet for highly qualified adjudicators, with the goal of earning an Excellent (II) or Superior (I) rating. Notably, some students even performed music from the high school contest list—an impressive accomplishment at the junior high level.

Results:

Superior Rating (I):

• Alexis Ross – Flute Solo
• Grady Kloesz – French Horn Solo
• Douglas Byrd – Alto Saxophone Solo
• Alexis Ross & Addy Stabler – 8th Grade Flute Duet
• Lexina Kloesz – Trumpet Solo
• Savanah Taylor & Charlotte Davison – 7th Grade Flute Duet

Excellent Rating (II):

• Madi Weichering – Clarinet Solo
• Raedyn Nysather – Snare Drum Solo
• Leilani Miller – Timpani Solo

Congratulations to all of our talented junior high band members on their outstanding performances! A special thank you to their families for their continued support and for attending the event.

Building News

Sandy's Closet Open Evening of Tuesday, March 24

On Tuesday, March 24, Sandy's Closet will be open from 5:30-7 p.m. for Deer Park residents looking to shop for spring and summer clothing for children of all ages.

Thanks to a generous donation, we’re excited to offer a few dozen pairs of new and very gently used Brooks brand shoes—available in adult sizes for both men and women.

No appointment is needed. The entrance to Sandy's Closet is located along the Southeast side of the Holmes Building, toward the back of the parking lot.

For any questions, individuals can contact Pam Gilreath.

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When:
Tuesday, March 24
5:30-7 p.m.

Location:
Holmes Building
8688 Donna Lane

Questions:
Contact Pam Gilreath at 513.936.4698 or gilreath.p@dpccsd.org

Yearbook Pre-Orders

Pre Order your 2025-2026 yearbook today! Both junior high and high school yearbooks can be purchased online at https://yearbookforever.com/ or with cash or check made out to the school. This can be given to the office or to Ms. Sullivan. The cost is $40 for junior high books and $70 for high school. Email Carolynn Sullivan at sullivan.c@dpccsd.org with any questions!

Junior high yearbooks will be in right before the school year ends. The high school book will be here in August. There are limited numbers of both so pre-order yours today! 

Prom and After Prom

Our Junior Class Officers have been working hard to plan an amazing Prom and After Prom for this year. We are excited to provide our students with a fun and memorable evening. Please review the expectations below for all students who plan to attend Prom. As well as some great giveaways for our Juniors and Seniors

Prom Expectations ALL STUDENTS - Must be met to attend 

• No more that 4 absences (medical excluded-Must provide documentation)
• No Out of School Suspensions 
• Seniors- Fees must be paid off
• Juniors- Fees must be under $300.00

The expectation run from March 2nd-May 1st

Juniors and Seniors! Prom Giveaways- 4 Separate drawings

• 2 sets of free tickets to prom! Two winners
• $150 giftcard to Windsor Dress shop
• 1 Free Tux rental from Geno’s Tux & Suits

Qualifications for entry

• No more than 1 Absence (medical excluded *medical note required*)
• No In-school or out-of-school suspensions
• No D’s or F’s

The expectations run from March 2nd-May 1st

Attention Students Interested in College Credit Plus

There will be a mandatory meeting for all students on Monday, May 16th in the library. Students should report during their respective X bells (9th - 11th @ 10:37; 7th and 8th @ 11:11).  We will have a 2nd make-up presentation for absent students on Thursday, the 19th. It is very important that your student attend one of these meetings as we will be discussing the application process. If your student is interested but hasn't turned in a letter of intent to participate, have your student pick up one from the guidance office; these are due no later than April 1. 

Deer Park Schools Begins Celebrating Bicentennial

Deer Park Community City Schools is proud to announce the beginning of its Bicentennial Celebration, marking 200 years since the founding of the district in 1826.

The district’s history traces back to Daniel Schenck, an early pioneer who donated a portion of his farmland so a school could be built for children in the growing community. The log schoolhouse that opened in 1826 was named Amity, meaning friendship, and it became the foundation for what would grow into Deer Park Community City Schools.

Visit the Bicentennial Website

Throughout the coming months, the district will begin sharing pieces of its history through “Throwback Thursday” features, highlighting important moments, artifacts, and stories from the past two centuries of education in Deer Park.

These historical highlights will lead up to the district’s Bicentennial Celebration Week beginning October 4, culminating with the Homecoming football game on October 9. Additional events and activities will be announced as planning continues.

As part of the celebration, the district is also unveiling its official Bicentennial logo (shown above).

The logo is inspired by one of the district’s oldest known artifacts — the historic Amity School bell — which represents the earliest days of education in the community. Four stars accompany the bell, symbolizing the district’s historic school buildings and namesakes:

• Amity Elementary

• Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School

• Holmes Elementary

• Howard Elementary

The bold Bicentennial banner and the years 1826-2026 recognize the district’s milestone of two centuries of public education.

Community members, alumni, and supporters are encouraged to stay connected as the celebration approaches by signing up for Bicentennial updates on the district website.

Sign Up Here

Don't Trash It, Donate It Instead!

Deer Park Schools is also asking alumni and community members to help preserve the district’s history. If you have Deer Park memorabilia — such as yearbooks, photographs, letterman jackets, uniforms, or other school items — please consider donating them back to the district so they can be featured during bicentennial celebrations.

Alumni & Community Story Submission

As Deer Park Schools prepares to celebrate its 200th Anniversary in 2026, we are collecting memories, photos, and memorabilia from alumni and community members to help tell the story of Deer Park Schools.

If you have a favorite memory, historic photo, or item connected to Deer Park Schools, we would love to hear from you.

Your submission may be featured in Bicentennial displays, district publications, social media features, or community events throughout the celebration.

Additional details about events, alumni engagement opportunities, and historical highlights will be announced in the coming months as Deer Park Schools prepares to celebrate 200 years of inspiring and empowering lifelong success!

Submit a Story

Homework Club Schedule for Second Semester

Homework Club provides students with academic support and a quiet place to complete assignments throughout the week.

• Monday: Mrs. Beck – Room 233
• Tuesday: Ms. Feldman – Room 155
• Wednesday: Ms. Stevens – Room 227; Mrs. Boston – Room 60
• Thursday: Mr. Devine – Room 239; Miss Baker – Room 62

Friday: Mr. Moore – Room 275

Important Notes Regarding Drop-Off and Dismissal

It appears that traffic on Plainfield Road has been increasing, particularly in the afternoon during dismissal. For everyone’s safety, please remind your student to always use the designated crosswalks when crossing Plainfield Road. We have many students who leave campus at dismissal, walk toward Walgreens, and then cross to the opposite side of the street. Using the crosswalks is essential to keeping our students safe, and we appreciate your help in reinforcing this important safety expectation.

If we have cold weather we will still open the doors by the cafeteria at 7:00 AM. This is to ensure your student has a warm place to wait in case they need to be dropped off early. Breakfast will not start until 7:30.

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

• Report Cards Sent Home: Friday, March 20
• HS Roller Skating Reward Trip: Thursday, March 26
• JH Roller Skating Reward Trip: Friday, March 24

In Case You Missed It

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.

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.

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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