What's New?

A Message from the Principal

Happy Sunday DP Nation

If you have had the pleasure of teaching your child to drive you know it is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of frustration and bursts of pride as they gradually master the skill. This experience closely mirrors the broader parenting journey, which fluctuates between confusion over their actions or even their words (for example, discovering that being called "fire" by your child is actually a compliment) and awe at their remarkable achievements.

Recently, I had a conversation with another parent about the challenges we face, yet we both concurred that we wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Parenting is indeed a marathon, not a sprint, requiring patience, resilience, and unwavering support.

I want to express my deep gratitude to all of our parents for the incredible work you do with your children and the invaluable support you provide to us every day.

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

Building Highlight

Congratulations to the Cast & Crew of Clue: High School Edition!

A huge round of applause to the talented students, dedicated staff, and incredible volunteers who brought Clue: High School Edition to life over the weekend! Your hard work, passion, and creativity made for a truly memorable show, and the Deer Park community couldn’t be prouder. From start to finish, you captivated the audience with suspense, humor, and impressive performances. Thank you for all you do to make our school shine on stage!

1st Quarter Honor Roll

Congratulations to all our hardworking students who made the Honor Roll for the 1st Quarter! Your commitment to academic excellence is truly inspiring, and we are so proud of each of you. Please check out the attached document to see the full list of recipients. Keep up the fantastic work, Wildcats—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next quarter!

View the Honor Roll

Building News

PSAT Scores Coming Soon!

Students who took the PSAT in October can expect their scores to be mailed home over the weekend from the College Board. Counselors will be sharing more information in the next week or so for students to understand how their score breaks down or what it means during CCR in their bells.

Winter End of Course exams: Dec. 3-20th

Parents and students- students who will need to retake an End of Course exam for graduation requirements will receive a letter in the mail and a letter at school next week. The letter will explain which assessment your student is taking. Some students were requested to take the assessment again because they were 1-2 questions away from completing a graduation seal and have a great chance of obtaining this. Students taking CCP courses in lieu of a core course at school are requested to complete their EOC in the fall as well. 

For specific information on graduation requirements or seals, please go to this Department of Education website or contact your school counselor.

These assessments will start on December 3rd and there will not be an adjusted bell schedule for the day.

Need Assistance During the Holidays?

With the leaves beginning to change, we’re reminded that the holidays will be here before we know it. If you and your family are in need of assistance this holiday season, fill out a Holiday Food Drive form. This year, all forms are available online only.

Please make sure you return your holiday food drive request form as soon as possible. One form per family. 

If you need assistance with this process or have questions, please contact Pam Gilreath at gilreath.p@dpccsd.org or 513-936-4698.

To complete a form:

Click Here

1st Annual Junior Class DPHS BuffPuff Volleyball Tournament

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 16, 2024, at noon in the Amity Gym for the first-ever Junior Class BuffPuff Volleyball Tournament! This exciting event is a fundraiser for the Junior Class Prom, and it's sure to be a blast!

Counselor's Corner

Click HERE for the Counselor’s Corner!

Looking Ahead

Please mark these important dates on your calendar:

• 8th Grade Washington DC Trip: November 18-19
• Regular Board of Education Meeting (State of the Schools): Tuesday, November 19 | 6:30 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Holiday Break: November 27-29
• HS Choir Holiday Concert (Crawford Auditorium): Wednesday, December 11 | 7 p.m.
• 7th/8th Grade Band and Choir Holiday Concert: Thursday, December 12 | 7 p.m./8:15 p.m.
• HS Bands Holiday Concert: Tuesday, December 17 | 7 p.m.

In Case You Missed It

2nd Quarter Student Incentive

I am excited to share with you an update about our much-anticipated Perfect North incentive, a perennial favorite among both our students and staff. We have already started sharing this exciting news with our students, and I wanted to ensure you are informed as well.

Please note that the dates for the Junior High and High School trips are currently being finalized and will be determined after the new year. Rest assured, I will provide you with the specifics as soon as they become available.

Here’s How Students Can Qualify for the Perfect North Incentive:

1. Demonstrate Positive Behavior: Maintain appropriate behavior throughout the 2nd Quarter. This includes avoiding any office referrals that result in Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) or Alternative Learning Center (ALC) placement.
2. Academic Achievement: Strive for excellence in academics. All 2nd quarter grades must be As, Bs, or Cs on the report card.
3. Attendance: Ensure consistent attendance by having no more than three unexcused absences during the second quarter.

We believe these criteria encourage our students to excel and make the most of their educational experience, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements with this special incentive.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Deer Park Schools Seeking Substitute Bus Drivers

Deer Park Schools is currently looking for substitute bus drivers to join our transportation team. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are interested in supporting our students and community by ensuring safe and reliable transportation.

Substitute bus drivers play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth operation of our transportation services. This position is ideal for those looking for flexible hours and a way to make a positive impact on the lives of students.

Key Requirements:

• A valid CDL with School Bus and Passenger endorsements.
• Clean driving record.
• Willingness to undergo a background check.

Those interested in applying or seeking more information can contact CJ Thornton at thornton.c@dpccsd.org.

Support “Joshua’s Closet Serve Saturday”

Deer Park Schools is excited to invite the community to participate in “Joshua’s Closet Serve Saturday,” a partnership with the local organization Joshua's Place, aimed at supporting local families through volunteer service and donations.

This event will take place on the first Saturday of every month at 8688 Donna Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45236, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Each Serve Saturday, volunteers will collect donated items for the Food Cooperative and School Care Closets, as well as assemble packs for weekend food programs. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals and families to come together and make a positive impact in the community.

“We need YOU to serve our community!”

This initiative is open to everyone and is family-friendly. Whether you’re looking to lend a hand, donate items, or simply spend a morning giving back, Serve Saturday welcomes your support.

Participants can also contribute directly by scanning the QR code provided on the event flier. For more information about this program and how you can get involved, please contact Deer Park Schools.

Smile Programs Available for Students

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

The mobile dentist will be coming to both Amity Elementary and the Jr./Sr. High School on: 

• Jr./Sr. High School: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
• Amity Elementary: Thursday, November 7, 2024 & Friday, November 8, 2024

Registration is easy! Simply sign up your child today at www.myschooldentist.com  or fill out and sign a permission form. Please return forms to the school nurse by Friday, November 1. If you have not received a permission form, please contact the school today and ask for one to be sent home with your child.

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.

Convenient and comfortable

Our in-school dental program saves you time and provides a safe and comfortable place for your child to receive gentle dental care from licensed local professionals. Dental care includes a complete dental exam, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride and sealants when necessary, and in some cases, restorative care such as fillings.

Dental care for a healthy life

Children who see a dentist regularly may have fewer health issues like:

• Early tooth loss caused by dental decay
• Gum disease
• Heart disease
• Impaired speech development

Help keep your child healthy, in school and learning.

Simply go to www.myschooldentist.com.

Varsity Tutors Information

We want to remind you that all students in grades K-12 have free access to Varsity Tutors, a fantastic online platform offering 24/7 academic support, live group classes, essay review, and more. Through this partnership, your child can connect with expert tutors whenever they need help!

To make things easier, we’ve included a quick video tutorial explaining how your child can access the Chat with a Tutor feature. This feature allows students to ask questions and get immediate assistance in a subject they’re struggling with — all available through their district Clever accounts.

Watch the Video

In addition to the Chat with a Tutor feature, we also want to reshare that students have access to free SAT and ACT test prep courses through this platform. This is a unique opportunity for our students to prepare for college entrance exams with expert guidance, helping them gain confidence and improve their readiness for their next academic step.

We encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource, available to all students through June 30, 2030.

PTO/Booster Organizations

Join the Wildcat community and make a difference! We invite you to get involved with the Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School PTO and our Booster organizations. You can visit Deer Park PTO to join the PTO, Deer Park Athletic Boosters to join the Athletic Boosters, and Deer Park Band Sponsors to support our band program. Your participation helps enhance the student experience at Deer Park!

Study Abroad Opportunities for Deer Park Students

Are you interested in studying abroad? 

AFS offers opportunities in over 40 countries with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Cincinnati students who participate in a full-year program through AFS may apply for scholarships through Friends of AFS, with the chance to receive up to 50% tuition assistance.

Additional scholarship programs include:

• NSLI: Language-based program with full scholarships available for summer or full-year programs. Application deadline: November 4th, 2025.
• CBYX: Full scholarship for a year-long exchange in Germany. Application deadline: November 1st, 2025.
• Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES): Full scholarship for a year-long program in countries with significant Muslim populations. Application deadline: December 4th, 2025.

For more information, contact your counselor for more information. You can also visit the program websites linked below for more details:

• AFS-USA
• NSLI for Youth
• CBYX
• YES Programs

Pre-Order a 2024-2025 Yearbook!

The cost is $40 for junior high and $70 for high school and can be pre-ordered online at yearbookforever.com or through Ms. Sullivan in Room 56. Cash or check accepted. Make the checks out to Deer Park Community City Schools.

Email Ms. Sullivan with any questions at sullivan.c@dpccsd.org!

Ohio State Test Resources

If your child will be taking an Ohio End of Course assessment this spring (grades 3-8 and some high school courses for graduation), you can access practice tests at home. We are pleased to share a valuable resource to support your child’s education: the Ohio State Test (OST) Portal. This site offers a range of tools and information that you can use to help your child prepare for state assessments.

Here’s how you can utilize the OST Portal:

1. Practice Tests: Access practice tests to familiarize your child with the types of questions they will encounter. These tests simulate the actual assessment experience, allowing students to practice navigating the test interface and understand the format of questions.
2. Family Resources: The portal provides a variety of resources, including test-taking tips, FAQs, and information specific to each grade level and subject area. These materials are designed to help you understand the testing process and how to best support your child.
3. Released Test Items and Scoring Guides: Review released test items from previous assessments along with their scoring guides. These guides include answer keys, scoring rubrics, and explanations of why certain answers are correct or incorrect. Understanding these can give insight into your child's progress and areas for improvement.

To start using these resources, please visit the OST Portal at oh-ost.portal.cambiumast.com/families.html.

We encourage you to explore the site and make the most of the available tools to support your child’s learning and preparation.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

Wildcat Packs Program

Joshua's Place is excited to offer the Wildcat Packs program, providing weekend food for students. To qualify, students must be signed up for free and reduced lunches and registered for the program. Packs will be sent home every Thursday, with the first distribution on October 10th. To sign up, scan the QR code or return the registration form to school. For any questions, please contact John Mathias at john@joshuasplace.cc.

Registration Form

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

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, 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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