Throwback Thursday | May 28, 2026
Celebration – The Sixth Grade Social
Every spring the Amity sixth graders prepare to leave the school they’ve known since kindergarten and excitedly look forward to beginning the next school year at the Junior High School. This rite of passage is celebrated with the Sixth Grade Social. The PTA/PTO has hosted this dance since at least the 1960s.
During the 1970s, the social was typically a square dance, called by a school principal with prizes being awarded for the best square dancers. In later years, students enjoyed dancing in the school gym which was decorated in a theme of their choosing. We hope the Sixth Grade Social photos bring to mind fond memories of your own school dances.
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1973 – Sixth Grade Social Square Dance at Amity Gym
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The caption that accompanied the above 1973 news clipping read: “The Deer Park Elementary School PTA hosted a ‘farewell’ Square Dance for the Amity School Sixth Graders on Friday evening June 1st in the Amity School gym.
“Mr. Robert Bowersox, Howard Elementary principal, was the Caller and Amity teachers assisted the boys and girls as they learned how to participate in the popular American folk dance.
“In the final ‘dance off’ judged by Rev. George Siddall, Mrs. Bernice Sudman, Amity primary teacher, and Mr. Joseph Powell, Deer Park High School science teacher, the winning square members were Stephanie Kinnett, Ronnie Satterfield, Gary Tubbs, Doug Lyons, Debbie Ward, Robin Roth, Ricky Raab, and Gary Breezely.
“Mr. Bowersox provided these dancers with their individual prizes. An enthusiastic good time was had by all and fond memories were in the making as the sixth graders ‘do-si-doe’d’ and ‘promenaded’ off to the Junior High School.”
In later years, students had fun dancing, socializing and enjoying refreshments in the school gym which was decorated in a festive theme.
Students compete in the limbo, 2000
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Students enjoy the Chicken Dance, 2000
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Before there were selfies - friends pose for photographer, 2007
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Having fun cheering on the dancers, 2007
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Having a great evening with friends, 2007
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Posing for a best buddies photo.
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Friends excited to be going to the dance.
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2026 Sixth Grade Social
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Under the Sea theme, 2026
Congratulations to the 2026 Amity Sixth Graders as they head off to Deer Park Junior High School in a few weeks. Best wishes that your junior and senior high school years are filled with great experiences and wonderful memories.
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“The past has taught its lesson, the present has its duty and the future its hope.”
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A sincere effort has been made to convey the history as accurately as possible from artifacts, documents and personal narratives in the district’s archives.
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Learn More
Community members, alumni, and supporters are encouraged to stay connected as the celebration approaches by signing up for Bicentennial updates on the district website.
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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.