Deer Park Elementary News and Information September 3, 2026

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September 3, 2026


Calendar Reminder

Labor Day - Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students.

Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.

See the complete school year calendar.

 


snapshot of Asha Jyothi logo blackbackground with colorful writing

18th Annual Asha Jyothi 5K

Join our Deer Park Staff and Community for the
18th Annual Asha Jyothi 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run

Where: Fairfax Corner
Sunday Sept 20th, 2026 - 8:00/8:30 AM

100% of Your Registration Fee Goes Directly Back To Deer Park ES!

Coupon expires 9/7 - Use AJ4Schools

Bring your whole family and join our Deer Park ES 5K Team!

While we would love for you to join us,

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND THE RACE

Current School Rankings

Lunsford MS - 64
Deer Park ES - 31
Chantilly HS - 29
Navy ES - 25

Incentives

additional 25-49 registrations = $500
additional 50-99 registrations = $1,000
additional 100-249 registrations = $2,000
250+ registrations = $10,000

scan code for Asha Jyothi registration

BONUS INCENTIVES

Let's beat last year's registrations:

* Tape the Principals to the wall at 100 registrations

* Schoolwide Team Challenge Day at 175 registrations

* Dunk Tank the Principals at 250 registrations

Register now to join the fun.

 

Register here:  2026 Fairfax 5k

Route Map: Asha Jyothi route map


Predictive Assessment Pilot

You may have received an email from the county regarding a new Fairfax County Predictive Assessment pilot program. This program is to help students master grade-level standards and is only for 3rd grade reading and 5th grade math students at this time. All students who will be taking the SOL test this spring are included in this project for the participating pilot schools and courses.

All 3rd and 5th grade students at Deer Park are required to take the assessments. Opting out pertains to whether FCPS shares the student's test results with the DMG using AI.

An email was sent on Wednesday to 3rd and 5th grade families with additional information and how to opt out. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Heather Hitz, Assistant Principal at hahitz@fcps.edu

 


clip art of health notice no pets on school property

No Pets on School Property

We love pets too but due to potential health concerns, allergies, and the risk of bites or other injuries, NO pets are allowed on school property.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Fairfax County sponsored therapy dogs are permitted.


Cultural Observances Around the World

September

Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15-October 15

Labor Day - September 7

Rosh Hashanah September 11 -13

Constitution Day – September 17

Yom Kippu r- September 20-21

Sukkot (Jewish) - September 25-October 2


Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

FCPS wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

Please review the Annual Notice Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy and RElated Rights and Opt-Out Forms  webpage.

Explanations are provided as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices.

View the 2026-2027 Opt-Out Booklet.


Attendance

Every Day Is a Stepping Stone to Success

Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now to help them graduate from college on time and routinely report to work on time once they have a career.

Just a few missed days add up quickly. Both excused and unexcused absences can cause students to fall behind and struggle in class. Did you know missing 2 days per month - 10% of the school year -  for any reason (excused or unexcused) is considered chronically absent.

Not sure if your child should go to school? Check out FCPS' policies and regulations on attendance.

Planning a vacation? See the FCPS school year calendar here.  Vacations outside of the FCPS calendar holidays are considered unexcused.

wall clock with red frame

 

Punctuality Matters

Getting back to the school routine is hard, but being on time shows responsibility and begins the day calmly instead of feeling rushed or stressed. Being just 5 or 10 minutes late disrupts the flow of the classroom and interrupts instruction which begins at the 8:40 bell with morning meetings, attendance, and sets the tone for the day.

The first bell rings at 8:30 a.m. Students are expected to be in the classroom, ready to learn at 8:40 a.m.

Students purchasing breakfast should be in the cafeteria before 8:40 a.m.

Parents can help by establishing a consistent sleep routine. Streamline morning preparations. Motivate your child to take pride in school and praise their efforts.

We are here to support you. If there is a concern or something we can help with, please reach out to your child's teacher or call the office.


September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. .


Volunteer FCPS

Volunteer FCPS  allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Deer Park. All volunteers must:

  • Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  
  • Signing up as a Volunteer does not guarantee a spot as a chaperone on field trips.

At the Volunteer FCPS site,  you can complete a colunteer orientation. Visit the FCPS Frequently Asked Questions  for more information. 

Find out more about volunteering here.


Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System

Deer Park has distributed the new student ID cards to our bus riders. We have not received bus IDs for students that were registered after July 2, so we will issue IDs to students as soon as we get them. 

Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping  as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.

  • Students may still ride the bus if they forget or lose their card. Drivers can manually check students in and out using their tablets.
  • Please contact the school promptly if your child’s card is lost or damaged so a replacement can be issued.
  • Students who do not ride the bus will not receive an ID card at this time.

We ask for your patience! Bus drivers will begin checking in students soon and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.

Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.


PTA News
www.deerparkespta.org

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After School Clubs

Registration is open for all Fall Clubs. Click the links for details. Clubs meet starting  the week of October 6th from 3:30-4:30pm! 

Baroody Camps

Cooking Club Registration

Creative Kids Club/Art Club

Minecraft Registration

 

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

pta fundraiser snapshot of mugs candy gift wrap

1. Register as a participant at registercw.com/registrant to access our handy invitation tools in the Participant Dashboard. - Very Important!

2. Share! Invite 10+ friends to support our cause! Share a link to our sale using TEXT & EMail invitation tools. Don't forget to share on social media too.

3. SHOP online and help us reach our GOAL today! With over 2,500 gift ideas, there is something for everyone, including you.

We have officially kicked off our fundraiser with Charleston Wrap® – and we need YOUR help! To reach our goals and make this fundraiser a success, we need everyone to do their part. Luckily, it’s super easy! We appreciate all of your support and encourage you to spread the word to your friends & family, near and far! The more people who shop, the more money we can raise for our organization! Together, we can ensure Deer Park reaches our goal – and even surpasses it!  

Register here  and put your order in today!

 

Movie Night
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Friday, September 25th at 6:00 PM

scan code for concessions ordering for movie night

Scan QR Code to pre-order concessions

No outside Food Allowed.

Pre-order Concessions for movie night here with our new Zeffy system. Every dollar comes back to Deer Park - no more fees taken!

super mario galaxy movie clipart

Free Admission

Bring your pillows, blankets, stuffies and an adult chaperone.

No Outside Food Allowed!

rectangular brick engraved with deer Park

 

Brick Fundraiser

Be a permanent part of our school’s history with the Deer Park Elementary Brick Fundraiser. Your personalized brick will be displayed on school grounds for years to come, creating a lasting "pathway" of support. 

This is an ongoing project, allowing new families and sponsors to be added for years to come! By supporting this fundraiser, you help the Deer Park PTA fulfill its mission to work as a T.E.A.M. and turn big dreams into reality. Your contributions directly fund:

Learning & Fun: Assemblies, field trips, and school projects.
Community: Fall/Spring festivals, movie nights, and fun runs.
Support: Staff appreciation and vital school resources.

Order and design your brick here!  It is a continuous fundraiser so order anytime!  We take card, check or cash (drop off/mail to the office for Deer Park Elementary PTA)! Stop by the office to see the brick sample in the office!

Please note: Bricks will be delivered in bulk at a later date and displayed somewhere on campus.

Questions? Email pta.deerparkes@gmail.com

 

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Membership

Yearly Membership renewal for 2026-2027 school year is open!  Your annual membership gives the PTA the ability to help kids dream big — even yours! And the best part? No extra obligations required!