What's New?

A Message from the Principal

Dear Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As we approach the end of October and the beginning of November, I would like to inform you of several important upcoming events and updates.

Firstly, on Tuesday, October 22nd, we will be administering the PSAT to all 10th graders, the top ten juniors, and any 8th graders enrolled in Pre-AP English. Please note that this does not include all 8th graders. During this time, the rest of the school will follow the regular bell schedule.

I am also thrilled to announce that next Sunday, our band will be competing in the state competition for the 31st consecutive year. This remarkable achievement makes us one of the few bands in the entire state of Ohio to hold such a record. This longstanding excellence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in our band and color guard programs over the years. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to all past and present members. A special good luck goes out to Mr. Bauer, Ms. Livingston, Mr. Vetter, the rest of the staff, and all our students participating. Go Cats!

As always, we are here to support you and your children. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit the school.

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

Building Highlight

On Friday, I had the privilege of observing Shannon Davidson's 7th-grade science class, marking the students' first experience with a full lab session in science. I was immediately impressed by Ms. Davidson's organization and preparation. With 25 highly enthusiastic students in the classroom, the potential for chaos was high. However, thanks to Ms. Davidson's clear communication of expectations and guidelines for the lab, everything ran smoothly.

Another aspect that stood out was the students' sheer excitement and amazement during the lab, particularly when they witnessed the chemical reaction. It was a joy to see every student fully engaged and focused on their learning experience. Below are a couple of pictures capturing these memorable moments.

October Pathway Feature: Advanced Manufacturing

Over the next several months, we will be featuring a different pathway program in the Wildcat Weekly. Stay tuned to learn more about how these programs can help you find the right path for your future!

This month, we’re spotlighting the Advanced Manufacturing Pathway—a hands-on program designed to give students real-world skills and open doors to career opportunities.

View the Full Pathways Brochure

New Course Offerings for 2025:Starting next school year, students in grades 9-12 will have the chance to enroll in Manufacturing 101 or continue their studies with Manufacturing 201. Both courses offer opportunities to earn up to 12 industry-recognized credentials that can serve as valuable assets for job placements and even meet alternative graduation requirements.

Learning by Doing:Students in the program are currently working on advanced machinery to prepare for a credentialing exam. Passing this exam not only builds their resume with professional certifications but also serves as a stepping stone towards high-paying jobs right after graduation.

Co-op Opportunities:This year, three of our seniors are taking their learning to the next level with paid co-ops at Knowlton Manufacturing. These students, having stayed on track with their graduation requirements, were able to integrate these co-op experiences into their schedules as Work-Based Learning elective credits. On the manufacturing floor, they’re gaining practical, on-the-job skills that will benefit them in whatever career path they pursue.

A World of Possibilities:After graduation, these seniors have multiple options. They can continue working at Knowlton Manufacturing, seek employment elsewhere with their new skills and certifications, or pursue higher education in Automotive Leadership or Advanced Manufacturing programs.

Building News

Attention Deer Park Seniors!

We are thrilled to celebrate your senior year with you! It's our goal to ensure you have all the necessary information regarding Graduation and Senior Activities. To keep you informed, expect to receive monthly emails from the district with the subject "Class of 2025." If you haven't been receiving these updates, please respond to this email so we can add you to our distribution list.

Important Graduation Material Information

We're pleased to announce that Herff Jones has released details for ordering graduation materials. Please be aware that a fee of $49.95 will be charged to student accounts on December 1st. This fee covers your cap and gown, which you'll be allowed to keep as a memento of your achievement! As a result, there's no need to order caps and gowns through Graduate Services—this will be handled on your behalf.

Should you wish to purchase additional graduation items (such as announcements, extra tassels, or apparel), you're encouraged to visit Herff Jones' website at https://www.herffjones.com/graduation/ to place your orders directly.

Opt-Out Information

For students who decide not to participate in the graduation ceremony, please inform the counseling office by no later than April 1st. Upon notification, the associated fee will be waived from your account.

Should you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out to Ms. Madden at madden.c@dpccsd.org or Mrs. Vickrey at vickrey.m@dpccsd.org.

PSAT Reminder – Tuesday, October 22

The PSAT will take place next Tuesday, October 22. Please note that there will be no late start on this day – all students will be present for the entirety of the school day.

The PSAT will be administered to the following groups:

• All 10th-grade students
• Pre-AP students
• Invited 11th-grade students aiming to qualify for National Merit recognition

Testing Locations:All testing will take place in the 8th-grade hallway, and students were notified of their specific testing rooms last week during class.

Testing Tips:To help students perform their best, we encourage the following:

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
• Eat a healthy breakfast to fuel focus and energy.
• Arrive on time to avoid any disruptions or added stress.
• Bring #2 pencils and a calculator, if applicable.

Thank you for your support in preparing students for this important testing day!

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!

Key Details:

• Players & Coaches Registration: You must register with Mrs. Henry by October 25, 2024, to participate.
• Entry Fee: A $10 donation per player and coach is required, along with a waiver for participation. Please contact Mrs. Henry to submit your registration and fee.
• Team Limits: There are 12 spots available for players and 4 coaching spots per grade level team.
• Approval: All participants (players and coaches) must be approved by Mrs. Henry by October 25, 2024.

Don't miss out on this fun and competitive way to support your junior class prom! Get your team together and register today!

Counselor's Corner

Click HERE for the Counselor’s Corner!

Looking Ahead

Please mark these important dates on your calendar:

• Football vs. Madeira HS (Senior Night): Friday, October 25 | 7 p.m.
• Band OMEA State Competition (Piqua High School): Sunday, October 27
• HS Choir Spooktacular (Crawford Auditorium): Wednesday, October 30 | 7 p.m.
• Trick or Treat for the Hungry: Thursday, October 31
• Election Day (No School for Students): Tuesday, November 5
• Clue: On Stage| High School Fall Play: Friday, November 8/Saturday, November 9

In Case You Missed It

LinkedUP

We are excited to inform you that starting October 12th, parents and guardians of students in grades 10-12 will find a permission slip for LinkedUp Connect in Final Forms. This permission is required for your student to participate in an innovative online platform that connects students with work-based learning opportunities such as pre-apprenticeships, internships, job-shadowing, and more.

LinkedUp Connect, a partnership with Hamilton County ESC, provides students access to experiences that help fulfill Ohio's new graduation requirements. For more details, please refer to the attached letter or visit Ohio’s Graduation Requirements page.

Thank you for your continued support!

View the Letter

Marching Wildcats Make it 31 Straight!

Congratulations to the Deer Park Marching Wildcats for qualifying for the OMEA State Competition over the weekend at the Hamilton Band O'Rama! This marks the 31st consecutive year our talented band has achieved this incredible milestone. 

Full Recap

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

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!

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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