Inaugurating a positive new era for the Deer Park School District, Superintendent James Cummings debuted an updated mission statement for Deer Park during his address on Superintendent’s Conference Day. Cummings redesigned the statement alongside other administrators in a carefully considered process of thinking about the district’s purpose, writing down goals for this new vision and stating core beliefs that the district is committed to such as inclusivity, diversity and responsibility.

“From here on out, other than state mandates, the decisions that we make as a district will have this mission statement in mind,” Cummings said. “How do we make the school a better environment for students? How do we help them become more successful in the future and teach them to be more collaborative and get along? Our students come from 43 different countries from five of the seven continents, and Deer Park has a unique opportunity to prepare students at an early age for a global world and how to interact with people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.”

To view the mission statement, visit the "Central Administration - Mission and Vision" page under the District tab on the district website.

The Deer Park community displayed a deep sense of pride at the district’s Sept. 21 homecoming celebration, beginning with a colorful parade primed by the rousing sounds of the high school’s marching band. Serving as grand marshal was former longtime Board of Education trustee Keith Rooney.

Once inside Al Centamore Football Field, Class of 2020 President Emily DeStefano led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, the women’s choir sang, and Board of Education President Donna Elliott paid tribute to Rooney and his many years of dedicated service.

“One of the things we are working on over the next couple of years is bringing a sense of pride back to Deer Park,” said Superintendent James Cummings in his address. “We have a great community and together we’ll make sure everybody knows how great Deer Park is.”

Prior to the beginning of the varsity football game, a Falcons loss to Smithtown East, Deer Park’s kickline and cheerleading teams provided exciting performances to pump up the crowd. Michael Greene was named homecoming king and Julia DiMaio was named homecoming queen. Rounding out the homecoming court were Samantha Giroux, Alex Glancy, Maxwell Hofstetter, Matthew Jacob, Paulina LoGrande and Alexa Skoubas

Students returned to the district on Sept. 4 to begin the new school year and take the next step in their educational adventure.

“It was so exciting to welcome our students back for the new school year,” said Robert Frost Principal Eliana Levey. “Students and staff were eager to get back to Robert Frost, and we couldn't have been happier with how the first day of school went.”

“There’s really nothing quite like seeing the smiling faces, excitement and intrigue of primary school-age students,” said Philip Paniccia, the new principal of May Moore. “It’s already been so much fun getting to know these young learners.”

“The first day of school is always one of wonder and excitement, and this year did not disappoint,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. “We had a wonderful day filled with awesome activities and lots of fun. JQA is off to a great start to the 2019-2020 school year.”

“Our first day went incredibly smoothly thanks to all the faculty, staff, PFC, parents and students,” said Kelly Benson, JFK’s new principal. “Everyone is ready and excited to start the new year and we are looking forward to the adventures in store for us.”