Deer Park School District Superintendent James Cummings set the tone for the 2026–2027 school year with a “Make It Matter” message during Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 1.

Faculty and staff began the morning with breakfast in the newly renovated high school cafeteria before gathering in the auditorium, where Cummings officially welcomed teachers and administrators back. He reaffirmed the district’s longstanding mission statement and shared updates on summer programs, districtwide projects, school safety initiatives, curriculum and annual staff training.

Cummings then introduced this year’s theme, “Make It Matter,” centered on three interconnected cornerstones of the district’s work: instruction, safety and culture. Staff were challenged to consider three essential questions: Are our students learning? Do our students feel safe, protected and cared for? Do our students and staff feel valued, respected and connected?

“We really focus on these three things as educators every day,” Cummings said. “They are not separate – all three are connected. A student who doesn’t feel safe isn't ready to learn, a student who doesn’t feel they belong won’t give us their best and a great culture without strong instruction isn't enough. Instruction without culture isn’t enough, either. We need all three.”