Deer Park High School varsity boys basketball coach John McCaffrey earned his 300th win on Jan. 31, when his team defeated East Islip by a score of 53-48. The league champion Falcons will start the playoffs with a rematch at home against East Islip on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Date Added: 2/20/2025

Deer Park High School was recently named one of only nine finalists in the country for the nationwide TangerKids Members Choice grant program. Earlier this school year, the school’s science and family and consumer science departments teamed up and applied for a $2,500 TangerKids grant to establish a hydroponic garden. With the additional funding from Members Choice, voted on by the public, Deer Park’s total grant for the garden was $3,500.

TangerKids representatives, led by Tanger Marketing Director Amaka Muir, visited the school on Jan. 31 to present the students and teachers with a ceremonial check.

“It’s going to benefit the school tremendously,” Muir said. “Everything will be grown locally and the garden will be sustainable. We are so happy to be able to pick your school, and you all should be very proud.”  

“This garden will produce up to 384 pounds of fresh produce each year, providing FACS students direct and consistent access to fresh, nutritionally dense ingredients,” Director of Social Studies and FACS Vanessa Langdon said, “By learning about hydroponic farming, science students can understand how this method contributes to sustainable food systems, reduces our carbon footprint and human impact on the planet.”

“We are grateful for the support Tanger has shown us through this process and are very excited to bring this garden to the students of Deer Park High School,” Director of Science and Technology Alison Branca-Peterson said.

Date Added: 2/10/2025

Deer Park High School recently honored the January Students of the Month: Livia Mortensen de Oliveira was named Scholar of the Month and Fiona Matin was named Citizen of the Month. Both students have exemplified outstanding qualities that contribute to our school community.

Mortensen de Oliveira exemplifies dedication and excellence in learning. Through hard work and perseverance, she has consistently excelled in Living Environment. Known for her curiosity, Mortensen de Oliveira frequently attends extra help sessions and asks insightful questions to deepen her understanding of course topics. As a Falcon leader, she supports and mentors her peers with kindness and generosity.  


Matin is a compassionate and hardworking student in Spanish 2 who consistently gives her best effort. Her academic success is matched by her empathy and thoughtfulness. During a challenging time for her teacher, Matin wrote a heartfelt message expressing her appreciation for the class and the teacher's efforts, making a lasting impact.  


"Congratulations to Livia and Fiona for embodying the spirit of excellence and kindness," Associate Principal for Guidance and Support Services Dr. Dina Pannone said.  
 
Scholar of the Month honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, a strong commitment to their studies and a passion for learning, while Citizen of the Month recognizes students who exhibit outstanding character, leadership qualities and a commitment to making a positive impact on our school community and beyond.

Date Added: 2/6/2025

Reflecting their successful season, three members of Deer Park High School’s girls varsity swimming team – juniors Alexa Flores and Vanessa Cayea and senior Andrea Cayea – were recently awarded All-League honors at the Suffolk County Coaches Association dinner.

“These multisport athletes spend only a few months swimming each year, yet demonstrate the capacity to compete and reclaim All-League honors against their competitors who swim year-round,” coach Craig Mangio said. “I find that impressive. Congratulations to Andrea, Vanessa and Alexa on achieving this feat.”

Date Added: 2/4/2025

Deer Park High School recently unveiled a fabulous facelift for its gym, installing a brand-new floor consisting of almost 11,000 square feet of Robbins maple wood for the benefit and enjoyment of athletes and physical education classes.

Working with Milburn Flooring and Renu Contracting & Restoration, the bleachers were removed and the old gym floor was completely ripped up to install the new one. A rare full-court stain in gray was applied. While upgrading the court, a new custom logo for the Falcons was added. New sporting lines for the students were incorporated, provding for multiple volleyball courts and the additon of badminton to the athletics lineup. After finishing the gym floor, the rest of the gym was enhanced and repainted.  The school’s varsity basketball team was the first to play on the new surface during a special game against Brentwood on Dec. 10.

“If you ask me, it is probably one of – if not the – nicest gym floors in Suffolk County,” Director of Facilities Jeffrey La Flair said.

“This incredible space represents the hard work, pride and community spirit that bring us together as Falcons,” said Dominick Fontana, Deer Park’s administrator for athletics, physical education, health and recreation. “A heartfelt thank-you to Milburn and Renu for their outstanding craftsmanship in installing this floor, and to our district’s buildings and grounds staff and the high school’s custodial crew for their dedication and oversight throughout the project.”

Date Added: 1/29/2025