Wee Deliver

One method of bringing part of the real world into our school is through an interschool postal system. The U.S. Postal Service sponsors a program known as "Wee Deliver". Student postal employees operate a post office within the school, complete with a Postmaster General, sorters, and mail carriers who pick up and deliver mail daily. Students are encouraged to write to anyone in the school, including friends, former teachers and office personnel. Proper letter and envelope format are taught in the classroom, and students are given writing time within their school day. It's a terrific way to teach skills and foster writing fluency in a manner that makes connections to a lifelong skill adults use every day.

Fabulous Fridays: Mini-university Enrichment Courses

Fabulous Fridays is a special enrichment curriculum that operates much like a mini-university within our school. It consists of a series of classes that are created by our faculty and community to provide real-life connections that extend the students' learning experiences. Each staff member or participating community member selects some area of expertise or personal interest, then designs a set of learning activities that will meet the objectives of that course. The variety of the selection depends on the interests and hobbies of the staff. Origami, Calligraphy, Karate, Stained Glass, Fiesta Time, Animal Habitats, and Cookie Academy are just a few examples of classes that could be offered. A course catalog is printed, and students are then given an opportunity to sign up for a multi-age class based on their interest. This program always generates enthusiasm, and the children love the opportunity to learn skills and information they don't always find in the regular school curriculum. Fabulous Fridays are held every other year.

Exploration Station: Science Lab

At DPE Science is a major focus of our school day. The curiosity and wonderment science can ignite in a young person's mind are the reasons we have developed and implemented a science lab at DPEOur lab resembles a science museum, with interesting visual displays, a wide variety of foliage, fascinating animals, and engaging hands-on learning activities. It is buzzing daily with students conducting a variety of "hands on " lab activities to support our science curriculum. The lab has become a source of pride for our school, and we delight in seeing many of our students embark on a lifetime love of science simply through exposure to real-life applications.

SWAT TEAM

DPE employs a number of student SWAT members. SWAT stands for students who assist teachers. SWAT members help students, staff, and parents before and after school and during special events. These students receive training in matters such as courteous greetings, assisting others, and maintaining a safe environment. We believe they are instrumental in helping to promote an atmosphere that is orderly and friendly.

Singing Pioneers and
Pioneer Pride Tone Chime Players

Students in grades 4 and 5 are eligible to try out for the school choir and tone-chime orchestra. These groups work to perfect their performing skills as
they master complex music concepts. Not only do they perform within the school for various programs, each year they have several engagements out in
the community. The skills learned through this program enable interested students to further
their musical talents and interests when they
leave elementary school.

Piano Enrichment Program

Through our partnership with MIDI for kids, interested students can
sign up to take piano lessons after school. As recent national publications have pointed out, the ability of young children to learn music can lead to improved academic achievement. The lessons,
which do involve a cost to the parents, are led by certified instructors and utilize a high-tech digital piano lab. This is just one more
avenue through which Deer Park Elementary students can
pursue interests outside the "traditional" education provided with the school day.