Meet the Administrators

 

Greeting DPE Families and Guardians,

As the proud principal of Deerfield Park Elementary School, I want to welcome you to the 2025 -2026 school year. I look forward to seeing our returning parents and establishing a positive relationship with our new parents. A brief history about myself. I have nearly three decades of experience in Broward County Public Schools—with ten years in administrative roles—and this marks my third year in which I will have the distinguished honor of leading Deerfield Park Elementary. During the 2023-2024 school year with the support of a great staff, community, and scholars we were able to improve the school’s letter grade from a “D” to “B”. Upon completion of the 2024 – 2025 school year we were able to maintain a letter grade of “B”. We are six percentage points away from earning a “A” rating. Earning a rating “B” for two consecutive years is a result of hard work and dedication.

Increased Student Achievement from 2023 – 2025

• Reading proficiency increased- 24%

• Math proficiency increased – 15%

• Science proficiency increased – 24%

• 3^rd Grade Reading proficiency increased – 20%

Our academic objective for the 2025–2026 school year is to enhance student achievement, thereby elevating our institution's letter grade to an “A”. Some may feel this is a lofty goal, but I believe we have the scholars, staff, and parental support to do it. This is not to say we won’t be faced with challenges, but we are prepared to address all challenges enroute to achieving our academic goals.

Achieving our academic goal will require a partnership between the administration, teachers, scholars, and parents. All members of this academic team, which includes parents, must have an unwavering focus on teaching and learning. The focus on teaching & learning begins on the first day of school August 11^th and ends on the last day of school June 3^rd. Attention to teaching and learning is more than a statement on paper it requires actions by all team members. As the principal, my actions will require administrators and academic coaches to conduct daily classroom visits and observe instructional practices in every classroom at least once a day. If warranted some classrooms may receive more than one visit. This requirement for classroom visits aligns with my commitment to high quality instruction and a focus on teaching and learning

As the principal, I will hold my staff accountable for the following

• Providing high-quality instruction that meets the needs of all scholars

• Having high expectations for all scholars. They must believe in the scholars

• Being KIND to ALL scholars while serving as a role model. Even when the scholars are not being KIND

• Communicating with parents and informing them about their child's academic performance and behavior concerns.

As a valuable member of this team, I need your assistance with the following:

• Scholars need rest—To maintain full engagement in daily activities, scholars need plenty of rest. Scholars should have a reasonable bedtime. Social media and text messages need to be monitored closely.

• Scholars must arrive at school on time - The first bell rings at 8:30, and classroom instruction begins promptly at 8:35. At DPE, we value all instructional minutes. Allowing scholars to arrive late to school sends a message that school is not essential. Every minute counts! Every Scholar Matters!

• Get involved in your scholar's learning - Ask your child specific content questions about their day. For example, what did you read about, who were the characters, and what math problems were you asked to solve? Answering these questions reinforces their knowledge.

• Maintain constant communication with your child's teacher - The partnership between the parent/guardian and the teacher must be established early and continued throughout the school year. Research shows that classroom teacher and parental involvement has the most impact on scholar achievement. We need your support. Please speak to your child's teacher about Class DoJo.

• Be a cheerleader for your child - As a parent/guardian, please understand the power of your words. Please remember to be a cheerleader for your child, especially when they are struggling. If they struggle, continue to reiterate that they can do it and seek ways in which you can assist. If you believe they can, they will also think they can.

Remember, the preparation for success begins at home. Your active involvement is a cornerstone of our collective achievement. Together, let’s board Flight DPE 25/26 and reach new academic heights! I look forward to a year of exceptional growth and partnership.

Sincerely,

Mr. Darby

Principal, Deerfield Park Elementary School