Principal’s Message

Challengers Families, 

We are off to a fantastic start to the 2026-2027 school year! Our classrooms are filled with excitement, learning, and opportunities for students to grow each day. It has been wonderful to see our students reconnect with friends, build relationships with their teachers, and enthusiastically engage in learning.

As we begin this new school year together, I want to take a moment to celebrate a significant accomplishment. Thanks to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students, staff, families, and community, Deerwood Elementary earned a School Grade of B. This achievement reflects the collective effort of our entire school community and demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together toward a common goal. While we are proud of this success, we remain committed to continuous improvement and helping every student achieve their full potential.

At Deerwood, our students are expected to RISE each day by demonstrating:

• Resilience: Persevering through challenges and learning from mistakes.
• Integrity: Making responsible choices and doing the right thing.
• Safety: Creating a secure and respectful environment for everyone.
• Eagerness to Learn: Coming to school ready to learn, participate, and grow.

These expectations provide the foundation for a positive school culture and support both academic and personal success.

One of the key factors in student achievement is consistent attendance. Attendance Matters! Every day of instruction is important, and students benefit academically, socially, and emotionally when they attend school regularly and arrive on time. We encourage families to establish strong attendance habits early in the year. Together, we can ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed.

Please mark your calendars with these important dates for the first quarter of the school year:

Important Dates

• August 10: First Day of School / First Day of the 1st Grading Period
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday (No School for Students)
• September 11: First Grading Period Progress Reports Available
• September 25: Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)
• October 9: End of the 1st Grading Period
• October 12: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
• October 13: First Day of the 2nd Grading Period

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we will build on our successes, foster a culture of excellence, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. I look forward to an incredible year as we continue to help our students RISE to new heights.

At Deerwood Elementary, Excellence is on the Rise. We are the Challengers, and We Will RISE.

With Deerwood Pride,

Dr. Millie Torres
Principal
Deerwood Elementary School
Home of the Challengers 🚀

📝 Registration Information

We are excited to welcome new families to DWES! For registration assistance, please contact us at 407‑870‑2400 or email DWESRegistration@osceolaschools.net. Our team is ready to help guide you through the process and answer any questions.

📱 Stay Connected: Parent Portal & ParentSquare

Parent Portal allows you to view grades, attendance, and upcoming report dates. Please ensure your contact information is current so you don’t miss important updates.

ParentSquare continues to be our main communication tool for messages, reminders, and school announcements. If you haven’t downloaded the app, we encourage you to do so today so you can stay informed and engaged.

(Español) (Kreyòl Ayisyen)