Defer Dragon's Burning News
January 8, 2021
From the Principal
It was wonderful to see students back in the building this week! I appreciate your help at home to keep our community safe by completing the Covid-19 screening each morning at home with your children.
This week, we witnessed civil unrest in Washington, D.C. Our children have also been exposed to actions that they cannot comprehend, yet will have questions as their access to information is greater than ever before. We continue to teach our children that we may not agree with each other, but we must be empathetic to individual differences, work together to create solutions, and be kind to all. We want students and families to feel safe and part of the Defer community. Discussing difficult topics can bring positive changes to classrooms, schools, and communities. We also need to take time to listen, learn, and ask questions to create a true sense of belonging for ALL our families.
Thank you for your trust, commitment, and support for our learning community. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rheaume
Defer Return to School Plan
Spirit Day - Sports Team Day
The Student Leadership Team picked Sports Team Day as our first spirit day. Students may wear their favorite sports team apparel for a local or national team. Participation will be on the following days:
Wednesday January 13th for Cohort A
Wednesday January 20th for Cohort B
GP Traditional Hybrid Learning Updates
January 25, the hybrid schedule will continue with specials added to the school day
Starting on January 25, the school day will start at 8:20 am and end at 3:38 pm.
Dress for the Winter Weather!
Defer students go outdoors for recess two times each day throughout the school year, unless it's raining hard or the windchill is below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Please be sure that your child leaves for school dressed properly for the weather. It might also be helpful to keep an extra set of clothes in your child's locker in case clothes get wet during recess fun.
Please dress your child with a hat and gloves and a winter coat and snowpants when the weather is cold. We also ask that you write your child's name on his or her gloves, hats, boots, coat and snowpants. Our Lost and Found fills up quickly!
Lunchtime Volunteers Needed in 2021
We greatly appreciate those that volunteered at lunchtime previously and understand that family schedules have changed. Starting with a clean slate for 2021, we are looking for lunchtime volunteers to supervise in the classrooms. Please click on the Sign-up Genius if you are able to help out. The Sign-up Genius will be updated every afternoon, opening a slot for the following week.
Parent Tech Support
Parent Technology Support: https://gpschools.formstack.com/forms/parent_support.
This link can also be found on the main page of our website, entitled "Parent Technology Support"
Schoology Information: https://www.gpschools.org/Page/20417
Wayne RESA Covid-19 Screening Tool for Families
Chartwell's Meal Distributions
Upcoming Events
Jan 18 - No School - Martin Luther King Day
Jan 22 - 1/2 Day - Dismissal at 11:36 am.
Jan 20 - Sports Team Apparel Spirit Day - Cohort B
Register Today for Upcoming GPPSS Virtual Info Nights
Please take a moment to register for the Upcoming GPPSS Virtual Info Nights.
- Kindergarten/Young Fives - January 7
- Middle School - January 12
- High School - January 14
Once you register, the secure zoom information for your virtual info night will be sent to the email(s) you provide for the school you select. If you have more than one child transitioning this coming school year, you will have to fill the form out for each school. We are excited to get to know your child and answer any questions you may have. Please feel welcome to share this form with friends interested in exploring GPPSS. Thank you!
Defer Specials (PE, Art, Music, Library, and Spanish)
Please click on the Updated Defer Specials Times for GP Traditional and GP Virtual:
We encourage students to attend the live specials options each week! For each grade level, there are two classes listed on the schedule. The lesson will be the same for the grade level on both days, students should select one of the live classes to attend based on the information from your classroom teacher.
Mental Health Resources for Families
Check out Mrs. Salli's website, Mrs. Salli
*New resources added!* Ms. Alisha Salli is our Defer School Psychologist. On her website you will find resources to help you grow your child's resilience and enhance their well-being! You can also explore her virtual office with your child to view some of her favorite kid-friendly activities, read-alouds, and videos. Topics include: Navigating Home Learning, Separation Anxiety, Overcoming Perfectionism, Supporting Executive Functioning, and more!
Mrs. Alisha Salli is the Defer School Psychologist
Defer PTO News
PTO Meetings
Please join us at the monthly PTO meetings. In order not to conflict with Pierce Middle School’s information night, our next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 13th at 7PM. This will be a virtual meeting. The Zoom meeting details will be sent out by 5pm on the day of the meeting.
Meetings are typically held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm. All are welcome.
Defer Elementary School
Our Vision: One GP → where everyone learns, every day
Our Mission: Promote Innovation → Maximize Potential → Embrace Community
Email: rheauml@gpschools.org
Website: https://www.gpschools.org/Domain/1099
Location: 15425 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230, USA
Phone: 313-432-4000
Twitter: @GPDefer