Defer Dragon's Burning News
February 12, 2021
From the Principal
We had many celebrations this week at Defer! Students celebrated Black History Month, the 100th day of school, and Valentine's day. Over the last two weeks, students have learned about influential Black leaders, scientists, artists, poets, and athletes. Please ask your child what they learned in the classroom. Our staff will also continue to include diverse texts in our curriculum throughout the school year, not just in the month of February for Black History Month.
The Board of Education voted to Return all students to full-time Face to Face Learning starting March 1. After midwinter break, I will send our updated Return to Learning document for March 2021. If you have any questions or concerns about school for March, please send me an email, rheauml@gpschools.org.
Have a wonderful midwinter break, we look forward to seeing you on Monday, February 22nd (cohort A) and Tuesday, February 23 (cohort B)!
Dr. Rheaume
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.
The Defer Dragon Yearbook Needs Your Help!
Upcoming Events
Feb 15 - 19 - Mid-Winter Break
Feb 25 - Kaiser Picture Re-take Day - Cohort A - 9 am
Feb 25 - Kaiser Picture Virtual Re-take Day - 3-4 pm (Sign up Genius)
Feb 26 - Kaiser Picture Re-take Day - Cohort B - 9 am
Feb 26 - Virtual Bingo Night - PTO
March is Reading Month
Lost and Found
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!
Mental Health Resources for Families
Ms. 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: How to Talk About Race With Children, Navigating Home Learning, Overcoming Perfectionism, Supporting Executive Functioning, and more!
Also included is a section on anxiety that includes resources for what to do if you're worried about Separation Anxiety or Back to School Anxiety during COVID-19.
Wayne RESA Covid-19 Screening Tool for Families
Defer PTO News
Bingo Night
Join us for Defer’s Virtual Bingo Night on Friday, February 26th at 6:30pm! For additional details and to RSVP, please visit: http://evite.me/DGbxQH5cny
PTO Meetings
Please join us at the monthly PTO meetings. Meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm. All are welcome. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 9th at 7pm. This will be a virtual meeting. The Zoom meeting details will be sent out by 5pm on the day of the meeting.
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