Defer Dragon's Burning News
Friday, February 28th
From the Principal
I hope everyone had a wonderful mid-winter break. I can't believe March will be here on Sunday! During the month we will be celebrating March is Reading Month with our One Book, One School reading event with the Trombly community! The title of the book and reading materials will be shared with families on Tuesday! We are excited to share a wonderful reading experience with all of the Defer and Trombly Families.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are right around the corner. Conference Sign Up information was emailed to parents from your classroom teacher on Thursday, February 27th. We look forward to partnering with you for a successful third marking period.
I hope to see many parents at #One GP Parent Camp on Saturday morning at Parcells Middle School.
Have a great weekend,
Dr. Rheaume
Magnet Program Information
Office News
GPPSS prepared for Coronavirus response
While there have been no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in Michigan as of February 20, GPPSS is closely following updates to the guidance issued by the Wayne County Health Department, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is currently reporting 13 confirmed cases nationwide. Therefore, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time. Additionally, there are no recommendations by federal, state or local public health officials to cancel events or restrict travel within the United States. The CDC is recommending avoiding nonessential travel to China. Traveler updates are available at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-wuhan-china. For up-to-date information on coronavirus visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
To prevent the spread of viruses such as the flu, common cold and coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing
- Avoid contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
HALLWAY CONGESTION
Boots, snowpants, mittens and adults! We are well into our routines of the new year and ask that parents no longer walk their children to their classrooms in the morning. If your child is late, please sign in at the office on our late slips and we will take them to class.
Cold Weather Reminder
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!
BEGINNING OF THE DAY
Please remember to use our 24 hour attendance line at 313-432-4001 to report your child's absence. Thank you.
END OF THE DAY
Our dismissal bell rings at 3:38. Please make sure your child knows his/hers after school plans in the morning when you drop off. The only after school care available is Kids Club. Check out Defer's website for more information. If you need to change pick up plans, please call the office before 3:15 pm to make sure your child receives the message before the end of the school day.
Lunchtime Volunteers
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0445A5A72DA4FB6-defer
If you have not already filled out the Defer Volunteer Release Inquiry form, please click the link below, fill out and submit it prior to your volunteer date.
https://gpschools.formstack.com/forms/ichatdefer
Thank you so much!
PTO News
Thursday March 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Gizmo Game Night
Bring your whole family for a night of engaging game play! Families rotate through different game stations, sampling a variety of games in the gymnasium. Play begins at 6:30 p.m.--don't be late as it ends at 7:30 p.m. RSVPs are due to the office by March 2--the form is attached.
Friday March 6
Disability Awareness Day
All 3rd and 4th grade students from Defer & Trombly will participate in Disability Awareness Day, which is designed to build empathy and knowledge for students through hands-on experiences simulating various impairments and disabilities. This year the program is being extended to also include 3rd graders along with 4th graders. Nearly 200 students will be participating this year as it has been expanded to also include 3rd graders. We need volunteers to make the day a success! Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f48a5ac2fabf94-2019
Tuesday March 10
Election Day Help
We need some help on Election Day! Please consider volunteering to help during the lunch hour in your child's classroom. The gymnasium will be occupied by the election workers and equipment. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084aaaaa2ba6fe3-defer1
Friday March 20, 8-8:20 a.m.
Donuts with your Dragon
Join your dragon in the gymnasium for an early morning gathering to share donuts, coffee & juice before your child's school day begins! Don't forget, you can win reserved parking for this event by volunteering during lunchtime. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0445a5a72da4fb6-defer. See more about the contest in the attached flyer.
Leader in Me Updates
During the month of February please send your classroom teacher a picture of your child(ren) using one or more habits at home. Pictures will be displayed on our School to Home Connection Leader in Me bulletin board. Check out the bulletin board to see your Defer teachers using the 7 Habits at home as well.
Habit 1: Be Proactive (You’re in Charge)
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind (Have a Plan)
Habit 3: Put First Things First (Work First, Then Play)
Habit 4: Think Win-Win (Everyone Can Win)
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood ( Listen Before You Talk)
Habit 6: Synergize (Together Is Better)
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (Balance Feels Best)
Defer Upcoming Events
February 29 - #OneGP Parent Camp 8:30 am @ Parcells Middle School
March 4 - Half Day for Students dismissal at 11:36 am
March 5 - Gizmo Game Night 6:30 pm
March 13 - Report Cards Distributed
March 14 - Defer-Trombly Parents Night Out
March 18 - Parent-Teacher Conferences Evening
March 19 - Half Day for Students; Parent-Teacher Conferences Afternoon and Evening
March 20 - Donuts with Your Dragon; Read In Celebration; Half Day for students
7 Habits of Happy Kids
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://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/gpdefer
Phone: 313-432-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPDefer/
Twitter: @GPDefer