Defer Dragon's Burning News
Friday, October 25
From the Principal
Dear Parents,
Halloween is just around the corner! Tonight is our Haunted Garage "Fun"- raiser and it looks like a perfect fall evening for the event! Please check out our Halloween reminders for costumes worn at school and safety tips below.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dr. Rheaume
Halloween Reminders
Thursday, October 31 is a Half Day for students! Dismissal is at 11:36 am for all students. The parade starts at 8:45 am. We look forward to seeing many families at Defer on Halloween.
Halloween Reminders for school costumes
- No toy guns, knives, or swords
- No fake blood
- No masks
Halloween Safety Tips
- Always go trick or treating with an adult
- Walk, slither or haunt on sidewalks, NEVER in the street
- Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street
- Always cross the street at the corner
- Wear reflective clothing with your costumes in order to be seen by drivers
- Light your path with a flashlight
- Only trick or treat at homes with a porch light on
- Never go inside a stranger's house, stay at the doorway
- All treats should be inspected by an adult before eating or sharing
Lunchtime Volunteers
Safe Routes to School
Our first interest is always the safety of all of our Defer families and staff members and we know it is your interest as well. We appreciate your cooperation with these procedures at Drop Off and Pick Up.
Safe Routes to School Update
As our district, and particularly the Defer community, moves forward with our Safe Routes to School program we hope more and more students will safely walk or bike to school. Here are some things you can do now:
- Watch for safe crossing maps that will be coming out soon from public safety.
- Wear a bike helmet and remember to lock up your bike.
- Report any issues immediately to the school and/or public safety.
- Consider setting up a walking school bus, or even a carpool to reduce traffic congestion around our schools.
- Join the Safe Routes to School - Pierce/Trombly/Defer public Facebook group
- And as we prepare for our Walking Audit November 18 from 3:30-6 p.m., consider volunteering that day or email me with areas of concern. The more information we have about sidewalks in need of repair, shrubs that need trimming, or places where students traditionally cross outside of designated crosswalks, the better prepared we'll be with the routes our teams explore that day.
Our next steps are participating in a Walking Audit of our area. We need parents and students to help gather information about the walking areas near our school.
The Walking Audit will be on Monday, November 18th from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm. We are meeting in the Pierce Auditorium.
Please contact Dr. Rheaume if you have any questions or would like more information about the survey or the committee.
Facts about November 5 Ballot Proposal
CANDY BUY BACK
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4eGK-6NnFC1cmRIcVkydDZtU1I1QzhwXzEzTTBqcEhlWnJz/view?usp=sharing
PTO News
Defer PTO Green Team
The Defer PTO Green Team has been working hard this school year to maintain pesticide-free care for the grounds. The group is looking to expand its impact and has some fun projects slated for this school year. Parent volunteers & co-chairs Diana Gifford and Kelly Woolums are looking for parents who want to help support the green initiatives at Defer. Ways to help include supporting the 2nd/3rd grade student Green Squad, help provide educational opportunities related to green projects and initiatives, help with planning/executing Earth Week at Defer and to pilot a new reusable party pack program. For more information email: dianaelaine4@gmail.com or kwoolums512@gmail.com.
Tuesday Teacher Treats!
Help Defer PTO recognize and appreciate the teachers and staff who care for, interact with and lead our students each and every day by signing up to bring in treats one Tuesday this school year. Check out available dates and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4dacaf28a2fd0-tuesday
Defer Upcoming Events
October 31 - Halloween! Half Day for students (morning only)
- Parade 8:45 am, Assembly 9:15 am, Classroom Parties 10:00 am
November 5 - Election Day - NO SCHOOL
November 12 - PTO Meeting - 7pm
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