Defer Dragon's Burning News
October 20, 2017
As we finish another great week at Defer, and are enjoying the beautiful fall weather, students and families are settling into the fall school schedules. Each day, we are partnering with parents to help students grow not only for school the year, but for the lifetime of learning.
One way you can help support your child’s learning at home is by establishing a reading routine. The reading routine at home should include about 20 minutes of reading. Reading time at home might include reading aloud to a younger sibling, independent reading, reading to you, or even reading aloud to a pet! Finding time to set a routine for reading a book of their choice will help students at school. Reading aloud to your student is also a wonderful way to share literature together. Reading every day not only helps to increase comprehension and understanding of text, it also grows your child’s vocabulary. Just as important as building reading skills, reading fiction has been found to develop empathy skills. Being empathic helps us to connect to one another and understand individuals. One of the 7 Habits we discuss at Defer, is “seek first to understand, then to be understood”. Listening with the intent to understand others helps us to problem solve together and create “win-win” situations at school and at home.
http://www.edudemic.com/skipping-your-reading-homework/
I look forward to seeing many families at the movie night on Sunday night!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Lisa Rheaume
Leader in Me Family Information
Dear Defer families,
We will be helping our students discover their potential, talents and leadership as we formally begin THE LEADER IN ME at Defer. Our school action plan will allow students to learn the necessary skills to be successful 21st century leaders and learners. This work is based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. Students will be taught these habits and will learn how to use them at school. With your support, we are hoping they can continue to practice them at home and in the community. Please watch the video below for a family-friendly introduction to the 7 Habits. Information will be coming home monthly via email and through the classroom to continue our partnership in growing and celebrating our learners and leaders.
Reminders for Arrivals and Departures
- There is No Parking on Kercheval in front of the building.
- There is No Parking along either side of Nottingham near Defer. Parking on the west side of Nottingham is allowed only during posted times and locations.
- Since there is no parking anywhere on the east side of Nottingham, parents can drop off students at any point along the full length of Nottingham from Vernor to Kercheval on the Defer side of the street. Students should be exiting the cars from the Defer side ONLY. You do not need to wait until you get in front of the Defer gate to drop off or pick up your child.
- Bottom line---Please Stop, Drop and Go! This will help the traffic to flow smoothly. Help us keep our Dragons safe!
Defer Garden Gatherings
Join the Beautification Team during the Fall Garden Gatherings to meet other parents and help to keep Defer grounds looking great without the use of pesticides! Check out the link below for more information!
The 2nd Defer grounds cleanup without pesticides is scheduled for Oct. 22. (attach PDF below)
Contact chelseabcrosby@gmail.com for more information.
Defer PTO
Check out the information from the Defer PTO! Click on each of the links below for more information:
Our Outdoor Movie Night has been RESCHEDULED for Sunday Oct. 22. Gather on the field beginning at 6:30 p.m. If anyone is able to volunteer, please sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0845a8ac28aafc1-defer6 (attach PDF below)
Defer Movie Night - Sunday, October 22, 2017
We are looking for more clinic volunteers to help out mid-day with providing band-aids and ice packs during lunch recess. This is a SIBLING-FRIENDLY volunteer post with a view of the playground! Mrs. Hines was kind enough to allow us to photograph her during her hour. It's from 11:30-12:30 p.m. daily. Contact parveensiddiqui@comcast.netfor additional information.
October Writing Opportunity for Students
Ms. Rheaume will give a special prize for any student who writes a response on one of the following topics. All writing should be turned into the Defer office or Ms. Rheaume by Monday, October 30th.
1. What does it mean to be proactive? Describe a time you were proactive.
2. Describe a time you were proud of an accomplishment?
3. What is the best part about the fall season?
Library News
Upcoming Events at Defer
October 21 - GP AAUW event at Robot Garage from 1:30-3:00 pm (All families welcome)
October 22 - RESCHEDULED DATE Outdoor Movie Night SING (on the back ball fields)
October 27 - Haunted Garage (tickets on sale in the office)
October 31 - Halloween -Half Day for Students dismissal at 11:36 am
- Halloween Parade 8:40 - 9:00
- Classroom Parties 9:00 - 10:00
- Basketball Jones Assembly (all school) 10:15 - 11:15
November 12 - GPPSS Open House 1 pm - 3pm
November 21 - ½ Day for Students morning only/PM Record Days
End of First Trimester
November 22 - 24 - Thanksgiving Break No School/Staff and Students
Defer Spirit Wear
- The Defer Elementary PTO is pleased to offer on-line ordering for all your Defer Dragon wearables. What a great way for you and your Dragon show your Dragon pride.
- All orders placed via the Spirit Store will be delivered to Defer Elementary School.
- If you have any questions about the items offered, please feel free to send your questions to – defer.spirit.store@gmail.com
- All purchases are safely processed through PayPal
- https://gpschools.formstack.com/forms/deferspiritwear
Stay Informed by...
- Reading the weekly Defer Dragon's Burning News
- Check out the Defer Elementary Homepage for updates to the calendar and other information
- Follow us on Twitter @GPDefer, @DeferElementary (PTO), and Facebook- DeferElementaryPTO
7 Habits of Happy Kids
Grosse Pointe Public Schools
Our Vision: One GP → where everyone learns, every day
Our Mission: Promote Innovation → Maximize Potential → Embrace Community
Defer Elementary School
Email: rheauml@gpschools.org
Website: www.gpschools.org/defer
Location: 15425 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI, United States
Phone: 313-432-4000
Twitter: @GPDefer