Defer Dragon's Burning News
Friday, June 5
From the Principal
Dear Defer Families,
It's hard to believe we are heading into the last week of the school year. How I wish I could be at Defer in person celebrating milestones with you and your children. This is definitely not the end of the 2019-2020 school year than any of us imagined or hoped for in many ways. As we try to think proactively, many of us are looking forward to next year as well, and there are still many unknowns at this time. As we have more information available we will be sharing that with families.
At the end of May, I started working with a team of staff to prepare for the 2020 - 2021 school year. We had conversations and discussions about our school culture and our community. We quickly realized that strong relationships and a sense of belonging for students and families will be at the center of decisions to be able to move to our rigorous academic curriculum. We are committed to ensuring that ALL members of the Defer community, new and veteran, feel a sense of belonging, but we also realize that is only the first step. The current national climate cannot be ignored. In order to work toward a sense of belonging for ALL, here in Grosse Pointe, we also need to address the injustices and racism that are found in our communities and schools. I am committed to having difficult conversations about race, privilege, school structures and policies that we need to continue to examine. Ultimately, by listening, learning, and asking questions, we can create a true sense of belonging for ALL our Families. It will start with relationships with each other, our students, and our families. I appreciate the conversations you are having at home with your children about race, injustices, and equity. By discussing difficult topics it can bring a positive change to classrooms, schools, and communities.
Even though the building is closed, I am a phone call away. Please contact me with questions, ideas, resources, experiences that will allow us to build a better community together. I would also like to extend an invitation to join our Defer Diversity Committee that will begin again in the fall. This will not be easy work. But, with the commitment our staff and families have to inclusivity and belonging, I am ready to tackle it together.
If you would like support talking to your children, please click the link for a resource to support the conversations you are having at home, Talking to Kids About Race.
I am honored to work with you and our community.
Thank you for your support,
Dr. Rheaume
Wednesday, June 10 - Defer and Pierce Student Material Drop off/Pick Up Information
A rain date is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 11. We will confirm by email on Wednesday, June 10th at 8:00 am if we need the raindate is necessary.
4th and 5th Grade Parent Information
The promotion ceremonies for 4th and 5th grade will be held virtually for 2020. The videos will be available for families to watch at home at the times below or at a time that works best for your family. We will email the link information to families next week.
Thursday, June 11 - 4th Grade Virtual Video Promotion available at 9:00 am
Friday, June 12 - 5th Grade Virtual Video Promotion available at 9:00 am
We are excited to celebrate the promotion to middle school with our Defer Dragons!
5th Grade Instrumental Return Information
GPPSS Summer Learning
https://www.gpschools.org/domain/173. Please consider taking advantage of all this program has to offer.
Grosse Pointe Library Summer Reading Information
https://sites.google.com/gpschools.org/elementarylibraryresources/home
Defer Community Connection Video Link
Below is a link to Defer Community Connection daily videos. The video will be a little different each day, a way to keep us connected during our time at home. The videos are also posted on my Principal Lisa Rheaume Facebook page.
GPPSS COVID Update
Resources for Home Learning
Defer's Virtual Specials Classroom
Join Mrs. Makowski for a Story & Sketch! Listen to a story, grab a paper & pencil and draw with your art teacher. Stories and drawing topics change each week and are appropriate for all grade levels. Wednesdays @ 3:00 meet.google.com/txm-cswq-mws
Art work will be distributed next Fall. Arrangements will be made to get work to students who are attending Pierce. Completed tie-dye shirts (students in Gout & Mannino/Morris) have been placed with their locker contents for pick-up. Most student work is visible in their digital portfolio on Artsonia. If you're having trouble accessing your student's Artsonia account, please contact Mrs. Makowski: makowss@gpschools.org
Mental Health Resources
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