Defer Dragon's Burning News
November 17, 2017
From the Principal
The Defer Dragon Leaders had another wonderful week at school! On Tuesday, students hosted a Town Hall meeting for our Student Leadership Elections. All the students should be very proud of their hard work on their speeches! Students also wore blue on Tuesday for World Diabetes Awareness Day. Next week Tuesday, our Student Leadership Team is raising money for Diabetes Awareness. All Defer students will have the opportunity to wear Michigan gear (U of M, MSU, Tigers, Lions, Pistons) to help raise awareness and proceeds will be donated to JDRF.
Make sure to take time over the Thanksgiving Break to Sharpen the Saw! Enjoy spending your time with family and friends. I'm fortunate that I get to partner with you and your children to make Defer a welcoming and engaging environment for all learners. If there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know.
Lisa Rheaume
Follow Defer on Twitter (@GPDefer) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GPDefer/)
Office News
ATTENDANCE INFO
We all run late occasionally, but please remember to sign your child in at the office upon arriving to school. Your child will then take an arrival slip to his/her teacher. At this time, your child's attendance will be updated. When this step is forgotten, an automated unexcused absence call is generated.
Thank you for your help!
RECESS IN COLD 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.
Please dress your child with a hat and gloves and a winter coat when the weather is frigid. We also ask that you write your child's name on his or her gloves, hats, boots and coat. 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 rather than an email to his/her teacher. There are times a teacher is out of the building for meetings, or simply sick at home and will not see your email in a timely matter.
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 their prices.
Service/Safety News
In October, the teams competed between themselves in Kickball. We enjoyed a snack and drink, thanks to the Defer PTO.
If you see a Safety/Service member doing a good job, tell them.
Thank you,
Helen Srebernak
Safety/Service Coordinator
Safety/Service Members of the Month-October
Safety: William McLean
Service: Amy Ezop
Grosse Pointe Parents for Unity in Diversity
Leader in Me Family Information
Dear Defer families,
As the school year progresses, your child continues to learn the language and meaning of the 7 Habits. When we work together to use the same language both at home and at school, we are sending the important message that we are on the same team- which is a partnership to help each and every child succeed.
Below is a summary of each of the 7 Habits:
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)
The family friendly video below celebrates the Combs’ school’s journey. We know that our children are learners and leaders. Let’s work together to support them on this journey.
We are excited about cultivating leadership at Defer!
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 PTO
Check out the information from the Defer PTO! Click on each of the links below for more information:
DEFER HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Date: December 2, 2017 - Saturday
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Defer Gym
Online Registration – Now Closed
Defer Holiday Craft Fair Information
PTO is in need of volunteers to help with Craft Fair. We have more than 160 students coming to create keepsakes. If you are able to help, please sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0845a8ac28aafc1-defer9
During Craft Fair, there will be a bake sale for the Student Leadership Team (formerly Student Council). If you'd like to donate a baked good, please sign-up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0845a8ac28aafc1-defer9
Additionally, Book Fair will be opening Saturday Dec. 2 (during the craft fair!) in the library. More information about hours and the schedule will be forthcoming.
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.
November Writing Opportunity for Students
Dr. 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 Dr. Rheaume by Friday, December 1st.
What does it mean to begin with the end in mind? Describe a time you that you had to plan ahead to meet a goal.
What are you thankful for this year? How does being thankful make you feel?
How do you help others at school or at home? Why is helping others important?
Library News
Upcoming Events at Defer
November 18 - Choir Sings at the Tree Lighting Ceremony @ 5:15 at Windmill Pointe Park
November 21 - Spirit Day Battle of the Border (see note above)
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
November 30 - GP Unity for Diversity Meeting 7pm @ Defer
December 2 - Defer PTO Craft Fair 9am - 1pm (registration closed)
December 5 - Report Cards Distributed
December 6 - Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
December 7 - AM School Only
December 7 - Afternoon and Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
December 12 - Winter Vocal Music Concert -Grades 1, 3 with 3/4 Split, 5 and Choir
December 25 - January 2nd Winter Break
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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPDefer/
Twitter: @GPDefer