Defer Dragon's Burning News
November 3, 2017
It was an exciting week at Defer! It was wonderful to see so many families on Halloween for the parade or helping with classroom parties! Thank you for all your support and donations to help make the Halloween events at Defer a success for our Dragons!
November rolled in, the weather started getting colder this week, and I began to reflect on the accomplishments and growth of the students during the first two months of school. Students learned many school procedures and routines with PBIS. Students are eager to share their knowledge and success from the classroom in all the academic areas. The Defer Dragons also continue to develop their leadership skills.
This year Defer continues to empower students with more Leadership Roles in the building. Our Leadership Team will be hosting our third Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, November 8th. On Wednesday, we will celebrate the wonderful October accomplishments together. The Green Squad is helping students remember to recycle items at lunch and collect the paper recycle bins from the classrooms. Other students joined different leadership teams such as the Announcement Team, Birthday Card Club, Assembly Team, Dragon Dollar Team, Greeting Team for special events, and many other leadership roles. All of our students are also taking on leadership roles in the classroom. Additionally, the Service and Safety Team members continue to help all students be respectful, responsible, and stay safe as they enter the building or help students at the crosswalks. Thank you for your help supporting our growing leaders at home. Make sure to ask your Dragon about how they how they showing their leadership at Defer this month!
I am so thankful to be part of this amazing Defer community. I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity to see the students be leaders and learners throughout the day. The supportive community of families, students, and staff members at Defer help our Dragons grow and learn every day, Learn to Lead and Lead to Inspire!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Lisa Rheaume
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
Online Registration – Now Open
Click on this link - https://gpschools.formstack.com/forms/defercrafts
Icon link also available on the Defer Homepage
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 11/10/2017 - FRIDAY
Defer Holiday Craft Fair Information
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 other at school or at home? Why is helping others important?
Library News
Office News
Special congratulations to Principal Rheaume who just earned her doctorate! Great job Dr. Rheaume!
It looks like winter has arrived this week. We go outside every day for recess as long as the temperature is above 0 degrees with the wind chill. Please double check that your child's boots, gloves, coats, snow pants and hats are labeled with your child's first and last name. We typically have more than 1 black Northface winter coat at Defer.
In the event of school closing or delayed start, please check the following radio and television stations in addition to our school website:
RADIO - WJR 760AM, WNIC 100.3 FM, WOMC 104.3 FM, WWJ 950AM
TELEVISION - FOX Channel 2, WDIV Channel 4, WXYZ Channel 7, Comcast Channel 20
Upcoming Events at Defer
November 5- Daylight Savings Time Fall Back (Set your clocks back 1 hour)
November 6 - Kaiser Studios Retake Day
November 8 -Defer Spirit Day - Wear Defer T-Shirt
November 12 - GPPSS Open House 1 pm - 3 pm
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
December 6 - Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
December 7 - AM School Only
December 7 - Afternoon and Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
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
Twitter: @GPDefer