Defer Dragon's Burning News
September 28, 2018
From the Principal
Dear Defer Families,
The Fun Run excitement continued with Green Week for Great Books! Next Friday, I hope to see many families out on the Defer Field to cheer on the Dragons during the Fun Run! Thank you for your support and generous donations to our school community.
On Monday, October 1st, Defer Elementary School will also be hosting the Community Luncheon. We excited to invite community leaders from all the Grosse Pointes to visit our building. On Monday, we will have a slight change to the lunch schedule. Students will eat lunch in their classrooms from 11:36 am - 12:24 pm (Tuesday - Friday lunch schedule).
I would also like to welcome Mrs. Patricia Zens to the Defer Office. Mrs. Kubek accepted a library paraprofessional position at another building in the district. Congratulations to Mrs. Kubek and welcome Mrs. Zens!
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rheaume
District Diversity Meeting - Thursday, October 4
GPPSS Open House - Sunday, October 14
Will you host an Explore GP Open House sign for a week? If so click here to sign up and help us market our district: https://gpschools.formstack.com/forms/explore_gp_open_house
I hope to see you at the GPPSS Open House on Sunday, October 14 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm!
Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders
- 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. 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.
Library News
1st, 2nd, and Y5's are all excited to be back in the library! We are practicing our Library Rules, checkout procedures, and looking for new books with Mrs. Quinlan and Ms. Walpole in the library.
Defer Art Information
What's Happening in the Art Room:
Y5 & K - Silly Pumpkin Faces
1 - Matisse Collages
2 - vanGogh Sunflowers
3 - Designer Owls
4 - Picasso Faces
5 - Piggy Bank Sketches
Check out Defer's Online Art Gallery: https://tinyurl.com/deferartsonia
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @deferartroom
Please click on the link below to read the most recent information from Mrs. Makowski on what is happening in the Art Room.
Defer PTO Information
Wednesday Oct. 3
- Planning Meeting for Holiday Craft Fair! If you would like to help brainstorm ideas full of holiday cheer for this year's awesome crafts, please bring ideas to our first meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 pm in Defer's library. At the meeting we will determine which crafts to make a mock-up sample of. NO CRAFTING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Please e-mail Keely Galdes at bkgaldes@aol.com if you are able to attend the meeting or if you are interested in helping prep materials. Thank you!
Friday Oct. 5
- The Defer Fun Run--this is the actual running event that marks the end of our one & done fundraiser for the school year. Parents and friends are encouraged to come to the Defer field to cheer on their dragon. More details with specific times to come.
- Deadline to register for the Progressive Dinner!
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- PTO will have it's October meeting at 7 p.m. in the library. The meeting was rescheduled to a Monday night so that Defer parents and community members are able to attend both the PTO gathering and the GPPSS school board candidate forum put on by the League of Women Voters at the War Memorial on Tuesday Oct. 9.
Wednesday Oct. 10
- Buy your pumpkins, hay bales, donuts and cider at the Defer Pumpkin Patch. It opens at school dismissal (3:38 p.m.) and remains open until 5 p.m. on the front lawn. All students will receive a complimentary donut and cup of cider! This is a RAIN or SHINE event.
Saturday Oct. 13
- The Progressive Dinner is an annual strolling evening for parents only. It's a great opportunity to meet other Defer parents and catch up with those you have not yet seen this school year. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with appetizers at one family's house; the group splits into many smaller groups for dinner (catered by Park Grill) at other homes; then everyone comes back together for the end of the night at the dessert house. The cost is $25 per person and includes a full meal, drinks, appetizers and dessert. RSVP by Oct.. 5 in order to attend. Flyers are attached with additional information. Payment for Progressive Dinner may be made by send in a check to the school and the attached RSVP form or online via Defer's homepage.
Tuesday Treats for Teachers!
- We love to love on our teachers at Defer. Every Tuesday we try to recognize them with snacks and treats in the teacher's lounge. Any family is welcome to sign up to bring in the treats. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4dabae2ea4f58-tuesday
Please click on the link below for:
Defer Pumpkin Patch Information
Progressive Dinner Information
Click on the link below to stay up to date on PTO Information:
Leader in Me
Welcome back to school! We are excited to continue the educational journey- learn to lead, lead to inspire! Your child is learning and practicing 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!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdHeQbk9xgk
News from The Family Center
The Family Center Calendar of Programs and Presentations
The Family Center Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Information
Community News
Defer Upcoming Events
October 5 - Defer Fun Run - 2 pm
October 10 - Parent-Teacher Conferences Evening
October 10 - PTO Defer Pumpkin Patch
October 11 - 1/2 Day AM Classes for Students/Parent-Teacher Conferences Afternoon & PM
October 12 - North/South Football Game at North High School 7:00 pm
October 13 - Parents of Defer Progressive Dinner
October 14 - GPPSS Open House 1 - 3 pm
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
Email: rheauml@gpschools.org
Website: https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/Domain/1099
Location: 15425 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI, USA
Phone: 313-432-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPDefer/
Twitter: @GPDefer