Defer Dragon's Burning News
May 4, 2018
From the Principal
Dear Defer Families,
The warmer weather looks like it might finally be here to stay! Earlier this afternoon (May 4), the sirens alerted the community to the high winds and thunderstorm. Once we received notification from the local municipalities that the alarm signaled high winds and not a tornado, we made sure students went back to their classroom as soon as possible.
The Defer staff members are also beginning to plan for next school year and we value your input! You know your child best and I would like to invite you to share information about your child’s strengths and areas of growth for placement consideration for next year. Please do not request a specific teacher, it is more important to share the type of learning environment that would benefit your child. Your feedback will help contribute to building an environment that will benefit social, emotional, and academic growth for your student. Please complete the survey by Monday, May 21.
Please use the link below to share information with me about your child:
Defer Student Placement Survey 2018 - 19
Have a great weekend,
Dr. Rheaume
Follow Defer on Twitter (@GPDefer) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GPDefer/)
Spring Assessments
Third and Fourth Grade students will continue M-Step Testing next week. This year the M-Step test will be administered on the computer. The M-Step is an opportunity for our students to demonstrate their current levels of understanding in core subject areas. Some students will also complete the NWEA test next week. We are asking parents to be especially alert to their child’s needs for:
- getting plenty of rest,
- eating a good breakfast each morning,
- and being in school and on time on testing days.
Notes from the Office
Arrival and Departure Reminders:
Our first interest is always the safety of all of our Defer families and staff members and we know it is your interest as well. We appreciate your cooperation with these procedures.
- The Defer Parking Lot is not a student drop off or pick-up location.
- 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.
Attendance Line
We have a 24 hour attendance line for your convenience. If your child will not be at school, please call 313-432-4001 to report the absence by 8:00 am. This will avoid an unexcused absence phone call.
Upcoming Events at Defer
May 7 - 11 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 9 - Spring Music Concert 7 pm at Pierce (K, 2, 2/3 Magnet, 4, 4/5 Magnet, and the Defer Choir)
May 18 - Farmer John from Barnyard Express visits Defer
May 21 - Defer Diversity Group Meeting 6:30 pm
May 24 - PTO Spring Social
May 25 - Field Day!
June 4 - Field Day Rain Date
Volunteer Forms for Parents and Guests
Camp Invention is back!
Check out the flyer for more information.
Leader in Me Family Information - April Edition
Welcome to the April edition of our Leader in Me newsletter!
Published by the Defer Family Learning Team
The 7 Habits are reviewed, practiced and integrated daily at Defer. We will review the 7 Habits with you monthly. Thank you for your partnership in reinforcing your child’s leadership skills.
We are learning about Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood means that it is better to listen first and to talk second.
This habit is best approached by introducing listening as a skill, something that should be practiced. Simply put, we have two ears and one mouth and should use them accordingly.
Books that reinforce Habit 5:
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon; The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka; The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown; Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman; Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino; Rules by Cynthia Lord
You may hear your child use words and phrases like listening first, listening with your ears, eyes, and heart, and seeking first to understand in their conversations. You can encourage your child by using some of this language at home.
Video to reinforce Habit 5:
Library News
Spring has finally arrived and with May, the school year will be winding down as we get excited for summer! The Summer Reading Club will start in June at the public library and the Youth Librarian will be visiting Defer to get our students excited about participating. Kindergartners and Young 5's are researching sea turtles, and Second graders are learning about Caldecott Medal books this month in the library with Mrs. Quinlan.
Mrs. Quinlan and Mrs. Martin
Defer Library Specialists
Service & Safety
Defer PTO
Teacher Appreciation Week -- May 7-11
We want to show our teachers and staff at Defer some love during Teacher Appreciation Week. Parent Alicia Brown has been busy organizing and and planning for the week. Please sign up here to contribute to the celebration next week: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4ca8ab22aafa7-teacher
The plans include daily activities and food. See more in the sign-up genius.
Defer Garden Days, Mulch Spreading: May 19, 9-11:30 a.m.
Please bring gloves, weeding tools, a bucket and a water bottle. (We will have a limited number of extra gloves and weeding tools on hand.) For more information, please reach out to the Beatification Co-Chair, Diana Degen Gifford, dianaelaine4@gmail.com.
Spring Social Evening with Student Art Show: Thursday May 24
Enjoy a family friendly gathering on the blacktop/field of Defer with live music, bounce houses & more entertainment. Pizza and frozen custard available for purchase. Student artwork to be on display in the gym.
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