Traffic Reminders:
Thank you for being very mindful of students crossing during arrival and dismissal as we navigated an unprecedented amount of snow! We greatly appreciate that.
Now that most of the snow has melted and it is easier to get around, please remember to let your students out ON THE CURBSIDE and not into traffic. This wasn't always an option while there was ice and snow on the "island", but now we need to return to having our students get out of vehicles on the curb side to keep them safe.
If your child is having a difficult morning and not wanting to get out of the vehicle, please drive around and park your vehicle rather than waiting in line or walking your child into the building from the drop off lines. Our goal is for a safe and efficient arrival process so that all learners are in their classrooms and ready to learn by 8:00.
As always, please drive slow and with caution to ensure a safe arrival and dismissal for all!
Recess
So long as the temperature or wind chill is 15 degrees or above, we will plan to go outside. We know the value of outdoor play, sunshine and fresh air! The melting snow and recent rain has undoubtedly resulted in some muddy areas. Please continue to encourage your student(s) to wear or bring snow boats to school. A change of clothes (and socks) kept in backpacks might also be a wise idea. Our office has seen an influx of students needing to change out of their wet or muddy clothes. We appreciate the precipitation, but we are anxious to SPRING forward!
Open Up Math
Our new math curriculum, Open Up, is available for free to families and students. Simply go to www.openupresources.org to create a free account. Once an account is made, you can access Open Up K-5 Math Resources as a family or student viewer. Here you will have access to the warm-ups, activities, and cool downs that we use at school. There is also an opportunity to explore additional practice problems that go with each unit.
Lunch Bunch Underway!
Our first month of Lunch Bunch was hugely successful! Students were engaged and enjoyed their time with their lunch buddy. Our adult volunteers were all smiles when they left the building. There is still time to sign up if you are interested in an opportunity to come in and enjoy lunch with your child on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Reach out to Penne in the office for more information.
PTO NEWS
Please Join Us at Our Next Meeting
Tuesday, February 11, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the music room. You can also join via our Webex link below.
https://usd497.webex.com/meet/pr1384244265
Learn how PTO supports students and staff, find out how you can help, and VOTE on issues that matter to you, including how PTO spends its budget. If you cannot attend, you can view the minutes here.
High Five Highlights:
Know a teacher or staff member who deserves a High Five? Nominations are now open for February and will be accepted through the third Tuesday of that month. The winner receives a bouquet of flowers generously donated by Dillons at 6th & Lawrence Ave. The nominating student receives a pizza party for the class generously donated by Toppers Pizza. Students can fill out a paper form in the library or complete an online submission here: https://forms.gle/K59vX78cMufd1bvc8.
5th Grade Celebration
Planning for the 5th grade end of year party will begin soon! If you would like to help with planning, please email Angela Wilson at awilson@usd497.org. In addition, if you own a business-or know of a business-who would like to contribute to the 5th grade shirts, please email Angela. All businesses will receive their logo on the back of the shirt.
Party date, time and location will be sent out soon!
PTO has been able to do so much this school year thanks to our wonderful volunteers. You are so appreciated! We have many more fun events planned and can definitely use help.
Here is our PTO Volunteer Interest Form. Please fill this out if you see opportunities that are of interest to you! https://forms.gle/HtsNBNZtyFeF1p7N7
Deerfield Food Pantry
DEERFIELD FOOD PANTRY!
If you have any pantry needs or other needs, please email us at Deerfield.Pantry@usd497.org and let us know. We have resources to help families in need.
*Donations must be dropped off in the office before being placed in the pantry for use. Heathy snacks or meal options are preferred.
Support Deerfield PTO with Dillons Rewards! Link Your Card Today!
Do your Dillons receipts look like this?! A great way to support Deerfield Elementary PTO is by linking your card to our organization. You help our school every time you shop with your Dillons Plus Card! Link your card here: https://www.dillons.com/i/community/community-rewards
Deerfield VIP's
Deerfield VIPs (Very Important People) is a volunteer opportunity aimed at adults who are important to our students. Deerfield VIPs can be individuals who serve as a positive role model in the life of any Deerfield student. As a Deerfield VIP, you will volunteer for your child's teacher/grade level in a variety of settings and complete a variety of tasks. For example: a Deerfield VIP could help supervise recess, work with small groups of students, and/or complete clerical tasks. The VIPs will receive a daily schedule for the amount of time they volunteer. We are welcoming VIPs into the building beginning Thursday, September 12 (VIP dates/times are at the discretion of the classroom teacher). Due to limited space, VIPs will not be able to stay for or to help with lunch in the cafeteria or attend specials. At this time, we're asking that VIPs only sign up for a maximum of 2 times for each of their students per semester to allow everyone plenty of opportunity to sign up if they wish.
Deerfield Expectations Matrix
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Ready to Learn
Students will be taught our expectations within the first few weeks of school, and will continue to review and practice these expectations throughout the entirety of the school year. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations with your student(s).