Deerfield Digest
December 20th, 2024
About Us
david.goetz@avondaleschools.org
julianne.splain@avondaleschools.org or
holly.kokotovich@avondaleschools.org
Website: http://www.avondaleschools.org/
Location: 3600 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 537-6700
Attendance Line: (248) 537-6710
Mr. Goetz's Corner
Dear Falcon Families,
What a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season! Our school holiday sing assembly was a true highlight, filled with joyful music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Students from all grades came together to share festive songs, spreading cheer throughout the entire school. It was a wonderful celebration of community, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who participated! As we head into the break, we want to wish all our families a relaxing and joyful holiday season. Enjoy this well-deserved time off, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Happy Holidays,
Mr. Goetz
December 23 - Jan 3: No School (Winter Recess)
January 8: PTO Meeting 7 p.m.
January 16 & 17: Half Days - dismissal at 11:45 am both days
January 20: No school (MLK Jr. Day)
January 22-24: PTO Used Book Sale
Lunch Menu
To view the school menus please go to: https://avondale.nutrislice.com/menu/deerfield
Please check the website above for the lunch choices!
Positivity Project
Each week at Deerfield we focus on traits from the "Positivity Project." This week we focused on SELF-CONTROL this week. SELF-CONTROL means that you have the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act. Individuals with this strength might be described as: disciplined, poised, composed, cool, calm, restrained.
Teacher of the Year
The Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards recognize teachers in Oakland County who demonstrate excellence in their profession. These awards aim to highlight the importance of quality public education for the community’s well-being. To nominate a Deerfield teacher, please submit a statement with specific examples of how the teacher has supported your child. Please limit your statement to 600 words and submit all nominations to Mr. Goetz (david.goetz@avondaleschools.org) by Friday, January 10.
Tips for Home: Executive Functioning
Executive function is a set of mental skills we use every day to learn, work and manage every day life. It includes working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things. Some people describe executive function as “the management system of the brain.” That’s because the skills involved let us set goals, plan, and get things done. When people struggle with executive function, it impacts them in all areas of life. See the chart below for ways to help develop your child's executive functioning skills at home!
Used Book Sale
The annual PTO used book sale will take place at the end of January, and we need book donations. If you have any books (TK-5th grade) to donate to the sale, please bring them to the main office by Friday, January, 17th. Thank you!
The sale will run January 22nd-24th. Students will shop during their lunch times. Books will cost $0.25. Please encourage your student(s) to shop for books new to them, and support the PTO at the same time.
Finally, we are in need of volunteers to help run the book sale. If you are able to help organize and sell books during the sale, please visit the SignUp Genius HERE to volunteer. Thank you in advance for your time and help!
Little Caesar's Fundraiser
Are you ready for some pizza, pizza? Our latest fundraiser is just in time for you to enjoy Little Caesars pizza from home during the Superbowl! Any student who sells 5 or more items will be entered into a raffle for a Target gift card! Please have your orders submitted by Sunday, January 19th, following the steps below.
ALL ORDERS NEED TO BE TURNED IN ONLINE BY VISITING: WWW.PIZZAKIT.COM
Place your orders online and pay by credit card (VISA or MasterCard).
Go to Pizzakit.com
Click on “Products”, then click on “Shop”
Select “Support a Seller You Know”
Enter Fundraiser ID #451287
Follow the prompts to create your customer login
Finally, place your order
Online ordering questions? Call Little Caesars Customer Care Team at (888)452-5487 from 8:30am – 6:00pm EST
Kroger Fundraising Partnership
Are you already scanning a Kroger Plus card when you shop for groceries? Did you know you can link the Deerfield PTO to your card, and we will receive a percentage of your purchase? Here’s how to enroll:
Sign in or create an account
When you are in your account, click on “Community Rewards”
Search by entering “Deerfield PTO” or “HP414”
Select Deerfield PTO & click “enroll”
Education Benefits Application Reminder
This is a reminder for all families to complete the CEP Education Benefits Application, if you have not already done so for this school year. Although school meals are free for all students, it is critical that all households complete the CEP Education Benefits Application. This information determines the amount of money our schools receive from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs that support our students, staff, and families.
Families can submit their completed application online through the Meal Magic Family Portal. Any questions can be forwarded to Megan Haase at megan.haase@avondaleschools.org.
Snow Reminders and Rules
With Michigan weather you can never be too sure when snow might hit! We want to remind all families, and share with new families, what our expectations are for winter weather. If there is snow on the ground during recess time, all students must be in snow gear, meaning hats, gloves, snow pants, winter coat, and snow boots. If students are not in snow gear, they will not be permitted to play on areas where there may be accumulated snow, meaning they will have to stay on the blacktop for the duration of their time outside.
If you are having trouble obtaining snow gear or any pieces of the snow gear for your student, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email or by calling the main office. We will be happy to assist where we can in providing resources or needed items for your student.
Playing in the snow is an incredibly exciting experience for our students and one that we do not want anyone to miss out on. That being said, we have to practice playing in the snow in a safe and kind way. This means that there will be no tolerance for students throwing snow. If your student is caught throwing snow, they will be given a 'Snowball Letter', and they will be required to bring it home and be signed by a guardian. If the snowball letter is not returned by their next recess, they will not be permitted to go outside until it is brought back to the main office.
December PE Newsletter
Attention Soccer Players!
Bagel Helpers Needed
Friday mornings from 8:10-8:40, the office would love volunteers to sell/pass out bagels. You don't have to volunteer every Friday; just pick which one(s) works for you. Please use the link below to sign up. Thank you in advance for your help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0549A5AF2AA6FC1-51038851-bagel/143002016#/
Library Volunteers Needed
Mrs. Kowalski is excited to welcome volunteers to the Deerfield library this school year! Prior to volunteering, please turn the following items to Julianne Splain or Holly Kokotovich in the main office:
- a copy of the volunteer form (available in the office)
- a copy of your driver's license
You may sign up for any spots that fit your schedule, and are not limited to only your student's class. Thank you for sharing your time and energy with our Deerfield Falcons in the library! To volunteer, please visit the Signup Genius here.
RHPL Bookmobile
Every Thursday from 6:30-7:00 PM, the Rochester Hills Public Library Bookmobile visits our school! It’s a great chance for families to find new favorite stories and foster a love of reading. Please join us!
Avondale GATE Magnet School Application Window Opens January 6, 2025
Avondale School District is excited to announce that the application window for the 2025-26 school year at Avondale GATE Magnet School will open on January 6, 2025.
The GATE program is open to students in grades 2-8, including both in-district residents and out-of-district students who wish to apply through our Schools of Choice program. All applications for GATE Magnet School are completed online and must be completed during the specific application window announced each year. The application can be found on GATE's website at www.avondaleschools.org/gate/apply.
For more information, please visit www.avondaleschools.org/gate-magnet-school or reach out at gate.applicants@avondaleschools.org.
Student Poster Contest - Showcase Avondale's Portrait of a Graduate
Students, it's time to get creative! Avondale School District is inviting all students to design a poster that represents our district's Portrait of a Graduate!
Avondale's Portrait of a Graduate is a framework for the skills, knowledge, and character traits our district aims for its students to develop by the time they graduate. This includes Conscientious Citizen, Creative Problem Solver, Effective Communicator, Innovative Thinker, and Self-Actualized Risk Taker. Our schools use this model to align teaching, programs, and culture around these core competencies, ensuring that every student graduates equipped for lifelong success.
Winners from elementary, middle, and high school will have their designs professionally styled, printed, and displayed throughout the district! Submit your poster to the school front office by January 13, 2025. Avondale staff and families will then vote for their favorites!
Learn more about Avondale's Portrait of a Graduate at www.avondaleschools.org/academics.
Athletic Newsletter
Here is the most recent edition of the school district's Athletic Newsletter
Parent Resources
Resources
Parent E-Safety Resource
