Due to the Special Olympic Summer Games – the date of the Parent Meeting has been changed from Thursday  May 28th, to Wednesday May 20th.  Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Welcome Back!  This weeks reminders are as follows:

• Due to testing/half days in other buildings, the buses will not be available for our usual work sites and CBI runs, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week.  Exception:  afternoon sites on Wednesday (Animal Shelter, Burlington)
• Tuesday April 14th – Self Defense Class with Mr. Gary Tank.  9:00-10:30 (all students).  Please wear comfortable clothes.
• Wednesday April 15th – Late Start
• Friday April 17th – LaShish Restaurant FREE!!!!  Thank you Melissa Hashem!!!!

*** Save the Date***

• May 28th – Mandatory Parent Meeting for current and new students.  A note will be coming home today.

Did you know……?

• A person with a disability is 50% more likely to be a victim of a crime
• A female with a disability is 80% more likely to be a victim of a sex crime

Just a reminder that Thursday, April 2nd will be our last day of school before the break.  There will be no school April 3-12.  School will resume Monday, April 13th.

Last week, we discussed our dress code for the warmer months.  This week I would like to remind everyone to please keep personal hygiene in mind.  Please make sure students are wearing clean clothes, have taken a shower, brushed their teeth, and  wear deodorant DAILY.

Dates to Remember:

April 17th – Class trip to LaShish.  Sarah Hashem’s family has graciously offered to pay for our trip to LaShish (Sarah’s sister owns the restaurant!)  This trip will be free of charge!  Thank you Melissa!

April 21 – Open House at STEP – invitation only.  Some of you received an invitation to attend an Open House STEP.  You received this invitation either because your son/daughter is graduating this year, or because we feel that he or she could possibly graduate early, if they wish, as long as they have the right job placement, are aligned with CMH/Network Provider, etc.  This Open House will provide you with the information you need regarding services that are available after your son/daughter exits school.  You may be familiar with the work shop that some of our students attend, however, they offer a full array of services.  You don’t want to miss this opportunity.

April 14, 22, May 1 – Self Defense for Students with Disabilities.  Mr. Gary Tank will be coming in to teach our students self-defense.  He is coming in for three 90 minute sessions, and is donating his time.  Mr. Tank has been studying martial arts for over 30 years.  He holds two black belts and has taught martial arts for two large organization to people of all ages and abilities.  He is offering this class free of charge because he enjoys giving time to others, and “hopes that it impacts their life to understand the importance of giving”.  We are all looking forward to this class!

Further Down the Road….

May 21 – Tiger Game!!

May 28 – Mandatory Parent Meeting/Orientation (more information after the break)

June 4 – Greenfield Village

Hello!  As we are approaching the warmer weather, we wanted to inform families of our dress code.  Students are going out to work sites daily, and we strictly follow the guidelines the work sites have set forth.  For those reasons, please follow the dress code below:

1.  No shorts.  Long pants only.  Jeans and/or khaki pants are acceptable

2.  No sandals.  Closed toe shoes only.

3.  Short or long sleeved shirts only.   No tank tops, sleeveless shirts/dresses unless worn with a cardigan, etc.  Shirts must hit at the waist even with arms raised.

4.  Skirts and Dresses:  L.eggings, tights or hose must be worn underneath.

For students attending Planet Fitness – please follow the dress code, and continue to bring work out clothes as we have always done.

Thank you!

This is my fourth post on this subject, but it is very important that all families follow the procedures we have outlined when a student is coming in late or leaving early. Today a student was dropped off and left unsupervised for approximately two hours because the proper procedures were not followed.    It is very important for the safety of our students that everyone follows the guidelines below:

1.  Please call the classroom cell phone and speak with a teacher when a student needs to come in late or leave early.  This allows us to make arrangements to be here, or let you know where you can drop off or pick up your son/daughter if necessary.

2.  Please escort your son/daughter to the classroom when dropping him/her off late.  This ensures that there is a Dearborn Public School staff member available to supervise and care for your son/daughter.

3.  Please do not call Hype regarding student matters.  They graciously allow us to use their building, but they are not responsible for our students and they are not our secretaries.  Please use the classroom number that was sent home and published on the blog earlier in the year.

Thank you for your cooperation regarding this matter  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time.

The 4th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Special Olympics

Sunday April 19th, 2015 from 1-6 p.m.

Knights of Columbus

Father Patrick O’Kelly

23663 Park Street

Dearborn, MI

Donations Adult $10, Child $5

Spaghetti Dinner

Basket Raffles

Bake Sale

50-50 Drawings

COME SUPPORT OUR ATHLETES!!

The Dearborn Animal Shelter has a volunteer who has been recognized in the Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest.   The contest is recognizing and thanking the volunteers who tirelessly care for cats as they await their forever homes and work to make their temporary shelter homes a gentler, less stressful places.  Purina Cat Chow asked 50 cat-focused shelters – one in every state – to help nominate their top volunteer who dedicate their time caring for shelter cats. We are asking for your help in voting for Sue Barna from February 23 to March 15, 2015.  Please visit www.catchow.com daily to vote.  The winning volunteer will win a 25,000 makeover for the shelter he or she represents.   Please help – every vote counts!!   Thank you!!

P.S.  Once you click on the link, go to “Building Better Lives” on the left of the screen.   There you will find the volunteers and their stories and you will be able to vote.  If you click  on Michigan on the map, Sue Barna is the first one that comes up.  Currently, she’s in the top 10!!!!

On March 9th, we will be going to Cranbrook Art Museum to participate in “Art for All” – The Silkscreen Experience Workshop.   The workshop gives an up close look at work by Andy Warhol, through Cranbrook Art Museum’s current exhibition Warhol on Vinyl:  The Record Covers, 1949-1987+  Students will learn about silk screening and create multiple silk screen prints.  Transportation will be provided by Cranbrook, materials are $12 per student.  Please send in money by March 2nd.  Thank you!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a late start day and schedules will be one hour behind our normal routine.

All students will be working out at Hype in the afternoon, (unless scheduled for the Animal Shelter).  Please bring gym clothes to change in to.  We will be using the cardiovascular machines and even doing a little Zumba!

This Friday we will be going Bowling and having pizza at Ford Lanes Bowling alley.  The cost is $9 per student.  Please send in money by Thursday, February 12th.  This is always a great time and students look forward to it!