Vocal and Instrumental Music Program - Dearborn Public Schools

Due to budget deficits, Dearborn School District has decided to cut down "Vocal and Instrumental Music Program" from our elementary schools. Music is an outlet for many children. Also, music sharpens their minds and keeps them focused. I believe that we should speak up to save this very valuable program. Please visit the following web page and request the board NOT to cut this program. http://dearbornschools.org/contactboard/index.asp

Thanks,
Saba Khan and many other parents

Haigh Mini Relay for Life 2008 - April 25th

The Haigh Mini Relay for Life is set for Friday, April 25th. There are many exciting experiences planned for the students throughout the entire month of April to support the Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Cutest Baby Contest - The three winners of the Cutest Baby Contest will wear a bib, baby bonnet, and pacifier on the day of the Haigh Relay for Life.

Tie-Dye T-shirts - We would like all of the students to wear a purple tie-dyed t-shirt on the day of the Haigh Relay for Life. Please send in a white t-shirt and we'll do the dyeing with the students. Remember to put your child's name on the tag. If you are able, please send in an extra t-shirt or two so that all our students can feel included. Your assistance with this project is greatly appreciated.

Classroom Activities - Your child's teacher will be providing the students with many educational opportunities through the month to support "Tobacco Free", "Sun Safety", "Physical Fitness", and "Nutrition".

Haigh Mini Relay for Life - April 25th at 9:00 a.m. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS. Please contact your child's teacher if you are able to volunteer that day.

Please contact Mrs. DiMaria anytime during the school day if you have any questions (827-6216).

Relay For Life Committee
Mrs. DiMaria
Mrs. Ottenbreit
Mrs. Serazio

Haigh Teacher Blogs

Did you realize that the Dearborn Public School teachers can create a blog to communicate with students and parents? The main blog web page can be found at http://blog.dearbornschools.org/.

The Haigh blogs are linked on this page -- http://blog.dearbornschools.org/blog_categories.php?idcat=9. Both Mrs. Ventura and Mr. Kalasz have created blogs, and I'll be spotlighting them here:

Mrs. Ventura / Vocal Music - http://blog.dearbornschools.org/venturr/
Mrs. Ventura has included of a breakdown of what each grade is doing during their vocal music class. You can even listen to class performances by each of the 4th grade classes: Mrs. Lahooti's class performs "Journey" and Mr. Donelson's class performs "Peace Rounds". There is also information about the 4th and 5th Grade Select Chorus and Tyler's composition for the Reflections program.

Mr. Kalasz / Instrumental Music - http://blog.dearbornschools.org/kalaszm/
Mr. Kalasz has included information and guidelines for both the 5th Grade Band Class and the 5th Grade String Class.

Be sure and check out both of these wonderful teacher blogs. And remember that you can leave comments for the teachers by just clicking the "Comments" button. This is a wonderful way for our teachers to keep us informed on what's going on in our children's school.

2008-2009 Tentative Calendar

The 2008-2009 tentative calendar is now available at
http://dearbornschools.org/calendar/documents/2008-09tentativeCalendar.pdf

March is Reading Month - "Book to the Future"

Sunday, March 2 - ASTEROID
Monday, March 3 - Spaceships on TV? Read the TV Guide.
Tuesday, March 4 - Read under the covers
Wednesday, March 5 - Make dinner and read a recipe
Thursday, March 6 - What do the planets have in store? Read your horoscope.
Friday, March 7 - READ A SHIRT DAY - wear a shirt with words.
Saturday, March 8 - COMET

Sunday, March 9 - JETPACK
Monday, March 10 - Make a spaceship bookmark
Tuesday, March 11 - How far to the moon? Find out online or in a book.
Wednesday, March 12 - Write down all the words that rhyme with space.
Thursday, March 13 - Write a space poem
Friday, March 14 - WEAR PAJAMAS TO SCHOOL
Saturday, March 15 - SPACEWALK

Sunday, March 16 - SPACE STATION
Monday, March 17 - Read a comic on vacation
Tuesday, March 18 - Read a comic on vacation
Wednesday, March 19 - Read a comic on vacation
Thursday, March 20 - Read a comic on vacation
Friday, March 21 - Read a comic on vacation
Saturday, March 22 - METEOR

Sunday, March 23 - ASTRONAUT
Monday, March 24 - What's in your favorite cereal?
Tuesday, March 25 - Plan a trip to Jupiter and make a list of what you're taking
Wednesday, March 26 - Where is it? Read a map.
Thursday, March 27 - Look up SPACE in the yellow pages
Friday, March 28 - Wear clothes that don't match!
Saturday, March 29 - SUPERNOVA

Sunday, March 30 - BLUE STAR
Monday, March 31 - Draw a map of your neighbhorhood and change the street names to space names
Tuesday, April 1 - Write a spaceship story to read to your friends
Wednesday, April 2 - Read about an astronaut
Thursday, April 3 - Make someone a space birthday card
Friday, April 4 - Crazy hair or hat day
FAMILY FUN NIGHT! A Space Odyssey

Cub Scout Annual Pinewood Derby

Haigh's Cub Scout Pack 1111 is having its annual Pinewood Derby Racing Event Friday, March 7th at 5:30pm. There will be pizza/pop for purchase and the event will be held in the Haigh Gymnasium. All are welcome to come cheer on their favorite pinewood derby cars and find out more about the exciting world of Cub Scouts.

Cable Channel Schedule for Haigh Concerts

WDPS Schedule – Channel 19

Monday, March 3rd
11:00am - Honors Choir 2008 Winter Concert

Tuesday, March 4th
2:00pm - Honors Choir 2008 Winter Concert
8:00pm - Haigh Vocal Concert (Feb. 2008)

Wednesday, March 5th
9:00am - Haigh Vocal Concert (Feb. 2008)
7:00pm - Honors Choir 2008 Winter Concert

Thursday, March 6th
9:00am - Honors Choir Winter Concert (Mar. 2007)
10:00am - Honors Choir 2008 Winter Concert
6:00pm - Haigh Vocal Concert (Feb. 2008)

Important Parking Information

Due to the new city ordinance regarding Public Service Days, all vehicles must be removed from Dearborn streets between 7am and 4pm on these specific service days. The Haigh PTA would like to help alleviate this stressful change by posting the dates that affect our school.

On the dates that follow, there will be No Parking around Haigh School or in this neighborhood:

Wednesday, February 20
Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, April 9
Wednesday, April 23
Wednesday, May 7
Wednesday, May 21
Wednesday, June 4

On these dates, it will be a drop-off process ONLY in the front of the school. This will help you avoid being ticketed by the Dearborn Police.

Kindly use the Levagood parking lot on the dates listed above for any parking needs. DO NOT use the staff parking lot for drop-off, pick-up or parking.

If more information regarding this city ordinance is needed, please contact the Dearborn Department of Works at 943-2085 or http://www.cityofdearborn.org.

Family Fun Night Update

Mark your calendars, because Family Fun Night is scheduled for Friday, April 4th. The theme this year is "2008: A Space Odyssey". Doors will open at 5:30 pm for food, and the games begin at 6:00 pm.

There will be Family Fun Night Volunteer Work Dates between now and then. They are scheduled for February 28, March 6, March 13, and March 27. Times may vary, but will likely be from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Haigh Cafeteria.

Haigh Gym Nights

The Haigh Gym Nights are back! The children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of team and individual sports including: basketball, soccer, kickball, freeze tag, and more.

Here's the schedule:

Friday, January 4, 2008
6:00-7:00 pm - Kindergarten
7:15-8:30 pm - 3rd grade

Friday, January 11, 2008
6:00-7:00 pm - 1st grade
7:15-8:30 pm - 4th grade

Friday, February 1, 2008
6:00-7:00 pm - 2nd grade
7:15-8:30 pm - 5th grade

Parents are required to dress their child appropriately for indoor, gym activities. In order to protect the gymnasium floor, all children must wear gym shoes. Parents must also sign a permission note for each child upon arrival and sign out the child upon departure.

Extra hands are always helpful! Parents to help "coach" and a parent to monitor the sign-in table would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions about Gym Night activities, or would like to volunteer for your child's grade, please contact Patrick Berryman, 563-2406.

Change in Winter Break Schedule!

This is from the Dearborn Schools web site -
http://apps.dearbornschools.org/dpsnews/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid=2

Winter Break Will Start On December 19

Originally scheduled to start on December 20, 2007 the Dearborn Public Schools will now start the Winter Break on December 19, 2007.

On Monday, December 10, 2007 district administration learned that the start of Eid Al-Adha (holiday of sacrifice) would be on December 19, 2007. Due to expected low attendance, the district will change the start of the Winter Break to December 19, 2007. State funding of schools is tied to attendance, therefore the decision to start the Winter Break one day early will avoid any potential loss in revenue, maintain the integrity of instructional time, and meet the needs of the community. All schools will close at the end of the day on December 18, 2007 and will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.

Haigh Brownie Troop - Taking Cookie Orders

The Haigh Brownie Troop will be taking orders for Girl Scout Cookies beginning on Monday, December 10th. The price remains at $3.50, and the usual favorites are for sale. The sugar free cookie this year is chocolate chip. And the new cookie for the year is Lemon Chalet Creme.

Cookies will arrive around mid-February, so that gives us plenty of time to eat our Christmas cookies and work-out for the first six weeks of the new year.

Please see Christine Berryman for further information, or to place your order.

Support the Dearborn public Schools Education Foundation and Do Your Christmas Shopping!

This information was sent by the Dearborn Public Schools webmaster:

Make Your Holiday Shopping Easy and Support Dearborn Schools!

Order directly from Lynn, call (586-264-4246 ext 116) or go to the website (WWW.ADXLONLINE.COM ). Be sure to use the Dearborn Public Schools Education Foundation's name so our schools receive credit. The Foundation profits from each and every sale. All the Foundation money goes back to our schools through Teacher grants. These make great gifts or just treat yourself.

English Gardens 2008 Flower of the Month Club in Ann Arbor, Clinton Twp., Dearborn, Eastpointe, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield- Join our Flower of the Month Club and enjoy Fresh Cut Bouquets or Potted Plants every month for 12 months for only $30.

Ray Hunter 2008 Flower of the Month Club in Southgate, Woodhaven, and Flat Rock- Join our Flower of the Month Club and enjoy Fresh Cut Bouquets or Potted Plants every month for 12 months for only $25

Hooters in Taylor, Sterling Heights - Be our special guest and enjoy our Famous wings and more for only $25

GP Cole Salon in Wyandotte - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Hair Designs North in Dearborn Heights - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Meals in Minutes in Dearborn Heights - Meals in Minutes is the easiest, most convenient way to put a nutritious, home-cooked dinner on the table for your family. No shopping, no chopping, no mess! We offer walk-in sessions, private parties, catering, girl/boy scout sessions and more. Let us help you this holiday season with our pre-assembled entrees, side dishes and desserts. For more details visit www.mealsinminutesonline.com . Special Package deal Call for details $40

Reddeman Farms Golf Club in Chelsea - Enjoy 1 year of Golfing at our beautiful course for only $30

Guys and Dolls Salon in Lansing - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Studio Styling Salon in St. Clair Shores - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

On Fire Salon in Clinton Twp. - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

The Hair Saloon in Sterling Heights - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Louisa Galego Total Salon & Spa in Shelby Twp. - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Andrew Marke Salon in Macomb Twp. - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Generations Salon in Troy - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

The Beauty Lounge in West Bloomfield - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Rejuveniation Medical Spa in Farmington Hills ---- Coming Soon---- Call to be placed on waiting list

Detroit Talent Studio in Royal Oak ------- Coming Soon----- Call to be placed on waiting list

Curves in Clarkston - Enjoy a Free 3 Month Membership and More for only $30

Radiance Medical Spa in Rochester - Enjoy different Facials, Specialized Treatments for your skin type, Swedish Massage and much more for only $65

Glitz Salon in Rochester, Lake Orion, Orion and Clarkston - Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Enhanced Image Medical Spa in Clarkston - Enjoy different Facials, Specialized Treatments and much more for only $65

Sunroom Tanning in Clarkston - Enjoy 3 months of consecutive tanning for only $20

Miracles in Washington Twp.- Pamper yourself or a loved one with hundreds of dollars of Salon Services for only $50

Golden Hawk Golf Club in Casco Twp.---- Coming Soon 2008 Package---- Call to be placed on waiting list.

Webkinz Raffle

The 5th Grade is sposoring a WEBKINZ raffle. Tickets are $.25 each or 5/$1.00 and will go on sale during lunchtime beginning Tuesday, December 11th.

Four prizes will be awarded:
1st Prize - Bigkinz Reindeer
2nd Prize - Littlekinz Saint Bernard
3rd Prize - Monkey Charm
4th Prize - Pack of Webkinz Cards

The drawing will be on Friday afternoon, December 14th.

2007 PTA Giving Tree Campaign

This year the Haigh School PTA has chosen the Starfish Family Services Organization to support. This special organization strengthens families in need so they can create brighter futures for their children. They are located right here in Inkster, Michigan.

Starfish Wish List Items:
**Non-perishable food items: canned fruit or veggies, soups, box mixes, etc.
**Disposable diapers/pullups: any size
**Baby wipes
**School supplies: pencils, pens, notebooks, etc.
**Personal items: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, soap, deodorant, etc.

If you are interested in making a monetary donation, please visit the website for more details at http://www.starfishonline.org.

All donations will be placed under our Giving Trees located next to the Media center and in the office hallway beginning Monday, November 26th.

Thank you.

Informational Meeting About MRSA

The Dearborn PTSA, working with district nurses, has put together an informational meeting regarding infectious disease including the highly publicized MRSA infection.

Join us for an opportunity to learn about: MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Other Infectious Diseases: What Every Parent Should Understand.

Learn about MRSA and other infectious diseases and what you can do to help your children avoid infection, recognize it if it occurs and obtain proper treatment if necessary.

Monday, November 19, 2007 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Frank Franchi Board Room at the Administrative Services Center
18000 Audette

Local Dearborn Pediatrician Varisa Boriboon Perlman, M.D. will lead the discussion. This workshop is provided by the Dearborn PTSA Council For more information, please contact Debbie Malyn, PTSA Council Health & Wellness Chair 313.683.2573 or themalyns@hotmail.com.

Dearborn Schools Pizza Day - Wednesday, November 7th

Help the Dearborn Education Foundation by purchasing pizza November 7th.

Click here for a complete list of participating pizzarias - 2007 Pizza Day 56.17 Kb

The Dearborn Public School Education Foundation would like to thank these Pizzerias for supporting our efforts to raise funds to purchase and install technology and innovative programs not able to be funded by the school budget. In the thirteen years the Foundation has been in operation they have raised and returned over $875,000 to the classrooms.

As you may know, the Education Foundation is a group of citizens, independent of the Board of Education, who raise funds to help our schools. The Foundation is incorporated with the State of Michigan and has 501(c)3 status from the IRS. The Foundation returns 100% of all donations to the classroom.

For additional information please call (313)562-6481. Beat the rush, order for lunch. Thank you for your support.

Dearborn Schools Web Site - Email Search

The District is pleased to announce a new feature that has been requested by parents for some time now... Email Search.

You can now search for email addresses from the district website, allowing you to find staff contact information quickly and easily.You can go here to find the link to search email accounts.

This is one feature enhancement that is a part of a much larger upgrade to our district website. Other enhancements will be coming soon such as improved navigation, better organization of resources and links, better integration of the various website features such as D-Tube, School Matters News Portal, and the PTSA website. We are striving to make the website easier to find information. With over 2000 pages and many more links and documents, this is no easy task and will continue to evolve as we move forward.

Dearborn Public Schools - Superintendent Letter About MRSA

Dr. Artis addresses the community concerning the MRSA bacteria --



http://apps.dearbornschools.org/dpsnews/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid=2

Dearborn Public Libraries are Sponsoring the Museum Adventure Pass

The Dearborn Public Libraries are sponsoring the Museum Adventure Pass.

Looking for a fun and educational experience for the family? Visit any Dearborn library beginning October 25th and check out a museum - for free! The Museum Adventure Pass, presented by Macy's, is a partnership between 162 metro area libraries and 25 local arts and cultural organizations.

Just use your library card to receive 2 or 4 free admissions depending on location. For more information on the Museum Adventure Pass, please visit www.detroitadventurepass.org.