November Family Newsletter

Hello Tiger Families!

As we enter the month of November, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on all that we are thankful for. At DCPHW, we are especially grateful for our wonderful students who come to school each day eager to learn, our dedicated staff who go above and beyond to support every child, and our families who partner with us to make our school such a special place.

This time of year reminds us of the power of gratitude, kindness, and community. Whether it’s helping a classmate, showing respect to a teacher, or lending a hand at home, even small acts of kindness make a big difference. We’ll continue to encourage students to practice these values each day—both in and out of the classroom.

Tuesday, November 3rd will be a professional learning day for teachers. Students will not have school. Each day, our hard working teachers look for ways to grow and learn in order to bring the best educational strategies to our students.

We have numerous activities happening during the month of November so please read the entire newsletter!

A special THANK YOU for all you do to support your child’s education ~ enjoy this season of Thanks & Giving with your family and friends.

Educationally Yours,

Mrs. Dietz

DCPHW Quarter 1 Family Survey

At DCPHW, we believe strong partnerships between school and home are essential to scholar success!

As we reflect on Quarter 1, we want to hear from YOU—our valued families! Your feedback helps us celebrate what's working, identify opportunities for growth, and continue building a school community where every scholar can thrive.

Please take a brief moment to fill out our Q1 Family Survey

Link to survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerIWqHy4kUvyaBu7QeIeD9IMieSjIrCgKydiekYVpHYne9Dg/viewform?usp=preview

Join us on Wednesday, November 12, from 3:45-4:30pm for an engaging workshop focused on the importance of social media and its impact on your child's education.

We have had an increase of social media issues over the past month. These issues are impacting students, their friends, and families. We wanted to send out some information to our parents about Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and other social media platforms that are being used. We truly need YOUR help in working with our students to help understand that social media has to be used responsibly. Please help us help your students by having these conversations frequently with your child.I promise we are having those same conversations here at school as well. We appreciate your help!

National Online Safety has put together some fantastic resources for parents about social media apps, online games, and trending issues so they can have informed discussions with their children.

Download Resources: http://bit.ly/2v8rsEX (additional resources available from National Online Safety website)

One of the most important things parents can do, other than to help their children grow up healthy and happy, is to help them develop excellent reading skills. Children’s ability to learn to read directly affects their performance in school and also how successful they are throughout their lives. Children can access the knowledge of the world when they learn to read well.

Everyone has heard the proverb “Practice makes perfect.” It is true that engaged reading practice is a powerful contributor to development of accuracy, fluency, and a high level of understanding of what is read. Lower-achieving children read three times less often than higher-achieving children (Allington, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1984; Allington & McGill-Frazen, 1989). Nothing motivates children to read like knowing how to read.

One effective way parents can read with their children to improve reading skills is to use the Dyad reading method. The procedure is simple:

• Share one book.
• Sit side by side.
• Use one SMOOTH finger.
• Read with two voices.
• Keep eyes on words.
• Don’t go too fast or too slow.
• Write down words you don’t know.
• Have fun!

The child can read with a parent, an older sibling, or a friend who is a strong reader. Read for 15 minutes and then discuss the words that were written down. Problem solve together to decode the words the child did not know and determine meanings. Show the child how to decode the words—break the words into syllables, identify root words, prefixes, suffixes, or compound words, and provide child-friendly definitions, emphasizing problem solving and decoding strategies. Show the child how to look up words on the Internet or how to use a dictionary.

• 
  11/3: NO SCHOOL- Staff PD
  11/7: Family Turkey Trot 10:00-11:00am

  11/12: Parent Workshop: SEL/ Social Media Safety 3:45-4:30pm
  

  11/16-11/20: Anti-bullying Week

• 11/16: Odd Socks Day (wear your favorite pair of socks)
  11/18: High School Fair (8th Grade Families)

• 11/14- Run Club 5K on Belle Isle

• 11/20: Story Time w/ Ms Norwood- 3:30-4:30

• 11/24: Board Meeting @Redford 4:30
  11/25-29: Thanksgiving Break
  11/30: Classes Resume

• 11/30- JV Basketball Tryouts

Third Friday Story Time with Ms. Norwood & Friends

Join us for Stories of Gratitude on Friday, November 20, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the Media Center! This month’s featured story is The Thank You Book by Mo Willems.

Families will enjoy a shared story, a gratitude-themed literacy activity, and light refreshments. All DCP Harper Woods scholars, Kindergarten–8th Grade, and their families are welcome!

The first 10 families to RSVP AND attend will receive a FREE copy of The Thank You Book to add to their home library!

Register here: Third Friday Story Time Registration

Come read, connect, and help us continue building a culture of readers at DCP Harper Woods!

November 16–20, DCP Harper Woods will celebrate Anti-Bullying Week with a fun-filled Spirit Week focused on kindness, respect, inclusion, and standing up for others!

This year's theme, “Break the Silence,” reminds our scholars that their voices matter and that we all play a role in creating a safe, welcoming school where everyone feels valued and accepted. 💙

🎉 We invite ALL scholars to participate in our daily dress-up themes as we spread positivity, celebrate our differences, and show that kindness is always in style!

📣 Check out our Spirit Week flyer for each day's theme, and let's come together to show that TIGERS DON'T BULLY — TIGERS STAND TOGETHER! 🐯🧡

Check out all the amazing things happening throughout the building- click the link to check out the pictures

• 6th Grade Blake's Apple ORchard
• Q1 Honors Assembly
• Pink Out
• Urban Warrior Karate Club
• World Teacher Day Pictures
• 8th Grade Scare Fest
• Math Small Groups
• Grandparents Celebration
• Back to School Skating Party
• 26/27 Back to School Carnival
• 1st day of school pictures

• Day 3 Curriculum

• Girls Flag Football Clinic

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to be independent. Developing independence builds confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills—traits that will serve them well both in school and in life. When children learn to take responsibility for their choices, complete tasks on their own, and manage their emotions, they gain a sense of pride and competence that can’t be replaced.

Why Independence Matters

• Confidence and self-esteem: Children who can do things for themselves feel capable and proud of their accomplishments.
• Resilience: Independent children are better equipped to handle setbacks because they’ve practiced finding solutions and making decisions.
• Life skills: Everyday independence—such as organizing materials, completing homework, or getting ready for school—helps children develop habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

• Ownership of learning: When children take an active role in their education, they are more engaged and motivated to succeed.

Ways Parents Can Support Independence

• Give choices: Offer simple options like, “Would you like to do your homework before dinner or after?” This helps children practice decision-making.
• Let them try (and maybe fail): Resist the urge to jump in right away. Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.
• Assign age-appropriate responsibilities: Chores, packing lunches, or setting the table build responsibility and routine.
• Encourage problem-solving: When your child faces a challenge, ask guiding questions like, “What could you try next?” instead of providing the answer.

• Praise effort, not just success: Recognizing perseverance and effort reinforces a growth mindset.

By allowing children to take small, manageable steps toward independence, parents send a powerful message: I trust you, and I believe in your ability to succeed. That confidence becomes the foundation for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and self-reliance.