Fourth graders describe 'Find Your Passions Day,' a half‑day of choice learning at Deerfield

Deerfield Elementary fourth graders and Principal Ryan Francis presented 'Find Your Passions Day' to the Novi Board of Education on Jan. 22, describing a student‑choice half‑day event that lets students sample two 45‑minute activities at the mid‑point of the school year.

Principal Ryan Francis explained the structure: students sign up for two sessions and staff run concurrent activities; the day runs two 45‑minute sessions, with music signaling transitions and no lunches because it is a half‑day. "It's a half day of school exactly at that halfway point in our year," Francis said, describing the schedule and how sessions are staffed.

Students described session offerings in their own words: Isabelle explained she chose karaoke and a relaxing reading session; Lucas described origami and watercolor; Revonne said soccer and sledding inspired him to consider joining a soccer team; Alicia described rock painting and making a bird feeder; other students detailed cozy reading parties, bracelet making and STEM snowman activities. Several students said the event helped them discover new interests that families and teachers later supported through extracurricular lessons.

Staff and trustees noted the role of the PTO in funding materials and the logistical complexity of signups. Principal Francis credited staff and the PTO for creating 'core memories' for students and said some sessions have led to lasting engagement, such as parents signing children up for piano lessons after a 45‑minute introduction.

Next steps: Deerfield will continue the program and staff encouraged board members to participate or lead sessions if they wish; the school and PTO will maintain the signup process and seek to ensure ample session slots.