Defiance City Schools

On April 22, 2024, Defiance High School will host both a suicide attempt survivor, Kevin Berthia and former California Highway Patrol Sergeant Kevin Briggs, who spent 92 minutes with Berthia as he stood on the ledge of the Golden Gate Bridge, contemplating suicide. Following the 92 minute conversation Sgt. Briggs was able to convince Berthia to safely climb over the rail of the bridge and choose life. These life saving efforts by Briggs earned him the title of the “Guardian of the Golden Gate.” 

Join us as Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs share their story and experiences with suicide and mental health. Everyone is welcome to attend! EventBrite pre-registration is requested for those who would like to join in. Please register using the link provided in the attached flier. Walk-ins are still welcome.  

The evening begins at 5:00 PM with free food being served, pizza from Marco’s Pizza, chicken sandwiches from Eric’s Ice Cream, as well as hotdogs, popcorn and Coca-Cola. Arrive early and  be sure to enter the on-site drawings for a chance to win one of the amazing prizes listed below! For parents attending the event there will be supervised children’s activities available during Kevin’s program, which begins at 5:30 PM. We will wrap up the evening with our prize drawing at 7:30 PM. 

Date: 04/22/2024

Time: Doors open at 5:00; event begins at 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Defiance High School, 1755 Palmer Drive, Defiance, OH 43512

Family meal provided: Marco’s Pizza, chicken sandwiches from Eric’s Ice Cream, hotdogs, popcorn and Coca-Cola will be served 

Prizes: 4 season passes to Cedar Point and 4 season passes to Kings Island

Family memberships to: the YMCA, Sauder Village and the Toledo Zoo

Please note:You must enter before the speakers begin and be present to win.

Kindergarten registration for children entering Defiance City Schools next fall will begin on Friday, March 1 and run through Friday, March 29.  To register your child for kindergarten, parents simply need to call the school office at (419) 785-2260 and select the K-2 building. Parents will select a screening date and time during their registration call.

Children are eligible for kindergarten if they will be five years of age on or before September 30, 2024.  The actual screening of incoming students will take place April 9-11.  On Tuesday, April 9, we will screen from 1:30-7:00 p.m. All other screenings will take place during the school day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Children will be assessed for hearing, vision, speech and language concerns.  Children will also be given an academic and play-based assessment.

Defiance City Schools offers two kindergarten-aged programs, an early-five program (KinderStart) and regular Kindergarten.  Both are all day, every day programs.  After each child’s screening, a team of academic professionals will meet and gather their findings.  A recommendation will be made to parents regarding placement for their child.

Important papers for parents to begin collecting for the screening appointment include a valid birth certificate, immunization records, a social security number, proof of residency and any applicable custody papers.  These documents are not required for the screening process; however, they will be required before school begins in August.