GPPSS Update

The regular meeting of the Board of Education started with a Good News report from the Gearheads 1189 combined North and South robotics team. Click here for a video that provides a quick snapshot of what their bot can do.

These items passed 7-0:

• minutes of June 13, the 2022-23 line of credit resolution, and the Maire outdoor shade covered entirely by PTO fundraising (as a consent agenda)
• human resources report
• Parcells pool heater from the sinking fund, with the award going to Detroit Boiler Company in the amount of $103,184 with a 10% project contingency
• resolution regarding teacher layoffs. With declining enrollment and student class selections, GPPSS will be down 22 teaching positions overall - while many were covered through natural attrition like retirements and staff resignations, there were two layoffs.

The 2022-23 balanced budget and the Food Service Management Contract passed 5-2, with Trustees Ismail and Papas voting no on both. The new bylaws, policies and administrative guidelines passed 6-1, with Trustee Ismail voting no. The resolution in support of gun safety and safe gun storage passed 6-1 with Trustee Papas voting no; she cited concerns about partnering with unnamed mental health and nonprofit organizations in her comments, clarifying she supported gun safety.

Previewed for action at the next meeting, July 25 in the Parcells Auditorium, were several annual organizational items. The only additional item to vote on will be the minutes from June 27.

A detailed 2022 Capital Assessment Report by Plante Moran CRESA provided insight into current building utilization and conditions. Dr. Dean stressed this data was provided to assess our situation and start a conversation, but that the administration is not interested in decreasing buildings or further reconfiguration at this time. He also noted that while Plante Moran utilization rates use the maximum students per class at each grade level to determine percentages, our community prefers smaller class sizes and has made choices such as adding preschool at Ferry or programmatic decisions such as specific art classes that decrease K-12 utilization but enhance the learning environment for our community.

An Athletic Fieldhouse presentation was also made by Ed Lazar of East Metro Athletics. The majority of the board voiced approval to continue pursuing the concept at no cost to the district.

Due to bond construction, the next three meetings will be in the Parcells Auditorium at 7 p.m. on July 25, August 8 and August 22.

During the summer months, GPPSS students who were enrolled during the 2021-22 (excluding 12th grade) school year will continue to have access to all of the digital content that has been provided by the District. Google, Schoology (Groups), Freckle, Lexia, and Raz Kids are just a few of the examples that will continue to be made available for all students.

If you do not know your student’s login information, you can find it in MiStar Parent Portal under “Student Login Information” near the top.

For students who were in the 12th grade during the 2021-22 school year, the Technology Department will be shutting down their Google Drive accounts beginning the week of July 11th. Notifications were sent out to students in the Spring. If you are looking to transfer your content prior to the 11th, please click here for instructions.

Beginning the week of August 9th, the Technology Department will be refreshing student accounts and updating passwords (this is done yearly). During this time, students may be unable to access any district provided content. Once the rollover is completed, your student will be able to find their new password (their username stays the same) in MiStar Parent Portal under “Student Login Information.”

The waivers expired that allowed our district to participate in the summer food service program (SFSP). However, schools that are participating in a SFSP can be found on the Meet Up and Eat Up site locator. Hours and offerings vary so click each site for details - some offer breakfast and lunch! Another great resource is www.findhelp.org where you can plug in your zip code to access local services ranging from food to housing, and from health to work.

The Summer Send-Off Edition of the GPPSS Newsletter from School Psychologists & School Social Workers highlights summer wellness resources, summer enrichment activities (like a Top 20 list of things to do in Detroit with Kids, or Cloud Thoughts relaxation), volunteering opportunities, and what to do in those "I'm bored!" moments. Check out the Me Tree drawing activity linked from the Summer Bingo page. There are so many fun and easy ideas!

https://express.adobe.com/page/YUwnaDqgpomxe/

Registration for the 2022-23 school is now open! Registration will close on August 1st. The process of registration will remain the same and is as follows:

1. Complete the Google Form online: https://forms.gle/JnGCfQc89tZt5BuW8
2. Fill out all five registration forms and email them to Raptoua@gpschools.org
• Child Information Record (NEW-please ensure you are using this link or the one listed on our website): https://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/CCL-3731_-_Web_Protected_735014_7.docx
• Enrollment and Health Form: https://www.gpschools.org/cms/lib/MI01000971/Centricity/Domain/171/enrollment.pdf
• Kids Club/Mid Club Statement of Rules: https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/MI01000971/Centricity/Domain/171/Kids%20Club%20Statement%20of%20Rules%202022.pdf
• Parent Notification of the Licensing Notebook: https://www.gpschools.org/cms/lib/MI01000971/Centricity/Domain/174/2011/Parent%20Notification%20of%20Licensing%20Notebook.pdf
• School-Age Childcare Program Student Contract: https://www.gpschools.org/cms/lib/MI01000971/Centricity/Domain/171/contract%20info%20form.pdf
3. Connect to your child's Brightwheel account and pay the registration fee and first month of usage. Only available once the office has processed your registration.

Registration is beginning earlier to ensure that we are able to provide the best and most accessible programming for the 2022-23 school year. If you want to take part in Kids Club/Mid Club beginning in September, your registration must be completed by August 1st. All submissions following the first will be added to a waiting list and will be contacted in order of submission to begin attending in October, space permitting.

Rates for the 2022-23 school year will be increasing. The new rates are as follows:

Monday AM (7:00-9:05 am): $10.80

Tuesday-Friday AM (7:00-8:25 am): $9.60

Monday-Friday PM (3:38-6:30 pm): $13.20

Half-Day (11:36am - 3:38pm) = $24

Currently, we are planning on having all seven elementary locations open for Kids Club for the 2022-23 school year. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact any of us in the office:

• Crystal Fletcher - Director of School Age Childcare: Fletchc@gpschools.org (313) 432-3009
• Sara Schram - Assistant Director of School Age Childcare: SchramS@gpschools.org (313) 432-5853
• Anna Raptoulis - Billing Coordinator: Raptoua@gpschools.org (313) 432-3067

Elementary Report Cards

Elementary Report Cards and NWEA progress reports are now available in the ParentPortal. Please click here for directions to access. Report cards serve as a communication tool to help parents understand how their child is progressing. It helps explain whether a student is meeting the curricular milestones that are expected in their current grade. The Standards-Based Report Cards provide a deeper understanding of performance with a focus on what students know, instead of an overall average of what they have done. Teacher comments on the report cards provide a comprehensive picture and foster understanding of the progress and learning needs of each student. This Elementary Report Card Parent Guide will provide additional information regarding semester period academic expectations and benchmarks. Check your email for additional information

Secondary Report Cards

Middle and high school report cards and NWEA progress reports are now viewable in the ParentPortal. You have three options for viewing the report card, including an option to view, save, or print a traditionally formatted report card. Please click this link for a one-page instruction guide on the three report card viewing options.

To access ParentPortal:

1. Go to www.gpschools.org
   
2. Click on the Mistar Portal star logo
3. Click on the ParentPortal name or logo in the left center of the next screen
4. Enter your parent PIN and password

If you don't know your login information, click on the “Forgot Your PIN?” and/or the "Forgot Your Password?" link. If you run into trouble, use our Parent Support form.

Below are the directions to access the NWEA Student Progress Reports:

NWEA progress reports may be viewed in ParentPortal. Click on “Documents'' in the ParentPortal menu (located just below “Student Documents - Report Cards”). In the Documents area, you’ll see “NWEA Progress Report” followed by a document icon in the “Doc” column. Click on that document icon to download the progress report.

Communication between home and school is essential to support the progress that students make toward demonstrating proficiency on standards. Informal information provided by teachers during the school year coupled with formal communication during conferences and semester report cards will provide opportunities to set goals and show progress throughout the school year. Thank you for partnering with us to create a successful learning environment for your child.

Summer is a time when we think of backyard BBQ's, pool time, popsicles, neighborhood bike rides, and more. It's a time of relaxation and recharging for the next school year ahead. However, don't let the "summer slide" happen to your child! Your child has worked hard all year long to make gains as a reader. To maintain their reading progress, your child should read 15-30 minutes daily (depending on their age/stamina). Just as you brush your teeth and get dressed for the day, make reading a part of your child's daily routine. They can read when they wake up in the morning and you could read to them before bed. That way when they're exhausted from the day, they've already "put first things first." Here are some resources to inspire summer reading.

GPPSS is blessed to have an active and engaged community. One important area of service is on the Board of Education. If you are interested in serving in this role, nonpartisan candidates nominating petitions and affidavits of identity must be filed by 4:00 p.m. on July 26, 2022. This is coordinated through the City of Grosse Pointe Park.

GPPSS uses an online flyer program called Peachjar. Access it from our website and customize your subscription for any school(s) you wish to follow. Flyers are ADA compatible. Nonprofits can upload for a nominal fee. PTO and school flyers are free.

Register now for GPPSS Summer Programs!

• Grosse Pointe North Summer Sports Camp
• Grosse Pointe South Summer Sports Camp
• Summer Music Festival (instrumental)
• Grosse Pointe Summer Choir

• High School Classes and Credit Recovery – Registration is open for both in-person and virtual classes and ends Thursday, June 30. Classes run June 28-August 4, 2022. For more information on registration, class schedule, and SCSACE summer school calendar, please use the GPPSS Summer Learning link.

As you are aware, GPPSS is a Bring Your Own Device district in all middle and high schools. Students are asked to bring their own charged device, which will be used to assist in their student learning.

For families who have indicated a financial hardship, the District will provide a device to the student. If you would like your student to receive a device for the 2022-23 school year due to a financial need, please fill out the following request form. Please make sure that you have signed the contract that goes along with the form. For students who have indicated a need for a device, they will be handed out during in-school registration in August.

For more information on the BYOD initiative, please see the following GPPSS BYOD Handbook.

If you are interested in purchasing a device for your student, the District works exclusively with SEHI which can assist your needs. Devices may also be purchased through other retailers.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your building administrators.

This is a long edition of our Weekly Update; thank you for reading. We will send an update every other week during the summer.

And for those families with their last GPPSS student graduating this year, please know that GPPSS communications will stop this summer when our student information system updates. We would love for you to stay engaged by subscribing to our Friday School Pointes. Want to stay connected? Email info@gpschools.org and put School Pointes in the subject.