GPPSS Update
December 14, 2021
Brownell Lifesaver
GPFPE grants
15x50 land sale being discussed
Board of Education Update - life saved, $100K+ gifts received, strategic plan and more
The regular work session of the Board of Education only had two action items - approval of the minutes from November 22 (passed 6-0) and acceptance of the gifts totaling $106,294 from the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education (gratefully received 6-0). Click the link to read descriptions of each grant and look for project profiles in upcoming issues of School Pointes!
There were also a number of important presentations made. These included:
- Recognition of Gina Francis, Brownell teacher, for saving the life of a student who was choking. Gina received a standing ovation and there were definitely tears of joy as the full house celebrated with the student and family.
- A Grosse Pointe Education Association update which will be a monthly feature moving forward.
- The Good News report from Mary Anne Brush focused on our performing arts programs. Next week will feature fall sports.
- An update on the GPPSS Security Update similar to what was shared with staff and families in last week's GPPSS Update. Here is a working document to provide additional information on Frequently Asked Questions about GPPSS School Security. If you have questions you would like addressed, please share these with your building or program administrator or email info@gpschools.org.
Previewed for board action next Monday, 12/20, at 6 p.m. (earlier time) in the Brownell Multi-Purpose Room were:
- A one-year proposal to pilot a new 6th grade elective schedule.
- The 2022-24 Strategic Plan, which was developed by a diverse committee of over 50 community members including students, parents, teachers, community members without children, board representatives and building and central administration.
- GAAA#1 (also known as the first budget amendment). On June 28, 2021 the Board of Education adopted the original budget for our 2021-22 fiscal year. The State requirement for our budget to be adopted prior to July 1 is premature because the State does not finalize our funding package until September, which requires many assumptions to be made in the original budget. This was also prior to settling the GPEA contract, staffing changes, fall enrollment figures, ESSERS funding and several other factors outlined clearly in that linked 24-page document. To quickly summarize, with all the changes, the proposed general fund budget includes total revenue of $93,449,498 and total expenditures of $97,949,382, resulting in an operating loss of $4,499,884 and bringing our projected fund balance as of June 30, 2022 to $10,347,817 or 10.56% of budgeted expenditures (originally projected to be at 13.1% of expenditures).
- The Middle School Program of Studies (routine updates to an impressive array of offerings).
- The High School Program of Studies (If you haven't read this, please do. The list of courses and opportunities to inspire students' passion areas is a great strength of our district.)
- A resolution for the sale of a 15x50 foot section of land between South High School and the Central Branch to the Grosse Pointe Public Library with agreements for egress (see page 13 for a diagram of this small parcel).
Also previewed for action next Monday at the regular board meeting were the summer 2022 bond projects for:
Upcoming meetings:
- BOE Regular Meeting, Monday, December 20, 2021, 6 p.m., Brownell Multipurpose Room
- BOE Facilities Committee, January 6, 2022, 6 p.m., Morningside Board Room
- BOE Policy Committee, Thursday, January 13, 2022, 4 p.m., Morningside Board Room
- BOE Work Session, Monday, January 10, 2022, 7 p.m., Brownell Multipurpose Room
Would you be willing to help GPPSS families?
Every year the student associations at Grosse Pointe North and South combine forces to ensure families have the food and clothing they need over winter break. This year we have more families requesting assistance. So, in addition to homeroom classes shopping for children's needs from particular families, the SA has developed this donation form. All funds raised will be used to purchase food, clothing and toys for GPPSS families. The form will close Tuesday, December 14. Questions? Contact Jonathan Byrne byrnej@gpschools.org.
Food over the break
Magnet nominations due 12/15/21
ESSER III Funding Stakeholder Input Survey
GPPSS Indoor Sports, Performing Arts, and Extracurricular Activities Guidelines
Wayne County Health Department has a local mask order in effect for K-12 educational institutions, and mask-wearing is required in school and during school-related functions. This document provides additional guidance regarding limited exceptions for students competing in or attending optional school athletics, participating in performing arts programs, and extracurricular activities as well as spectators. Organized extracurricular activities like sports, some performing arts and extracurricular activities pose higher risks and in some cases it is not possible to mask. Safer play of indoor sports and indoor performances and gatherings requires a layered approach of protections. The protections that make the most difference include:
- COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly recommended
- Masking is required during contests or competition unless in active play or performances when deemed unsafe, is required for spectators, and officials.
- Testing is recommended for all athletes as an at home measure for all those participating in sports, performing arts, and extracurricular activities.
- Symptom Screening daily for Covid systems should be used as a safety tool. Do not come to practices or games with even mild illness.
- Quarantining will not be needed for fully vaccinated individuals if they are symptom free but must follow the WCHD guideline if deemed a close contact. Unvaccinated individuals in sports or the performing arts, when one or both participants is unmasked, will be required to do a traditional quarantine.
Based on Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) current recommendations for athletics, programs for performing arts, and extracurriculars, the following guidance is in effect so long as the school is complying with the Wayne County Health Department Mask Order and Isolation and Quarantine Orders. This guidance can be applied so long as the school remains in overall compliance with local mask and isolation and quarantine orders. This is also in line with the MHSAA Winter Sports Guidance
Due to higher risk of transmission the default will be to treat the entire team as close contacts if someone on the team develops COVID. Vaccinated athletes will follow the WCHD guidance for testing to remain in school and athletics. Unvaccinated athletes will follow WCHD guidance with regard to quarantining as mentioned above. In all isolation and quarantine decisions, students and staff will be required to follow the guidance of the Wayne County Health Department, as delineated in the isolation and quarantine order.
Except where school policy makes an exception, the Masking Order in Wayne County remains in effect. Masking in classrooms, buses, and indoor school activities remains a requirement.
Help us connect with families entering kindergarten, middle and high school
- Tuesday, January 11 - Parents/guardians of incoming 5th graders
- Thursday, January 13 - Parents/guardians of incoming Kindergarten or Young Fives students
- Thursday, January 13 - Parents/guardians of incoming 9th graders
How to upload student vaccine records
Parents and guardians can upload their student's COVID vaccine card using the MiStar Parent Portal by following the directions linked here. According to quarantine guidelines from the Wayne County Health Department, any student who is fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact to a COVID positive individual. Uploading your student’s vaccine card will help the district quickly identify those students who will not be required to quarantine. Thank you for doing this once the shots are complete!
Employment opportunities in GPPSS
GPPSS has increased wages and added signing and retention bonuses. All Childcare positions include a $500 signing bonus and $1,000 retention bonus!
But we still have a number of openings and families on waiting lists. We need great people who love children and want to be part of our team. There are increased wage ranges for these positions:
Preschool Program:
Teacher $16.56-$18.70
Assistant Teacher $12.41-$14.02
Caregiver $12.10
Kids Club:
Director $15.81-$18.24
Caregiver $12.10
Here are links to some of the open postings on the district website:
Early Childhood Preschool Teacher
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Other GPPSS Openings
If preschool is not your passion, there are a number of opportunities to work within GPPSS. We are also seeking:
Plant (custodians and engineers)
Apply today!