GPPSS Update
April 13, 2022
School Board Update
At their regular work session Monday, April 11, the Board of Education heard updates on:
- Grosse Pointe Educational Association (GPEA) visits to the schools
- The Good News update which included a spotlight on North baseball
- the 7th-12th Grade World Language Resources which will include classroom sets and online textbooks for our impressive range of world language classes that go up through Advanced Placement. This is year two of a three-year plan to update all materials.
- A Bond Program Financial Update
- The latest budget amendment GAAA #2 which included a favorable update on general fund equity now projected at $10,458,990
The only action item was the minutes from March 21 and that passed 6-0 (Trustee Papas was absent). Previewed for action at the April 25 meeting were:
- GPPSS Superintendent and Executive Administrator Contracts (the board separated into two action items for 4/25)
- Approval of an Abatement project amendment
- Approval of GAAA#2 (details linked above)
- Approval of revised guidelines for public comment
- and the usual minutes and human resources report. Of note on the HR report is the anticipated hire of the next Director of Secondary Instruction.
Dr. Dean also addressed concerns about a simulation in a history class, citing a letter to parents explaining the exercise. You can fast forward to his comments on the matter which begin at 2:05:20. This is an exercise that has been conducted for years to demonstrate McCarthyism. No data was collected and all forms were shredded.
Future Meetings include:
- BOE Regular Session, Monday, April 25, 7 p.m., Brownell Multipurpose Room
- BOE Policy Committee Meeting, Thursday, May 5, 4 p.m., Morningside Board Room
- BOE Facility Committee Meeting, Thursday, May 5, 6 p.m., Morningside Board Room
- BOE Work Session, Monday, May 9, 7 p.m., Brownell Multipurpose Room
GPPSS partners with Cyber Safety Consulting
Cyber Safety Consulting is an expert in the field of Internet safety, having developed and delivered programming focused on Internet safety nationwide. CSC will conduct the following age specific sessions virtually from 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. (75 minutes including Q&A):
April 27, 2022 Balancing Our Digital Life - Middle & High School Parent Presentation (parents and students welcome)
- Your digital footprint and its future consequences
- Social media sharing best practices
- Cyberbullying
- Sexting and sextortion
May 12, 2022 When is my child ready for a smartphone? - Elementary Parent Presentation (parents only)
- Most popular apps and devices
- Creating a Digital Roadmap
- Monitoring tools, BARK, Safesearch
- Parent/child technology agreement
- Predator and grooming examples
May 24, 2022 How do I protect my teenager online? - Middle & High School Parent Presentation (parents only)
- Technology trends, social media statistics
- Sexually explicit material
- Technology addiction
- Parenting strategies for protection
- Using social media in the application process
Register for One or All
Parents, GPPSS staff and students (when appropriate - see notes behind each title) can choose to attend some or all of the programs but you must register in advance through this form, and participation is limited so sign up today! Those who register will be emailed a link and password the day of the event they registered to attend virtually.
If you missed the first session Healthy Technology in Your Home -- which is targeted for elementary parents and students -- email info@gpschools.org and we will forward you the recording and passcode. It covered:
- Tech free time and space in the home
- Creating an Exit Strategy
- Gaming do’s and don’ts
- Protecting personal information
Robotics team to compete at states
Congratulations to the Gearheads for ending the season 73rd out of 462 teams and qualifying for state competition. The following team members will be competing Thursday through Saturday at Saginaw Valley State University: Sa'ad Alrazzi, Ashlei Anatalio, Drew Behringer, Carter Cole, Allan Cooney, Teddy Cueter, Genevieve Gauthier, Jack Grace, Lilly Gutierrez, Chloe Harb, Robert Hays, Talia Hinlopen, Peter Hoffman, RJ Richards, Jack Somers and Gru Yerramalli.
Upcoming Listening Sessions with the Superintendent
Register now for GPPSS Summer Programs
Check out registration dates for GPPSS Summer Programs!
- Camp Invention – registration open
- Summer Theatre Camp – lottery runs from April 4-14
- Summer Connection – registration open
- Camp O’Fun – registration open
- Summer Music Festival (instrumental) -- registration open
- Grosse Pointe Summer Choir -- registration open
Communities United in Diversity
The next Communities United in Diversity meeting is Wednesday, April 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Mason's library. The topic is: Having Courageous Conversations about Race. Ginni Winters, Wayne RESA School Culture and Climate Consultant, will again serve as the facilitator for the presentation and discussion.
The meeting will be divided into two sections. The first part will focus on a learning community with Ginni Winters. The second part will be subcommittee work time. Those willing to take an active role on one of the subcommittees (action, learning and communications), are encouraged to stay for the second part of the meeting.
Please mark your calendar for the final meeting of the year on Wednesday, May 18, at Ferry.
COVID-19 Reminders
Please continue to monitor your student each day for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of smell or taste, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. If your student is experiencing symptoms, keep them home and contact your primary care physician.
If your student has two or more of these symptoms and COVID-19 is ruled out, they may return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
If your student tests positive for COVID-19 or is exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact your school office and use the chart below to determine isolation and quarantine guidelines.
Our Vision: One Inclusive Community Learning Together
Our Mission: Cultivate Educational Excellence By:
- Empowering Students
- Valuing Diversity
- Inspiring Curiosity
- Pushing Possibilities