GPPSS Update

Students at South High School are already impacting their learning environment through participation in Student Association. Explore this and dozens of other clubs and activities available to students at the Back to School Nights highlighted below.

Dear GPPSS community,

As we start the new school year, our commitment to delivering the quality education expected from The Grosse Pointe Public School System remains unwavering. The beginning of every school year brings uncertainties and reminds me of the quote:

“The beginning of a journey is always uncertainty, but

with uncertainty comes hope.”

-Lisa Wingate

Significant changes have occurred, yet we have hope. We have hope because our students are amazing and full of energy and ideas. Our parents are active and engaged. Our teachers are skilled professionals, and we are thrilled with the quality of new hires joining our school family. Our principals are master instructors and work with our central office to support our teachers and students. Our support staff love children and show that in how they help create learning spaces where all feel welcome. Our classrooms are buzzing with new learning, and in our schools, we are building the relationships needed for that to happen.

Together with you, we will mentor and advocate for each child to receive what they need for their future. We will focus on the needs of today’s students, families, and staff, as that will help inform our efforts to recruit new families and teaching professionals. Our plan to showcase how students continue to thrive in our school system is being implemented with fidelity, and we appreciate your support.

We invite you to celebrate our community with us. Come to our Back to School Nights in the next two weeks. Attend a concert with one of our new high school choir teachers, Peyton Weil at Grosse Pointe North, and Carolyn Gross, who we welcome back to the district at Grosse Pointe South. Mark your calendar for the North-South game Friday, October 20, and the tailgate from 5-7 p.m. on South’s front lawn this year. Invite potential families to the district Open House on Sunday, November 5.

Our collective dedication to making GPPSS the very best place for our community’s children to learn, grow, and thrive remains a priority. We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire community – parents, students, educators and supporters – who make our district an extraordinary place of learning.

As we embark on this new school year, let us do so with unwavering determination, excitement, and a shared commitment to nurture the potential within each student. The year ahead holds endless possibilities, and together, we will make it truly exceptional.

With hope,

Interim Superintendent Christian Fenton

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr.

At their special board meeting September 5, the Board of Education approved contract extensions for our remaining executive administrators: Deputy Superintendent Roy Bishop, Director of Pre-K and Elementary Keith Howell, Director of Human Resources Nicole Pilgrim, and Director of Instructional Technology Chris Stanley.

Trustee Brumbaugh also shared at that meeting that his family will be relocating in the next few months and his seat on the board will need to be filled. As he has shared publicly, "While I am saddened to need to leave the board, and we are heartbroken to leave our beloved community, it has been my honor to serve you as a trustee and an advocate for public education during my time here."

Here are the Michigan Association of School Board recommended steps for filling a board vacancy.

You may review each item on the Board of Education agenda by visiting the district calendar and clicking the date of the meeting, then clicking the agenda, then each hyperlinked action item.

Please watch the district calendar on the website for the latest information on board and committee meetings. Upcoming BOE meetings now include:

• BOE Workshop, TUESDAY, September 12, 6 p.m., Brownell MPR
• BOE Regular Meeting, TUESDAY, September 12, 8 p.m., Brownell MPR
• BOE Regular Meeting, TUESDAY, September 26, 6:30 p.m., Brownell MPR

• BOE Policy & Contracts, Tuesday, October 3, 5 p.m., Barnes PLS

• BOE Finance & Facilities, Tuesday, October 3, 6:30 p.m., Barnes PLS

• BOE Curriculum, Wednesday, October 4, 5 p.m., Barnes PLS

• BOE Community Engagement, Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 p.m., Barnes PLS

• BOE Regular Meeting, TUESDAY, October 10, 6:30 p.m., Brownell MPR

Hope you are enjoying the first week of school. The EPLC is seeking membership for open positions: Click the link for details.

2023-24 OPEN EPLC Positions:

- One Elementary Teacher: One year term (filling remainder of a three year term)

- One Middle School Teacher: One year term (filling remainder of a three year term)

- One Special Education Teacher: Three year term

- One North Parent: Three year term

If interested, please read and fill out this form by September 15 to be considered. Please reach out to Keith Howell, Director of PreK-Elementary Instruction, f you have any questions. howellk@gpschools.org

Check out The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods website for additional programs ranging from book clubs to Narcan training. Here are three programs but more are updated on line every week. Click to enlarge the image.

All students in Michigan public schools will be able to receive one breakfast and one lunch daily at no cost for the 2023-24 School Year. Important things to know:

• Students must have three out of the five food groups for the meal to be free.
• There will still be a charge if students only want milk and for ala carte purchases (like an extra slice of pizza).
• Student accounts WILL NOT be allowed to go negative.
• Families who would qualify for free or reduced meals should still fill out an application online. You can log in to the K-12 preregistration forms to do so.

Menus from Taher, our new food service provider, are now live at this Food Service link on the website. or you can click the Meals and Nutrition button under district news. Please note:

• Use the "Schools" dropdown menu to select your school.
• Then click "Menu." Use the arrow to move to the month you want to view. Please note that menus are currently available for the month of September only.
• Nutritional information is available in the right hand column if viewing on your computer, or below the menu item if viewing on your phone.
• If your student has specific dietary needs or you have a question, please use the "Contact Us" form on the Taher website

All secondary students are to have access to a technology learning device. The GPPSS BYOD Handbook supports the district's strategic plan for student learning and growth. Students use their technology learning device to access Schoology -- the GPPSS's Learning Management System.

Additionally, cell phones are OFF AND OUT OF SIGHT all day for middle school, and during class time for high school students. If students need to be reached during the school day, please continue to contact the main office.

Middle school students may use their phones before the first school bell and after the final school bell. High school students may use their phone during passing time and at lunch, as well as before and after school.