GPPSS Update
December 1, 2023
Dear Grosse Pointe Team and Community,
With immense gratitude and joy, I embark on the rewarding journey of serving as the Superintendent of GPPSS, joining the esteemed Grosse Pointe educational team and the vibrant local community. Growing up, Grosse Pointe was my mother's home, and as a child, I cherished visits to this community. Over the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Superintendent for Owosso Public Schools, accumulating a wealth of experience and insights in educational leadership. Some of my most notable accomplishments include building positive relationships while cultivating a learning culture of joy and excellence for our team and students.
My educational foundation includes a Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, and Exercise and Health Science, complemented by a Master's degree in Administration and a Doctorate degree in Leadership. Holding both elementary and secondary teaching certificates, I have taught and served as an administrator at all levels. My journey has been enriched by coaching high school basketball
teams, both for boys and girls, and teaching English abroad in Perth, Australia, offering me a unique perspective on diverse educational systems.
In the summer of 2021, I had the privilege of teaching in the Dominican Republic, further expanding my understanding of global education. These diverse experiences have honed my ability to foster positive relationships with supervisors, colleagues, community members, stakeholders, and team
members, building a robust culture amid the dynamic challenges of our educational landscape.
On a personal note, I have been married to my husband, John, for 23 years, and together we have two children who attended Owosso public schools. As parents, we were delighted with the experience and opportunities afforded to our children in the public schools. Currently, my daughter is a junior studying Biology at the University of Michigan, while my son is a freshman at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. My husband transitioned from technology to
healthcare in 2008 and is currently a registered nurse serving as a hospital case manager and public school nurse.
I am an advocate for preschool-12th grade public school education and all the opportunities that public schools provide, from advanced curricular opportunities to a plethora of extra-curricular opportunities. I am passionate about early childhood education and will ensure that our youngest
learners receive an education that will nurture them while also challenging them academically; even our youngest students should be challenged to meet their potential and achieve at their ability level. When students graduate from Grosse Pointe, my aspiration is for them to emerge as knowledgeable and compassionate individuals capable of critical thinking, risk-taking, problem-solving, effective communication, inquiry, and reflection, leading well-balanced lives as lifelong learners who are productive members of society.
My commitment is deeply rooted in the belief that all students can reach their potential, and the school district is the gateway to providing opportunities and support for their growth. I advocate for education that is relevant, engaging, rigorous, and applicable to real-world scenarios.
As your Superintendent, I am wholeheartedly committed to a triad of listening, learning, and sharing. As I step into the role of GPPSS Superintendent, my focus will be on engaging with various groups and stakeholders: students, teachers, parents, principals, school district administrators, other staff members, community and business leaders, and local and state officials. I intend to invest time in understanding the district’s most celebrated achievements and its most pressing challenges. Amid the intricacies of leading a school district, I maintain a robust sense of humor and relish the process of building meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and community members.
For leisure, I am an avid participant in water activities, from boating to scuba diving, and I hold a passion for athletics, particularly baseball, softball, basketball, and downhill skiing. An admirer of the arts, I find joy in watching musical productions, ranging from school performances to community plays to Broadway shows.
Joining the distinguished team in Grosse Pointe and collaborating to enhance our collective successes fills me with excitement and dedication.
With enthusiasm,
Dr. Andrea C. Tuttle
Superintendent
Let's Go Around the World at Kerby
Last week, the community had a great time at Kerby's 2nd annual diversity event. There was two dozen countries on display for kids to explore and performances from professional dancers who specialize in folkloric dancing and dabki. They also had an around the world fashion show.
8th Grade Boys Basketball Team
Front Row (L-R):
Ian Leno-Jones, Aden Stennis, Elijah Woods, Jarrell Thomas
Kneeling (L-R):
Tim Lawson, James Pokrifka, Javy Santos Jones
Standing (L-R):
Coach Dave Charvat, Chris Bailey, Logan Benner, Kareem Evans, Rashod Evans, Coach Bob Zaranek
Not Pictured: Shawn Davis
7th Grade Boys Basketball Team
Front Row:
Leo Cecchini, Leo Rodriguez, Evan Hill, Kobe Ducharme-Powell
Kneeling:
Jackson Floyd, Cooper Gaffery, Keefer Farris
Standing:
Coach Greg Vaughn, Vincent Harrow, Dezmond Williams, Montgomery Kohler, Elliot Bates, Kalib Garland
Not Pictured:
Ryker Hunter, Rashad Barney, George Serra, Gavin Macauley
Off & Out of Sight Reminder
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.
