GPPSS Update

Thank you to Peggy Bonbrisco for capturing this beautiful moment at Grosse Pointe North's 2025 graduation.

Ms. Amber Schmittdiel is a distinguished educational leader currently serving as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Tarpon Springs Middle School in Pinellas County, Florida. Her extensive background in both instructional and administrative roles has prepared her well for leadership, and she was identified as the top candidate for the Principal position at Parcells Middle School based on strong interview committee feedback.

In her current position, Amber leads impactful professional development initiatives, enhances student outcomes through strategic master scheduling, and fosters collaboration within professional learning communities. Prior to this, she served as Assistant Principal at Pinellas Park Middle School, where she successfully guided departmental advancements and oversaw rigorous academic programming.

Amber’s earlier experience as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Instructional Staff Developer and ESOL teacher reflects her deep commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive education. Her leadership is marked by a calm, steady demeanor, strategic foresight, and a passion for instructional excellence. She values coaching, mentoring, and being a present, engaged leader – all qualities that align closely with the culture and aspirations of Parcells Middle School.

Her proactive approach to student growth, skill in navigating complex student needs, and ability to connect with diverse stakeholders underscore her readiness to lead. Amber is enthusiastic about returning to her home state of Michigan and is eager to serve and support the Parcells community. She will officially start August 1.

During his tenure as Assistant Principal at Grosse Pointe South High School, Joseph Spryszak played a pivotal role in leading key initiatives and consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to students, staff, and the broader school community.

Mr. Spryszak is an experienced educator and administrator with over 37 years of service in public education, including the last eight years in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. His career began in Hamtramck and his experience includes Detroit, Troy, Southfield, Birmingham, and Grosse Pointe. He has taught high school English, social studies, journalism, and yearbook, and has coached varsity-level girls’ softball, boys’ baseball, and both girls’ and boys’ basketball. Joseph is certified by the International Institute of Restorative Practices, equipping him to support teachers, administrators, and students in building positive school climates. He holds a BA, MA, and Ed.S. from Wayne State University.

With his recent experience as Interim Principal of Parcells, he will provide calm, steady and insightful leadership during this transition.

Samantha Lamberti McGrath is an experienced school administrator currently serving as Assistant Principal at Parcells Middle School. She began her career in Dearborn Public Schools in 2007 as an early childhood educator and teacher of English language learners, later moving into administration as an assistant principal. During this time, she also spent several years with Teach For America, where she supported teacher development as a summer training program manager. Sam’s administrative experience spans elementary, middle, and high school levels. Since July 2020, she has served at Parcells Middle School, leading student support initiatives, restorative practices, and daily school operations. A lifelong resident of Grosse Pointe, Sam is proud to support students, staff, and families in her home community. We are excited for her to also provide a familiar face for our eighth grade students joining the North family this fall.

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What happens when one Career & Technical Education course creates a segment on another CTE offering? This fun video is shared! TV 2 students created a news package on the Global Foods Class at Grosse Pointe North. The video was produced by: Eleanor Schroeder, Polly Profeta, Friday Buckman, Cameron McEveney, and Elizabeth Olson.

If you're interested in learning more about TV Production, contact Steve Geresy, TV Production Instructor at Grosse Pointe North & South or follow them on Instagram: gpn_gps_tvproduction

Here are a few glimpses of the beautiful promotion ceremonies at Brownell, Parcells and Pierce Middle Schools. As shared with our 8th graders that evening, the foundation for your success has been laid, "you are ready!"

Do you have a fun photo to share from a GPPSS end of year tradition - field day, picnic, concert? Please email it to info@gpschools.org with a description!

GPPSS middle and high school students who have a Chromebook checked out must return devices to their school's main office by the end of the school year. Devices will be checked back in by main office and reviewed by tech later this summer. Here are the costs for any missing/damaged/lost devices (checks can be written out to GPPSS and will be collected at the building level):

• $300 charge for lost devices

• $50 for damaged device

• $40 for lost charger

Discover nutritious meals at sites across Michigan with this handy Meet Up & Eat Up map. Just click on a location and see the days and hours at that site.

Students in the EL (English Learner) program went on a field trip to Lakeshore Lanes where they bonded while bowling and celebrated all their progress this year. If you or someone you know is interested in our EL program, please contacts Nancy Rieth, EL District Coordinator at riethn@gpschools.org.

Lady Devils is a Female Mentoring Program founded at Grosse Pointe South in 2019 with a focus on a "whole child" philosophy. The goals of the program include empowerment and personal wellness. Each year we host focused monthly seminars for the girls to join in dialogue and development.

Rebecca Petrilli

German teacher

Grosse Pointe South High School

Early On Michigan offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, and their families. Research has shown that by addressing delays early on - especially between birth and age 3 - we can more effectively impact a child's development, even into adulthood.

Don't worry. But don't wait.

If you think your infant or toddler may have a developmental delay, contact GPPSS's Early On Team at 313-432-3800 to request a referral for an evaluation.

Ferry magnet students presented a Big check, and as they put it "a couple little checks you can actually take to the bank" to Autism Alliance, the recipient of this year's Coney island fundraiser. The students choose which organization to support each year.

"Autism Alliance of Michigan was honored to be the recipient of Mr. Fisher's Coney Fundraiser," said Marc Berke, Chief Development Officer. "Watching this next generation of future philanthropists in action was truly inspirational."

Autism Alliance of Michigan was founded with the vision that people with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential. AAOM leads efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan. To learn more or to make a contribution please visit their website www.aaomi.org

Mason hosted a heartwarming Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast to celebrate and thank the many dedicated families and community members who have generously supported our students and school community throughout the year. From leading our dynamic PTO—whose wealth of support has enriched every corner of our school—to organizing special events, assisting in classrooms, and contributing to International Day, Career Day, Field Day, and family engagement activities, our volunteers have gone above and beyond. We are deeply grateful for the countless hours they’ve devoted to making Mason a stronger place for our students to grow and thrive. Guests enjoyed breakfast treats, received certificates of appreciation and bookmarks as tokens of gratitude, and had the opportunity to hear students share heartfelt messages of thanks. The event also featured exciting raffle prizes as an added gesture of appreciation. Thank you to everyone who continues to be a vital part of the Mason family!

Students in Sarah Neely's classroom put on a Living Museum where they shared what they learned about historic figures with all who were able to attend, truly bringing history to life.

The students also wrote a poem about their subject. Here is just one sample below. As you read it, remember that the author is in second grade!

I Am Gordie Howe

By Joseph Rea

I am Gordie Howe

I wonder if I will score a goal

I hear the fans chanting my name

I see the puck on the ice

I want to do the best ever

I am Gordie Howe

I pretend I am not injured

I feel happy when I am playing

I touch the wooden stick.

II worry about my fractured skull

I cry when we lose

I am Gordie Howe

I understand how to win

I say “You can accomplish anything with the right mindset.”

I dream about winning the Stanley Cup

I try to play through the pain

I hope people remember me

I am Mr. Hockey

The third graders in Mrs. Hartley and Ms. Perlin's classrooms wrapped up their Michigan Studies with a field trip to Metro Park Nature Center!

Congratulations to the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade Parcells choir singers for performing an energetic concert on June 3 with the theme of "Be An Awesome Human." Students had a voice, reminded one another to never be sorry to be who you are, and implored all to rise up and change the world through their passionately-delivered message. An extra special thank you to retiring teacher, Mr. Jim Cadotte, for rocking out with the singers for one last concert!

Our two Pierce Destination Imagination teams were amazing at Global Finals. Here is a recap:

Dueling Dogs (8th grade)

• 5th Place in the world for Middle Level Engineering. This is their 4th Top 10 finish in 4 years and their 2nd Top 5 finish.
• 2nd Place in Middle Level Engineering Instant Challenge

Delusional Gnomes (5th and 6th Grade)

• 4th Place in the world for Middle Level Scientific which was the largest division in the tournament.
• 1st Place in Middle Level Scientific Instant Challenge. This makes them Global Champions! They are only the second team from Michigan to win this award in the last 6+ years. The only other Michigan team to do this was the Dueling Dogs from Pierce 2 years ago. :)
• Delusional Gnomes met with their Buddy Team from Qatar to exchange small gifts, trade pins, and learn a little about where they live and go to school.

Brownell students in Mrs. Drew’s Math Club attended and presented at the Math & STEM showcase in Ypsilanti. (Luke, Paul & Anna)

Grosse Pointe will be a host community for the Blue Lake International Exchange Program this summer. Blue Lake has been dedicated to promoting peace and understanding through the universal language of the arts since 1969. Since then nearly 25,000 artists have exchanged performances between European and American visits. Blue Lake Fine Arts camp has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship money over the years to Grosse Pointe students. This is our opportunity to show our appreciation while also enjoying the benefits of a cultural exchange.

We will be welcoming Rhine Talents, a Swiss/Austrian student band, from July 7-10, 2025. I am happy to be the coordinator for their visit, and am looking for families who would like to host band members in their homes. The responsibilities of a host family include providing a comfortable place to stay during their visit, while also promoting an immersive experience for our visitors. While they are here they will perform a concert for our community and we will likely have an organized event or two for the entire group. Other than that it will be a time to enjoy a cultural exchange that can have a lasting positive impact on our students and families. Host families will be expected to provide all meals, transportation to/from rehearsals and the performance and have a general structure of activities for their guests. I am certain that our visitors will be wowed by the community of Grosse Pointe in July!

In my experience these opportunities can be life changing. When I was a student at GPSouth I had the opportunity to travel to France with my French class. Part of the trip included a stay with a French host family, which was the first step on a life path that has included becoming fluent in a second language, living overseas and working with other cultures. I am so excited to be able to help bring a similar experience to a group of European students and musicians this summer! Thank you for considering being a part of this opportunity, too. Please fill out this form to express your interest in being a host family: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W6tifzyRw2saof1paigmhH4C85x3aTht0cym9u21yXw/edit

Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Libby Robinson: bonahoomrobinson@icloud.com

Orchestra parent and GPSBO Booster board member

Tickets are available in advance at Posterity a Gallery in The Village, or at the door to the Christian A Fenton Performing Arts Center that day.

Dear GPPSS Band & Orchestra Students & Families:

Our annual, Grosse Pointe Summer Music Festival (GPSMF) will take place this year Monday - Friday for two weeks July 7 - July 18 at Brownell Middle School This is a wonderful way for students to maintain and gain new skills over the summer on their Band & Orchestra instruments.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IY5wzaz34OCE0hywm5w75hZtU5zCaHtP/view?usp=sharing

• Students currently in grades 5-6 enroll in Intermediate Band or Intermediate Orchestra; students currently in grades 7-8 enroll in Advanced Band or Advanced Orchestra.
• It is $85 for a primary course (Band or Orchestra) and $55 for an Extension Course (Jazz Band, Fiddling).
• Intermediate Band & Orchestra take place from 9:00am - 9:50am.
• Jazz Band & Fiddlers take place from 10:05am - 10:55am.
• Advanced Band & Orchestra take place from 11:10am - 12:00pm.
• Registration fee includes all music, instruction, GPSMF T-shirt & will culminate in a 10:00am Concert & Coney Island Luncheon on the final day, July 18.
• Registration is now open here: https://www.gpschools.org/Page/949

We hope to see you at the Grosse Pointe Summer Music Festival this summer!

James Gross

GPPSS Music Department Chair

That's Entertainment Summer Show Choir Camp will be August 18-22. Students in grades 5-12 are welcome to enroll. Please see the updated flyer here for information on registration!

2025 Grosse Pointe North Summer Sports Camps. Click on the link for registration https://www.gpschools.org/Page/991

@GPN Norsemen Sports

Congrats to Leo Perettie on his commitment to Malone University for Basketball. He joins an illustrious list of North athletes who have signed this year!

Fall Signings:

Avery Beal, Oakland University, Swimming

Winter Signings:

Elliot Jarvi, Olivet College, Softball

Daylon Doe, Wayne State, Football

Spring Signings:

Evan Bainbridge, Wayne State, Football

Martez Jones, Ohio Dominican University, Football

Lilly Kline, Eastern Michigan, Rowing

Lawrence Davis, Tiffin University, Basketball

Lillian Deskins, University of Miami, Track/CC

Michela Trupiano, University of Detroit Mercy, Track

Alex Kellay, University of Mount St. Vincent, Golf

RJ Williams, Henry Ford, Basketball

DeQuan Howell, Detroit Christian Community College, Basketball

Leo Perettie, Malone University, Basketball

WALK-OFF WIN FOR GPS BASEBALL! Grosse Pointe South Varsity Blue Devils defeated Woodhaven Varsity Warriors 5-4 in dramatic fashion! Adam Czarnik with the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 7th! Regional champions - State semifinalists.

Click here to see the latest athletic news from South.

@Grosse Pointe South Athletics

Here are the South students who have committed to playing college sports nest year:

Fall:

Andrew DiLodovico, Bowling Green, Baseball

Savannah Spangler, Marian University, Soccer

Madison Benard, Wayne State, Basketball

Winter:

Stella Kartsonas, Ithaca College, Rowing

Chloe Caufield, Hope College, Cross Country/Track

Steven Zrimec, Walsh University in N. Canton OH, Baseball

Josh Lemanski, Hillsdale College, Football

Noah Hart, Grand Valley, Football

Andrew Pazuchowski, Wayne State, Football

Wyatt Hepner, Harvard, Wrestling

Spring:

Othniel Honablue, Olivette, Wrestling

Evelyn Smith,Miami of Ohio, Ice Hockey

Tory James, University of Memphis, Basketball

Lila Brundage, Northwood, Soccer

At their June 11 meeting, the Board of Education conducted their public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget, which will be voted upon at their next regular meeting, Monday, June 23. Presentations were shared on Camp O' Fun summer programming, the recommendation of the Bond Advisory Committee, and a Budget History.

A large consent agenda passed 7-0 and included many annual items such as approval of:

• Homeless Liaison Coordinator
• Debit/Credit Card Users
• Property & Casualty Insurance for 2025-26
• Fidelity & Treasurer’s Bonds
• Designated Asbestos Coordinator
• Resolution on Liability Indemnification
• 2025-26 Tuition Rates
• MI High School Athletics Association (MHSAA) membership
• MI Association of School Boards (MASB) membership
• Resolution to Decline School of Choice
• Freedom of Information Act Coordinator
• Election Representative
• District Provided PD Schedule for Instructional Hours
• EPLC to serve as PD Advisory Committee for 2025-26

Pulled from the consent agenda and voted upon separately was the 2025-26 Line of Credit which passed 7-0. Also approved were:

• May 27 minutes
• North and Parcells administrators described above
• tax rate request form L-4029
• a layoff resolution for two staff members
• and the Taher food service contract renewal

Discussed for a vote at the June 23rd meeting were: General Appropriations Amendment Act (GAAA) #2 (which brings the estimated ending fund balance up to 14.6% of revenue), the budget, Trombly windows, and bond proposal language.

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

• BOE Regular Meeting, Monday, June 23, 7 p.m., Brownell MPR

• BOE MASB Evaluation Training, Tuesday, June 24, 5:30 p.m., Central Office

• BOE Regular Meeting, Wednesday, July 14, 7 p.m., Brownell MPR

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.

Please see the attached free parenting program for caretakers in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Please share if you are able to.

As a parent or caregiver taking a virtual class in Corewell Health’s Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Raising Resilient Children you can expect to learn practical strategies and approaches to help you navigate the challenges of raising a child from ages 0-16. Here’s what you might gain from the sessions:

• Building Positive Relationships
• Managing Behavior
• Handling Common Parenting Challenges
• Self-Care and Confidence Building
• Problem Solving and Planning Ahead
• Peer Support

The Triple P program is evidence-based and focuses on empowering parents to make decisions that best fit their family’s needs, which can be particularly helpful as a parent. Access all the free on-line programs here: https://corewellhealth.org/raising-resilient-children

In Health and Happiness

Suzy Berschback

Raising Resilient Children Program Manager

https://corewellhealth.org/raising-resilient-children

Healthier Communities

Phone 313-647-2827
suzanne.berschback@corewellhealth.org

June 1 – August 9

Free Books, Prize Drawings, Fun Programs all summer

Register today at: gp.beanstack.org

Thank you to the Grosse Pointe Public Library for this annual partnership to keep students reading throughout the summer!

Friday | June 13, 2025

Movie Starts at 7:00 PM
Ghesquiere Park – 20025 Mack Plaza

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Ice cream available for purchase from Treat Dreams!

Join us for a fun family evening featuring the movie TROLLS BAND TOGETHER!

Presented by Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, and The Family Center

Training is free but registration is required for this QPR Suicide Prevention Training on June 17th. Participants must be over 15 with parent permission or be an adult. Questions: contact MaryJo@FamilyCenterHelps.org.

The Grosse Pointe North Athletic Booster Club celebrated the seniors at their annual awards brunch over the weekend. The boosters awarded $12,000 in scholarships to the North athletes, along with families that have memorial scholarships set up in the names of their loved ones. Congratulations to all the seniors -- no matter what direction you go, North will always be home.

(Photo credit to Scott Cooper - see more on Facebook @GPN Norsemen Sports)

Sawyer Weisbrodt, Grosse Pointe South class of 2025, is the recipient of the Scott Scholarship at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. The Scott Scholars program is Creighton’s premier merit-based scholarship program and aims to attract dynamic future leaders to the Heider College of Business. The scholarship, donated by the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, includes full tuition, room and board, and a spending account for conferences and international experiences, for four years. The program provides distinctive programming, networking activities, internships with Fortune 500 companies, and unique opportunities to connect with and learn from the Omaha business community. It is granted each year to 5 Nebraskan students and 10 out-of-state students. Sawyer received the scholarship after a panel interview and his presentation of a business ethics case study.

Creighton’s Heider College of Business is in the top 2% of business schools worldwide and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Heider prides itself on experiential learning, with students guiding investments for over $9 million of the University’s endowment. Creighton BlueJays have access to state of the art facilities and manage the only student- run Apple-authorized campus store. 99% of Creigton graduates from the Heider College of Business are employed, pursuing an advanced degree or are participating in a service program within six months of graduation.

Sawyer plans to pursue a career in corporate finance and work in the field of investment banking or private equity.

June 13 - Last Half Day of School for students! Have a safe and wonderful summer! See you September 2!