Jane H., a seventh grade student at Brownell, was one of the winners in the statewide "I voted" sticker competition held for the 2024 election. Brownell Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Bess Johnston, brought the "I Voted" sticker contest to the attention of students late last year. Jane's entry took the internet by storm! She has been interviewed by the Grosse Pointe News, New York Times and even was mentioned in John Oliver's show Last Week Tonight on HBO Max. Her 'unhinged werewolf' represents the power we have as citizens in our democracy when we vote. Be sure to get to the polls early so you can get yourself the work of a local artist!

North had a great time at their Pink Out game last Friday night against Cousino HS. The student section was loud with excitement, the band had a great performance and the cheerleaders had a visit from the Grosse Pointe Red Barons! It was a fun time for the Norsemen.

The Mason Staff stood on their new playscape and got a staff picture to send to their PTO as a sign of appreciation for all that they did to make their playground AWESOME and accessible for all!

North staff celebrated the new school year with some team building activities.

Dear Families,

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students, we are pleased to introduce the use of a new threat assessment tool called the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). This tool will help us better identify, assess, and manage potential threats within our school community.

CSTAG is a research-based protocol designed to provide a systematic and structured approach to threat assessment in schools. The goal is to ensure that any concerns are addressed in a thorough, timely, and appropriate manner, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and community members.

Here's how CSTAG will help us:

1. Early Identification: CSTAG allows us to identify potential threats at an early stage, helping to prevent incidents before they occur.

2. Comprehensive Assessment: The tool provides a structured method for evaluating the seriousness of a threat and determining the appropriate response.

3. Intervention and Support: CSTAG emphasizes the importance of providing intervention and support for students who may pose a threat, helping them to get back on track in a positive and constructive way.

4. Collaboration: The process involves collaboration among school staff, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and families to ensure a well-rounded and effective approach to threat management.

We want to assure you that the use of CSTAG aligns with our district's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. Our principals and mental health staff will be fully trained in using this tool, and we will continue to work closely with parents, students, and the broader community to ensure that our schools remain safe places for all. Our teachers are also informed of the new process and expectations in an effort to keep everyone safe.

Your support and understanding are vital as we implement this new approach. If you have any questions or concerns about CSTAG or how it will be used, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can work to create an environment where every student feels secure and supported.

Thank you for your continued partnership in promoting the safety and success of our students.

Congratulations to North's Girls Field Hockey Team for their win against Farmington. They ran away with a 4-0 Victory! Congratulations!

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.

We want to update you on the ongoing construction project affecting North High School’s parking lot. Over the summer, the District initiated a repaving project for the South end parking lot, which is used primarily by North High School staff, Central Office staff, and Special Education buses. Unfortunately, due to weather delays and underground utility issues, the project is now expected to extend into the beginning of the new school year. The revised completion date is currently set for the end of September.

To ensure a smooth start to the school year, we have developed some changes to address the temporary traffic and parking needs:

1. Traffic Rerouting: With the back parking lot unavailable until the end of September, there will be increased use of the student parking lot. To help manage this, we will have additional law enforcement officers on Vernier to assist with directing traffic, particularly for buses dropping off students with special needs.
2. Transportation for students with special needs: Buses will drop students off at doors QQ (between the cafeteria and the gym). We will be working with the Student Services Department as well as the North Special Education staff to prepare appropriately for this change.
3. Wedgewood Entrance Closure: Please note that the Wedgewood entrance, commonly used by students walking into school, will be closed during this period. There will be no access to North High School from this entrance.
4. Encouraging Alternative Transportation: To reduce traffic congestion, we strongly encourage students to walk, bike, or carpool to school if possible during these days.
5. Ongoing Construction and Noise: To meet our goal of reopening the back parking lot by the end of September, construction will continue throughout the school day. As a result, students and staff may experience more noise than usual. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to complete this project.

We understand that these changes may cause some inconvenience, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10th, the Board of Education held a regular meeting where they approved the following:

• Regular Meeting Minutes for August 27, 2024
• Closed Session Meeting Minutes for August 27, 2024
• Field Trip for North Band Trip to Toronto
  

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 Regular Meeting, TUESDAY, October 8, 2024, 6:30 pm, Brownell

Sept. 16- Sinking Fund Town Hall

Sept. 20- Homecoming (NORTH)

Sept. 26- Schoology Parent Night

Oct. 4- Homecoming (SOUTH)

Oct. 25- North/South Tailgate

Oct. 27- District Open House