GPPSS Update
December 8, 2021
Safety is always our first concern
An update on the GPPSS Emergency Operations Plan will be shared at the regular livestreamed board meeting, at 7 p.m. Monday, December 13th, in the Brownell Multipurpose Room. Our board and administration have received a lot of questions in the last week about school security. Here are some of the things GPPSS has done in the past five years to support student and staff safety:
- Approximately five years ago GPPSS partnered with a security consultant service to conduct a comprehensive security audit of all of our school facilities. One of the outcomes of that audit was a list of building safety recommendations that have been a significant component of the recent bond work in GPPSS. Included in these upgrades are increased camera use, secured vestibules, classroom doors that lock from the inside, and integrated safety/PA systems.
- This same audit also created safety documents that are used in all buildings. These documents govern our various lockdown drills, etc. and provide consistent language across buildings. That language was agreed upon through discussions with all of our public safety departments.
- Typically, each GPPSS building conducts at least three lockdown drills and one evacuation drill per year. Prior to these drills teachers talk to students to cover the 'what to do' in various circumstances.
- We regularly meet with our local chiefs of police to discuss safety concerns and best practices. We held a meeting of this group this week since so many of our local chiefs are new to their position, and another is scheduled before winter break.
- A follow-up with our security consultant is arranged for this week as well. GPPSS will be reviewing and updating our security procedures. We will keep the community informed as we do this work.
Here is a working document to provide additional information on Frequently Asked Questions about GPPSS School Security. If you have questions you would like addressed, please share these with your building or program administrator or email info@gpschools.org.
Would you be willing to help GPPSS families?
Every year the student associations at Grosse Pointe North and South combine forces to ensure families have the food and clothing they need over winter break. This year we have more families requesting assistance. So, in addition to homeroom classes shopping for children's needs from particular families, the SA has developed this donation form. All funds raised will be used to purchase food, clothing and toys for GPPSS families. The form will close Tuesday, December 14. Questions? Contact Jonathan Byrne byrnej@gpschools.org.
Magnet nominations due 12/15/21
Pediatric Vaccine Clinic for ages 5-11 on 12/11/21
GPPSS will host two Pfizer Pediatric COVID vaccination clinics for 5-11 year-olds on the following Saturdays:
- December 11: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kerby Elementary, 285 Kerby Road, GPF
- January 8: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Ferry Elementary, 748 Roslyn, GPW
How to upload student vaccine records
Parents and guardians can upload their student's COVID vaccine card using the MiStar Parent Portal by following the directions linked here. According to quarantine guidelines from the Wayne County Health Department, any student who is fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact to a COVID positive individual. Uploading your student’s vaccine card will help the district quickly identify those students who will not be required to quarantine. Thank you for doing this once the shots are complete!
Please invite your friends and neighbors
- Thursday, January 6 - Parents/guardians of incoming 9th graders
- Tuesday, January 11 - Parents/guardians of incoming 5th graders
- Thursday, January 13 - Parents/guardians of incoming Kindergarten or Young Fives students
Employment opportunities in GPPSS
There are increased wage ranges for these positions:
Preschool Program:
Teacher $16.56-$18.70
Assistant Teacher $12.41-$14.02
Caregiver $12.10
Kids Club:
Director $15.81-$18.24
Caregiver $12.10
Here are links to some of the open postings on the district website:
Early Childhood Preschool Teacher
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Plant (custodians and engineers)
As you gather with friends and neighbors this weekend, help us share the word with college students, retirees, and others who might be interested in working full or part time for GPPSS!