
GPPSS Update
December 1, 2023

Grosse Pointe Destination Imagination
On March 16, four teams from Grosse Pointe Destination Imagination competed in the State Tournament. Destination Imagination is a STEAM program for students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Teams of 2-7 students work without parent interference to solve a complex challenge while creating an 8 minute skit to demonstrate their solution.
GP DI had an outstanding day! Our 7th Grade team from Pierce took 1st place in Middle Level Engineering; our 4th/5th Grade team from Defer/Pierce took 1st place in Elementary Scientific; our 4th grade team from Defer took 1st place in Elementary Engineering; and our 3rd/4th/5th Grade team from Defer/Pierce took 3rd place in Elementary Service Learning.
First Place comes with an invitation to attend Global Finals in May in Kansas City. Our Pierce teams have accepted this invitation and are excited to compete on an international level with teams from all over the world.
International Festival at Pierce
Pierce, Defer and Maire held an International Festival on March 7 and it was a big success! There were approximately 15 tables, including Japan (x2), Philippines, Spain, Mexico, Italy, Poland (x2), Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania and Syria. They also had History of Chopsticks, where students could practice their skills, a Year of the Dragon table, a map on which families could pin where they are from and a Photo Booth set up by International Festival Alumni!
Representatives from the Consulate of Japan in Detroit were writing guests’ names in katakana. Visitors at the Polish table could make pisanki, traditional painted Easter eggs. The Filipino table featured sungka, a traditional board game, and at the Bulgarian table, visitors received martenitsa, red and white yarn bracelets, to signify the start of spring.
Dance groups: The Bulgarian Youth Folk Ensemble, the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance, and the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan. Students from the Filipino School performed the Tinikling Dance, which imitates the movements of the tikling bird walking over bamboo traps set by Filipino farmers on the rice fields. One of the students from PACCM sang the National Anthem of the USA and the Philippines.
Thank you to everyone in the community for attending and shoutout to the PTOs at Pierce, Defer and Maire!
Barnes staff will be growing next year, by four paws!
Barnes school psychologist, Marlana Jones, was awarded a grant to begin and fund a therapy dog program at Barnes! Research demonstrates therapy dogs can enhance children's well-being in a variety of settings from schools, hospitals, airports, and courtrooms. As such, therapy dogs within school settings have been found to increase student’s well being by:
- Reducing physiological symptoms of stress through lowering cortisol levels
- Increasing positive emotions
- Promoting engagement in learning activities and positive attitudes toward learning
- Reducing negative behaviors (i.e. anxiety, task avoidance and aggression in the classroom)
- Encouraging prosocial behaviors (e.g. self-esteem, motivation) and acting as a “social catalyst” to facilitate social interactions with others
The grant was awarded in person on Friday 3/15/24 and our incoming therapy dog, Charlie, was able to be here for the photo op!
DAR Award Winners at Brownell
On Saturday, March 2, several Brownell Students were honored by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution Louissa St. Clair Chapter). Thank you to their counselors, Mrs. Oderfer and Dr. Niforos, for their work interviewing these incredible students and writing-up the biographies that were read at the awards ceremony.
Four Brownell students, one from each grade, were recognized for exhibiting traits such as honor, service, courage, kindness, leadership, and patriotism. A fifth student, Leah (Bella) M., won an essay contest sponsored by the DAR and even moved on to win the state and national level!
(L-R): Mrs. Barb Davis (DAR) ; Dylan P. (8th grade); Bella M. (8th grade); Adrianne C. (5th grade); Will T. (7th grade); Sam B. (6th grade); and Mrs. Ellisse Thompson (DAR).
Green Team at Maire
Maire Green Team, which is comprised of first and second graders, learned about winter sowing and have started some natives to add to their Monarch Way Station. They worked with Kelly Konieczki, who does nature programs at the Ewald library, and Linda Insisiengmay, a local master gardener and Maire parent. They are following a long tradition at Maire to keep pesticides and herbicides out of the garden and front lawn areas to keep them safe for humans and butterflies.
March is Reading Month
Our schools are celebrating the month with guest readers, fun activities and spirit weeks!
Trustee Valarie St. John, Ferry
March is Reading Month Video, Monteith
Checkout Ms. Stackpoole's video on the fun activities happening at Monteith!
Treasurer Terence Collins, Defer
Pierce Botmasterz Team, Defer
The girls from the Pierce Botmasterz team volunteered their time to read to the kindergarteners at Defer.
Fractured Fairytales, Parcells
Fifth grade authors in Holly Willson’s class published a class book of “Fractured Fairytales.” Putting twists on classics, they wrote stories like “Giant and The Beanstalk” and “The Little Boy in the Hood,” often changing characters, and events and making them more modern. An original illustration accompanied each story, and Studentreasures Publishing published the book.
Dr. Tuttle, Defer
Pi Day and International Math Day at Ferry
Ms. Flanagan's fourth graders celebrated Pi Day and International Math Day on March 14th! They hosted a variety of activities, like reading an informational article about Pi and rotating through stations on various math topics. Thank you to the parents and former students for assisting in the activities and donating pie for the students to enjoy. It was a fun day of learning!
Parcells 8th Grade AVID Students visit North
Parcells 8th grade AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students visited North for a close-up look at high school. North counselor, Jessica Turner, helped facilitate a great morning. Students arrived at North and were paired up with an upperclassman. They then toured the school, visited electives, and had time to get to know their Norseman during 1st hour. The AVID students were then able to sit in and participate in a 2nd and 3rd hour class. All Parcells students sat in at least one honors or AP class. This unique shadowing opportunity allowed for a productive and informative morning.
Oratorical Contest at Pierce
Pierce eighth graders did great at the Optimist Club's Oratorical Contest. The students wrote and delivered a speech around the topic: How Optimism Can Change the World. They worked for weeks to put together and practice their speeches.
Ten Students Participated:
Winners:
Grosse Pointe Geography Bee
Students from around the District participated in the Grosse Pointe Geography Bee at The University of Liggett on March 13.
Parcells had four students, lead by Mr. Crosson, participate and received 2nd place for schools and Katherine W. received 3rd place individually.
Pierce had five students who did fantastic. Felix W. took first place and Declan D. took second place in the competition.
Defer had a fourth grade student, Izzy S., win the first round of Regional Finals and qualify for Nationals. She will be heading to Orlando in May for Nationals and the chance to qualify for the International Tournament.
Parcells, Second Place for Schools
Katherine W., Third Place Individually
Pierce
Fire Safety and Prevention at Mason
Mason would like to thank the Grosse Pointe Firefighters from the cities of Grosse Pointe Woods and Grosse Pointe Farms for presenting to all of their students on Fire Safety and Prevention!
Carnival Night at South
South's Class of 2027 held a carnival night on Friday, March 15, for around 250 elementary students. The freshmen spent months planning this event and created an evening of fun and games. The funds raised from this event will support the freshman class in their endeavors including leadership conferences and camps, homecoming expenditures, staff appreciation, prom and more!
Egg Hunt at South
The Class of 2025 hosted their third annual Egg Hunt this past weekend. Kids from the community came up to search for eggs on the front lawn of South.
Richard Elementary First Graders celebrated 120 days of school!
Athletics
Unified Basketball
Performing Arts
North
On Thursday, March 7th, the North Band & Orchestra Ensembles traveled to Anchor Bay High School for MSBOA District Festival. The groups performed beautifully with the Symphony Orchestra earning a 2nd Division (Excellent) Rating, the Symphony Band earning a 1st Division (Superior) Rating, and the Wind Ensemble earning a 1st Division (Superior) Rating. This is the 6th year in a row that the Wind Ensemble has achieved/earned a Superior rating and we could not be more proud!
On Saturday, March 16, our Grosse Pointe North Band & Orchestra students participated in the Michigan Schools Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) State Solo & Ensemble Festival at Stoney Creek High School. Students performed for an adjudicator and received division ratings based on their performances. Our soloists in 10th-12th grade performed in an advanced category called Proficiency, ranging in difficulty from level I-III, where in addition to their prepared solo, they were also rated on their advanced scales and sight reading performances. It is extremely rare for a student to earn a 100 from any school in the state, and we are very proud of Eva Dai for earning this high distinction. To put it in perspective, in my ten years at North, Eva is only the second student, alongside Ben Graham, to earn a perfect score at the state level.
Mr. Torrento and Mr. Zogas applaud the hard work of our band and orchestra students and congratulate them on their fantastic solo, proficiency, and ensemble performances!
BAND
Yuxuan “Eva” Dai, Belle Kalus, William Murray, Kiera Finley, Charles White, David Rochon, Tejas Shastri-Deonikar & Keegan Wettstein - Mixed Octet - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Yuxuan “Eva” Dai - Proficiency I Flute Solo - 100 PERFECT SCORE/1st Division (Superior) Rating
Sarah Westrick - Proficiency I Flute Solo - 89/1st Division (Superior) Rating
William Murray - Proficiency I English Horn Solo - 89/1st Division (Superior) Rating
Tucker Behringer - Proficiency I Percussion Solo - 86/1st Division (Superior) Rating
Max Hakim - 9th Grade Alto Saxophone Solo - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Sarah Westrick, Belle Kalus, William Murray, Kiera Finley & David Rochon - Woodwind Quintet - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Juliette Aouad & Belle Kalus - Clarinet Duet - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Tejas Shastri-Deonikar - Proficiency I Trombone Solo - 83/2nd Division (Excellent) Rating
Drew Behringer - Proficiency II Alto Saxophone Solo - 72/2nd Division (Excellent) Rating
Drew Behringer, Max Hakim, Alan Cooney, Russell Warner & Tucker Behringer - Saxophone Quintet - 2nd Division (Excellent) Rating
Owen Johnston - Proficiency II Flute Solo - 81/2nd Division (Excellent) Rating
Isaac Warner & Sarah Westrick - Woodwind Duet - 2nd Division (Excellent) Rating
ORCHESTRA
Kaden Connell, Nicholas Truza, Meredith Bayus, Aine Mahoney, Alton Notebaert, Benjamin Graham, Camille Spearman, Emily Smith, Elora Gee, Alina Cooney, Christian Ebron, Maya Harb, Arimah Walker-Griffith, Serafina Maras, Madison Hays, Jessica Hoffmann, Jean-Paul Shemmai - String Chamber Orchestra - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Benjamin Graham - Proficiency III Viola Solo - 98/1st Division (Superior) Rating
Kaden Connell - Proficiency II String Bass Solo - 96/1st Division (Superior) Rating
Andrew Bernard - Proficiency I Viola Solo - 88/1st Division (Superior) Rating
Alton Notebaert, Anna Burlatta & Peter Moe - String Ensemble Trio - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Madison Hays, Jessica Hoffmann & Maya Harb - String Ensemble Trio - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Benjamin Graham, Aine Mahoney, Serafina Maras & Arimah Walker-Griffith - String Ensemble Quartet - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Serafina Maras - 9th Grade Violin Solo - 1st Division (Superior) Rating
Peter Moe - Proficiency I Violin Solo - 84/2nd Division (Excellent) Rating
The North Jazz Band traveled out to Bloomfield Hills High School to play for an incredible panels of adjudicators from around our state. The clinician for North was West Michigan’s own Jazz trumpet legend, Dr. James Sawyer (2023 West Michigan Jazz Artist of the Year). Our kids were amazing performing latin chart Mamacita by Joe Henderson, jazz ballad ‘Round Midnight by Thelonius Monk, and the Sammy Nestico swing chart Orange Sherbet. The group earned 1st division (Superior) ratings from all 3 judges!
Special congratulations to the following outstanding student musicians:
Drew B. - Alto Sax 1
Max H. - Alto Sax 2
Sarah W. - Tenor Sax 1
Isaac W. - Tenor Sax 2
Alex R. - Tenor Sax 3
Russell W. - Bari Sax
Charles W. - Trumpet 1
Wes R. - Trumpet 2
Jack R. - Trumpet 3
Brandon E. - Trumpet 4
Tejas S. - Trombone 1
Jonah C. - Trombone 2
Noah K. - Trombone 3
Pat B. - Trombone 4
Gabe M. - Piano
David R. - Guitar
Alexandria N. - Bass Guitar
Chylon H. - Bass Guitar
Kaden C. - Bass Guitar
Tucker B. - Drums
South
South presents Little Shop of Horrors on April 25 through April 27. Tickets can be purchased at gpsouthchoir.org.
The South Jazz Band traveled out to Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte to play for an esteemed panel of adjudicators. The South musicians received their clinic from St. Clair Shores native and trumpet master Ray Oset (who was a touring musician with Maynard Ferguson). South opened their set with Bill Potts chart, Big Swing Face, moved into Duke Ellington’s Come Sunday, and closed out their set with Mongo Santamaria’s Afro Blue. The South band also had an incredible performance taking home 1st Division (Superior) ratings from all 3 judges.
Special congratulations to the following outstanding student musicians:
Parker B. - Alto Sax
Will B. - Alto Sax
Ryan R. - Alto Sax
Hudson K. - Tenor Sax
Alex S. - Tenor Sax
Caleb T. - Tenor Sax
Gianmarco V. - Bari Sax
Finley E. - Trumpet
Paul K. - Trumpet
Paul L. - Trumpet
Randall D. - Trombone
Liam D. - Trombone
Colin H. - Trombone
Rocky B. - Piano
Emilia K. - Piano
Viggo J. - Bass
Justin C.- Guitar
Matthew C. - Drums
Dagueneau J. - Percussion
Middle Schools
Twelve of our GPPSS Middle School students had the opportunity to rehearse and perform in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles Honors Band. Our students combined with 400+ students from around our state to rehearse for 6 hours in preparation for a same day performance on stage at historic Orchestra Hall downtown. Our kids also had the pleasure of getting mentored by DSO musicians who participated in side by side rehearsals. This was a wonderful experience for our GPPSS kids and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication.
Parcells Middle School
Emi A. - Trombone (Grade 6)
Ada C. - Euphonium (Grade 6)
Logan L. - Bassoon (Grade 7)
Charlotte M. - Horn (Grade 7)
Emi R. - Flute (Grade 8)
Ben S. - Trombone (Grade 6)
Silas V. - Trumpet (Grade 6)
William V. - Bass Clarinet (Grade 7)
Pierce Middle School
J.P. B. - Horn (Grade 7)
Milo C. - Tuba (Grade 7)
Ciara N. - Flute (Grade 8)
Lydia T. - Horn (Grade 7)
Elementaries
Upcoming vocal concerts:
Maire: April 8th at 7 PM in the Brownell Multipurpose Room
Monteith: April 10th at 6 PM in the Brownell Multipurpose Room
Richard: April 11th at 7 PM in the Brownell Multipurpose Room
Defer Elementary
Fourth grade students created space themed props during their lunch recess for their March 13th Spring Concert. The theme of this year's concert was Outer Space, and students created asteroids, rockets, comets, planets and satellites to use in their performance of "Rap of the Solar System".
Safety Town
For: Students entering grades K-1
Dates: June 24 - August 15
Session #1:June 24-28
Session #2: July 8-12
Session #3: July 15-19
Session #4: July 22-26
Session #5: July 29-August 2
Session #6: August 7-11
Times: 9-11:30 AM
Cost: $140
New! Safety Town Refresher Course
For: Students entering grades 2-3
3 mornings/week session (T/W/Th)
Session 1R: June 18-20
Session 2R: August 13-15
Cost: $90
Location: Barnes Early Childhood Center
Contact: Jessica Markie | markiej@gpschools.org
Registration: Open Now | Register Click Here
Our mission is to equip our youngest learners with the tools they need to remain calm and safe during emergency situations. Your child will meet local police and firefighters, learn tips and tools to use in a real-life fire situation, and explore a range of safety topics.
Camp O'Fun
For: Students entering grades Y5-9
Dates: June 18 - August 16
Time: 7:15 AM to 6:15 PM
Cost: Rates Vary
Location: Ferry Elementary
Contact: Crystal Fletcher | fletchc@gpschools.org
Registration: April 1, 2024
If you plan on enrolling your child in Camp O’Fun, you must register by May 31. Any camper registration received after this date may begin attending camp in July. There is something new every day at Camp O’Fun! From theme weeks to a talent show, campers enjoy outdoor play, time to explore and full days of fun.
Camp Invention
Register at INVENT.ORG/CAMP or 800-968-4332
Grades: K - 6th
Location: Brownell Middle School
260 Chalfonte, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
Date: June 17 - 21, 2024
Time & Cost: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM | $310 (before discount)
Camp Director: Ryan Boyd | boydr@gpschools.org
Summer Music Festival
For: Grades 5-8
Dates: July 8-19 (M-F)
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM
Closing Celebration: Friday, July 19, 10 AM
Cost: $85 for primary courses; $55 for extension courses (must be enrolled in primary courses to take extension courses)
Location: Brownell Middle School
Contact: James Gross (grossj@gpschools.org)
Registration: GPSMF.org
The Grosse Pointe Summer Music Festival is open to all currently enrolled GPPSS band and orchestra students for incoming grades 5-8. This exciting and affordable local program provides an opportunity for students to further develop their instrumental music skills. Extension courses to Band & Orchestra include Jazz Band and Fiddling.
Annual Grosse Pointe Summer Select Choir
For: Students entering grades 4-12
Dates: August 12-16
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, M-Th.; 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Fri.
Concert Performances: Friday, August 16, 6 and 8 PM
Location: North High School PAC
Contact: Leslie Saroli | sarolil@gpschools.org
This valuable workshop helps students focus on improving their vocal music skills in a team-like atmosphere. Elementary and middle school students learn music both with and without choreography while high school students learn from a renowned college instructor. Students perform two concerts at the end of the week.
Summer Theatre Camp
For: Entering 4-9
Dates & Times: June 17-21, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
June 24-25, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
June 26-27. 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Performances: June 28, 9 AM and 6 PM
Cost: $410.00
Location: Grosse Pointe North Performing Arts Center
Contact: Heather Albrecht (AlbrecH@gpschools.org)
Registration: Click here for more information.
The Lottery link will be open from April 1 - April 12
Under the direction of Heather Albrecht, Michelle Stackpoole and Sarah Duffield, students will learn several aspects of musical theater including dance, drama, music, script exploration and character development.
Summer Pointes
This program is available to support learning loss of K-8 students in the area of literacy and numeracy. The focus is on bringing students up to grade level. Families of eligible students will be notified. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact your classroom teacher or middle school counselor.
Contact: Kevin Shubnell | shubnek@gpschools.org
Katie Parent | parentk@gpschools.org
High School Summer Learning - Credit Recovery
For: High School Students
Dates: June 17 - August 15
Location: Parcells Middle School
Contact: Katie Parent | parentk@gpschools.org
This summer, GPPSS will be partnering with Michigan Virtual to offer credit recovery and grade replacement for students. Credit recovery is for students who failed a course during the academic year and need to make up that course. Grade replacement is for students who would like to retake a course in order to replace the grade they received through GPPSS during the academic year.
Students should see their counselors about this opportunity
North Summer Sports Programs
Grosse Pointe North is offering several sports camps this summer.
South Summer Sports Programs
Grosse Pointe South is offering several sports camps this summer.
School Board Update
Meeting Summary
On Tuesday, March 12, the Board of Education held a regular meeting where they approved the following:
- Regular Meeting Minutes for March 12, 2024
- Branding Firm
Previewed for action March 19 were these business items:
- Approval of GPPSS Field Trip - Glory of the Habsburgs - Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest, Prague
- Approval of North Reciprocal Field Trip: Hosting at North, traveling to Pfullendorf, Germany
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, April 9, 2024, 6:30 pm, Brownell MPR
- BOE Policy and Contracts Meeting, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 4:00 pm, Barnes PLS
- BOE Facilities-Finance Meeting, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 5:30 pm, Barnes PLS
- BOE Community Engagement Meeting, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 4:00 pm, Barnes PLS
- BOE Curriculum Meeting, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:00 pm, Barnes PLS
- BOE Regular Meeting, TUESDAY, April 23, 2024, 5:00 pm, GP War Memorial
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.
Michigan providing free breakfast and lunch for students in 2023-24
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
Mark your calendars
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 25th-29th- SPRING BREAK
April 8th- Maire Vocal Concert
April 10th- Monteith Vocal Concert
April 11th- Richard Vocal Concert
April 13th- North's Instrumental Music Spring Craft Show
April 15th- Communities United in Diversity
April 17th- College Night at South
April 25th- South's Little Shop of Horrors
April 26th- South's Little Shop of Horrors
April 27th- South's Little Shop of Horrors