
GPPSS Update

Students at Defer have been enjoying learning new pieces of music on Orff instruments (xylophones and glockenspiels) this month. These second graders learned a piece to accompany the book "The Color Monster". Instruments have been purchased through grants from the GPFPE and STEAAM foundations.
Opening Day at GPPSS
Friday was a day full of baseball spirit. Parcells celebrated Opening Day, while Richard carried on its annual Tigers Day tradition.
Students cheered on the "Boys of Summer" while enjoying a ballpark-style lunch featuring freshly grilled hot dogs, watermelon, chips, and a drink.
"It was the best hotdog I’ve ever had," reported Fitz from Mrs. Goddard’s Kindergarten class. A great day of food, fun, and Tigers spirit all around.
SPARK German Club Brings Language and Culture to Life!
Over the past six weeks, students from South, North, and Brownell joined Kerby students after school for a lively and enriching German club experience through the SPARK program. Together, they explored basic German phrases, sampled delicious German treats, played games, and created art—all while bonding across grade levels. This program, supported by the German government, helps foster an early love for language learning. A huge Danke schön to all the student mentors and participants for making it a success!
Farm Science Lab Visits Mason
The Farm Science Lab rolled into Mason, bringing agriculture to life through engaging, hands-on learning! Students explored food production, sustainability, and the essential role of agriculture in our daily lives through fun, interactive stations.
A big thank you to Ms. Amanda York, the Mason PTO, and MERCER Farm Bureau Family of Companies for their generous $600 grant. We also appreciated Senator Hertel for stopping by to join in the learning!
Thanks to all who made this impactful experience possible!
NJHS visits Defer
We had the pleasure of welcoming three NJHS students from Pierce Middle School to complete the Read Across America event. Students listened to the Lorax and filled out an activity describing how the Lorax feels, sees, acts and looks. They also created an advertisement wanting people to buy Thneeds which is an item from the story! The NJHS students did a wonderful job reading and completing their lesson!
9th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk and Mental Health Fair
The 9th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk and Mental Health Fair will be at Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, 4/26, at 10 am. Please come out to support mental wellness in our community. This is a fun, free, and family-friendly event. No registration is required. See you there!
Leadership Team at South
The GP South Leadership team was happy to attend the Josten's sponsored "Better than Good" conference last week in Northville. They learned all sorts of ways to be empowered to spread joy, appreciation and charisma by being effective leaders in our school and our community.
Career Day at Mason
Mason welcomed over a dozen amazing professionals for Career Day, sharing insights with students from Young 5s to 4th grade.
Careers ranged from surgeons and veterinarians to firefighters, writers, ASL interpreters, and even a professor of neuroscience.
Students learned about each profession’s responsibilities, required skills, and the importance of working hard in school to reach their goals. It was an inspiring day full of big dreams and future possibilities.
Quiz Bowl at North
Over the weekend, Jack M. and Jack R., two seniors from Grosse Pointe North, competed at the 2025 Individual Player National Championship Tournament in Chicago. Out of 251 competitors worldwide, Jack M. placed 58th and Jack R. placed 88th.
They were challenged in categories including Current Events, Fine Arts, Geography, History, Literature, Pop Culture & Sports, Science & Math, and Social Sciences. Notable finishes include:
- Jack M.: 16th in Current Events, 54th in Geography, 59th in History
- Jack R.: 19th in Current Events, 87th in Geography
Both players represented Grosse Pointe North with pride and are excited to travel to Nationals in Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend. Congratulations, Jack M. and Jack R.!
Athletics
Join the GP Rallyers Competitive Tennis Club!
Middle school students are invited to join the GP Rallyers, a competitive tennis club designed to introduce players to match play and prepare them for high school tennis.
Since 2016, the Rallyers have helped young athletes gain their first competitive experience, with many former players going on to earn All-Conference, All-State, and State Championship titles.
Dates: April 10 – May 22, 2025
Location: Grosse Pointe North’s newly renovated tennis complex
Open to: Boys and girls in middle school (must bring a racquet)
Practices will be held on Thursdays and Fridays, with matches against other area club teams on Sunday afternoons. Players will compete in singles and doubles matches, with exhibition matches available.
The cost is $100 per player, which includes a team shirt and the use of balls for practices and matches. All proceeds support the Grosse Pointe North tennis program.
For more details, contact Coach John VanAlst at 313-269-4869.
Blue Devil Digest
Click here to see the latest athletic news from South.
Tom Torrento Named Quarterfinalist for 2026 Music Educator Grammy
Congratulations to Tom Torrento, director of bands at GP North High School and Parcells Middle School, for being named a quarterfinalist for the 2026 Music Educator Grammy Award! A well-deserved recognition of his dedication to music education.
Drama at South
Attention Theater Lovers! Ticket sales are now open to The Little Mermaid presented by the Grosse Pointe South Drama Department.
Show Details:
The Little Mermaid is a stage musical, based on the much beloved Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale. The musical follows a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love. The musical is full of humor and creativity, making it the perfect experience for all ages.
Who:
All are Welcome. Tickets are on sale for the general public.
Where:
The Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center at Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
When:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Friday, April 25, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 1:00 pm AND 7:00 pm
How Do I Get In On The Fun?:
Tickets may be purchased through the following link. Tickets will also be available prior to each show.
CTE
Inside the TV Studio
Click here to see the latest news from the TV Production program.
Join us for a summer filled with fun activities for every interest—sports, arts, STEM, and more! Our camps offer something for everyone, in a safe and engaging environment.
Register today at gpschools.org/summer!
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.
How Snow Day Decisions Are Made in GPPSS
As winter approaches, we wanted to provide you with important information about how inclement weather may affect school operations. Our top priority is the safety of our students, staff, and families, while also striving to maintain as much instructional time as possible.
Decisions to close school or adjust schedules are made thoughtfully, with careful consideration of the impact on our community. While the District reviews all available information to make the best possible determination, we recognize that winter weather brings inherent risks. Ultimately, parents have the authority to decide what is safest for their students under their unique circumstances.
Meeting Summary
On Monday, March 31st, the Board of Education held a regular meeting where they approved the following:
- Regular Meeting Minutes for March 3, 2025
- Special Session Minutes for March 3, 2025
- HR Report
- South Field Trip to Peru
- MI 80/20 Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act
- Special Session Minutes for March 18, 2025
- Special Session Minutes, MASB Training, March 18, 2025
On Monday, April 14th, the agenda action items will be:
- Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for March 31, 2025
- Approval of Revision of Policy 3.26 - Compliance with Michigan Sex Education Statute
- Approval of Reinstatement Procedures for Expelled Students Policy 4.11
- Approval of Plante Moran Contract
- Approval of Budget Revision #1
- Approval of STEAAM Foundation AI Camp Grant
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:
- Facilities Meeting, Monday, April 7, 2025, 5:30 pm, North Library
- Policies Meeting, Monday, April 7, 2025, 6:30 pm, Central Office Board Room
- Bond Advisory Committee, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 6:00 pm, North Library
- BOE Regular Meeting, Monday, April 14, 2025, 7:00 pm, Brownell MPR
- BOE Regular Meeting, Monday, April 28, 2025, 7:00 pm, Brownell MPR
Upcoming Events
April 14- Communities United in Diversity
April 18- No School, Good Friday
April 21- No School, PD Day
April 24 through April 26- South presents The Little Mermaid
May 5 through May 9- Educator Appreciation Week