GPPSS Update

Thank you to Melissa Petz for capturing this beautiful moment at Grosse Pointe South's 2025 graduation.

A team of individuals has been monitoring the weather for the last 48 hours, including our sound planning technicians. We must take into account the safety of people and equipment in rain and predicted lightning, both during the ceremony and take down of all the components that make this such a memorable event. Due to the projected thunderstorms hitting before our stage could be taken down, we have been informed our sound technician cannot risk the safety of his staff if lighting is predicted before midnight.

Given all those factors, it is regrettable that we must move the North graduation to tomorrow, Thursday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. with location to be determined based on weather and field conditions. We are planning to hold outside on the soccer field unless we let you know otherwise, so please plan accordingly.

In preparation for the possibility of an indoor ceremony tomorrow, we are asking each senior to pick up their four (4) tickets in the North Main Office. You will be required to present your ticket if the ceremony is inside the gymnasium. If we are outside tomorrow, there will be no limitation on seating. Either way, there will be overflow seating in the air conditioned Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the livestream link is here: https://vimeo.com/event/4344985

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work diligently to make this evening celebrating your child’s accomplishments so special.

Here are 2025 GPPSS graduates who attended Maire, Monteith and Poupard going back to thank their teachers and staff. North graduation photos will be shared next week!

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

The Board of Education passed a resolution brought to them by students to declare the first Friday in June to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the Grosse Pointe Public School District. This was done to honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence and to declare that we must all do more to end this public health crisis.

As part of the resolution, each building administrator may choose to honor the day in the manner most appropriate for their student body. At the elementary level, GPPSS will not say anything more than what is included in our beloved Safety Town's resources. Safety Town uses the McGruff messaging https://www.ncpc.org/resources/mcgruffgunsafety/

1. Stop
2. Don't touch
3. Get away
4. Tell and adult

Secondary students and adults may choose to wear orange as a visible reminder of the day.

It was also stated that GPPSS would provide safe storage information related to firearms, as directed by House Bills 5450 and 5451. Our school police liaisons were contacted and shared that free gun safety kits may be obtained in the local police departments. They also stressed that all adults need to know that putting a firearm in a closet is not securing a firearm. Firearms must be locked in a safe to be secure. Here is a link to the new legislation:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2024/02/08/firearms-laws

The Alumni Distinguished Scholarship is the most prestigious academic award offered to

incoming students by Michigan State University. Begun in 1956, these scholarships go to just a few of nearly 1,000 exceptional high school seniors who participate from over 35 different states in one of the most competitive scholarship programs in the country. A committee comprised of faculty and administrators selects ADS recipients based on results of written short answer responses, a general knowledge examination, as well as high school programs and achievement, other standardized test scores, and interviews of the finalists. These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, room and board, and other academic expenses for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education.

Students receiving ADS awards are members of the selective Honors College program and also receive a two-year paid research assistantship in a discipline of their choice. The scholarships have a current total value of over $150,000 for a Michigan resident.

An Alumni Distinguished Scholarship recipient is one of the top 50 students among the approximately 10,000 incoming MSU first year students – quite an accomplishment for Jolina, her family, and Grosse Pointe South High School. While Michigan State is justifiably proud of all its students, it is particularly exciting and rewarding that such accomplished students as Jolina have selected MSU for their undergraduate education.

Please join us in congratulating MSU Alumni Distinguished Scholar, Jolina Huchingson!

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's PTO met with staff earlier this year and asked what they needed for their class. Teachers overwhelmingly chose flexible seating. The PTO then gave the most generous amount to each teacher to pick out flexible seating for students.

Our Young Five friends are nearing the end of their first school year at Maire! We are so proud of them and all the growth they have shown throughout the year. Letters and letter sounds were a big part of our academic goal as a class this year, and we have worked hard practicing the letters of the alphabet, and now we are bringing them together to create and read words!

To celebrate a successful year, our Y5 friends marched the hallways of Maire dressed up as something that represents a letter of the alphabet in which they were assigned, while the rest of the Maire Bears cheered them on.

Last week students from Mason and Maire braved the cold and went fishing as part of Mr. Metzger's Physical Education Class. 120 students went fishing over four days and caught 82 fish. What a joy to take advantage of our beautiful parks and proximity to Lake Saint Clair!

Ms. Nurse and Mr. Solomon led an exciting and educational State Fair project with all of Mason’s 4th grade students! Under their guidance, each student researched a U.S. state, created an informative tri-fold presentation board, and proudly presented their work to classmates, staff, and families. Students also brought in a food item representing their chosen state’s unique cuisine, adding a delicious and personal touch to the experience.

This special family engagement event not only celebrated the students' hard work and creativity, but also highlighted their writing, boosted their confidence, and helped strengthen their communication and public speaking skills. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to shine and share their learning with the school community!

A few years ago Principal Shelleyann Keelean started the tradition of having each graduating senior decorate a rock with their name and anything special they want to share with Monteith students. So now each senior gets to leave their mark on Monteith as they add it to their rock garden. They then have their Clap Out as they walk through the halls, and afterward they head to the playground and connect with teachers who taught them as students. Principal Keelean also had her first Monteith alumni Lillian Deskin share she is going to her Alma Mater - University of Miami (The U)!

Richard Racoons thank the PTO for an amazing Family Fun Night and for the new basketball court. The involvement of all our parent and booster groups is enviable as together we create school communities where our diverse children blossom and thrive.

Parcells Concert Orchestra students had the opportunity to "talk with the pros" from the GP North Orchestras. At Grosse Pointe North, our graduating orchestra seniors have successfully managed rigorous AP coursework, prepared for standardized tests, and participated in plays, clubs, and sports—all while making time for their instrument. Their stories are a testament to the balance, commitment, and joy that music brings. It’s never too late to adjust your student’s schedule to keep music in their lives!

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!

Click here to see the latest athletic news from South.

@Grosse Pointe South Athletics

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

@GPN Norsemen Sports

The South girl's track team just completed an undefeated season and captured both the conference and state regional championships. In their 46 year history, the South girls have raced to 24 undefeated seasons, 22 state regional championships and 3 state division 1 titles. The 80 member team is coached by South retirees Steve Zaranek and Leo Lamberti along with South science teacher Shawn McNamara. South assistants include Chelsea Gibert, Cierra Rice and Louise Brady.

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

• BOE Facilities Committee, June 9, 5:30 p.m., North Library

• BOE Policies Committee, June 9, 6:30 p.m., North Library

• BOE Closed Session, Wednesday, June 11, 6 p.m., Brownell Library

• Budget Hearing & Truth in Taxation, Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m., Brownell MPR

• BOE Regular Meeting, Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m., Brownell MPR

• BOE Regular Meeting, Monday, June 23, 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.

Jack Rabaut has been awarded a $500 scholarship from the Grosse Pointe Education

Association (GPEA). He will graduate from Grosse Pointe North High School in June and plans to

attend the University of Michigan in the Fall to pursue a major in political science. Jack is the

son of Sarah and Vincent Rabaut, and brother to Aaron (North), Adam (Parcells) and Vincent

(Parcells). Sarah is a teacher at Parcells.

The Grosse Pointe Education Association, an affiliate of the Michigan Education Association and

the National Education Association, is a professional organization for teachers working with

students in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Recognizing and appreciating the value of

education, the teachers’ group has provided scholarships to the children of members for over

20 years.

Congratulations on your outstanding achievement, Jack! We wish you the best as you head to U

of M.

June 5 - Grosse Pointe North Graduation, 6:30 p.m.

June 10-13 - High School Final Exams for 9th, 10th, 11th

June 12-13 - Half days for students

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