
GPPSS Update

Congratulations Izzy!
Defer Fourth grader Izzy S. placed in 5th place at the National Geography Bee in Orlando Florida May 24-May 26. Izzy competed in Nationals after a perfect score on the geography qualifying exam and then qualifying for nationals after achieving first place in regional competitions.
In Orlando, she made it to the final round of top 6 fourth graders in the nation with the top semifinal qualifying score. She was the only first time competitor among the final 6 4th graders. Like other rounds, the final round consisted of 30 questions on world geography with Izzy scoring points with answers such as the Amu Darya, the Atlas Mountains and the Senegal River. Izzy qualified for the International Geography Bee in Vienna, but will not be attending.
International Academic Competitions is an organization that administers the National History Bee, National Science Bee and National Geography Bee. During these national competitions, they also have various Bowl competitions and National Championship Exams.
During her time in Orlando, Izzy also placed 5th among 4th graders in the American Geography National Championship Exam.
Tag Tournament at Pierce
Pierce ended the year with a final tag tournament across all the grade levels. The final match up had 6th grade vs 8th grade. It was a fierce battle till to the end. To top it all off the 8th graders battled against the staff in a final face-off. The staff was victorious in a nail bighting finish.
Clap Out at Defer
Defer held a clap out for their fourth grade graduation.
Congratulations Ella!
Ella Taylor has been awarded a $500 scholarship from the Grosse Pointe Education Association (GPEA). Ella graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School on June 6 and will attend Oakland University's Honors Direct Admit Nursing program in the Fall. Ella is the daughter of Andrew and Janel Taylor, and sister of Ethan. Her father, Andrew, is a teacher at Grosse Pointe South.
The Grosse Pointe Education Association, an affiliate of the Michigan Education and National Education Associations, 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, Ella! We wish you the best as you head to Oakland.
Mark your Dot at Defer
Students enjoyed making their mark at Defer before summer break.
8th Grade Promotion at Parcells
Eighth graders celebrated moving up to high school at Parcells.
Photography at South
Two South Photography students, Anna Burlaka (Photography I) and Brody Yeloushan (AP Photo) will have artwork featured in the Detroit Institute of Arts Wayne County High School Art Exhibition from June 21 – July 21, 2024.
by Brody Y.
by Anna B.
Special Olympics at Barnes
Barnes student Andrew Harmon got his first gold medal in the Special Olympics young athlete program during his first Special Olympics Summer Games. His mother, Christina Danieli, also came home with three gold medals in 50 breaststroke, 100 freestyle and 50 butterfly. Christina received her certificate of completion from Grosse Pointe North High School in 2011.
Super U Challenge at Mason
Super U Challenge assembly was held at Mason! Students participated in various games and activities to promote teamwork, trust, kindness, good sportsmanship and more! They were reminded to continue to believe in themselves as they display the leader in them! A special shoutout to our wonderful Mason PTO for sponsoring this assembly!
Service Dog Fun!
Ms. Kelly Baranek's Pre-K class had a visitor from the Stackpoole family! Mrs. Stackpoole and Henry brought their service dog Ryder to our classroom. We loved learning about Ryder and how he helps their family!
Congratulations Steven!
Steven O'Hara, second grader at Monteith, receives his Dick Blick $50 Gift Certificate and worldwide Artsonia Award for his Australian Kangaroo Dot Painting from Monteith Art Teacher Natalie Zoufal.
Operating Room at Richard
Richard's third-grade transformed into an operating room! To expand on their math learning, our students entered their rooms and were whisked away to a full operating room where they had to diagnose their patients by solving math problems and create plans of care. We are happy to report all the patients made a full recovery!
Market Day at Ferry
The 3/4 Magnet class at Ferry Elementary had a real money Market Day on May 30th, with all the money raised being donated to Rainbow Connection. Blake Griesbaum, 4th grader in Mr. Fisher’s class, suggested the donation go to Rainbow Connection in honor of his 3 year old cousin, Harrison, who just beat cancer and is now in remission.
Some of the businesses the class had for the market day included pasta palace, sno-cones and smoothies, photo booths, ice cream sundaes, a bakery and a waffle station.
Rainbow Connection came to Ferry to collect the donation from the class. The class raised an amazing amount of $1,237.00. The Rainbow Connection grants wishes for Michigan children battling life threatening illnesses.
Athletics
Blue Devil Digest
Click here for more sports news from South.
Performing Arts
Parcells
Parcells vocal music students had their final concert of the year with an 'It's Almost Summer' theme featured 5th grade general music classes, students from adapted music class, and, of course, 6th, 7th and 8th grade choirs singing and dancing. Students from every grade level also performed curtain act solos and duets. The concert closed with a premiere performance of a brand new song, Lighthouse, created by Mr. Walt Charuba and set to poetry by 8th grader Lainey Beland.
Operating Millage- Vote Tuesday, Aug. 6th
Find Free Meals Near You This Summer
We know it can be challenging to find meals for kids and teens that are both healthy and fit your budget. That’s why organizations and school districts in your area are working with Meet Up and Eat Up to provide children aged 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals.
This year, we’ve added additional sites to serve more children in rural areas.
No application is required, no registration is needed, and no proof of residency is asked for — just show up and enjoy a meal!
Visit the interactive map to find the location nearest you. You can also text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304 to find free meals in your neighborhood.
Meet Up and Eat Up’s summer meals are for all children in the community. When people come together to eat these delicious, healthy meals, your community benefits. More participation can mean more investment in local schools and community organizations. So come pick up a plate and meet your neighbors!
Please note meals are intended to be consumed on-site.