Pierce Students Shine On Big and Small Screens

Pierce Middle School has two actors walking the halls. Both earned parts in projects that were filmed here in Michigan and will be released in the new year.
 
Matthew W., a 7th grader, will star in a Cuba Gooding Jr. movie.  The movie is the original Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.  Matthew will play the part of Ben’s son.  The film is based on Neurologist's Inspirational Memoir and will air on TNT. 
 
Mary Margaret B., a 6th grader, was one of four young girls to be chosen to be an extra in Drew Barrymore's movie Whip It staring Ellen Page.  Mary Margaret was involved in the beauty pageant scene. This scene was shot at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. Mary Margaret personally met Drew Barrymore and Marcia Gay Hardin.  The movie is projected to be out in theaters in March 2009. According to her mother, Mary Margaret aspires to be an actress. She currently takes acting and modeling classes every Saturday at John Robert Powers school in Southfield.

Correction of Information Printed in the Grosse Pointe News on the Free and Open Swim

Free Open Swim
John and Marlene Boll Athletic Center
Grosse Pointe South Pool
Sundays
10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, and 11/23.
Noon to 4 p.m. 

Note: Driver’s License, Park Pass or GP Staff School ID needed to get in

Valhalla earns Columbia University Gold

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association awarded a Gold Medalist Certificate to Grosse Pointe North High School Valhalla yearbook given at Columbia University in New York City on its Annual Critique for 2008. 

“North received bronze medals the past two years and were hoping to earn silver, so they are thrilled to say the least,” said advisor Shari Adwers. Honors from Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association are widely considered the two most prestigious (they are still waiting to receive the NSPA critique)... (read more)

Total Golf Adventures comes to four GPPSS schools

There is a new program starting at Monteith, Defer, Trombly and Kerby in conjunction with Kids Club. The Premier Junior Golf Program is being offered to K-5 students.
The cost is $119.
It runs from 3:45-4:45 p.m.

            Trombly – Mondays starting 10/13
            Monteith – Tuesdays starting 10/7
            Defer – Wednesdays starting 10/8
            Kerby – Thursdays starting 10/16
 
All equipment is provided. Instruction is by professionals. It’s offered in a fun, safe environment. Visit their website to learn more: www.totalgolfadventures.com

Contact: drobinson@totalgolfadventures.com or 586/489-8332

Kids Way Café offers special snacks in October

Kids Way Café will offer special snacks for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Starting Friday, October 3rd the elementary food service program will be offering items such as Yogurt and pink Iced Ribbon Cookies for $1 with $0.10 of all proceeds donated to a local Breast Cancer charity here in Grosse Pointe.

Contact for more information: Katrina L. Abrams, Food Service Manager or Michelle L. Knotts, General Manager, Grosse Pointe Schools Food Service Program

Grosse Pointe South Choir’s Fall Follies to be held Nov. 7 and 8 with Special Fundraiser Show on Nov. 9

The Grosse Pointe South Choir is pleased to kick off its 08-09 season with three Fall Follies performances, to be held Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Performing Arts Center, 707 Vernier in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Sunday, Nov. 9 performance is a special fundraiser show to benefit other clubs and teams at Grosse Pointe South... (read more)

Kerby Vendor Show

Kerby Elementary’s PTO is hosting a Vendor Show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, November 15 in the gym, 285 Kerby Road, GPF. Admission to the event is free for shoppers and there will be a tin can auction. All proceeds go to Kerby PTO. Any interested vendors or crafters must email maggieveneri@sbcglobal.net or call 313-886-9255 by October 24th.

Monteith Mom paints mural in school

Erin Maday just put the finishing touches on the mural in Monteith Elementary School’s lobby. The mural expands from the school’s Monty the Tiger logo, using a jungle theme to pull in visitors and inspire creativity in the staff and students... (more story and pictures inside)

You Be the Chemist success continues!

Tom M. is a new sixth grader here at Parcells. He was in Ann Passino's class last year. When at the State Fair with his family this summer he saw a YBTC contest booth. He signed up to compete on Monday, and took second place! (read more)

Previous Textbooks donated to local schools

Special thanks goes to the Defer PTO and Helen Srebernak for helping coordinate the delivery of a number of our previous textbooks to other local schools in need. If you know of a school that may be interested in receiving the remaining grade 1-6 math or grade 1, 2, and 5 social studies materials, please contact Rebecca Fannon at Rebecca.fannon@gpschools.org or call 313/432-3007.

Visit the Everyday Math site

There is an Everyday Math website with sections specifically for parents, students and staff.  Help us share the news with other parents as we implement this new math curriculum in our elementary classrooms. The parent site is:
http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/index.shtml

There is also an informational video running on local cable station 20/902 and streaming here on the district website. A brief community presentation is also planned for 7 p.m., Tuesday, October 7 in the Mason Elementary School Library, 1640 Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods. It will include a question and answer session.

GPS Jazz band plays at the Jazz Festival

The Grosse Pointe South High School Jazz Band performed Labor Day weekend at the prestigious Detroit International Jazz Festival... (read more)

South Singers perform at Tiger Game

Here is a picture of the Grosse Pointe South Pointe Singers singing the National Anthem for the Detroit Tigers vs. Toronto Blue Jays. Over 41,000 fans were present... (more)

Pierce Student stars in TNT Movie

Matthew W., a 7th grader at Pierce, will star in a Cuba Gooding Jr. movie.  The movie is the original Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.  Matthew will play the part of Ben’s son. The film is based on the neurologist’s inspirational memoir and will air on TNT. 

Help us recognize distinguished employees

The Grosse Pointe Board of Education has established the Employee Awards Program to recognize distinguished service by employees in various programs and activities sponsored by the public schools.. (read more)

North Pointe earns national recognition

Scholastic journalism at North High School reached unprecedented success this week when The National Scholastic Press Association announced the 2008 Pacemaker finalists... (read more)

Maire celebrates Constitution Day

Maire Elementary hosted a number of speakers on Constitution Day. These included:

Grade 1 - Don Parthum, City Councilor and attorney
Grade 2 - Judge Paul Teranes
Grade 3 - Rose Dasaro, attorney
Grade 4 - Officer C.J. Lee, City of Grosse Pointe Public Safety
Grade 5 - Bill Fleming, FBI agent

GP South High School Jazz Band Performs At Detroit International Jazz Festival, Releases CD

The Grosse Pointe South High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Dan White, will perform on Sunday, August 31 at 4:15 pm at the Detroit International Jazz Festival in downtown Detroit. The band was one of only thirteen school ensembles selected from throughout the state to perform... (read more)

GPS Encore!

On June 28, 2008, 170 alumni from the last 20 years of the Grosse Pointe South Choir Program gathered for Encore!, a festive reunion performance on the grand stage of the Detroit Opera House. Encore! was also a tribute to the vocal music program at Grosse Pointe South High School and the program director, Ellen Bowen, as well as a fundraiser to ensure excellence in the performing arts at Grosse Pointe Public Schools.

Register now for Summer Select Choir

Over 350 students are expected to participate in the annual Summer Select Choir program, now in its sixteenth year. At a cost of $60, the workshop will run from August 11-15, with two performances Friday evening at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Unlike in past years, there will be no mailing of information to homes in August. All registration materials will be available on the district website www.gpschools.org under "Summer Select Choir."

The workshop is open by audition to Grosse Pointe Public School students entering grades 4-12, who have been in choir and are enrolled in a choir class for the 2008-09 school year. This year, Summer Select Choir will have its first female guest director, Susan Moninger. Moninger is Director of the Student Choral Activities at Elmhurst College, with a career record that includes serving as an adjudicator for numerous high school and collegiate clinics, District and All-State Festivals, and competitions in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Poland, Amsterdam, and London. She is celebrating her 28th year as co-founder and co-director of Showchoir Camps of America® and has recently been invited to judge the first ever Show Choir World Championship in association with the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Audition with your school music teacher, or email Mary Jane Failla maryjane.failla@gpschools.org with questions.

Four Grosse Pointe Teams Advance to Destination ImagiNation Global Finals - Teams Seek Donations to Make Trip Possible

April 24, 2008, Grosse Pointe, Mich. - History was made this past weekend at the State Championship for Destination ImagiNation (DI) in Mt. Pleasant as four teams from Grosse Pointe swept the competition and earned bids to represent Michigan at the Global Finals next month... (read more)

Energy mascot winner announced

The district has been participating in the Michigan School Business Officials “Energy Essentials” program with a goal of reducing energy usage by 10% through energy education. A committee that includes teachers, students, secretaries, building engineers, community relations staff, school lunch staff, technology staff, assistant superintendents for instruction and business and support services, and Dr. Klein has been meeting monthly. Their latest activity was to coordinate a lights out program from 2:15-3:15 p.m. on Earth Day. That same day, the winner and runner-up for the energy mascot competition was announced. All happened to be South students and are pictured here with Dr. Diver, teacher Kit Aro, and Superintendent Klein.

Poupard Elementary School Community Day is Saturday, May 10

Join us on the school grounds on May 10 from 10am – 2pm to celebrate everything that our community has to offer! There will be a variety of organizations present to tell you more about their products and services. This PTO sponsored event is FREE and open to everyone.

Participating organizations include: (Not all are listed)

• Harper Woods Fire Dept. (See their trucks up close!)
• Pointe Fitness and Training
• Harper Woods Police Dept. (Free Child ID kits)
• Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
• U.S. Coast Guard (See a rescue boat!)
• Harper Woods Library
  American Bicycle and Fitness (Free Bike safety check!)
• Michigan Education Savings Plan
• Johnstone & Johnstone Realty (Your questions answered)
• Michigan Education Trust
• Shaklee Green Products (A new PTO Fund Raiser!)
• And More!!!
  

Hot Dogs, Chips and Soft Drinks will be available for purchase from the PTO.

Tower editor names Michigan’s Journalist of the Year

Eva D. was named Michigan’s High School Student Journalist of the Year by the Journalism Education Association. Eva’s portfolio will be forwarded to the national competition, where she’ll have a shot at the National Student Journalist of the Year. If she is named a finalist at this level, she has a chance at either a $5,000 scholarship or one of multiple $2,000 scholarships. Eva is “The Tower” editor-in-chief, and has accumulated the most individual awards as a student journalist in the history of South High School.

Submitted by Jeff Nardone, Tower advisor, April 8, 2008

Pierce Students Earn Gold Key awards

Pierce Middle School has had 6 students win 7 regional level Gold Key Awards from The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for their personal essay/memoirs and we have had one student (CJ Ryder) win the prestigious national Gold Award which places her writing into the top 1% of the 100,000 nationally submitted works! The regional Gold Key winners were reviewed by literary art professionals in early March... (read more)

Take the Positive Learning Environment Survey

As the district updates its policies, input from parents, staff and students is being gathered through an online survey. To access the survey, please go to http://www.gpschools.org/surveys.htm and then click on the blue survey link.

Three versions have been developed – elementary, middle school, and high school – to keep answers focused on one level at a time. You are welcome to complete the survey (-s) at the level (-s) in which you have children, teach or where you are currently enrolled.

Those without children in the public school system or without Internet access, are asked to contact Rebecca Fannon at 313/432-3007 to share their opinions or obtain a printed survey. The surveys will be taken down April 22. Thank you for your involvement in this important work.

Student Assessment

Beginning in 2008-09 all students in grades 1-8 take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) that are provided by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). Students take reading and mathematics assessments on the computer three times during the year. At spring conferences teachers will be sharing the results of the first and second assessments taken during the year... (read more)

Grosse Pointe North Pilots Unique High School Pre-Medical Curriculum for Future Doctors

Grosse Pointe North High School will pilot next year a unique high school science program designed for students intending to pursue medical careers.

Beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, qualifying seniors will enroll in the district’s new “Applied Medical Research with Clinical Investigations” pilot course. The Grosse Pointe School Board of Education approved the pilot course on March 31... (read more)

Don’t worry, but don’t wait: Project Child Find

If you have questions about how your child is developing, call Early On Michigan to find out what you can do 1-800-EARLY ON. Or you can always call our local schools at 313/432-3803.

Submitted by Denise Sweat, Director of Student Services

Coach Greisbaum to be inducted to Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame

Dan Greisbaum has been selected as one of the newest members of the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. His commitment to the student athletes of GPPSS and the great game of baseball here in the State of Michigan has not gone unnoticed. Coach Greisbaum will be recognized at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet and All Star game at Comerica Park on June 15th and 16th respectively.

Brian Gordon, Hall of Fame Committee Chairman said, "I wish to congratulate Coach Greisbaum and your school district for receiving such a great honor."

Submitted by Brian Gordon, Hall of Fame, 1/23/08

South’s Mark Davids named High School Science Teacher of the Year

South High School’s Mark Davids has been chosen as the 2008 Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) High School Science Teacher of the Year. In his remarkable capacity as a classroom science teacher, he is making wonderful contributions to the advancement of science education through his work with his students, through his leadership, and through his interaction with other educators.

Mr. Davids was honored during the MSTA Conference luncheon, March 7.

Submitted by Susan Wainwright, MSTA Awards Director, 2/11/08

GPPSS teacher publishes book on technology integration

Dr. Grace Smith, Specialist in Instructional Technology and Social Studies, is the author of a new book, Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K-5 Classrooms that has been published by the International Society for Technology in Education. The book is focused on helping educators understand how to immediately use technology as a tool to differentiate instruction... (read more)

South has the Division II State champion for diving

Jordan L. was named the Division II State Champion for diving. In this meet, he broke the Division II State record of 477 points with a score of 496 points. His total was 95 points higher than the Division I State champ and 82 points higher than the Division III State champion. In addition, Jordan achieved All American consideration and looks forward to that announcement later this Spring. South Diving Coach Ched Hepner said that Jordan works as hard as any athlete he has coached and his GPA is an impressive 3.7. Coach Hepner added that Jordan has the ability to make his fellow teammates better as a result of his stellar leadership.

Submitted by Brandon Slone, South Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, 3/13/08

North’s women’s basketball team wins State Championship

North’s team of 12 players and two coaches defeated a very competitive and talented East Lansing team to capture the Michigan High School Athletic Association Class A State Championship game at Eastern Michigan University on Saturday, March 8. The final score was 58-46.... (read more)

Lady Blue Devils capture eighth State championship

The Lady Blue Devils Ice Hockey Team captured its 8th State Championship on March 8th at the Detroit City Sports Ice Arena. Their team goal all season was to finish undefeated and they did by going 19-0-2. In addition to winning the State Championship, they also won their League Championship. Alex R. was selected First Team All State, Annie S. was Second Team All State, and Jenna H. was selected as All State Honorable Mention. The team’s academic GPA was outstanding as they finished with a cumulative GPA well above 3.0. Coach Fox stated that this was his best team effort he could ever remember and for that reason it will be a season never to forget.

Submitted by Brandon Slone, South Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, 3/13/08

Trombly’s Tom Zaglaniczny selected by MEA as Leon Brudder Award Winner

Tom Zaglaniczny, Building Engineer at Trombly Elementary School, has been selected by the Michigan Education Association as the winner of the Leon Brudder Award as the Educational Support Person of the Year in the State of Michigan. Each year, the Leon A. Brudder Award recognizes a member of Michigan’s Education Support Personnel (ESP) who has made a significant contribution to his or her professional and has exhibited a high degree of commitment to ESP issues and concerns while being dedicated to ESP members.

Tom is past president of his association, the GPPCA, and was elected in 2006 as the Vice-President for ESP for the 6-E Coordinating Council. Tom was nominated for the award by Michael LaBuhn, President of the Coordinating Counicil, and member of the MEA Board of Directors. The award will be presented to Tom at the annual MEA/ESP conference in Traverse City in April. To add to our pride, two GPPSS employees, Tom and South High School Principal’s secretary Tudi Harwood, were selected to be rpesenters at that conference.

Submitted by Jane Cassidy, MEA-NEA Local 1, 3/13/08

South’s Nardone receives CSPA Gold Key

Jeff Nardone has been selected as a recipient of the 2008 CSPA Gold Key. This award “is in recognition of the outstanding devotion to the cause of the school press, encouragement to the student editors in their several endeavors, service above and beyond the call of delegated duty, leadership in the field of education, and support of the high ideals from which the Association has drawn its strength and inspiration.” He will be honored at the Awards Luncheon Friday, March 21, 2008 in New York.

Submitted by Kathy Zwiebel, Chair, CSPA Honors Committee, 3/13/08

Register now for Camp Invention – to be held at Ferry June 23-27

Creativity and brainstorming are the building blocks to your child’s future! Camp Invention® emphasizes those skills and more and Ferry Elementary is proud to be among the select schools in Michigan that will serve as a host site during the week of June 23-27, 2008. Register with a friend and you can each save $20 off of the base registration rate, but you have to register together. If three or more siblings register together, they each save $40 off of the base rate... (read more)

Submitted by Debra Duffey, 3/20/08

Two North students qualify for National Chemistry Olympiad

On March 19 at the University of Michigan Dearborn, the Grosse Pointe North Chemistry Team did an outstanding job in the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry Olympiad competition.  Corey R. and Jamie D. each won a $250 award and qualified for the National Chemistry Olympiad competition.

Submitted by Steven Kosmas, 3/20/08

Rosemary Padesky named GPPSS Support Employee of the Year

Rosemary Padesky was selected as the GPPSS Support Employee of the Year. Each of the 34 Wayne County school districts was asked to select one individual from their district to be recognized for this distinction. All those nominate will be recognized at the annual Wayne RESA Celebration of Excellence in Education Awards Program, presented in partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund, May 7, 2008.

Submitted by Christopher A. Wigent, Superintendent, Wayne RESA

Positive Response for Extended Day Kindergarten

Response has been very positive to the Grosse Pointe Public School System’s additional sites for Extended Day Kindergarten.

Four sites will definitely run at Defer, Kerby, Monteith and Richard. Of those schools, three have waiting lists. Three additional sites at Barnes, Ferry, and Trombly may be possible if additional students sign up before April 4. If you are interested in Extended Day Kindergarten, where students are in school from 8:25 a.m. to 3:38 p.m., please call 313/432-3083 to schedule an enrollment appointment.

Additional information and forms are on the district website www.gpschools.org.

You Be The Chemist

Grosse Pointe students made a clean sweep at the Wayne Regional You Be the Chemist Challenge Monday night.
 
Created by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), the third annual You Be The Chemist Challenge (YBTCC) competition aims to engage grade 5-8 students in a dynamic event that partners members of the chemical industry with schools and organizations in the communities in which they operate... (read more)

The March 19, 2008 EPLC Meeting Canceled

The next meeting will be April 16, 2008 in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 389 St. Clair. The meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Two Forums To Be Held

Two public forums will be held Thursday, 2/28, at North High School, 707 Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods.. (read more)

Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education

GPFPE has raised almost a quarter of a million dollars so far in its short life. Some exciting things are happening at fun house parties and through an alumni strategy that is more like a college model than the typical school foundation. You covered one small piece of the FAST reading program, but in addition to more FAST training GPFPE gifts have also gone toward Elementary Foreign Language materials, music and writing programs. The latest round of grant applications from teachers across the district is
being reviewed now.

Contact: Lorna Utley, President 313/432-3058

Grosse Pointe North’s music program named one of the Top 100 in the Country

Every academic year 20,000 schools across the nation are invited by the Grammy Foundation to compete to determine the nation’s best high school music program. From rigorous applications a very select few are asked for extensive supplemental information such as recordings of school concerts, sample concert programs and repertoire, and class offerings. Only 100 high schools out of the original 20,000 are then selected as Grammy Foundation finalists. We are proud that our music program at Grosse Pointe North was one of those 100 finalists selected for the 2007-2008 academic year. Read more at http://www.gpninstrumental.org/
index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=45

Contact: Mandy Scott, Choir Director, 313/432-3325

Team Up with the Norsemen to Score Against Cancer: GPN Relay for Life Team

This year Grosse Pointe North will be walking for 12 hours on Saturday May 17, 2008 in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program. GPN has a goal of raising a minimum of $5,000.00 by May 2008. This year’s theme is “Team Up with the Norsemen to Score Against Cancer.” The kick off fundraiser is the Detroit Pistons Raffle. Tickets go on sale
Tuesday, February 12th at 8 a.m. in the athletic office. Throughout the months of February and March, tickets will be sold at home athletic events and the athletic office. The drawing will take place Thursday, March 20th at 10 a.m. at GPN.

Contact: Carmen Kennedy, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, 313/432-3217

District will celebrate Earth Day April 22

The district’s Energy Essentials program, sponsored through the Michigan School Business Officials, will announce winners of the district’s energy mascot competition as part of the celebration that day. Our goal through Energy Essentials is to reduce the district’s carbon footprint and reduce energy related operational expenses by 10%, largely through educating our students and staff about behavioral changes that really impact energy use. We’re aiming for Energy Star certification eligibility at all buildings.

Contact: Rich VanGorder, 313/432-3430 or Rebecca Fannon 313/432-3007

Grosse Pointe South High School’s Spring benefit will be April 29

This year students in the Fashion and Fabrics class will have their designs showcased as well, for a new twist. The scholarship application deadline is March 18.

Contacts: chairs Suzanne Clem 885-1394 and Mollie Sterr 886-6437 389 St. Clair Avenue Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

Two public forums on Social Studies and Science curricula to be held 2/28

Two public forums will run back-to-back on Thursday, February 28 in North High School’s library, 707 Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods. The K-12 Social Studies portion will begin at 7 p.m. It will be followed by the 8-12 Science Curriculum forum at 8 p.m.

Contact: Social Studies - Grace Smith, 313/432-3049, Science - Chris Geerer, 432-5383