Mrs. Sara Dirkse 

Hello!  Since joining the Pierce family in the fall of 2018,  I am continually reminded of what a special place Pierce is, and I continually look forward to growing our successes as a school community.  I have been a member of the Grosse Pointe Community for more than eight years now. My family and I were drawn to the area because of its great sense of community and strong commitment to its public schools.

Prior to coming to Pierce Middle School, I spent time as the principal at Woodworth Middle School in Dearborn.  Before that I was a high school assistant principal Dearborn High School and Gull Lake High School.  I started my career in education in Rockford Public Schools as a high school teacher and swim coach. I completed my undergraduate course work at Oakland University and my masters degree at Michigan State University.  Go Green!  I have recently returned to Oakland University to continue my post graduate course work.

I have always been interested in middle school and have loved my middle school experiences thus far.  This is an important and uncertain time for our students. We are the bridge between elementary and high school; I believe as middle school educators we have a unique opportunity to set our students on a path of success both socially and emotionally, as well as academically before they step into high school.

My life outside of school is filled with family.  My husband and I have two daughters, who love spending time at the pool and playing in the backyard.

I enjoy building relationships with students and families.  I look forward to continuing to meet and work with the many wonderful families of Pierce!

 

Mrs. Judy Gaffrey

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Assistant Principal of Pierce Middle School. I would like to take this opportunity to share some information about myself. I began my teaching career as a social studies teacher at Waverly High School in Lansing. After two successful years at Waverly, I returned home to the Metro Detroit area and continued my career as a social studies teacher at Allen Park. During my time at Allen Park I also attended Wayne State University where I earned my Master's degree in Educational Leadership. In the fall of 2004, I joined the staff of Grosse Pointe Public schools as the Coordinator of the Community High School. In September 2006, I was honored to join the staff of Pierce Middle School as Assistant Principal.