Dr. Niehaus' Blog

  • GPPSS Update June 8 - report cards, DMC COVID clinic, athletics surveys, evening listening session

    Posted by Rebecca Fannon on 6/8/2021

    New in this week’s Update

    • DMC COVID clinic for students with autism or higher support needs
    • Accessing report cards
    • Spring athletics surveys

     

    Reminders in this week’s Update

     

    Pointes of Promise

    • Grosse Pointe natives and South graduates Ali, Gabby, and Catie DeLoof are all heading to the Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha, NE in June!
    • Congratulations to the North High School Wind Ensemble, South High School Symphony Orchestra, and South High School Wind Ensemble who all earned straight Superior ratings at the 2021 Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association District XVI Virtual Band & Orchestra Festival.
    • These Pierce 8th graders won the Grosse Pointe Optimist Club Oratorical Contest:
      • Audrey MacGillis - First Place
      • Omar Siddiqui  - Second Place
      • Tahera Almugabgab - Third Place
      • Blake Bishop - Third Place

     

    Listening session -- NEW evening date

    We have added an evening listening session at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, on the front lawn of 389 St. Clair. You are welcome and invited to attend any session that fits your schedule.

     

    Accessing report cards

    Report cards will be available on these dates in the MiStar parent portal: 

    • Elementary School: June 22nd
    • Middle and High School: June 28th

    The week before report cards are posted, parents will receive a specific email with viewing and printing instructions, so please watch for that. Or click here for a one-page guide on the three report card viewing options.

     

    DMC hosts clinic for students with autism or higher support needs 6/15 and 7/6

    Detroit Medical Center is offering another COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for people over age 12 with higher support needs related to autism spectrum disorder or other medical, developmental, or behavioral health conditions.

    • The clinic will be held in a quiet space with a limited number of people in the room.
    • There will be minimal or no need to wait or stand in a line.
    • Social stories, visual supports, and calming/distracting items will be available.
    • Check-in, vaccination, and observation will all occur in the same area, which will be spaced out from other patients/families.
    • Drive-up option allows for the entire process to be completed in the vehicle.

     

    COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM OR HIGHER SUPPORT NEEDS

     

    • WHEN: June 15, 2021 (first dose) July 6, 2021 (second dose) 8:30am-3pm
    • WHERE: DMC Harper University Hospital 3990 John R St. Detroit, MI 48201
    • WHO: Anyone 12 years and older with higher support needs related to autism spectrum disorder or other medical, developmental, or behavioral health conditions. A parent/guardian/caregivers and siblings can also get vaccinated. Parents/guardians/caregivers and siblings (12 and older) can also get vaccinated.    

     

    Please take the Spring Sports Survey

    If your student participated in a spring sport, please take the Parent Version of the Spring 2021 Athletic Survey and encourage them to take the Student-Athlete Spring 2021 Survey. These are anonymous, take just a few minutes, and help us continuously improve programs for our student-athletes. 

     

    COVID Quick Links

     

    Wayne County Common Calendar

    As we approach summer break, families are starting to plan ahead. While the full calendar is part of contract negotiations, these are the Wayne County Common Calendar dates for the 2021-22 school year:

    • First Day of School - Tuesday, September 7
    • Winter Break will fall within this window (December 20-31) but is unlikely to include all days as GPPSS traditionally takes a longer Mid-Winter break than other districts and needs to reach 180 days of instruction
    • Mid-Winter Break - week of February 21
    • Spring Break - March 28-April 1

     

    Chromebook and charger return

    If you borrowed a Chromebook from GPPSS, please watch your school communications for instructions on when and where to return the Chromebook and charger before the end of the school year.

     

    GPPSS seeks Summer Tech Assistance

    A limited number of technology positions are available to assist with technology needs over the summer. This is a great summer job for college students. Please click here for the posting.

     

    Summer Reading Resource Videos

    Our GPPSS library media specialists have been hard at work compiling awesome resources for students to use this summer. Here are two videos for elementary and middle school families on how to access these fantastic tools, as well as flyers that describe summer learning tools at each level:

     

    How can my student access free meals?

    One GP Virtual students/parents or those out for COVID-related absences will use this Food Service Order link by Sunday of each week and then pick up their meals at either North or South High School, 12:30-2 p.m., on Thursdays. GP Traditional students will pick up meals at school every day when face to face. You can also text “FOOD” to 877-877 or call 1-866-3HUNGRY for free summer meal locations near you.

     

    Many flyers posted on Peachjar

    GPPSS uses a program called Peachjar that is ADA compliant and delivers flyers straight to your inbox or phone rather than the bottom of lockers or bookbags. This is part of our Green School efforts and you can customize which flyers you receive by school! Check it out at: https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/all/districts/10713/ 

     

    Calendar

    • Daily - Please be sure you’re using this Updated Screening Form every day before school. If your child has symptoms or feels unwell, please keep them home.
    • 6/8 Free COVID testing - Brownell Middle School, 4-7 p.m. Pre-registration not necessary
    • 6/9 Parcells Listening Session, 8:15 a.m.
    • 6/9 Ferry Listening Session, 4:30 p.m.
    • 6/9 Grosse Pointe North Graduation Ceremony, 6:30 p.m. (Rain Date, 6/10)
    • 6/10 BOE Facilities Committee 6 p.m., Admin Building (if rain date for graduation is not needed)
    • 6/11 North Listening Session, 9 a.m.
    • 6/11 Monteith Listening Session, 3:30 p.m.
    • 6/14 Annual GPPSS 25 year and Retiree Celebration, Regular BOE meeting 7 p.m.
    • 6/15 Richard Listening Session, 3 p.m.
    • 6/15 Maire Listening Session, 5 p.m.
    • 6/15 Free COVID testing - Brownell Middle School, 4-7 p.m. Pre-registration not necessary
    • 6/17 8th Grade Promotion, 6:30 p.m.; rain date is Friday, 6/18, at 10 a.m.
    • 6/23 Listening session at Admin Building, 389 St. Clair, 7 p.m.
    Comments (0)

  • GPPSS Update June 1 - COVID vaccine clinic, OneGP Virtual enrollment, ID cards, alumni verification, Chromebook return, free meals and more

    Posted by Rebecca Fannon on 6/1/2021

    In this week's Update

     

    COVID vaccine clinic for ages 12 and up - June 3

    This Thursday, June 3 from 8:15 a.m. - 1 p.m., GPPSS along with the Wayne County Health Department will be hosting a Pfizer vaccine clinic for ages 12 and up at Brownell Middle School in the multipurpose room. Second doses will be administered in the same location on June 24. Click here to pre-register:

    https://gpschools.formstack.com/forms/covid_vaccine_signup

     

    To avoid long wait times and help with social distancing, the following time slots are suggested for those driving their student to and from Brownell:

    • Pierce and Grosse Pointe South: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
    • Parcells and Grosse Pointe North: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    • Please follow standard check out procedure with your school's office.  

     

    Those who have already received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and are scheduled to receive their second dose on or just before June 3 are also welcome to participate.  Please bring your vaccine card.

     

    All minors are required to have a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian with them at the time of vaccination.

     

    There will also be copies of the consent form at Brownell on June 3 for parents/guardians that drive their student. Anyone receiving the vaccine will be required to be observed for 15 minutes following the vaccination.  Please have your student wear appropriate clothing where an arm is easily accessible. Here is an info sheet on the Pfizer vaccine.

     

    OneGP Virtual Town Hall enrollment closes June 7 at 12 p.m.

    For the 2021-22 school year, GPPSS is offering One GP Virtual Academy for Young 5's through 8th grade students. Enrollment numbers will determine viability at each level. The creation of split classes at the elementary level or stacked classes (honors/regular) at the middle school level may be necessary. After discussion with the committee, it was determined that the OneGP Virtual high school schedule is lacking the breadth of courses that we currently offer in the face-to-face environment due to fewer students enrolled, which will only continue to decline with vaccine availability. 

     

    COVID Quick Links

     

    Wayne County Common Calendar

    As we approach summer break, families are starting to plan ahead. While the full calendar is part of contract negotiations, these are the Wayne County Common Calendar dates for the 2021-22 school year:

    • First Day of School - Tuesday, September 7
    • Winter Break will fall within this window (December 20-31) but is unlikely to include all days as GPPSS traditionally takes a longer Mid-Winter break than other districts and needs to reach 180 days of instruction
    • Mid-Winter Break - week of February 21
    • Spring Break - March 28-April 1

     

    Crisis help added to student and staff ID cards

    Grosse Pointe Public School System, in compliance with Michigan Enrolled House Bill 5482 also known as the "Save our Students Act," has arranged to have the national suicide prevention lifeline number printed on the back of our grade 6-12 student ID Badges, as well as all staff IDs. 

     

    This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by paid, trained volunteer crisis counselors who are able to assist when you or someone you care about is in crisis. While this is called a suicide prevention lifeline number, please note that it is also a crisis intervention line. The trained individuals who answer this line are able to help process the overwhelming nature of a crisis situation - including a suicide. It is a confidential call, however, if they need to take life-saving measures, they are able to do so.

     

    Further, if your student is worried about a friend's potential for suicide, the people answering the line are able to reach out to that friend by calling.

     

    We ask you to have a conversation with your child about the importance of helping a friend who may be thinking about ending their life. The number printed on the back of the ID Badges may be saved in their cell phone contacts so that in the moment of a crisis, it is easily accessible. 

     

    Suicide is the second leading cause of death for our students and is preventable. Working together, schools and parents can help our students understand there is help in coping with the problems and pressures that may overwhelm them.

     

    The crisis line can provide means for understanding distressing feelings and help consider ways to cope in a healthy manner. 

     

    Here in GPPSS, we take the health and safety of all our students and staff very seriously. Putting this number on the back of the ID cards is only one step in what we currently do to help ensure our students are as safe and ready to learn as possible. Our counselors, social workers and school psychologists are here to help, and regularly update families about resources and tools to practice mental health. These include quarterly newsletters emailed to all families as well as this Mental Health and Other Resources page under the Parents tab of all school websites.

     

    We encourage you to reach out to your building principal or counselor if you have any questions, concerns or information about your student(s) or another student that we may be able to help you with.

     

    Alumni verification project

    Today emails started going out for our North Alumni database project as part of the GPPSS 100th celebration (South participated in alumni verification last year). If you get an email asking you to verify, this is legitimate. Email info@gpschools.org with questions.

     

    Annual customer survey - Centennial Edition

    GPPSS conducts an annual customer satisfaction survey. This data will be critical in our strategic planning efforts this fall as we head into our 100th year. Individual responses are confidential and a summary report is provided to the board and posted online. Do not include personal information in the open comments if you wish to remain anonymous, but please share your important insight by clicking the link above or copying and pasting this address into your browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GPPSS2021 

     

    Chromebook and charger return

    If you borrowed a Chromebook from GPPSS, please watch your school communications for instructions on when and where to return the Chromebook and charger before the end of the school year.

     

    GPPSS seeks Summer Tech Assistance

    A limited number of technology positions are available to assist with technology needs over the summer. This is a great summer job for college students. Please click here for the posting.

     

    Summer Reading Resource Videos

    Our GPPSS library media specialists have been hard at work compiling awesome resources for students to use this summer. Here are two videos on how to access these fantastic tools:

     

    How can my student access free meals?

    One GP Virtual students/parents or those out for COVID-related absences will use this Food Service Order link by Sunday of each week and then pick up their meals at either North or South High School, 12:30-2 p.m., on Thursdays. GP Traditional students will pick up meals at school every day when face to face. You can also text "FOOD" to 877-877 or call 1-866-3HUNGRY for free summer meal locations near you.

     

    Many flyers posted on Peachjar

    GPPSS uses a program called Peachjar that is ADA compliant and delivers flyers straight to your inbox or phone rather than the bottom of lockers or bookbags. This is part of our Green School efforts and you can customize which flyers you receive by school! Check it out at: https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/all/districts/10713/ 

     

    Calendar

    • Daily - Please be sure you're using this Updated Screening Form every day before school. If your child has symptoms or feels unwell, please keep them home.
    • 6/1 Kerby Listening Session, 2 p.m.
    • 6/1 Free COVID testing - Brownell Middle School, 4-7 p.m. Pre-registration not necessary
    • 6/1 South Listening Session, 4:30 p.m., front lawn (Bring a lawn chair)
    • 6/1 North Vocal Concert, 6:30 p.m.
    • 6/2 - Pierce Listening Session, 5 p.m.
    • 6/2 North Instrumental Concert, 7 p.m
    • 6/3 Pfizer Vaccine Clinic, Brownell Multipurpose Room, 8:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    • 6/3 GPFPE Benefit
    • 6/3 South Instrumental Concert, 6:30 p.m
    • 6/4 South Vocal Concert, 6 p.m
    • 6/4 Barnes Listening Session, 8:30 a.m.
    • 6/7 - Defer Listening Session, 8:30 a.m.
    • 6/7 Grosse Pointe South Graduation Ceremony, 6:30 p.m. (Rain Date, 6/8)
    • 6/8 Free COVID testing - Brownell Middle School, 4-7 p.m. Pre-registration not necessary
    • 6/9 Parcells Listening Session, 8:15 a.m.
    • 6/9 Ferry Listening Session, 4:30 p.m.
    • 6/9 Grosse Pointe North Graduation Ceremony, 6:30 p.m. (Rain Date, 6/10)
    • 6/10 BOE Facilities Committee 6 p.m., Admin Building (if rain date for graduation is not needed)
    • 6/11 North Listening Session, 9 a.m.
    • 6/11 Monteith Listening Session, 3:30 p.m.
    • 6/14 Annual GPPSS 25 year and Retiree Celebration, Regular BOE meeting 7 p.m.
    • 6/15 Richard Listening Session, 3 p.m.
    • 6/15 Maire Listening Session, 5 p.m.
    • 6/17 8th Grade Promotion, 6:30 p.m.; rain date is Friday, 6/18, at 10 a.m.
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