The Grizzly Gazette Volume 20

A recent review of our first-hour attendance data shows a strong connection between attendance and academic success across all grade levels.

Students who miss 10 or more days of first hour are significantly more likely to have below-average grades compared to students with fewer absences. This trend is consistent in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, with the greatest impact seen once students reach the 10-absence mark.

In particular:

• Students with 10+ absences are 3–10 times more likely to be struggling academically, depending on grade level.

• The attendance-achievement gap appears earliest and most strongly in 6th and 7th grade.

• Consistent attendance in first hour is a key protective factor against academic difficulty.

This data reinforces the importance of getting students to school on time, every day, especially for first hour. Strong attendance habits set the tone for the day and play a critical role in student success.

At Grissom Middle School, we are celebrating Black History Month by highlighting daily facts during morning announcements that recognize influential individuals, culture, sports, and history. These moments are designed to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. We’re proud to honor Black history as an essential part of American history and our shared story. #GrizzlyPride

On January 31, several Grissom Middle School band students participated in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Solo & Ensemble Festival at Rochester High School. This event brought together hundreds of middle school musicians from across Southeast Michigan.

Our students performed with confidence and professionalism, earning strong ratings while proudly representing Grissom Middle School and demonstrating Grizzly PRIDE.

1st Division Ratings
Stella M. & Amanda A. – 7th Grade Clarinet Duet
Joseph Y. & Madeline L. – 8th Grade Flute/Clarinet Duet

2nd Division Ratings
Myles T. – 7th Grade Baritone Saxophone Solo
Madeline L. – 8th Grade Piano Solo
Jayden J. & Nikolai H. – 7th Grade Snare Drum Duet
Marta Y. & Melany H. – 7th Grade Flute Duet
Mirna M., Leah A., & Mary M. – 8th Grade Oboe/Clarinet Trio
Kate S., Kailyn M., Fatema S., Mia H., & Camilla W. – 7th/8th Grade Woodwind & Brass Quintet

3rd Division Ratings
Ally S. & Khrystyna K. – 8th Grade Flute Duet
Mason S., Alexander H., Landon M., & Jeremiah E. – 8th Grade Woodwind & Brass Quartet

Participant / Honorable Mention
Daniel A. – 8th Grade Trombone Solo

We are incredibly proud of our musicians for their hard work and dedication.

Grissom Middle School will be closed for Mid-Winter Break from February 16–20. During the break, students will have no homework, tests, projects, or quizzes.

We encourage our Grizzlies to use this time to rest, recharge, read a good book, and enjoy time with family.

School will resume on Monday, February 23, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to learn.

Enjoy the break! 💚 #GrizzlyPride

Congratulations to all of our Golden Grizzly winners.

Student & Parent Surveys Coming Up

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, Grissom Middle School will be participating in district-wide school climate surveys.

• Students will complete the Cognia Student Perception Survey during their Social Studies classes the week of February 2.
• Parents and families are invited to complete the Parent & Family School Climate Survey by March 27.

Your feedback is incredibly important and helps guide decisions around instruction, school climate, and student support. Please be sure to check your email for full details and the survey link. Thank you for partnering with us in this work.

Grizzlies do their best when they’re here—learning, connecting, and growing together. Even small changes in attendance can make a big difference, and we want every student to feel successful and supported.

The flyers below share simple strategies for building strong attendance routines at home, as well as resources our team can provide if your family ever needs assistance. We’re here to help every step of the way. Every day matters at Grissom!

At Warren Consolidated Schools, we want all students to feel comfortable, safe, and ready to learn. Please remind your child of the following dress code expectations:

• Coverage: Clothing must cover from armpit to armpit and extend to fingertip length when arms are at the side.

• Straps: Tops must have shoulder straps (no spaghetti straps).

• Appropriate Fit: Rips/tears should be below fingertip length. No see-through or mesh without proper coverage.

• Footwear: Shoes must always be worn (no slippers or pajamas except for approved spirit days).

• Headgear: Hats, hoods, and caps are not allowed indoors unless approved for religious/medical reasons.

• Messages: Clothing cannot include vulgar, discriminatory, violent, or drug/alcohol references.

Students out of compliance will be asked to change or call home for appropriate clothing. Repeat violations may result in disciplinary action.

Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a positive school environment for all learners!

Parking Lot Guidelines – Working Together for a Safe & Smooth Drop-Off

We know mornings can be hectic, and many families drop off or pick up students each day. Thank you for helping us keep our parking lot safe and efficient for everyone by following these guidelines:

• Plan ahead. Arriving a little early can make a big difference! Peak drop-off time is 7:25–7:45 AM. Students should enter at Door 22.

• Use the back of the building for all drop-offs and pick-ups. Please drive along the right lane on the side of the building and pull all the way to the back. Stopping in the middle of the driveway creates backups in the lot and on Ryan Road.

• Front bus lane = buses only. The lane in front of the school is for WCS buses exclusively.

• Follow staff directions. Our team is out there to keep everyone safe—please be attentive to their signals and guidance.

• Stay alert. Avoid phone use, keep music at a reasonable volume, and watch carefully for students walking or biking to school.

• If using St. Rene’s lot: Please follow the church’s rules—don’t park in the priest’s designated spot, avoid fire lanes, park in the back of their lot (not the side sections), and follow their traffic flow.

• Patience helps. A few extra minutes and a little grace go a long way toward making mornings less stressful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us make drop-off and pick-up safe, smooth, and respectful for our students, staff, and neighbors

Did you know that missing just two days of school a month adds up to nearly 20 days in a year? That’s a full month of lost learning! At Grissom Middle School, we believe every day matters. When students are present, they not only keep up academically, but also build friendships, confidence, and strong routines that set them up for future success.

Attendance is a priority this year at GMS, and we want to reduce the number of absences students have. Please see the flyer below for ways you can help support your child’s attendance. If you or your child run into any barriers to regular attendance, please reach out to the main office so we can work together to find solutions.

📣 Calling All Parents – We Need You!

Our Grissom Boosters are a huge part of what makes our school community special—but they can’t do it without parent support.

We’re looking for parents to join the Boosters and help chaperone at Booster-sponsored events. These activities make lasting memories for our students, but they only happen if we have volunteers.

With the start of the school year we encourage all parents to actively use the PowerSchool Parent Portal to stay informed about their child’s academic progress throughout the year. (You’ll find the link below.)

If there’s anything you’d like us to know to better support your child—whether it’s their learning style, any challenges they face, or other important details—please don’t hesitate to reach out to their counselor.

By working together, we can make this school year a strong and successful one for every Grizzly!

Reminder--their Counseling Corner website has important information--CLICK HERE TO ACCESS.