GSD E-Blast February 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we move into the second half of the school year, February offers a natural moment to pause, reflect, and reset. This is a great time for families to check in on academic progress and have meaningful conversations with students about what has gone well so far and where they’d like to grow. As we continue to Accelerate, Engage, and Achieve, talk with your child about the classes or activities they’ve enjoyed most, the goals they want to set for the months ahead, and the habits that will help them stay focused and motivated. With a clear plan, encouragement at home, and renewed energy, our students are well positioned to finish the year strong and continue building confidence in their learning.

Your partner in education,

Amy Conway

Superintendent

Research shows that being happy and positive primes the brain to be more successful and productive. Promoting positivity will enhance our student’s academic ability and develop them into happy and positive thinkers and leaders. Each month we will highlight a building or staff member that is spreading “The Orange” (Happiness) through Gibraltar!

This year, middle school mentor, Mrs. LaButte, introduced a monthly middle school Social Hour to support her students in building confidence, communication skills, and meaningful peer connections. Through engaging, technology-free activities, students practice in-person communication, strengthen self-esteem, and learn to support one another both academically and socially. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with students showing increased classroom participation and enthusiasm. Most importantly, the program has helped foster genuine friendships, highlighting the powerful impact of creating space for connection and community.

Do you have a child at home who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2026? Do you know someone who does, perhaps a friend or a neighbor? If so, Gibraltar School District has a spot waiting just for them in our kindergarten classrooms next year! Gibraltar School District offers both a traditional Kindergarten program as well as a Young Fives Kindergarten program. Both of these programs have a strong focus on the math and literacy skills needed for a solid foundation through the course of the formative elementary years. Registration opens very soon, on February 17. Once you register, please join us for an informational night, for parents and prospective students, on April 29 at 6:00. These will be held in each elementary building. Visit our website for more information!

https://www.gibdist.net/page/kindergarten-and-young-fives-information

Across Gibraltar School District, students are doing more than learning about technology, they’re actively shaping it. Through Marauder Robotics, learners at every grade level are designing, coding, building, and collaborating as they explore what it means to be creators and problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world.

Marauder Robotics is not a single team or experience. It is a districtwide pathway that introduces students to engineering and robotics early and supports their growth all the way through high school, building confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills along the way.

Getting Started Early: FIRST Lego League at Downriver STEM

The robotics journey begins at Downriver STEM @ Weiss Elementary in Woodhaven, where students participate in FIRST Lego League (FLL). At this level, learning is hands-on and engaging as students use LEGO robotics to tackle challenges that encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

With guidance from teachers and mentors, elementary students learn how to design solutions, test ideas, and work as a team — laying a strong foundation for future STEM learning while discovering that problem-solving can be both challenging and fun.

Building Skills and Confidence: FTC at Shumate Middle School

At Shumate Middle School, robotics opportunities expand through participation in FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). Students can join one of four teams during the fall and spring seasons:

• FTC 12303 Shumate Sith

• FTC 12379 Rockwood Rancor

• FTC 12459 Gibraltar Jedi

• FTC 15446 Brownstown Bounty Hunters

FTC teams take on annual engineering challenges that require students to design, build, and program robots capable of completing complex tasks in a competitive environment. Along the way, students develop teamwork, perseverance, and technical skills that mirror real engineering experiences.

Team 12379 Rockwood Rancor stands out as the district’s all-girls FTC team, helping to break barriers and encourage more young women to explore STEM fields. Their success highlights that innovation thrives when all voices are represented.

Another standout achievement came from Team 12459 Gibraltar Jedi, the only Downriver FTC team to advance to the 2025 FIRST in Michigan State Championship SE at Grand Blanc High School. Competing among the top teams in the state and advancing to the final rounds is an incredible accomplishment that reflects their dedication and talent.

Families interested in learning more about robotics at Shumate Middle School can visit shumateftc.com to explore team information, mentors, and programming.

High School Leadership and Innovation: FRC Team 6528 Terror Bytes

At Carlson High School, students continue their robotics journey with FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 6528, the Terror Bytes. In FRC, students work with mentors to design and build large-scale robots while learning advanced engineering, coding, and project management skills.

The Terror Bytes are known not only for their competitive drive but also for their commitment to gracious professionalism. Team members mentor younger FLL and FTC teams and participate in community service efforts, including Celeron Island beach cleanups.

Over the past nine years, the program has grown significantly. With strong district support and generous sponsors, the team now has access to advanced tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and custom fabrication equipment housed in the Shumate STEM Lab — giving students the ability to turn innovative ideas into reality.

This season, the Terror Bytes are competing in the 2026 FIRST Rebuilt season, attending two FIRST in Michigan district events: Week 2 in Woodhaven and Week 3 in Belleville.

To follow the Terror Bytes, view robot reveals, explore scholarship opportunities, and see competition updates, visit terrorbytes6528.com.

A Community Effort with a Powerful Impact

From elementary students experimenting with LEGO motors to high school teams building competition-ready robots, Marauder Robotics showcases the power of hands-on learning and community support. These programs reflect the district’s commitment to preparing students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

We extend a sincere thank you to Mr. Bouwman, the mentors, sponsors, staff, and families who make Marauder Robotics possible. Your dedication and encouragement continue to fuel student success and innovation across Gibraltar School District.

Together, we proudly move forward #WeRollAsOne

Our third grade students recently had a fantastic full-day field trip to Lansing, where learning truly came to life beyond the classroom walls. All three third grade classes had the opportunity to visit the Michigan State Capitol and the Michigan History Museum, giving students a firsthand look at state government, history, and civic responsibility. At the Capitol, students explored the historic building, learned how laws are made, and discovered the important roles people detailing the work of state leaders. Students asked thoughtful questions and represented our district with pride through their curiosity. The museum visit added another layer of learning, allowing students to engage with interactive exhibits and historical displays that deepened their understanding of Michigan’s past. From government to history, the day was filled with meaningful connections that simply can’t be replicated in a textbook.

The Hunter Family School Association proudly brought the Science Alive assembly to Hunter Elementary School, transforming science learning into an unforgettable, hands-on experience for students. Over the course of two days, live animals visited the building and rotated through every individual classroom, ensuring that all students had an up-close and personal learning opportunity. This immersive experience connected directly to the school’s commitment to meaningful, engaging science instruction.

Students were thrilled to meet Baby Ginger the sloth, Cupcake the chinchilla, and Honeycomb the ball python. Under the guidance of the Science Alive presenters, students were able to safely interact with and even hold the animals while learning about habitats, adaptations, and animal behaviors.

Parsons Elementary teachers used their recent professional development day to thoughtfully analyze MSTEP and i-Ready data with a clear focus on improving instruction for all students. Working collaboratively with colleagues and grade-level teams, teachers examined trends, identified strengths and areas for growth, and shared key insights with one another to inform next steps in teaching and learning.

In the afternoon, Parsons staff joined grade-level teams from across the district to focus on high-quality math instruction throughout GSD. This cross-building collaboration supported alignment, consistency, and rigor across all elementary schools, ensuring that students receive strong, cohesive math instruction no matter where they attend.

Earlier this month, students at Weiss Elementary School had the opportunity to participate in PBIS Clubs as a reward for their positive behavior. Because of the great choices they make each day and their commitment to our school expectations, students earned the chance to select a club that matched their interests, making the experience both meaningful and motivating.

Students were excited and proud to take part, and it was wonderful to see their happiness and engagement as they collaborated with peers and explored new activities. PBIS Clubs are one of the many ways Weiss Elementary School recognizes positive behavior while strengthening relationships and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Club options included:

Directed Drawing Club, Recess Club, Lego Club, Makerspace Club, Play-Doh Club, Music BINGO, Craft Club, Dance Club, Show and Tell Club, Blooket Club, Work Out Club, Speed Stacking Club, and Dog Club.

We are incredibly proud of our Weiss Wildcats for the positive behavior that earned them this special opportunity!