GPPSS Update

Students at Barnes are curious about the parking lot project. See the article below on other summer construction projects made possible with our bond and sinking funds!

In the meantime, we do have these dates to mark on your calendar:

• GPPSS Offices closed Friday, June 19 for the national holiday
• North Homecoming is October 2nd vs. Marysville
• South Homecoming is October 9th vs. Eisenhower
• The North South game will be October 23rd at North

We are excited to announce that this summer GPPSS will be hosting Designing Projects for Social Good with Generative AI, a project-based program by Inspirit AI, developed and taught by Stanford, MIT, and Ivy League alumni and graduate students. Inspirit visited our campus last year, and we’re excited for them to return with a new curriculum suitable for new and returning students.

Students in rising 6th - graduating 12th grades will gain hands-on experience with leading AI platforms and vibe-coding tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Cursor, and Lovable. No programming background is required; students will be guided step-by-step as they explore large language models and generative AI technologies to create socially impactful projects. Separate middle and high school sections will be offered.

Students will explore the fundamentals of generative AI, experiment with prompting strategies, and complete guided vibe coding labs. Then, students will design and launch their own original project addressing a social challenge of their choice, such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, engineering, education, or equity. Final projects are entirely student-created, and will be presented in a formal showcase and demo at the program’s end.

If you may be interested in participating in this unique opportunity, please fill out this short interest form. Thanks to a generous donation from the STEAAM foundation, the program is offered at a reduced fee of $500 for the first 25 GPPSS student registrants. AI practitioners and graduate students from Stanford and MIT will travel to the district to teach this pre-college program. Feel free to read more about the curriculum, projects, team, and more in the program brochure.

With PreK for All in Michigan, all 4-year-olds can now qualify for high-quality PreK, prioritizing those who need it most. While many families have expressed an interest, few have submitted their paperwork.

GPPSS is excited to share that Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) enrollment in GPPSS is officially open! We will offer two classrooms, one at Ferry Elementary and one at Maire Elementary, with 16 available spots in each classroom. Please note that the GSRP program will operate on a four-day-per-week schedule (Monday through Thursday). This schedule is based on community survey results and recommendations from Wayne RESA for new programs.

During the enrollment process, you will be asked to indicate your preferred school location. You will also have the opportunity to indicate whether you would utilize before- and after-school care if it becomes available. Decisions regarding before- and after-school care offerings will be based on the interest expressed through the enrollment process.

A description of the GSRP program, along with all enrollment requirements and necessary steps, is available on our website. Register today!

For bond and sinking fund updates, visit About Us at gpschools.org. This summer's projects include:

• parking lots at Barnes, North, South;
• step replacement at Kerby, Monteith, Brownell, Parcells;
• sidewalks throughout GPPSS,
• South’s athletic field turf (track closed for construction);
• North B-Building Roof Replacement;
• mulch on all playgrounds;
• Chillers at North and South;
• South’s roofline railing; and
• fire alarm, roof and fencing work at North.

Please be advised that starting Monday, June 15, through Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Morningside Drive entrance at Grosse Pointe North will be completely closed due to a construction paving project.

During this closure period, all entry and building access must be rerouted. Please note the following important adjustments:

• Entrance Redirect: All visiting staff, community members, and deliveries must utilize the front parking lot of North High School Entrance A (Main Office). See map below.

• Central Office Building Access: Visitors to Central Office will use the North Main entrance and central office staff will meet them there to escort them to the meeting location.

Elementary, Middle and High School report cards will be available for viewing in ParentPortal Monday, June 22. While secondary grades are always accessible in Schoology, we encourage families to review the official report card.

You have three options for viewing the report card, including an option to view, save, or print a traditionally formatted report card. Please click this link for a one-page instruction guide on the three report card viewing options.

To access ParentPortal:

• Go to www.gpschools.org

• Click on the Mistar link in the upper right corner

• Click on the ParentPortal name or logo in the left center of the next screen

• Enter your parent PIN and password

If you don’t know your login information, click on the “Forget Your PIN” and/or “Forget Your Password?” links. If you run into trouble, use our Parent Support form.

Thank you for taking the time to review your student’s progress. Your partnership and engagement help support their continued success.

During the final week of school, Kerby's 4th grade students put their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork to the test through an exciting roller coaster design challenge. Students worked collaboratively to plan, sketch, and engineer their designs, carefully considering how each element would impact the coaster's success. Throughout the process, they learned the importance of communication, perseverance, and revision as they brought their ideas to life. Most importantly, they had a ton of fun, which made the experience a memorable end to their 4th grade year.

Pictures here are from Kerby's 4th grade promotion ceremony on Wednesday, June 10th, and the 4th grade clap out on the last day of school.

Kerby's Kindergarten students celebrated the last day of Kindergarten with a special concert for their families, marking the end of an incredible year of learning, growth, and friendship. With smiles, songs, and plenty of excitement, students showcased what they had learned while reflecting on the many memories they created together. It was a joyful celebration of all they accomplished this year and a wonderful way to say goodbye to Kindergarten as they look ahead to 1st grade.

Families can find SFSP sites by using the Meet Up and Eat Up Site Locator Map, or the USDA Meals For Kids Site Finder and entering their address in the search bar at the top left of the map. Both maps are updated throughout the summer as new sites become available. Families can also receive SFSP site information by calling 211.

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular with children and teens across Michigan. While they are a fun and efficient way to travel, they can also reach much higher speeds than traditional bicycles and require responsible operation. Michigan law recognizes three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1 E-Bike – Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 2 E-Bike – Equipped with a throttle that can propel the bike without pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 3 E-Bike – Pedal-assist only and capable of assisting up to 28 mph. Riders must be at least 14 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike in Michigan. Class 3 requires a helmet for those aged 14-17.

Please research E-Bikes vs. E-Motos. The Grosse Pointe Farms Department of Public Safety encourages all young riders and parents to follow these important safety tips:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Obey all traffic signs, signals, and roadway rules.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Stay alert and avoid using cell phones, headphones, or other distractions while riding.
• Use lights and reflective gear when riding at dawn, dusk, or nighttime.
• Slow down near pedestrians and provide an audible warning before passing.
• Never carry passengers unless the e-bike is specifically designed to do so.
• Parents should ensure their child's e-bike is age-appropriate and that the rider understands how to safely operate it.
• Ride at a safe speed for conditions and be prepared for vehicles entering driveways and intersections.
• Remember, e-bikes are not toys. Many models can travel at speeds comparable to those of motor vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Safe and responsible riding helps prevent crashes and injuries while keeping our streets, sidewalks, and shared-use paths safe for everyone.
• Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Arrive Alive.

For questions regarding e-bike laws and safety, contact your Department of Public Safety. This article has been adapted with permission from one by the City of Grosse Pointe Farms. The school district continues to partner with all of our public safety departments and will share updates on this and other safety topics.

Grosse Pointe Virtual School is launching in Fall 2026, offering flexible, high-quality learning opportunities for students in our community in collaboration with Michigan Virtual.

Grosse Pointe Virtual is designed to increase flexibility, access, and supports for the broader learning community, leveraging technological advancements and innovations in instruction.

Utilizing Michigan Virtual and district staff, GP Virtual will expand access to the high-quality education associated with GPPSS. We are a District of Opportunities and want you to be part of this exciting development. GP Virtual students walk at graduation with their home high school and can participate in athletic and extracurricular activities. Space is limited to ensure success.

Registration is now open for a select group of rising 9th through 12th grade students. Students must be district residents and not currently attending GPPSS.

If you have immediate inquiries, please email gpvirtualschool@gpschools.org.

The Grosse Pointe Public Library (in partnership with the GPPSS) announces the beginning of the 2026 Summer Reading Program!

Read at least 20 minutes per day, log your reading by days, try fun activities, and earn free books and virtual tickets for prize drawings!

Please click the QR code here to learn more!

Summer reading opportunities with active links have been added to all school webpages. Help your student avoid summer learning loss by taking advantage of these curated options. Many thanks to our library media specialists for collecting these all in one place!

• Elementary Summer Reading Links
• Middle School Summer Reading Links
• High School Summer Reading Links

More will be added as details are finalized. There is also a handy tool at the top of the Summer Programs webpage to sort opportunities by grade level. From science to AI, sports to music, there is something for everyone!

Early On

Early On is Michigan's system for helping infants and toddlers, birth to age 3 and their families who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays due to certain health conditions.

Build Up

Build Up helps parents and their eligible children, ages 3 through 5, access special education supports and services as they develop and learn skills before they go to kindergarten.

If you have a concern about your child's development, go to https://miearlychildhood.org/ to make an online referral for a free Early On or Build Up evaluation.

Do you know someone who would be a good fit for one of these open positions in GPPSS? We're particularly looking for paraprofessionals, but check out the possibilities and help us spread the word to find great candidates! Here are a few positions to explore:

• Afternoon Custodian (there are also Substitute Custodian positions available)
• Swim Instructor and Swim Lifeguard Assistant
• Lunchroom Supervisors

• Extended School Year (ESY) - Teachers, Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist
  

  Extended School Year (ESY) - Paraprofessionals

• Special Education Parapros
• Mild Cognitive Impairment Teacher
• Guest Teacher (Instructional Substitute) through EduStaff

Our GPPSS Update comes out every week throughout the school year. Please make a practice of scanning through it for important updates throughout the district.

If you know someone (neighbor, grandparent, business owner, public official) who would like to be on our mailing list, please share this form with them. If your youngest child is a senior this year, you will be automatically unsubscribed from our mailing list this summer. If you'd like to keep receiving our weekly emails, click the form above and subscribe!

There is no cost to subscribe and emails will not be shared with any other organization or business.

If you have a story idea for GPPSS Update, a photo to share, or a fun community event, please reach out to info@gpschools.org. There will be no GPPSS Update during spring break.

And don't forget to follow us and tag us on social media:

• Facebook @GPPSS
• Twitter @GPSchools
• Instagram @gppschools

Please watch the district calendar on the website for the latest information on board and committee meetings. Agendas and supporting documents are linked from the calendar. Upcoming BOE meetings include:

• BOE Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting, Monday, June 22, 7 p.m., Brownell MPR

• BOE Policy Committee Meeting, Central Office Board Room, Tuesday, June 23, 5:30 p.m. (park in North's front lot and use the main entrance)

• BOE Facilities Committee Meetings, North Library, Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. (park in North's front lot and use the main entrance)

• BOE Regular Meeting, Monday, July 27, 7 p.m., Brownell MPR

On the website, click About GPPSS, then School Board. From there you can read about our board members, find links to past and current agendas, and watch the meetings.