Pierce Pointes

Mrs. Sara Dirkse

dirkses@gpschools.org

• A Day
• Girls Volleyball @ Home vs. Jefferson 4:00 pm

• B Day

• A Day
• Volleyball at GPA 4:00 pm
• PTO--Hungry Howies Pizza Night

• B Day

• A Day
• 1/2 Day
• Mini Schedule
• Quarter 1 PBIS Reward Activities
• PTO Hallween Party
• 5th and 6th Grades 5:30 - 7:00 pm
• 7th and 8th Grades 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Click on the image above to RSVP.

Our Pierce Trojans are turning positive choices into some pretty awesome rewards! As part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, students earn reward signatures for demonstrating our schoolwide expectations and making positive contributions to our school community. Every other week, students can cash in their hard-earned signatures at lunch for fun prizes from our Trojan Treasure Trove!

A huge shoutout to our PTO and generous Pierce families! Funds raised through our PTO 1 & Done Fun Run help keep our Treasure Trove stocked with exciting rewards.

Parents who want to be a part of the fun and help our students redeem their rewards can sign-up to volunteer at Lunch here! PTO Volunteers: October /November Treasure Trove

Keep up the great work, Trojans!

Our 8th grade science classes welcomed a visit from a DTE Energy representative this week to explore ways to use energy and water more efficiently while learning about the environmental impact of our everyday choices. Students have also been putting their math and science skills to work by examining household water usage, analyzing utility bills, and calculating the costs of everyday consumption. Thanks to DTE, every student received a Home Energy Conservation Kit filled with practical tools to help their families conserve energy and water. A great opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

Our Spanish 2 students took their learning beyond the classroom with a visit to the DIW--Detroit Institute of Arts in celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)! Students had the opportunity to explore the rich traditions, art, and cultural significance of this Mexican celebration, bringing their classroom learning to life through an authentic cultural experience.

The War Memorial Monster Bash

Get ready for Halloween fun! On Thursday, October 29, the War Memorial will host the middle school Monster Bash from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Please remember that all attending 6th–8th graders must bring their school ID to enter. Costumes are highly encouraged!

Friday, October 30

Friday is a half day with dismissal at 11:28 AM. Students are welcome to wear school-appropriate Halloween costumes. Please note: no gore, masks, or toy weapons are permitted during the school day or at the PTO-sponsored Halloween party Friday evening. Students are expected to stay for the entire event. Please RSVP for your student on this Google Form.

PTO Halloween Party Schedule:

• 5th & 6th Grade: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

• 7th & 8th Grade: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Bike Safety & Parking

We have added three new bike racks, so there is plenty of space for everyone to lock up their bikes! Please remember to secure your bike before entering the building each morning. As a reminder:

• 5th Graders & Students Attending Breakfast: Use the racks in front of the school.

• 6th–8th Graders: Use the racks behind the building.

There is no such thing as a silly question!

Please give us a call with any questions. Our main office phone number: 313-432-4700

• Mrs. Arent
• Mrs. Carrier
• Ms. McGlaun

If you lost your badge or need a fresh replacement, you can pick up a new one in the main office for $3. Stop by, grab your new badge, and keep your school year running smoothly!

Please use the Drop & Go Shelf in our secure vestibule. Families can drop forgotten items and go, without having to enter the main office. Thank you for your help as we learn and practice this new procedure together. Please make sure that your child's name is on the item. You will find masking tape and a marker on the top of the shelf for labeling.

If your student will be taking medication during the school day, feel free to bring the medicine and the form to the office when you pick up your student from registration. The medication forms are in K12 and listed below:

• Medication Administration Authorization

  Required for all prescription and over the counter medications to be given by school staff.
  
  

• Self Administration Medication Authorization
  This form allows students to carry and use their medication in school. This form is required to be completed and signed by physician, parent, and student.

Is your child missing their favorite jacket, lunchbox, or water bottle? Our Lost & Found is overflowing and looking for its rightful owners!

Items will be donated Friday, October 30.

Pro-Tip: Labeling your child’s jacket tags, water bottles, and lunch totes with their first and last name makes it super quick and easy for us to reunite lost treasures with their owners!

Leftover planners are now on sale in the main office for only $5!

Stop by and grab yours today while they last. They're perfect for keeping track of assignments, sports schedules, and, of course, marking down next Friday's Fun Run!

Looking for a frightfully good read? Stop by the Pierce Library and check out our Spooktacular collection of stories! From spooky mysteries to chilling adventures, there's something for every reader. Don't miss your chance to get caught up in a good BOO-k!

Please reach out to Pierce Counselors, Cathy Sonnenberg (A-K) or Andrea Bolton (L-Z) anytime! We hope you enjoy this upcoming weekend with your families!

Pierce Counselors met with our 5th graders this week for our individual minute meetings. This proven practice allows us to check-in, get to know our students better, and gauge if there are any issues that need to be addressed or that require further intervention. We will continue over the next three weeks with our 6th through 8th graders. This is a first quarter annual initiative we,as counselors, use and enjoy as a connection with the entire student population! As always please reach out to your student's counselor for any matter that may arise. Enjoy the lovely weekend ahead!

~Cathy Sonnenberg (A-K) & Andrea Bolton (L-Z)

This week, 8th grade students who registered with Collegboard recieved their Fall PSAT Score digitally.

Pierce counselors and staff will be reviewing scores in November with students. Schools recieved an individual score report for each student. These reports include a wealth of informatin, and we will help to provide an overview of how students and families can take advantage of this information, without getting overwhelmed!

We anticiapte being able to share and review these reports on Tuesday, November 24, in conjunction with the High School Visit Day.

A reminder to students and families about appropriate attire as you finish up the back to school preparations. Per the Student Code of Conduct students are expected to:

• Wear clothing that adequately covers the chest, back and mid-section.

• All tops must have sleeves or straps.

• Clothing must cover undergarments (bra straps excluded).

• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must cover undergarments, have an inseam, and adequately cover a portion of the thigh at all times.

GPPSS is committed to fully complying with Michigan’s new state requirements. Cell phones and communication devices are to be off and out of sight during the school day.

If students need to be reached during the school day, please continue to contact the main office at (313)432-4700. Middle school students may use their phones before the first school bell and after the final school bell.

Specifically, smartwatches (Apple, Google, Samsung, etc.) and AI glasses (Ray-Ban, Meta, Oakely, etc.) are considered personal communication devices and fall under the Off and Out of Sight policy. Also note, the College Board does not allow AI glasses (Ray-Ban, Meta, Oakely, etc.) in testing. Please be aware of the district technology guidelines before purchasing for your student.

A selection from the full GPPSS Board Policy on Personal Communication Devices is copied below:

4.21 Personal Communication Devices

A “personal communication device” is a privately-owned device that is used for audio, video or text communications. “Personal communication device” includes, but is not limited to, computers, tablets (e.g. iPads and similar devices), electronic readers (“E-readers,” e.g. Kindles and similar devices), cell phones (e.g. mobile/cellular telephones, smartphones (e.g. iPhone, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.), telephone paging devices (e.g. beepers or pagers), and/or other web-enabled devices of any type.

Pierce has many different opportunities for students to get involved in Clubs and Athletics. We will continue to add more details and information as seasons get closer. We hope the information below gives you an outline of the many opportunities for your students to get involved throughout this year.

• Fees are a 1 time only for each year--play or partcipate in as many clubs or sports as you like.
• Club Fee of $52 All studentswho participate in clubspay a one-time fee.
• 5th - 8th Grade
• Art, Drama--Musical, DI, Fishing, NJHS, Robotics, WEB, and many more.
• Athletic Fee of $125 All students who participate in Innerscholastic Athletics pay a one-time fee.
• 5th - 8th grade
• Basketball, Cheer, Cross Country, E-Sports, Field Hockey, Swim, Tennis, Track , Volleyball, Wrestling

Students participating any sport (club or athletics) must have a current sports physical on file PRIOR to tryout or the first day of practice. This includes Basketball, Cross Country, Swim, Track, Volleyball, and Wrestling. Students may NOT practice or participate without a physical.

Sign up here.

Volleyball Schedule

Tryouts September 10th and 11th 3:30 - 5:00 pm

• Must have physical on file to tryout.

7th grade coach - Jane Plieth pliethj@gpschools.org

8th grade coach - Leslie Dolle dollel@gpschools.org

Tryouts will be held on November 4th and 5th

• 7th grade 3:30 - 4:30
• 8th grade 4:30 - 5:30

Please read the North/South Guidelines for Athletic Events.

• Key Note: Middle School students must attend with an adult and have their school ID with them.

Complete the Google Form in order to share your preference to be included or not to be included in the PTO Family Directory.

• Show your Trojan pride! New designs and apparel are on the way, from T-shirts and winter hats to stickers and more. Just in time for the holidays, with sizes available for kids and adults!
• Stay tuned for more details! Go Trojans!

PTO Meetings

• Our next PTO Meeting is this coming Tuesday, October 27th in the Pierce Library at 7 PM. Hope to see you there!

Haunted Garage:

• New this year, Pierce will have our own night at the Haunted Garage! Join us on Saturday, October 24th for some Halloween fun! Bring your friends and get into the spooky spirit. Don’t forget, students must be accompanied by an adult. If you can’t join us on the 24th, tickets can be used for any night of the show, running Friday, Saturday, and Sundays October 2nd – 31st. Tickets can be purchased here: Haunted Garage
• Regular tickets are $16, and VIP tickets are $25.
• Tickets purchased by Wednesday evening will be delivered to your student at Pierce the following Friday.

Pierce PTO Hungry Howie’s Night--This Wednesday, October 28th!

• On Wednesday, October 28th, Hungry Howie’s will donate 20% of the pizza night purchases to Pierce PTO. Add “Pierce Middle School” to your notes when ordering online or mention it to the cashier/delivery driver to ensure credit is received for your order. Thank you for supporting the Pierce PTO!

Pierce PTO Halloween Parties--Friday, October 30th!

• Save the date for one of Pierce’s favorite nights of the year!
• 5th & 6th Grade: 5:30–7:00 PM
  7th & 8th Grade: 7:30–9:00 PM
• Admission is FREE! Students can look forward to a DJ, photo booth, games, prizes, pizza, snacks and plenty of Halloween fun!

• Raffle Prizes: Every student will receive a raffle ticket just for attending — and an extra ticket for coming in costume!

• Prefer a quieter Halloween? We’ll also have a quiet space in the library with a Halloween movie playing for students who want to take a break from the action and enjoy a more relaxed vibe.
• Costumes are encouraged but not required. Please keep in mind that the same costume guidelines that apply during the school day will also apply at the party.
• For everyone’s safety, students are expected to remain at the party for the full event. If a student needs to leave early, a parent or guardian will need to come in and check them out.
• If you are willing to volunteer for this event, please sign up here:
• Pierce Middle School PTO: Pierce Halloween Party

Coffee and Conversations with our Principal--Friday, November 13th!

• Save the date for our next coffee and conversations with Mrs. Dirkse on Friday, November 13th at 8:30 AM in the Pierce Library! Please enter through the office to check in.

Pierce Progressive Dinner--Saturday, November 14th!

• Tickets are on sale now! RSVP by Friday, November 6th.

• This adult-only evening will start at 6:30 PM at the Howard’s home for appetizers, dinner from 8-10 PM at a randomly assigned home and desserts starting at 10 PM at the Nowicki’s home. Tickets are $40 each and includes food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. See flyer for more information!
• To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pierce-progressive-dinner
• The Zeffy platform fee is optional and can be changed to $0 when checking out.
• If you have any questions, please email Lindyh51178@gmail.com.

Trojan Treasure Trove Lunch Help

• The PBIS team needs our help every other Thursday during both lunches to run the Trojan Treasure Trove. The trove is a PBIS reward station. Students use their reward signatures to "purchase" items from the trove. A PBIS team member will set up the trolley for you, and "train" you. Thank you so much for considering!
• Sign up here: PTO Volunteers: October /November Treasure Trove

Lunch Volunteer Opportunity

• There is nothing a middle schooler enjoys more than having a surprise visit from their parents during lunch. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to help with lunch duty!
• Here is the link to volunteer: Priscilla Barczyk: Pierce Parent Lunch Volunteers

PTO Membership

• Please consider purchasing a PTO membership. A membership is $15 and provides funds to the PTO and access to the school’s online directory. Memberships can be purchased through the PTO page within the Pierce Middle School here:
• Pierce PTO Membership - 2026/2027 School Year
• The Zeffy platform fee is optional and can be changed to $0 when checking out.

Pierce Middle School PTO--Group Page on Facebook

• If you have a Facebook account, please join our Pierce Middle School PTO – Group Page on Facebook for lots of great information:
• Pierce Middle School PTO - Group Page | Facebook

Trojan Trolley!

• Help us spoil our teachers! This cart rolls the halls of Pierce once a month and we need your help to stock it!
• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0445AAAC2EA6FE3-65439178-trojan

Kroger Rewards

• Did you know when you shop at Kroger you could be earning money for your school? Follow the easy steps on the flyer below to enroll or change your rewards!

This fall, GPPSS is not hosting a district-wide Open House. We have studied the data about who attends, and listened to staff and busy families that shared ideas on how best to reach them as they make decisions about schools. So, our building tours will be conducted with our Info Nights in January:

• Tuesday, January 12 - Rising 5th Grade Info Night at all 3 middle schools

• Wednesday, January 13 - Rising 9th Grade Info Night at both high schools

• Thursday, January 14- Kindergarten & Young Fives Info Night at your local elementary school

In the meantime, please know we schedule personal tours and shadow opportunities through our website or by calling any building principal.

Not sure which is your neighborhood school? Here is our district boundary map or you may email verify@gpschools.org to check an address.

We recognize families have choices. We hope that as you make this decision for your child you consider the depth and breadth of our academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs and share this information with your friends and neighbors. Here are some data sources we urge you to compare:

• High School Program of Studies - 130 pages of course offerings including:

• 27 Advanced Placement Courses

• 5 World Languages

• 8 Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs

• 2 Grammy award winning music programs with courses including music theory, concert and symphony band, concert and symphony orchestra, drama, and multiple choirs

• 2 Spartan award winning student newspapers

• 30 sports, 120 teams

• 50+ clubs

• Middle School Program of Studies - including:

• Strong core curriculum instruction through advanced math

• Fine and performing arts

• Electives tied to student interest including family and consumer services, TV production, band, choir, orchestra, world music, physical education and more

• Support - including academic, English learner and special education services

• World Languages - Spanish & French

• Dozens of cubs including art, chess, robotics, Green Team, Peer to Peer, WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) leaders, and yearbook

• Athletics - including Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Cross Country, Swimming/Diving, Track, Girls Volleyball, Wrestling

• Opportunities for service learning including National Junior Honor Society

• Elementary Program of Studies

• Designed to provide students with a well-rounded, age-appropriate education that prepares them for success in their academic and personal lives

• Emphasizes the development of fundamental and enrichment skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, as well as physical education, library and the arts

Our 5th & 6th graders are mixing it up at lunch. They are now picking their seats!

Let us know what you think of school lunch!