North News
October 23, 2026
From the Principal
Happy Friday, North!
Thank you to all of our parents and guardians who joined us for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Strong relationships between students and teachers are central to learning, and the connections between home and school are just as vital to student success. We appreciate your time, partnership, and continued support. A special thank-you to our Parent Association and the families who contributed to the staff dinner on conference night. Your generosity helped our staff feel appreciated during a busy evening.
It’s Rivalry Week! The annual crosstown football matchup between North and South kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. at North Stadium. Please also join us for the Community Tailgate on the soccer field. Tickets for tonight's game are available here. All students must have a physical student ID card to enter the North student section, located in the scoreboard end zone. A student ID number alone will not be accepted. We look forward to seeing our community come together to cheer on the Norsemen.
Join our Band and Orchestra for the annual Pops and Pastries concert this Monday, October 26, at 7 p.m. in the PAC. Come enjoy an evening of music and support our talented student musicians! Tickets are available here.
Proud. Tough. Together.
Kevin Shubnell, Principal
313-432-3204
shubnek@gpschools.org
Connect with North Administrators
Mr. Kevin Shubnell
Principal
Mrs. Meloney Cargill
Assistant Principal 10th/12th
Mrs. Sam Lamberti-McGrath
Assistant Principal 9th/11th
Mr. Jim Ellis
Athletic Director
Hammer Award - October 19-23
Each week, our staff will recognize one student and one staff member who exemplify The Norseman Way—Proud, Tough, and Together. These Hammer Award recipients represent the heart of our school culture, and we look forward to celebrating their contributions throughout the year.
Student Hammer Award: Edward Macaulay
This week’s Student Hammer Award goes to Edward Macaulay. Edward came out for football as a senior having never played the sport before. He earned the starting quarterback position and helped lead the Norsemen to a successful season. Edward’s toughness stood out every step of the way. He took on a new and difficult challenge, embraced the work, and helped spark his team. A season-ending injury last week will keep him out of the North–South game and the playoffs, but his impact reaches beyond the games he played. His willingness to try something unfamiliar, take on responsibility, and give his all leaves an example for future Norsemen to follow. Thank you, Edward, for showing us what courage and toughness look like. Proud. Tough. Together.
Staff Hammer Award: Andrew Praedel, Jason Bankston, & Steve Drader
This week’s Hammer Award goes to our daytime engineers, Andrew Pradel, Jason Banston, and Steve Drader. North literally works because of them. They are approachable, knowledgeable, and always ready to find a solution to whatever building issue comes their way. Whether they are hanging new banners in the gym, changing locks, or replacing light bulbs, these three stay on top of the details that keep our school running.
Hosting the North–South game is no small feat, and Andrew, Jason, and Steve have so much to coordinate to get our campus ready. That preparation comes on top of everything they do for students and staff each day. Thank you, Andrew, Jason, and Steve, for taking such pride in North and for being people we can always count on. Proud. Tough. Together.
Counseling Center Update
Senior Parents:
We are ONE week away from the November 1st early action deadline. Please check in with your seniors about their college applications. It is so helpful to read through their application so there are no careless mistakes. Students should be nearing that SUBMIT moment. Counselors are here to help, so please reach out to us directly with questions and concerns.
College Application Month
October is College Application Month in Michigan, and it’s happening NOW. Many colleges are free with no application fees, and there are several colleges in Michigan that are waiving the application fees with a code. Please see the document HERE.
Upcoming College Visits:
FAFSA is live!!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for the seniors in the Class of 2027. The amount of need-related aid for which a student is eligible is determined by the information they supply annually on the FAFSA. Please check out the website HERE to learn more about how to complete the FAFSA. Steps to create a student aid account can be found HERE. North is offering a virtual FAFSA workshop on November 9th 6:00-7:00 pm! Please complete the registration link HERE to attend with your student.
College Application Reminders:
Slides from the Senior parent meet are HERE.
Early Decision v. Early Action. Early Decision is BINDING, so students should be incredibly careful about choosing this option. If accepted, students are expected to attend an Early Decision college. Students can only apply to one college using Early Decision. Early Action is non-binding, so students apply early and hear early, but are not bound to attend.
November 1st is the early action and merit scholarship deadline for many schools, but make sure that you check the college’s website. Seniors need to know when their applications are due! We suggest keeping a spreadsheet of all the schools and scholarships with deadlines to help stay organized. A template was shared last year, but can also be found HERE.
Register your student with MISSG (MI Student Aid Programs) HERE.
What is the SRAR or STARS? Several colleges across the country require students to complete a self-reported academic record. After the student submits the application, they will get an email to log in to a specific portal and complete this step. This entire process is due by the early action deadline (usually 11/1). Make sure your student knows what each college requires for admissions so students don’t miss a step!
Michigan high school seniors and recent graduates are eligible for the Community College Guarantee. Click HERE to read more about this opportunity.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship:
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help students pursue their dreams, goals, and aspirations in the Mitten State! Graduating high school seniors may be eligible for up to $27,500 over five years in financial aid just by filling out the new and simplified FAFSA.
Those who qualify could receive up to $5,500 if they attend a Michigan public university, private college, or university, or are enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, per year, up to five years
To learn more, families can attend an information session by clicking HERE.
We're Happy You're Here
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
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
GROSSE POINTE NORTH VS. GROSSE POINTE SOUTH FOOTBALL GAME
AND COMMUNITY TAILGATE:
Tonight is the big game between the Grosse Pointe North Norsemen and the Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils. Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m here at GPN. Please remember that we are cashless and that tickets can be purchased in advance through GoFan (https://gofan.co/event/6904694?schoolId=MI9966) or at the gate with a credit/debit card or Apple Pay or Google Pay. The community tailgate starts at 5:00 and features community organizations, bounce houses, food trucks, and fun. Hope to see you there! Go North!
The Fall Sports season is winding down. Please check out our new and improved website (https://www.grossepointenorthathletics.com/). The website contains up to date information regarding schedules, FinalForms, the Booster Club, Athletics App, Fall Sports Information Packet, and more. Please take some time to review the website, especially the More tab. Go North!
We have a new scheduling system this year called Eventlink. If you would like to receive messages and notifications when there are schedule changes you will need to set up an account with Eventlink if you have not done so already. The link is https://signup.eventlink.com/.
When students are attending athletic competitions this Fall, they should bring their student ID with them as many schools are requiring student IDs for admission.
Senior Athletes: NCAA Signing Day is the period of time in which athletes will make their athletic scholarships official by signing their National Letter of Intent. Grosse Pointe North has created guidelines for signing day that are now posted on the North Athletic homepage. The dates this year will be November 11th, February 3rd, April 14th and May 19th. Contact the athletic office to schedule your 10 minute time slot.
Scholarship Opportunity for Senior Athletes: This year marks the 38th year Farm Bureau Insurance has sponsored the MHSAA's Scholar-Athlete Award. This year 32, $1,000 scholarships will be available to high school seniors who meet the eligibility requirements. Students must be a senior graduating during the 2026-27 school year. Students must have prior to senior year won a varsity letter in a sport in which the MHSAA sponsors a postseason tournament. They must also average at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. For complete rules stop by the Athletic Office before Wednesday, December 2nd for an access code.
Athletic Booster Club News:
The Athletic Booster Club is a great support to our student athletes and athletic program. They could use some assistance manning the concession stand this Fall at our athletic events. It is a great way to support them, our students, and interact with other parents and students. Please consider volunteering to man the stand. Students are also welcome to volunteer. Thank you for your consideration. Click here to sign up today!
Walk Your Wheels: Important E-Bike Safety Reminder
Following an e-bike accident involving a North student yesterday, we want to reinforce important safety expectations for students riding bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and other motorized devices. We are thankful the student involved is OK.
- The incident occurred when an e-bike traveling on the sidewalk struck a vehicle turning into the Mason parking lot.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on sidewalks in Grosse Pointe Woods under city ordinance.
- Walk Your Wheels in School Zones: Once on school property and adjacent sidewalks, bikes, scooters, e-bikes, and e-scooters should be walked—not ridden.
- Michigan-compliant e-bikes may be brought to school. E-motos and other higher-powered devices are subject to additional restrictions.
- Students should use designated crosswalks, follow all rules of the road, and remain alert to vehicles and pedestrians.
- At the high school level, qualifying motorized vehicles must meet applicable Michigan requirements and have an approved school parking permit.
Please talk with your student about these expectations, especially if they ride an e-bike or other electric device to school. When you reach the school zone: Walk your wheels. Slow down. Walk safely. Look out for one another.