GPPSS Update

Ms. Baranek’s PreK class celebrated the Week of the Young Child in a fun and creative way by hosting a special “drive-in movie” event. Students and their families came together to design and create imaginative cars, making for a memorable and collaborative experience. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to engage in a creative project while celebrating the importance of early childhood development.

Our school communities have been busy giving back this spring through impactful environmental and service initiatives. At Maire, the Green Team partnered with Goodwill for a used goods drive, collecting over 6,000 lbs. of donations to fund job training programs for Michiganders. The team also planted a Tulip Tree with the City of Grosse Pointe, continuing their annual tradition of enhancing the school’s grounds while supporting local wildlife.

At Mason, the Green Team, led by Ms. Gealer, has been actively working on promoting sustainability. They were inspired by a recent recycling presentation to brainstorm future initiatives, and their commitment to environmental responsibility continues to grow as they plan new projects in the months ahead.

At North, the Interact Club helped bring spring cheer to Beechwood Manor by potting plants and writing uplifting quotes for the residents. They also collected toiletries for the student pantry at Wayne State University. Meanwhile, the Monteith Student Council’s "Spring Into Care" project saw families donating personal care items, which were distributed to those in need at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church.

At South, Earth Day was celebrated with several initiatives led by students. The Gardening Club refreshed the Fisher Road gardens, while the Save the Lakes Club painted the Spirit Rock to raise awareness for the Great Lakes. South is also hosting a seedling planting event with the Grosse Pointe Public Library and University of Michigan senior Felix Groustra, showing that sustainability can start small. These efforts highlight the dedication of our students to making a positive impact on the environment and their communities.

Join us this Saturday, April 26th, at 10 am for the 9th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk and Mental Health Fair at Grosse Pointe North. This free, family-friendly event is open to all, and no registration is required. We hope to see you there as we come together to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Congratulations to all the 5th through 8th grade students who participated in the 2025 Level Up Challenge at Brownell! Students competed to level up their skills in MAP Accelerator and Lexia PowerUp, showcasing their dedication and hard work. The highest average advisory class earned a pizza party, and the top 5 students in each grade level won a coupon to The Stable.

Top Advisory Average:

• Mrs. Gerlach, 5th Grade

Top 5th Grade Students:

• Griffin E., Rigobert F., Liam M., Elizabeth K., Ryan H.

Top 6th Grade Students:

• Melody C., Camilla E., Alexander H., Greyson W., Evelynn R.

Top 7th Grade Students:

• Harper P., Brook M., Josephine P., Charlie C., Elizabeth J.

Top 8th Grade Students:

• Gavin B., Audrey W., Leah D., Anna D., Gabriella P.

Well done to all participants for their impressive efforts and achievements! Keep leveling up!

On Thursday, April 17, the Mason 2nd Grade hosted a wonderful Family Engagement Event on the front lawn. Students and their families brought blankets, snacks, and books for a fun-filled Read-Out! The afternoon was filled with laughter, shared reading, and quality time spent together. The weather was perfect, turnout was fantastic, and it was a joy to see families reading and listening side by side with their 2nd grade peers. A great day of connection and learning!

South juniors Leo Neds-Fox and Patrick Chudy took part in the 43rd year of the Friendship Connection exchange program, which pairs German and American high school students with similar interests. The program allows students to experience family life, school culture, and improve their language skills. Leo hosted Mara Eckhardt from Niddawitzhausen, and Patrick hosted Mert Özgün from Quotshausen this April. This marks the 7th year South has participated since Rebecca Petrilli took over the German program in 2018. Leo and Patrick will travel to Germany this summer to stay with their exchange partners for a month.

Pictured (left to right): Mert Özgün, Patrick Chudy, Mara Eckhardt, and Leo Neds-Fox.

Parcells recently welcomed their newly selected Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) leaders, who will mentor incoming 5th graders throughout the 2025-2026 school year. The day kicked off with current 8th grade WEB leaders greeting their replacements with a high-five tunnel and words of encouragement. The new leaders then participated in team-building activities to prepare for their upcoming role in leading 4th grade elementary tours to Parcells. These dedicated students will return in the summer for additional training and will play a key role in leading the 5th grade orientation in August. We are excited to see them step into their leadership roles!

Lucas Pesek recently replaced the pool pumps at Pierce to keep the pool running and prevent flooding. He also trained Adam Mullins, Brownell’s Afternoon Custodial Leader, on emergency boiler repairs. These efforts help maintain smooth operations and ensure our facilities are well-maintained.

We are proud to announce that Ashlei from North has been selected as a Gates Scholar, joining an elite group of 750 scholars nationwide. This prestigious scholarship will support her education and provide valuable leadership and career opportunities. Congratulations, Ashlei!

At a recent meeting, South’s Interact Service Club assembled snack packs—each including a handwritten kindness note—to support those in need through the Lunches of Love program. Interact is a student-led organization sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe, dedicated to the motto “service above self.” We’re proud of these students for making a meaningful impact in our community and beyond!

North’s Student Association, led by Adviser Jonathan Byrne, welcomed 72 young guests for this year’s “Bring Your Kid to Work Day” with the theme “Norsekids Are Out of This World!” Students explored a variety of hands-on activities including a Planetarium session, Gardening with live animals, Art, German, Choir, TV Production, Gym, and more. A highlight of the day was a photo op with Officer Jeff Martel and his decked-out North police vehicle. A huge thank you to the students and staff who made this day unforgettable for our Norsekids!

Mark your calendars for the 2025 ArtFest at Grosse Pointe South, happening April 23–26! Come celebrate the creativity and talent of our student artists during this special annual event.

Show Hours:

• Wednesday–Friday: 8 AM – 3:30 PM & 5 PM – 8 PM

• Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM

• Judges Night: Tuesday, April 22 | 7 – 9 PM

• Awards Ceremony: Friday, April 25 | 7 PM

Don’t miss this incredible showcase of artistic expression!

Join Grosse Pointe North Volleyball, the Driscoll Family, Lizzy Rewalt, and friends for a special charity volleyball game honoring Stefanie “Anie” Lynn Driscoll, a beloved GPN alumna. Anie was a talented athlete, gifted musician, and passionate chef with a heart for animals. Despite facing a rare illness in high school, she remained a beacon of positivity and strength. She passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 35. This event brings the community together to celebrate her life and legacy. Donations and raffle prizes are welcome—please contact Chelsea Brozo at chelseabrozo20@gmail.com to contribute.

Click here to see the latest athletic news from South.

Congratulations to the North and South Jazz Bands for earning straight first division superior ratings at the MSBOA State Jazz Festival! Both bands performed separately at Wyandotte Roosevelt High School on April 17, receiving straight A grades from all three judges. Their exceptional performances have earned them eligibility to apply to perform at the prestigious Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend at Hart Plaza. What an amazing accomplishment! We are incredibly proud of our talented students and their hard work.

On Monday, May 12, students from Grosse Pointe South's choirs will sing the National Anthem at Comerica Park before the Tigers take on the Red Sox.

If you'd like to support our students and sit with the South group in Section 116, use the link or scan the QR code below to purchase tickets. Tickets will be emailed to the address you provide. Please note: if the game is rescheduled due to weather, tickets will be valid for the new date, but no refunds will be issued.

Let’s show our support for the South singers and enjoy a great night at the ballpark.

Attention Theater Lovers! Ticket sales are now open to The Little Mermaid presented by the Grosse Pointe South Drama Department.

Show Details:

The Little Mermaid is a stage musical, based on the much beloved Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale. The musical follows a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love. The musical is full of humor and creativity, making it the perfect experience for all ages.

Who:

All are Welcome. Tickets are on sale for the general public.

Where:

The Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center at Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

When:

Thursday, April 24, 2025 @ 7:00 pm

Friday, April 25, 2025 @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 1:00 pm AND 7:00 pm

How Do I Get In On The Fun?:

Tickets may be purchased through the following link. Tickets will also be available prior to each show.

A heartfelt thank you to our community partners who participated in our GPPSS CTE Spring Advisory Board meetings! The advisory board's role is to provide assistance and recommendations for the continuous improvement of our CTE programs. Thank you for your dedication and service to the GPPSS CTE programs.

Click here to see the latest news from the TV Production program.

Join us for a summer filled with fun activities for every interest—sports, arts, STEM, and more! Our camps offer something for everyone, in a safe and engaging environment.

Register today at gpschools.org/summer!

All secondary students are to have access to a technology learning device. The GPPSS BYOD Handbook supports the district's strategic plan for student learning and growth. Students use their technology learning device to access Schoology -- the GPPSS's Learning Management System.

Additionally, cell phones are OFF AND OUT OF SIGHT all day for middle school, and during class time for high school students. If students need to be reached during the school day, please continue to contact the main office.

Middle school students may use their phones before the first school bell and after the final school bell. High school students may use their phone during passing time and at lunch, as well as before and after school.

On Monday, April 14th, the Board of Education held a regular meeting where they approved the following:

• Regular Meeting Minutes for March 31, 2025
• Closed Session Meeting Minutes for March 31, 2025
• Revision of Policy 3.26 - Compliance with Michigan Sex Education Statute
• Revision of Policy 4.11 - Reinstatement Policy Following Permanent Expulsion
• Plante Moran Contract
• Budget Revision - GAAA #1
• STEAAM Foundation AI Camp Grant
• Hiring Dr. Sara Delgado as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
• Hiring Ms. Cindy Parravano as Grosse Pointe South High School Principal

On Monday, April 28th, the agenda action items will be:

• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for April 14, 2025
• Approval of GPFPE Spring Grants
• Approval of Ehresman Architectural Contract for Trombly Window Replacement
• Approval of Ehresman Architectural Contract for Grosse Pointe N and S Chiller Replacement
• Approval of Revision of Policy 8.09 - Advertising; Distribution of Posting of Information

You may review each item on the Board of Education agenda by visiting the district calendar and clicking the date of the meeting, then clicking the agenda, then each hyperlinked action item.

Please watch the district calendar on the website for the latest information on board and committee meetings. Upcoming BOE meetings now include:

• BOE Regular Meeting, Monday, April 28, 2025, 7:00 pm, North
• Facilities Meeting, Monday, May 5, 2025, 5:30 pm, North Library
• Policies Meeting, Monday, May 5, 2025, 6:30 pm, Central Office Board Room
• BOE Regular Meeting, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 7:00 pm, Brownell MPR
• Bond Advisory Council Meeting, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:00pm, North Library

April 24 through April 26- South presents The Little Mermaid

May 5 through May 9- Educator Appreciation Week