FROM THE MOTHERS’ CLUB PRESIDENT
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Dear Grosse Pointe South Families,
The 2019-2020 School Year is off to a great start!
September has been a busy month. Registration is complete and close to 800 GPS Families have joined the Mothers' Club. Welcome and thank you! If you haven’t joined Please join us!
Here is what has happened at South since our last newsletter:
- The Freshman Parent Welcome Reception was a big success.
- The School Store is open for business.
- Our large communications team has been working on everything from the High Pointes newsletter and Facebook page to our website (www.mothersclubgps.com)
- The GPS Family Directory will go to print and will be delivered to your doorstep in October.
- Back to School Night showcased Grosse Pointe South to all its families.
- Homecoming and Spirit Week invaded the school - Go Blue Devils!
- Thank you to the Kerr Family, Wang Family, Siddiqui Family, and Klaasen Family for hosting the class floats. Also, to everyone else who made Homecoming a success… Thank you!!
As October starts we hope your students have comfortably moved into the school routine.
We look forward to several events in October, including:
- The Mothers' Club Meeting - October 9 at 7:00 PM in Cleminson Hall.
- Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 16 and 17 in the South Gym
Further out on the horizon, in December, mark your calendars for the first big Mothers' Club event of the 2019-20 school year,
The Holiday Walk 12/08/19
.
For continuing updates on all the happenings in the Mothers' Club and at South, visit the mothersclubgps.com. There you can find ways to support the school, volunteer, and get involved! We have a job for everyone!
Sincerely,
Helen Srebernak
Grosse Pointe South Mothers' Club President
President2019@mothersclubgps.com
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October 9
Mothers' Club General Membership Meeting
7:00 PM
Cleminson Hall
October 16 & 17
Conferences
5:00 - 8:00 PM
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October 18
GP South/North Tailgate
7:00 PM
Grosse Pointe South
October 20
GPPSS Open House
1:00 - 3:00 PM
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SENIOR PARENTS
:
We met with all seniors on Friday, September 13th to review the college application process including how to send test scores, transcripts, request letters of recommendation. The presentation is available to you at
our website
. Click on the
“Presentations
” link at the left. Keep in mind those seniors who would like to apply to the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Michigan State University should submit their applications as soon as possible. We suggested to the students October 15 to be confident about Early Action applications to Michigan in particular.
Don’t forget that we have representatives visiting from colleges nearly every day of the week during fall! Calendars are posted on Naviance, outside the main office and on announcements. Did you know that we have several schools that conduct on-the-spot admission during their visits?! Some even offer scholarships!
It’s not too late to research schools! Many students are still finding their direction on this. Counselors are happy to help. Also, we encourage students to use the College Super-Match feature on Naviance.
APPLICATION HELP MONDAYS! Every Monday morning in October at 8:00 in the library counselors will be available for hands-on college application help. We love to help. No advance sign up required – just show up! Also, October Fridays at Lunch we will be in the library computer lab with college application help. No appointment required. We would love for every student to have at least one application sent by the end of the month.
FINANCIAL AID search starts now. Families can
file a FAFSA
, the form you must fill out to determine your eligibility for financial aid, beginning October 1. First register for a FSA ID, this is your electronic signature. Then complete the form online. Want help? We have a Hands-On FAFSA Workshop planned for students October 28 at 8:00am with our expert from Oakland Financial Aid Outreach will actually help you fill out the form online. If you would like a
paper FAFSA worksheet
to preview, that is available on the web or in the counseling center.
JUNIOR PARENTS
:
Thursday, September 19, we met with all Juniors in groups. The theme of the meeting was Nuts and Bolts of Junior Year: finding the right fit. We talked about college research, using Naviance, grades, testing, college matching, how to start with online searching, making the most of college representative visits. We met with the Junior Parents to cover this same information Monday September 30 at 7:00 in the auditorium. If you missed it check the Counseling Center website on the presentation page to view the power point.
Mark Wednesday, October 16 on your calendars. That is the day that the PSAT/MNSQT will be given at South. This is the practice test for the SAT reasoning test and it is also the test that juniors take to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students wishing to get some last minute review in may want to check out
Khan Academy
online for free test prep and reliable practice test.
The Juniors will take the SAT as part of state testing in Spring. This is an official test with reportable scores. Many parents are asking if their students should take the ACT in addition to the SAT. Either test is completely fine for college admissions, so students should go with the test they feel the most successful taking. Consider the PSAT score a good baseline for SAT success. It may be wise to take an ACT as well so you can review both baseline test scores to decide which test he or she will choose to focus on for preparation. Our school curriculum has shifted in the direction of the SAT since this is the state test. However, if the student feels more confident sitting for the ACT, that is completely acceptable for admissions consideration as well.
FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORE PARENTS
:
Have you checked your student’s grades on Schoology yet? October 2 is the middle of the first quarter and a good time to take a look at your child’s progress.
This year Sophomores and Freshmen will also take the PSAT in school on October 16. Results of this test will help your student target areas where they can improve in preparation for their junior year SAT exams. The PSAT will not count for National Merit Scholarship eligibility; that is exclusively for junior year.
ALL PARENTS
:
October 2, 2019, 6:30 pm
Angst is an IndieFlix Original documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps. Join us for this important parent/community screening. Local psychotherapist, Nicole Runyon, will be moderating a Q&A session following the film.
October 9, 2019, 6:15 pm
The Family Center presents:
13 Reasons Why NOT: Suicide Prevention and Creating a Culture of Support for Vulnerable Youth
Keynote address by Riley Juntti and Kym Juntti
Two years ago, Netflix released “13 Reasons Why” chronicling Hannah Baker, a suicidal teen who leaves behind thirteen tapes, each one blaming someone for her death. In 2017, Oxford High School launched “13 Reasons Why NOT” amid the backlash from the show. Riley Juntti, a student at Oxford, was the first student to share her story of teen dating violence and her long history of mental illness and suicidal thoughts. Riley will share her story and Kym, her mother, will share her perspective on living with a child who struggles with mental health and the best ways to help your family.
Breakout sessions (pick two to attend, each will repeat)
- Striving for Perfection: How High Standards and Parental Expectations can lead to Anxiety in Children & Teens, featuring Amanda Be, LMSW, Supportive Counseling Services, PLLC
- The I-Generation: How Social Media has Infiltrated Adolescent Mental Health, featuring Nicole Runyon, LMSW, Professional Psychotherapy, LLC
- Root Causes of Alcohol/Drugs and Teens, featuring Asha Shajahan, MD
Presented in partnership with CARE of Southeastern Michigan, Kevin’s Song, Henry Ford Health System, and The War Memorial
October 23, 2019, 7:00 pm Grosse Pointe Public Library Woods Branch
It is a very difficult time to be an adolescent in American culture. Anxiety is a vastly under-reported diagnosis in today’s youth. As adults (and as a culture) we need to speak openly about this phenomenon and the toll it is taking on our youth. Most importantly we need to see the anxiety our youth face as more than just “the normal process of growing into adulthood.” Rather, we need to see it as symptomatic of a cultural problem set. In this context, Dr. Riegel will suggest that the root of this cultural problem lies in the mismatch between neurology (the developing brain) and the cultural conditions that today’s youth must navigate.
Featuring Rev. Dr. Alexander Riegel
‘The College Preparation Process for Parents and Students’
October 29, 6:30pm, at Brownell Middle School. Pick Two to Attend: “Know How to Go” and “Using Online College Resources” are each offered with specific content for 9th & 10th graders or 11th & 12th graders. We are very pleased to have our own Beth Walsh-Sahutske presenting again with North counselor Milissa Pierce for what should be a very informative evening. Register online at
www.familycenterweb.org
We hope you can attend!
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RSVP today for the community screening of ANGST
GPPSS, The Rotary Club, and The Family Center bring you a screening of the New Documentary
Angst, Raising Awareness around Anxiety
, October 2 at 6:30PM in the Parcells Middle School Auditorium, 20600 Mack. There will be a post-film panel and discussion following the film.
Want a Parent lesson in Schoology?
6:30 p.m. next Monday, October 7 at Brownell is an informational meeting for parents and guardians. Come learn tips on how to use this tool as we partner in education. The purpose of the evening will be the following:
- Provide an overview of how we are currently utilizing Schoology throughout the district
- Work with parents who are having difficulties logging in to Schoology
- Host a workshop session for parents to have time to explore Schoology on their own
All families are welcome! We do understand that the majority of elementary classrooms are not using Schoology yet, so this may be geared more towards secondary families; however, we would like to welcome everyone aboard.
Bring a friend to the Open House Sunday, October 20
At the annual Explore GP Mega Open House, schools will be open 1-3 p.m., homes will be open 12-4 p.m. with passes to the parks for those that attend an open home. Multiple offers throughout the community are being shared by businesses and restaurants. Please invite friends! Include neighbors who haven’t been inside our schools in a while. Visit the next school on your student’s educational path.
www.Explore-GP.com
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Thank you to our generous 2019 Annual Campaign donors who contributed over $6300 so far to support South's students and community and reinforce our shared commitment to educational excellence. Funds raised through the Annual Campaign, along with membership dues, revenue from the School Store and events, and other donations, will fund
scholarships
for South seniors
,
enrichment
of South classrooms and organizations, and
preservation
of South's historic building.
Scholarships
.
This spring, through The Mothers’ Club scholarship program, over $91,000 in need and merit-based scholarships were awarded to South seniors from Mothers’ Club funded scholarships and from community and family funded scholarships. These scholarships invest in South's legacy by supporting our South students as they head off to college.
Enrichment
.
To underwrite educational enrichment activities school-wide, The Mothers’ Club granted over $21,000 in enrichment requests during this school year. Funding extra educational elements such as the Tower final edition, PBIS mentoring program, teacher training, visiting vocal clinicians and DSO musicians to work with our choir and band students, equipment for Adaptive Physical Education classes, dissection specimens, and field trips help South achieve and maintain its excellence as a renowned high school.
Preservation
.
With continued financial support, South's beautiful historic building endures as a source of pride for the Grosse Pointe community. Restoration and refurbishment of Cleminson Hall's original windows and doors, South's clock mechanism, and the creation of a conference room are a few examples of preservation projects completed with funds raised by The Mothers' Club.
We truly appreciate all contributions to this year’s Annual Campaign. For more information on our projects and mission, please visit The Mothers’ Club website at www.mothersclubgps.com.
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For more than 80 years, the Mothers’ Club has been awarding college scholarships to deserving seniors at South. In 2018, we awarded a total of 88 scholarships totaling more than $56,000, including Mothers’ Club funds, community and private funds. Our scholarship recipients attend colleges and universities throughout the country.
Mothers’ Club scholarships are based on both financial need and academic merit. Students must fill out an application (available in January 2020 in the Counseling Center or online from the Mothers’ Club link on the South Web), and be interviewed by the Mothers’ Club Scholarship Committee.
We also administer scholarships from various community groups. Some groups provide specific guidelines and criteria to aid the selection process; others leave the selection entirely up to the Mothers’ Club committee. Some donors ask us to “screen” applicants based on specific criteria and then they choose from this shortened list of applicants.
Scholarship recipients receive their awards at a very special Mothers’ Club Scholarship Awards Night, held in May at the school. Each donor is recognized individually on stage and in all printed and promotional materials. In many cases, a representative from the donor business or family is on hand to present the award personally.
We are always looking for new ways to recognize and honor more of the deserving seniors, if you or someone you know are interested in learning more about how you can contribute – either by making a donation to a current scholarship or setting up a new award, including alumni scholarships, please contact Beverly Bennert at (313) 330-2752 or
scholarship@mothersclubgps.com
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During the 2018-19 school year, the Mothers’ Club supported over $21,000 worth of enrichment requests from teachers and staff. Each year, teachers and staff have two opportunities to request enrichment funds, one in October and another in February. These requests can include in-class enhancements, extracurricular programs, and equipment and materials for their classroom. Purchases during this past year included:
~Camera and film equipment for Art and Photography
~Funding for the Romeo and Juliet performance by the English Dept.
~Yoga Instruction for Special Ed students
~Dremel 3D printer for South’s Maker Space
~DECA registration fees for State competition
~Transportation for Honors Earth Science class field trip
~Guest clinicians for the Symphony & Orchestra program
~Robot control systems for the Gearheads
These grants represent a sampling of the extensive list of requests that Mothers’ Club was able to fulfill.
Thank you for your continued support of the Mothers’ Club. It is through your continued support that we are able to continue to enrich the classroom and academic environment of our students.
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Mothers' Club Alumni Membership
Do you know someone who is a former South student
or a parent/legal guardian of a former South student with no current students at South?
Invite them to become an Alumni Member of The Mothers' Club.
Alumni Membership Dues support
enrichment
,
preservation,
and
scholarship
for South. Alumni Members receive a copy of the student / alumni directory, invitations to Mothers’ Club events, a monthly email of the High Pointes Newsletter, and other emails showcasing what is happening at South. Alumni Members may attend and vote at monthly membership meetings.
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2019-2020 Class Officers
President- Aleena S.
VP- Evie K.
Treasurer- Elle O.
Secretary- Eleni T.
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Contact Information
Class Advisor: Meg Pierce
Advisor Email: piercem2@gpschools.org
Instagram: @gpsouth.22
Facebook: GPS Class Of 2022
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Thank you to all families who donated at the time of registration.
The donors are as follows:
Blue Devil donors: Johnson, Ecclestone, Schuetze, Garberding, Maccagnone, English
Gold donors: Hexter, Lindsay, White, Leech
White donors: Ebenhoeh, Adams, Peck, McEvoy, Nugent, Vethacke, Reeber, Sherry, Kolojeski
Also, Thanks to the dozens of families who donated time, food, money, etc. to make homecoming successful. Homecoming would be impossible without the support of parents. A huge thank you to everyone who made it happen, and a special thank you to the Klaasen family for hosting the float parties.
Finally, The freshman class needs to store the following items until next season, ideally in someone's basement, garage, storage unit, etc.
1. 3 wooden trailer skirt frames (two are 12ft long, one is roughly 6ft long)
2. Large tent. Box is roughly 6.5ft long
3. Posters from spirit week. If mothers' club would like to save these for All Night Party decorations, we will need someone to keep some until then.
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IMPORTANT DATES
October 23-24; All-State Band/Orchestra Auditions (Macomb Seneca MS)
November 2nd; Pops & Pastries (Band/Orchestra largest fundraiser)
Accepting donations for auction baskets until 10/25/19
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Back in August, Chris Pratt, the Choir director, offered a Choir Camp for Middle School thru High School Students. There were students from all 3 Grosse Pointe Middle Schools, both High Schools, as well as from Seneca Middle School and Dakota High School. In one week the students turned out an amazing performance to showcase for their families and friends.
The Choirs have a show coming up on October 11th and 12th at Grosse Pointe North in the PAC for their Fall Follies. This is always a fun show to watch and see what the upcoming season will bring for these talented kids.
The Choirs will also be hosting a Garage Sale on October 26th and 27th in the MPR here at South. Donations will be accepted the week of October 21st. There are always some amazing finds at the Garage Sale. Remember one man's trash is another man's treasure.
If there are any questions about any of these upcoming events, or about becoming a Choir Booster, please go to the Website gpsouthchoir.org for more information.
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SPORTS
South vs North
October 7- Boys Soccer @ South, JV 6:00, Varsity 7:30pm
October 15- Volleyball @ South, F 4:00, JV 5:00, V 6:30pm
October 17- JV Football @ North, 5:30pm
October 18- Varsity Football @ South, 7:00pm. * Tailgate 5:00pm
October 22- Girls' Swim/Dive @ North 6:00pm
October 5 - Run The Pointe
Hosted by the Athletic Booster Club.
To Register:
Winter sports...Gymnastics starts October 28, all other winter sports start in November. The tryout schedule will be posted on the athletic website by October 11.
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High Pointes | Grosse Pointe South Mothers' Club | http://www.mothersclubgps.com/
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