grosse pointe public school system february 2016 … · 2016. 2. 9. · grosse pointe public school...
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GROSSE POINTE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
PIERCE POINTER
Pierce Middle School 15430 Kercheval Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230 313.432.4700 Attendance Line 313.432.4701
www.gpschools.org
February 2016 “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and
convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dear Pierce Parents,
We have great news to celebrate at Pierce regarding student performances on
state and national assessments! I wanted to take the opportunity to spread the
word, and celebrate the achievements of Pierce students and staff in regard to
the successes at Pierce on the MStep assessment (Spring 2015) and PSAT (Fall
2016). The highlights were:
Pierce had the highest scores of all three middle schools in GP on the
Grade 6 ELA, the Grade 8 ELA, and Grade 8 Social Studies assessments
regarding the number of students testing at the proficient level.
In Grade 6 ELA, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average by 27%.
In Grade 7 ELA, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average by 29%.
In Grade 8 ELA, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average by 31%.
In Grade 6 Math, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average by 24%.
In Grade 7 Math, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average 22%%.
In Grade 8 Math, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average by 12%.
In Grade 7 Science, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average by 6%.
In Grade 8 Social Studies, Pierce exceeded the state proficiency average by
22%.
On the Fall 2015 PSAT, Pierce 8th Graders had the best overall mean total
score in the district with an average total score of 905.
Students were assessed in Math, Reading, and Language/Writing. Other high-
lights include:
Pierce 8th graders scored 25 points higher than the district average mean
total score.
Pierce 8th graders scored 78 points higher than the state average mean total
score.
Pierce 8th graders scored 104 points higher than the national average mean
total score.
On the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the PSAT, 98% of
Pierce students met the college readiness benchmark.
A total of 65% of Pierce 8h graders met the college readiness benchmark in
both the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the
PSAT. That score is 6% higher than the district average, 19% higher
that the state average, and 24% higher than the national average.
FEBRUARY 2016
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
FEBRUARY
DATES TO
REMEMBER
Hungry Howie’s Fundraiser
DATE WILL BE
ANNNOUNCED
SOUTH FRESHMAN
FOOTBALL MEETINGS
Wednesday, February 3
Students - Rm 105 3:25-4:15
Parents - Library 7 - 8 PM
Which Wich Fundraiser
Tuesday, February 9
4 PM-9 PM
Band Pre-Festival Concert
Tuesday, February 9
Pierce Auditorium 7 PM
Orchestra Pre-Festival Concert
Tuesday, February 23
GP South High School
South Auditorium 7 PM
7th Grade Parent Meeting
For Washington, D.C. Trip
Wed., Feb. 24 -7 PM
Pierce Auditorium
Mid Winter Break
Begins at End of day
Fri., Feb. 12
Classes Resume
Mon. Feb. 22 - Late Start
WINTER COUNT DAY
Wednesday, February 10
The work that Pierce teachers and administration have done over the past several years (focusing on com-
mon core strategies and the needs of all learners), has paid off in outstanding student performance! Con-
gratulations to all!
Scheduling:
Our course selection process for the 2016-2017 academic year is well underway. Counselors and adminis-
trators have met with fifth grade students and parents at our feeder schools and at Pierce. Current sixth and
seventh graders have brought their course selection sheets home for your signature and return to the Pierce
Counseling Center on or before Tuesday, February 2nd. Our eighth graders have had their high school en-
rollment appointments and their freshmen high school courses are being entered into the system. If you
have concerns, feel free to contact your child's counselor.
Adolescent Health Education: AHE classes will begin for our students this month. Sixth graders will receive instruction during the weeks
of February 1st, 8th, and March 14th. Parents who still wish to review the AHE curriculum may do so by
contacting the Pierce main office to schedule a review appointment. Our AHE teachers this year will be
Steve Hubbell and Kristy Augustyn .
7th Grade Parent Meeting: Information surrounding next fall's 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. will take place on Wednesday, Feb-
ruary 24th at 7:00 PM in the Pierce Auditorium. The trip is scheduled for October 21st-24th. Information
surrounding travel, cost and tentative itinerary will be made available to parents. The meeting will con-
clude by 7:30 PM.
Outstanding Music Students: Forty, Pierce Middle School events earned medals at the District XVI Michigan School Band & Orchestra
Association (MSBOA) Solo & Ensemble Festival held at Rochester High School on Saturday, January 16,
2016. Students prepared solos, duets, trios and quartets on their Band & Orchestra instruments and were
adjudicated on their tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, and interpretation. Congratulations Pierce Middle
School students!
Mid-Winter Break: Whether this break (February 15th – 19th) takes you to a warmer climate or you are
just staying close to home, may it be a safe and enjoyable one for you and your family!
Sincerely,
Principal
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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL - continued
Page 3
COUNSELOR CORNER
This month, I just want to take a moment to address a safety concern that has been brought to my attention
by Pierce staff and community members. In recent years we have had several “near misses” while stu-
dents were walking to and from school, they have almost been hit by parents exiting the driveway (closest
to Nottingham) after dropping off or picking up their children in the back lot.
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as physical injuries or impairments, students should be
dropped off in the front of the building or on St. Paul. Please do not use the parking lot or driveway as
drop off areas. And stopping in the entrance drive backs up traffic onto Kercheval.
We understand that as the winter weather becomes severe you may want to drop your student off as close
to the building as possible. Also, when students have to carry heavy instruments or projects, you may wish
to drop them off as close as possible to the doors. However, doing so does increase the risk to our students
and staff members who are in the back of the building before school starts.
As we continue on through the school year, we ask that you respect this policy in order to guarantee a safe
environment for our students.
Thank you,
Assistant Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS DESK
The course selection process for students who will be attending Pierce next year is continuing. Counselors
and administrators met with our feeder schools the week of January 18th and distributed course selection
sheets which were due by January 27th.
Counselors met with our current 6th and 7th graders on January 26th and 27th during advisory to help guide
them through the enrollment process. The course selection sheets are due back signed by February
2nd. Counselors will be inputting their choices into Zangle before the mid-winter break. The 8th graders
will input their courses on January 28th during Social Studies classes.
If parents have any questions regarding the enrollment process, they should contact their child’s counselor
by phone or email.
Counselor Contacts
Please feel free to contact your child’s counselor if there are any events that impact your child’s ability to
concentrate or function in school. It would be helpful to know when a child is dealing with issues such as
divorce, family illness, or even the loss of a beloved pet. We can discuss how to use that information to
best serve your child. We will honor the parent’s wishes with regard to how and with whom the infor-
mation is shared.
Andrea Bolton 432. 4716 Christa Warner 432.4717
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PTO FUNDRAISING
PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
THURSDAY, MARCH 10
5:00 -7:30 pm
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
CLASSES IN AM - HALF DAY OF SCHOOL
PM CONFERENCES
1:30 - 3:30 pm & 5:00 -7:30 pm
Support the PTO, the easy and painless way!
The PTO sponsors the following easy fund-raising that require minimal effort but bring maximum re-wards:
TARGET: Target will donate up to 1% of your qualifying Target REDcard (either Visa or deb-it) to Pierce. Visit http://www.target.com/redcard/benefits-target-rewards and click on Take Charge of Education to enroll.
KROGER: Did you know that a portion of your qualifying Kroger purchases could be donated to Pierce? Visit http://www.kroger.com/community/Pages/community_rewards.aspx to enroll your Kroger Plus card and select Pierce under the Community Rewards tab.
BOX TOPS and LABELS FOR EDUCATION: Start saving Box Tops and Labels! Later this year, Box Tops contests will bring the chance for some great prizes! More information is coming, but in the meantime, save those Box Tops!
TONER CARTRIDGES: Bring your used toner and ink cartridges to school. We recycle them for credit at Staples. Don’t forget to check at work!
If you have any questions regarding fundraising programs, please contact:
Stacey Chen at [email protected] or by phone - 821.3195
MARCH PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCES
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PTO POINTS
Welcome back to the 2016! I can’t believe we are already a month into the new year, and talking
about course selection for NEXT school year. Exciting, yet a little anxiety-inducing (for parents lol).
Try to take some time to just stop and enjoy. Before we know it, these kiddos of ours will be all
grown up. Believe me, being the mom of 3 in Middle School all at the same time is not an easy task,
but we all need to remember to just take some time to enjoy each day.
The Pierce PTO has been hard at work in the first month of the year. Coney Night was extremely
well attended, and great fun for all of next year’s incoming 6th graders! The Book Fair was once
again a wonderful week, and organized so beautifully. The PTO is so thankful for our many dedicat-
ed volunteers who helped with both of these super events. Your gift of time is appreciated so much!
A special shout out to out chairpersons of these events: Jill Chown (Coney Night), Kim Shine &
Courtney Bocci (Book Fair). Thanks ladies for your hard work and dedication!
Please make a note of some upcoming PTO events: February NO PTO Meeting
March 12th PTO Progressive Dinner (see flyer in this issue of the Pointer)
March 15th PTO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
April 8, 2016 Super Fun Night (please note date change for this event)
Are YOU interested in becoming more involved with the PTO? The 2015-16 Board of Directors
will soon be taking shape, and there will be open spots to fill. Please contact any Board member if
you are interested in helping out with the Pierce PTO in any capacity. We will always welcome addi-
tional hands and support.
Have an enjoyable Mid-Winter break!
Warmly,
Michelle Kramer
Pierce PTO President
313-268-4033
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PIERCE SPELLING BEE
Pierce Middle School held its Annual All-School Spelling Bee. After 16 grueling rounds, 7th Grader Atticus H. was de-clared the winner by spelling ‘accompany’ correctly. 6th grader, Lilly G. was the runner up and 6th Grade champion. Austin D. was the 8th Grade Champion. The attached picture shows the students in this order L-R: Austin D. (puma sweatshirt), Atticus H. (middle) and Lilly G. (only girl) on
the end. Atticus H. will now participate in the WXYZ Channel 7 Spelling Bee at the Charles H. Wright Museum on March 3rd, 2016. The winner from this competition will travel to Washington DC in May for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Susan Quinn English Department Chair
PLEASE PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!
Parents SHOULD NOT drop students
off in the Pierce Driveway at Kerche-
val, or in the Parking Lot behind
Pierce in the mornings. It is a busy
traffic area and very unsafe!
Page 7
BAND AND ORCHESTRA
40 Grosse Pointe Public School Pierce Middle School events earned medals at the District XVI Mich-igan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Solo & Ensemble Festival held at Rochester High School on Saturday, January 16, 2016. Students prepared solos, duets, trios and quartets on their Band & Orchestra instruments and were adjudicated on their tone, intonation, rhythm, tech-nique, and interpretation. Congratulations Pierce Middle School students!
FIRST DIVISION RATING (Excellent) Abraham A. - trumpet solo Abraham A., Devyn G. - brass duet Matthew B. - piano solo Matthew B. - trumpet solo Hayden B. - Olivia M., Peyton L. - flute trio Katherine B. - cello solo Morgen B., Anna J. - woodwind duet Joey B. - piano solo Owen B. - viola solo Owen C. - oboe solo Jack C. - violin solo Anna D. - violin solo Kerrigan D. - euphonium solo Soleil G. - piano solo Lizzie H., Will C. - bass duet Anna J. - flute solo Olivia M. - flute solo Erica M. - violin solo Barret M., Jack C. - string duet Holly M. - harp solo Victoria O. - violin solo Victoria O., Roo W., Grace K., Holly M. - string quartet Charlotte P. - viola solo Raegan R. - violin solo Daniel S. - tuba solo Ian S., Jack M.. - saxophone duet Shea V., Charlotte P. - string duet SECOND DIVISION RATING (Good) Awmeo A. - violin solo Katie B., Elli R. - saxophone duet Emma B. - flute solo Emma B., Lailyn B., Bashar A., Shannon K. - flute quartet Morgen B. - french horn solo Owen B., Awmeo A. - string duet Joey B., Andrew F., Andrew C., Joey A. - saxophone quartet Mason G. - snare drum solo Haven H., Claire Z. - string duet Grace K. - viola solo Corey M. - violin solo Joseph T. - violin solo
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STUDENT COUNT DAY
8th
Grade Pierce students interested in playing Freshmen Football at Grosse Pointe South
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Student Meeting: 3:25-4:15 PM Room #105 Parent Meeting: 7:00-8:00 PM Pierce Library
The GPS football coaches will present an overview of the program. Topics will include overall philosophy, cost, weight room, and review of the football calendar.
If you have questions, or are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Freshman Head Coach, Tony Cimmarrusti at:
313.580.8090 or [email protected]
SOUTH FRESHMAN FOOTBALL
THE PERIODIC DISTRIBUTION OF NON-SCHOOL-RELATED WRITTEN MATERIALS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
ENDORSEMENT BY THE SCHOOL SYSTEM OF THOSE MATERIALS OR OF THE GROUPS SPONSORING THEM.
FEBRUARY 10TH
IS STUDENT COUNT DAY.
PLEASE MAKE SURE
YOUR CHILD IS IN SCHOOL!
WASHINGTON D.C. PHOTOS AVAILABLE!
Attention! 8th Graders that attended
The Washington D.C. Trip - Group Photo available for purchase for
$3.00 until Feb 25th. Please see Mr. Benz.
Page 9
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Stefanie Hayes, Director of Student Services
20090 Morningside
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 432-3851
If the individual filling the grievance alleges that the Section 504/ADA coordina-tor has engaged in discrimination, then the individual filing the grievance must provide the documentation to the:
Deputy Superintendent for Educational Services
389 St. Clair
Grosse Pointe, MI 48230
Phone: (313) 432-3016
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Grosse Pointe Public Schools System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
GEOGRAPHY BEE NEWS!
The school wide Geo Bee was held. Congratulations to Nick K., an 8
th grader who was the overall winner. Nick will take his written
test and it will be sent off to Washington DC. If he scores in the top 100 scores for Michigan, he will compete for the state title and could represent Michigan at the National Geography Bee in April. Good luck Nick, we’re proud of you.
Congratulations also to 8th
grader Alex C. came in 2nd and to 7th
grader Atticus H. who came in 3rd. Congratulations to everyone who participated and great job Nick!
Jeannie Brousseau
Social Studies Department Chair
GEOGRAPHY BEE
SOCIAL STUDIES OLYMPIAD
Social Studies Olympiad: Once again Pierce students are continuing their proud past by competing in the Olympiad. This year we have two quiz bowl teams, a drama team and a number of individual event participants. The Olympiad this year is at Martin Luther King High School in Detroit on May 16
th. The Pierce Olympians are under the
direction of Jeannie Brousseau
Quizbowl: Imran S, Will C, Lizzie H, Owen C, Shea V, Atticus H, Jacquelyn W, Awmeo A
Drama Team: Ian S, Vinnie W, Aaron D, Olivia M, Miranda F, Jack M, Abraham A
Posters: Regan K, Justus W
Essay: Atticus H, TBA
Investment Challenge: Ian W., Jerry X.
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WRESTLING
Coach: Billy Ward - [email protected]
Practice began February 1st
MEET SCHEDULE
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Day Date Opponent H/A 7th/8th Mon. Feb. 22 Southlake Home 4:30/5:30
Wed. Feb. 24 Kennedy Home 4:00/5:00
Fri. Feb. 26 Parcells Home 4:00/5:00
Mon. Feb. 29 Brownell Away 4:00/4:00
Fri. Mar. 4 Jefferson Away 4:00/5:00
Mon. Mar. 7 Southlake Away 4:00/5:00
Day Date Opponent H/A 7th/8th
Wed.. Mar. 9 Kennedy Away 4:00/5:00
Fri. Mar. 11 Jefferson Home 4:00/5:00
Mon. Mar. 14 Parcells Away 4:00/5:00
Wed. Mar. 16 Brownell Home 4:00/5:00
Fri. Mar. 18 Kelly Home 4:00/5:00
Mon. Mar. 21 W. Woods Away 4:00/5:00
8th
GRADE TEAM
Coach: Mr. Andre Williams
7th
GRADE TEAM
Coach: Mr. Joshua Lord
7th Grade Practice runs from 3:30 until 5:00
8th Grade Practice runs from 4:30 until 6:00
Tues. Feb 23 Away Parcells 4:00
Mon. Feb 29 Home Kelly 4:00
Thurs. March 3 Away Wolfe 4:00
Mon. March 7 Home Jefferson 4:00
Wed. March 9 Home Bemis of Utica 4:30
Tues. March 15 Away Page 4:15
Wed. March 16 Away Chatterton 4:00
Tues. March 22 Away Lincoln 4:00
Thurs. March 24 Home Clawson 4:30
Saturday, March 12, 2016
6:00 – 11:00 PM
What is a Progressive Dinner?
A progressive dinner is a group of people moving from location to location eating and enjoying their way through a fun meal. The party begins with everyone gathering together for appetizers. We will then break into smaller groups for dinner and back together again for dessert.
This year’s dinner will be catered by the Cabbage Patch Café
Appetizers: 6:00 - 7:30 PM Appetizers with beverages at the Hodge’s home, 1015 Devonshire
Dinner: 7:30 – 9:30 PM Cabbage Patch Café catered dinner at host houses. The meal is served family-style and can include vegetarian and gluten-free options – please indicate on form below.
Where? You will receive your dinner assignment during your visit to the appetizer house.
Dessert: 9:30 – 11:00 PM Dessert with beverages at the Lefief’s home, 521 Middlesex
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(Please return this bottom portion and payment to the Pierce school office or drop off to 701 Berkshire Rd)
RSVP deadline is Friday, February 26
If you RSVP after this date you may be asked to be a host dinner house.
Name ________________________________________ Phone ____________________________
E-mail _________________________________________________________________
Please check all that apply:
__ I would like to participate in this evening. Enclosed is my payment of $50/couple or $25/single
__ I am willing to host the dinner portion of the evening. I can seat 6-8-10-12 (circle one). Food is provided to the hosts with minimum preparation. I request ________________________ at my home (one couple)
__ I am willing to bring an hors d'oeuvre to the appetizer house. (needed and appreciated)
__ I am willing to bring a dessert to the dessert house. (needed and appreciated)
__ I prefer vegetarian, gluten-free (circle) or have an allergy listed here ___________________________
**Make checks payable to "Pierce PTO" please**
Dinner directions provided at the appetizer house; dress code is nice casual.
Questions? Contact Beth Kurta, [email protected] 313.477.2014 or Renee Jakubowski, [email protected] 313.806.4542
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WHICH WICH FOR DINNER!
Tuesday February 9th
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PROTECT YOUR HEARING!
PIERCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
PIZZA NIGHT
SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED Grosse Pointe Park Location
(15316 E. Jefferson)
313-823-7000
Simply turn in the slip below and we will earn our 20% donation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:__________________________ 6th hour Teacher:__________________
Grade:__________________ Total Order Amount:______________
Pierce Middle School
Let’s help raise money for Pierce Middle School!
Hungry Howie’s will donate 20% of our Pizza Night
purchases back to our school.
Just fill in the slip below and hand it to the cashier or delivery
driver and enjoy your dinner! Let’s all make this a great year. If
you happen to forget your flyer please mention it to the cash-
ier or driver so we can credit the school. We will have extra
flyers available at the store. Please fill out your teachers name
on the slip. The teacher that has the most participation is
awarded a free pizza party for their class!
