GB Shout! 2019

#schoole veryday

District Newsletter • Volume IV • June 2019

A Tradition of Excellence MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS P. 2 • GBHS ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS P. 7 • 2019 TOP TEN GRADUATES P. 8 • ELEMENTARY NEWS P. 10

GBHS CTE Students Build Business Chalets for City of Grand Blanc

A Letter from the Superintendent:

Wow! What a school year this has been for our students, staff, and the community!

I continue to be amazed at the drive and inspiration our students and staff demonstrate each day to make a difference for themselves and others in our community. Whether it is our Positivity Project (P2) movement, work with the United Way, High School LEAD class, Geometry in Construction, Fine Arts (World Champion Drumline), AP Research, Early College, etc... you name it, students and staff in Grand Blanc continue to push boundaries and challenge our way of thinking about teaching and learning.

Education has long been said to be a place to obtain knowledge and experience. It is also a place to question and explore various (Continued on Page 5)

Students from Geometry in Construction, a Career & Technology Education (CTE) class at GBHS, will get to see their work from this school year live on for years to come. Business chalets were constructed over the 201819 school year in the class, and have been transported to their new destination downtown next to Grand Blanc City Hall.

The students worked on the floors last fall before the snowfall, built walls indoors in the (Continued on Page 13)

On Thursday, May 23, 2019 specialized hauling equipment moved the tiny businesses built by GBHS students to their permanent home in downtown Grand Blanc. Students watched with Mr. Youngs and Mr. Wiltse as the buildings were loaded and carried away.

Superintendent: Clarence Garner • Deputy Superintendent: Dr. Trevor Alward • Director of Business Affairs: Todd Rathbun • Director of Operations: J.P. Adams

Grand Blanc Community Schools • 11920 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI 48439 Phone: 810.591.6000 • www.gbcs.org • @gbcsbobcats

Volume IV • June 2019

2019 Tech Update

The Technology Department keeps up a rigorous pace as they continue to implement changes throughout the Spring and Summer of 2019, thanks to the 2015 Technology Bond. Projects in the works include updating the remaining (approx. half) of the classrooms in the district with new wiring and electrical for new projectors and new adjustable teacher stations, marker boards, sound fields, and video mixers.

In addition, 217 of those classroom upgrades were completed, 6 flexible spaces have been created at GBHS, 4 at the middle schools, 2 Technology Exploration rooms have been remodeled, and some of the elementary libraries have gotten a complete makeover. This summer, Mason, Myers, Reid and Brendel will have libraries remodeled and Tech Ex rooms overhauled, along with Tech Ex rooms at Indian Hill and McGrath.

To date, 6597 Chromebooks have been distributed in grades 3-12 through the 1:1 technology initiative. Those students take their Chromebooks home nights, weekends, and for the summer. Another 425 iPads and Touchscreen Chromebooks are in use in K-2 classrooms on a 2:1 basis. Those devices stay in classroom carts.

In addition, technology has rolled out an entirely new website at www.gbcs.org. The old site at www.grandblancschools.org will go away at the end of June, 2019, and that domain will be forwarded to the new site.

A team of staff and students worked for months to narrow down providers and choose the company that would give the district a new look. The committee chose Blackboard as having the services they were looking for, and Herb Wansitler, Technology Architect for Grand Blanc, led the implementation initiated by the Strategic Plan. A fairly comprehensive communication and messaging system will streamline communications from the district.

The website and messaging service is live now, while they hope to have the basic mobile application available for download in the Android and Apple app stores by fall. ▪ Page 2 • GB Shout! Volume IV

An Update from Grand Blanc East Middle School Principal, Mrs. Kruse 2018-2019 has been an outstanding year at East Middle School! Our entire community can be proud of the exceptional efforts and achievements of our EMS students over the past year. The rich fabric of opportunities for students at East Middle School has allowed our students to demonstrate their own unique genius.

From academic learning to athletics, our students excelled. This year, EMS students have taken part in challenging academic competitions, art exhibits, and team build-

ing events. Beyond the classroom, we continue to encourage our students to learn about their growing roles as citizens in the Grand Blanc community through The Positivity Project activities, service learning projects and field trips.

We strive to build a safe and caring learning environment where all of our students experience success. Through collaboration of students, parents and school, we are able to accomplish this goal. Thank you for your continued support!

State Grant Boosts Safety Efforts Grand Blanc Community Schools was awarded $243,838 through the Michigan State Police School Safety Initiative. The money is part of a total of $25 million announced for distribution to schools by the State of Michigan.

The money will partially fund the installation of barricade locks for all classroom doors in the district. The remainder of the money necessary will come from the district’s Sinking Fund.

Legacy Barricades, Inc. manufactures this barricade device in Michigan. It was developed by a military and police veteran, Hunter Seelbinder, and has been approved for use by both fire and police. The product has already been installed at several buildings, with the remaining on the schedule for this summer.

Lock-down drill procedures for school buildings will remain exactly the same as in the past, with the addition of activating the barricade device, which only takes seconds. It makes the existing door an extremely strong physical barrier to any threat. Grand Blanc police, fire, and school resource officers have been very helpful in the process of selecting and testing the Legacy device.

This addition is just one more line of defense in case of a real crisis situation. Our safety assessment is ongoing at Grand Blanc Community Schools, but we look forward

Legacy Barricades, Inc. founder Hunter Seelbinder demonstrates the barricade device for administrators.

to taking the Legacy Barricade initiative completely district-wide over the coming months. Installation technicians will be working outside of school hours to outfit all interior classroom doors as quickly as possible, followed by education of staff about the device and its use. ▪ *This project is supported by the fiscal year 2019 Competitive School Safety Grant Program, awarded by the State of Michigan and administered by the Michigan State Police (M.S.P.) Points of view or opinions contained within this document do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State of Michigan or the M.S.P.

June, 2019

WMS Human Library in Second Year West Middle School E.L.A. teachers Mrs. Hopewell and Mrs. Kennedy-Jacob held their 2nd Annual “Human Library” project recently.

The Human Library brings in special guests with lives that might be thought of as interesting or extraordinary. The guests have “novel titles” and can be “checked out” by students and staff members. Visitors sit down with that novel/guest and listen to a short narrative of their story and then can ask questions. Students are involved in the process of finding interesting guests.

Human Library guest and “Novel” Kyle Wilson shows his tattoos to another guest. “From Nothing to Something” was the title of Wilson’s story about running away with the circus to now performing on the trapeze at Club Meds all over the world. He is Mrs. Hopewell’s brother and was a popular guest last year as well.

Jack Weyandt joined a crowd of staff and students during 5th period to share his story as a “World War II veteran.”

The project brings people together from different walks of life and exposes the students to stories from people they might not normally encounter. Students also learn communication skills like how to form investigative questions, practice active listening, and how to interact with adults. The main purpose is to question their preconceptions about people. Later they reflect on the assumptions they had and how they differ from what they learned through the guests/novels. They also complete a written account of the experience as an assessment.

One novel was a Grand Blanc Twp. police of-

ficer of 5 years, Officer Webb. He graduated from a special program at Ferris State University that allowed him to go straight from college to police work. Students asked him many great questions, including if being an officer was at all like what it’s portrayed on TV. Another guest returned from last year’s event, Kyle Wilson, a circus performer who is also Mrs. Hopewell’s brother. He “ran away with the circus” and now works at various Club Meds around the world performing on the trapeze. He currently resides in the Dominican Republic, but this is the second time he’s made it back home to be a part of the Human Library. The students really enjoy the stories he shared.

Other guests included: Rand Daboul, a Syrian immigrant; recovering addicts; athletic coaches; a World War II veteran; a Muslim student; a transitioning transgender student; and many more! The engagement from students and the willingness of these community members to share their stories culminated in a very rewarding experience for our West Middle School students again this school year. ▪

EMS Explores A Long Walk to Water 6th graders at EMS read the book, A Long Walk to Water, the story of 11 year old Salva, one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” In the late 1980’s, civil war drove thousands of young boys from their families and villages in South Sudan. They fled to Ethiopia on foot to escape death or induction into the army, walking more than a thousand miles across

the desert, facing attacks by lions, crocodiles and soldiers, and death by starvation and lack of water. It’s estimated that half of them died before reaching a refugee camp in Kenya. The survivors became known as the “Lost Boys of Sudan”. Close to four thousand Lost Boys, including Salva, later came to the United States seeking peace, freedom and educa-

(Continued on Page 13)

P.I.C. Upper School Expands with 8th Grade Perry Innovation Center (P.I.C.) will now have 6th, 7th and 8th grade, expanding Perry Upper School again for the 2019-20 school year.

Director of P.I.C., Mrs. Hall, is also the Curriculum Director for the district and works closely with the district’s Technology team, now locat-

ed in Perry Center, as well as Educational Consultant, Matinga Ragatz. Hall says the school has now reached capacity at 192 students.

The team has been working to shape the curriculum for those 8th graders next year. A new classroom is being remodeled to add the 8th

grade class and Mr. Butcher, a teacher transferring from West Middle School, has been selected to teach at P.I.C. Mr. Butcher will teach math for 6th, 7th and 8th and join Mrs. Cramer and Mr. Vallimont in teaching other curriculum areas for those Upper School students. ▪

East Middle School Principal: Jolene Kruse • East Middle School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Scott Turnbow West Middle School Principal: Jeffrey Neall • West Middle School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Ross Burdette • Perry Innovation Center Upper School: Director, Amber Hall

June, 2019

GB Shout! Volume IV • Page 3

American Government: “Coffee House Politics” Grand Blanc High School teacher Nathan Riek’s American Government class has had a very unique final exam format this year.

They hosted “Coffee House Politics”, wherein members of the community were invited to participate in a conversation on important political topics with students. Each class was divided into groups that consisted of several students and several adults. They were given a bowl that contained questions and students drew randomly to choose a topic to engage discussion.

leaders, teachers, business owners, and parents with widely varying political affiliations and opinions, participated throughout the day. Discussions took place in the Flex Lab at High School West.

The reinvented American Government course was designed by Riek with the guidance of Matinga Ragatz, an independent Educational Consultant working with staff at Grand Blanc Community Schools, to modernize teaching

Superintendent Clarence Garner, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Alward, School Board Members, GBTPD Chief Wiles, Genesee County Republican Party Chairman, Koen Driesen, a representative from Debbie Stabenow’s office, an NRA representative and many other

and education.

The questions derived from the content of the course over the semester: Unit 1 - House Divided - Media, Unit 2 - Lack of Political Participation, Unit 3 - Gun Violence, and Unit 4 - Climate Change.

Some questions were tough, but the students demonstrated open-mindedness and patience as they listened to different viewpoints and communicated their own opinions. Riek said, “They seemed to really enjoy it and thought it was very worthwhile. Overall a very valuable experience even though there were some difficult/tense moments.”

Example questions in the bowls: “Some say that the U.S. is correct in breaking away from (Continued on Page 7)

GB Staff Trained to “Stop the Bleed” “Stop the Bleed” is a life-saving campaign initiated by the National Security Council Staff and endorsed by the American College of Surgeons.

strate the tourniquet on a wound care trainer.

The program also stressed that it is important to ensure your own safety when responding to someone in distress and to use gloves, if Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one available. Staff members who attended the cause of preventable death from trauma. training received a certificate from the American College of Surgeons, Committee on TrauOriginally in response to the tragic Sandy ma, for successful completion of “Bleeding Hook school shooting, proponents of the proControl Basic v. 1.0 Course”. gram are quick to point out that the life-saving techniques to stop bleeding extend far MERT (Medical Emergency Response Teams) are in place at all buildings. MERT members beyond a mass casualty incident. are trained at the GISD, have regular response Trauma Program Coordinator, Zachary Landdrills and have been trained in CPR and the ers, RN, BSN from Ascension Genesys, taught use of lifesaving AEDs. AEDs are installed and district staff the proper use of a tourniquet maintained at all GBCS buildings. A trauma and steps to take when there is uncontrolled first aid kit, thanks to Landers and the “Stop bleeding. the Bleed” program, now accompanies each Landers used an example in which a young AED. The kits contain a tourniquet, vinyl child sustained a broken arm on the play- gloves, scissors to cut clothing, and gauze for ground at another school, so severe that the wound packing. bone had broken through the skin and caused Landers said everyone would benefit from uncontrolled bleeding. These are accidents purchasing and carrying a pair of gloves and a ER professionals around the country see ev- tourniquet in their vehicle, in case of a traffic ery day that benefit from the knowledge of accident or other uncontrolled bleeding situthese methods. The sooner they can be ad- ation. Pressure application can be attempted ministered, the better, according to Landers. with just a clean cloth and/or your hands if Training attendees were required to demon-

Page 4 • GB Shout! Volume IV

necessary. ▪

Top: At an AED location in Perry Center, J.P. Adams, Clarence Garner and Nurse O’Mara accept the delivery of the Trauma First Aid kits from Landers provided by Ascension Genesys.

Bottom: Zachary Landers, RN, BSN from Ascension Genesys assists Dr. Alward (Deputy Superintendent) and Mr. Mitchell (Indian Hill Principal) in applying a tourniquet on a wound care trainer.

June, 2019

GBHS Winter Drumline Earns World Champion Title

Winter Drumline attended the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Indoor Winter Drumline from Grand Blanc High School earned a 1st Place Overall score of 96.075, winning them the title of “World Champions”!

The World title came on the back of a 1st place finish at State competition last year! The Drumline is part of the award-winning Grand Blanc High School Instrumental Music Department.

The GBHS Music Department earned the title of “Best Community for Music Education” from the NAMM organization for the second year in a row in 2019!

GBHS Band Directors Corbin Hutchison Caleb Goncz Drumline Director Anthony Leithauser Front Ensemble Staff Ann Costopulos Alyssa Schorn

Battery Staff Daniel Cenci Thomas Volker Nathaniel Gilmore ​Matthew Cocagne​ ​Garrett Sitko Visual Consultant Lindsey Schueller

The GBHS Color Guard also achieved 2nd place in the state of Michigan with some fantastic scores. GBHS Wind Ensemble earned a historic 17th straight season of “Superior” ratings.

GBCS was again awarded a “Best Community for Music Education” by NAMM. ▪

A Letter (Continued from Page 1)

modalities of thinking. Our students and staff are doing just that in Grand Blanc.

that understands the importance that education plays in producing young people of high On behalf of the Board of Education and our academic and moral standards. The impact entire district, we want to say THANK YOU for of this “Zero-Increase Bond” will be felt from the successful passage of our Sinking Fund Mill- north to south and east to west in our district. age renewal this past May. As you are aware, Whether you have a child just starting kinthis was part two of “The Future is Now” cam- dergarten, have a high school student, or are paign. This campaign will culminate next year someone who uses our district facilities, you with the final phase of the project. will be able to see the positive impact on our In May of 2020 we will be asking our voters to infrastructure, on our fields, our parking lots, approve a “Zero Increase Bond”. This millage our entryways, our classrooms, our roofs, etc. request WILL NOT increase what our taxpay- It is truly an exciting time to be in Grand Blanc! ers currently pay, but if approved, will allow As always, thank you for your continued supus to transform a multitude of spaces within port and commitment to our school district. our district to the benefit of our students, staff, The 2019-2020 school year is shaping up to be and the Grand Blanc community. The scope of these changes fall within our district’s Strategic very special! Have a safe and enjoyable sumPlan, in particular, Strategy III and Strategy V. If mer. We will see you in the fall! approved by our voters, this will be the third Sincerely, proposal in three years that DID NOT raise our taxes, but helped to secure our financial future.

Grand Blanc has long been a proud community June, 2019

Clarence Garner

Fill out an online interest form at

www.gbcsworks.com

or look for our booth at Grand Blanc events this summer!

Buy $5 tickets for race prizes August 4th at Rust Park!

Grand Blanc Educational Foundation

Duck Race

Buy tickets from a trustee, at First Friday Food Trucks, the GB Art Fair or at the administration building behind Perry Center!

GB Shout! Volume IV • Page 5

Zero-Increase Bond Proposal Planned for 2020

About 2 1/2 years ago, the Grand Blanc Board of Education and administrators came up with a plan to bring exciting changes to Grand Blanc Community Schools WITHOUT asking the residents to pay any more in taxes.

Some highlights of the proposed projects 2018-2023 Strategic Plan would include: available on the district website, www.gbcs.org.

• District-wide flexible furniture

• GBHS athletic facility renovation including artificial field turf, concession stand, gate The Non-Homestead Renewal (2018) and the entries, bathroom and locker rooms, and Sinking Fund Renewal (2019), already apmore! proved by voters, were two of three ballot initiatives sought to secure the financial sit- • HVAC upgrades (to include air conditionuation of the district and provide funding to ing in buildings without) aspects of the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan.

• Lighting at middle school athletic fields A team of over 100 community members, • High school/athletic parking lot expansion teachers, administrators and students met for months to identify and address the most More information on these plans can be pressing needs of the district. found in Strategy III and Strategy V of the

The district has one more vote coming up at the poles in May of 2020. The Zero-Increase Bond Proposal is the grand finale of “The Future is Now”, asking voters within school boundaries to approve a measure that would NOT increase taxes, but would extend the current debt tax levy for an additional 6 years. If approved, the estimated $69 million generated would be used to fund these and other exciting district projects over the next 6 years. ▪

AP Capstone: A Two Year Journey

has helped them with time management, presentation, writing and identifying trustworthy sources of information. AP Seminar student, Blake Spencer said after his final presentation for the year, “It prepares me for college very well.” He said no matter what field he goes into, the research and public speaking skills will help him succeed.

AP Seminar was a class of about 24 this year, and Bleicher and Endicott say they have a full class for Seminar next year at approximately the same number, meaning the program will be at capacity next year. Students are required to apply for the program, but there haven’t been any students prohibited from taking the class yet. This may change if interest continues to grow.

A relatively new AP course is being piloted to a select number of schools in the country, including Grand Blanc High School. A class of about 14 students has almost completed their two-year commitment with teacher Mrs. Bleicher. AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research and the two together make up AP Capstone. This year Mrs. Endicott has joined Bleicher to co-teach the two courses.

In the second year, students were challenged Feedback so far has been positive. to design, plan, and conduct a year-long According to their website, the College Board research-based investigation to address says AP Capstone “equips students with a problem or issue of their choosing, and the independent research, collaborative produce and defend a scholarly academic teamwork, and communication skills that are paper of 4,000-5,000 words. Then they gave increasingly valued by colleges”. It’s designed a presentation with an oral defense, during to complement study in other AP courses, which they answered questions from a panel and Grand Blanc students agree, this course of evaluators.

Marcella Petiprin gives her AP Capstone multi-media presentation on “Action Research for School Libraries”, a topic that will assist GBHS in decisions about an upcoming GBHS library remodel.

Student Matthew Bush’s parents came to observe their son’s final presentation. Bush’s mom said, “more than any other class, this class has taught them how to be in college.”

Students must earn scores of 3 or higher (out of a possible 5) in both of these courses and on four additional AP exams to receive an AP Capstone Diploma, which signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills.

Last year, 2018 GBHS graduate and National Merit finalist, Veronica Sikora, was one of only 111 students in the WORLD to earn a perfect score on her presentation, oral defense, and paper. ▪

GBHS Principal: Michael Fray • GBHS Asst. Principal: Gary Goetzinger • GBHS Asst. Principal: Diana Balbaugh • GBHS Asst. Principal: Allyson Walroth GBHS Asst. Principal & AD: Jerrod Dohm GBHS East Campus Student Advisor: Lori Jackson • GBHS West Campus Student Advisor: Kevin Keilitz • GBHS CTE Coordinator: Janet Roberts

Page 6 • GB Shout! Volume IV

June, 2019

Coffee House (Continued from Page 4)

Example questions in the bowls: “Some say that the U.S. is correct in breaking away from the Paris Climate agreement. How would you respond to them?” and “What are effective

ways to limit mass shootings?” The purpose of this new take on the study of American Government, Riek says in the outline of the discussion, aims to “help students find com-

mon ground in solving major problems facing our nation with skills developed in the course”. ▪

The remodeled gym in the west campus building of Grand Blanc High School was officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10, 2019.

specializes in surface for sports facilities”, said Facilities Director, J.P. Adams. Padded turf pieces fit together on the floor of the gym simulating a grass field. The system will allow damaged or worn pieces to be replaced easily in the future.

New Indoor Turf Gym at Grand Blanc High School

Administrators and athletic staff join the Athletic Foundation for a grand opening of the new indoor turf gym at Grand Blanc High School’s west campus.

The near 10,000 sq. ft. gym was underutilized as it stood before, and now allows for teams, clubs and physical education classes to practice and train indoors in inclement weather. The project was identified as part of the Strategic Plan, which calls for underused areas of school buildings to be re-purposed. The Grand Blanc Athletic Foundation (GBAF) and the Sinking Fund paid for the project.

In the past, athletic teams have had to rent space in off-campus facilities in the winter and spring. GBHS Athletic Director & Asst. Principal, Jerrod Dohm stated, “The facility will save our sports programs and booster clubs thousands of dollars in rental fees.” The gym has already been a popular place for teams.

Turf material fits together in pieces so damaged or warn sections can easily be replaced.

FALL 2018

Batting cage nets salvaged from an old gym area at McGrath hang from the ceiling ready for use and a divider is still available to split the facility in two. ▪

GBHS ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS 2018-2019

Football MHSAA Playoff Qualifier Girls’ Golf MHSAA State Finals Qualifier All State Team Academic Boys’ Soccer SVL South Div Champs District Champions Regional Champions MHSAA State Semi-Finalists Girls’ Swim & Dive First Place in Genesee County Invitational Volleyball SVL Champions

June, 2019

“The turf material was purchased from AstroTurf, a division of Sport Group, which

There are no lines on the turf for specific sports, so the gym is useful to all. Bleachers were removed, and faded and mismatched safety pads that hung on the walls were replaced.

A bench and hooks for equipment now line one wall of the facility. Some modifications had to be made to the lighting to prevent damage, and the whole area was spruced up with fresh new paint. Giant art of a Bobcat on the wall hand-painted by the beloved “Voice of the Bobcats”, the late Charlie Carmody, was preserved with a professional touch-up.

WINTER 2018-2019

Competitive Cheer SVL Conference Champions District Champions Regional Champions State Finals Qualifier All State Team Academic Boys’ Basketball District Champions Hockey All State Team Academic Boys’ Swim & Dive SVL Champions Genesee County Invitational Champions Boys’ Wrestling District Champions

SPRING 2019

Baseball District Champions Boys’ Golf Regional Champions State Finals Qualifiers - 15th Place Girls’ Soccer District Champions Boys’ Track SVL Champions Regional Champions MHSAA State Tournament Qualifiers - 6th Place Girls’ Track MHSAA State Tournament Qualifiers - 7th Place

Girls’ Tennis MHSAA State Tournament Qualifiers - 14th Place Softball District Champions SVL South Champions All Academic All State Girls’ Lacrosse All State Team Academic Almost 30% of the class of 2019 represented the Bobcats as a member of a team, with over 50 seniors participating in multiple seasons.

More than 30 athletes attended press conferences hosted by the Athletics Department for athletes pursuing sports at the college level!

GB Shout! Volume IV • Page 7

GBHS 2019 TOP TEN Ha Young Kim

is the daughter of Young-Man Kim and Miok Kim. She is graduating with a GPA of 4.518. Ha Young plans to study biology and biochemistry after high school with the goal of becoming a medical scientist doing research on antibody diversity. While at Grand Blanc High School, Ha Young was a member of Club Fingerprints, Quiz Bowl, and H.O.S.A.

Congratulations GB

Catherine Huang is the daughter of Mike Huang and Jennifer Wang. She is graduating with a GPA of 4.504. She plans to attend the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to study either applied mathematics, environmental science, or economics.

While at Grand Blanc High School, Catherine was a member of Quiz Bowl and Club Fingerprints. She also won numerous scholarships for her outstanding piano performances.

Eric Huang is the son of Mike Huang and Jennifer Wang. He is graduating with a GPA of 4.426. After high school, he plans to study either mathematics or computer science. While at Grand Blanc High School, Eric was a member of the robotics team and the Quiz Bowl team.

Austin Zhang is the son of Fenglian Chang and Jinping Zhang. He is graduating with a GPA of 4.391. He plans to attend the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to study computer science and engineering, with the goal of conducting research to help make artificial intelligence a more reliable tool. While at Grand Blanc High School, Austin played on the Varsity Tennis team and was a member of the Quiz Bowl team. Austin has also played classical piano for 14 years.

Ian Byram is the son of Rob and Sheri Byram. He is gradu-

ating with a GPA of 4.365. After high school, Ian plans to pursue a degree in computer science. While at Grand Blanc High School, Ian was a member of the National Honor Society and earned the A.P. Scholar with Distinction Award from the College Board.

Coaching Teachers at GBHS

This year Grand Blanc High School has instituted instructional coaches, three teachers that serve to assist other high school teachers in making serious changes to their lessons and the way they’re delivered. The coaches are there to inspire, support, collaborate and model. They’re given time to build relationships with their fellow teachers and help them transform their classrooms into engaging project-based (PBL) and student-centered places of learning. Teachers Todd Babiasz, Elizabeth Elias and Valerie Belill took on the challenge to assist their coworkers as Instructional coaches at GBHS in (Continued on Page 10) 2018-19.

Class of 2019 Visits Past Buildings

On Wednesday, May 29th, the day of cap & gown distribution and the day before graduation, seniors are traditionally invited to walk the halls of their former elementary and middle schools. This year was no exception, and dozens of future grads were welcomed at various buildings. The younger students are always excited to see the grads in their caps and gowns.

Some classes make cards for them, some give them high fives and fist bumps, and some even give hugs! Teachers at Mason Elementary pulled up old photographs of the class of 2019 and put them on the projector for their classes to see how they’ve grown. ▪ Page 8 • GB Shout! Volume IV

Seniors visited former teachers at Cook & Mason Elementary and were clapped out by current students on May 29, 2019.

June, 2019

BHS Class of 2019!

Ashish Vempati is the son of Balakrishna Vempati and

Anuradha Karnati. He’s graduating with a GPA of 4.335. He plans to attend the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Ashish would like a degree in business administration and a managerial position. While attending Grand Blanc High School, he was a DECA officer, a member of the National Honor Society, and Vice President of the Indian American Student Association.

Ryan MacDonald is the son of Andrew and Lori MacDonald. He is graduating with a GPA of 4.280. He plans to attend Vanderbilt University to major in biology. While attending Grand Blanc High School, Ryan was a member of the Varsity Tennis team and the National Honor Society.

Cole Riggle is the son of Mark and Lisette Riggle. He is

graduating with a GPA of 4.265. He plans to attend the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, pursuing a degree in computer science and a career as a software developer. Cole was awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship to spend his senior year as an exchange student in Germany. He was invited to Regional, State, and National competitions for DECA, and was an active member of H.O.S.A.

GBHS Unified Sports Welcomes Bocce Courts

Joseph Dixon is the son of Hawley and Debra Dixon.

He is graduating with a GPA of 4.260. He plans to attend the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to study biochemistry and molecular biology. Joseph would like to attend medical school to pursue a research-oriented field. While attending Grand Blanc High School, Joseph was a member of Marching Band, Winter Drumline, and the Grand Blanc Echo Yearbook staff.

Kathleen Stone is the daughter of Major General Michael and Elisabeth Stone. She is graduating with a grade point average of 4.259. She plans to attend the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, pursuing a degree in computer science.

Kathleen would like to work in cyber-security or artificial intelligence. While attending Grand Blanc High School, Kathleen was a member of the Girls’ Swim & Dive team, the Girls’ Water Polo team, and the National Honor Society. practice and play. Joan Robertson, GBHS Special Education teacher and Special Olympics coordinator for the district, mentioned the idea of Bocce courts to J.P. Adams, and he was on board.

Our administrators were present with the Unified students to cut a red ribbon on a cloudy Thursday morning, and the students and staff shared a few games to celebrate. Adams says the public is welcome to use the courts for Bocce when they are not being used by students.

New Bocce Courts were opened at GBHS and will provide our Unified Sports (and any other group that wants to play Bocce) two courts on which to June, 2019

The courts are located by the soccer fields behind the administration building and Perry Center. Players will have to bring their own Bocce set. Dryer weather conditions will allow for the addition of the final layer to the courts. ▪ GB Shout! Volume IV • Page 9

Coaching Teachers (Continued from Page 8)

Babiasz is a Social Studies teacher who’s been on the forefront of transformation, taking on Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD), a class that has guided students to do amazing things in their school and community over the past two years. Babiasz was assisted by consultants like Matinga Ragatz and CBD Consulting, professionals who were brought in to enhance the educational technology from the 2015 Technology Bond. More than just the equipment upgrades, Grand Blanc has seized an opportunity to change the traditional classroom into a place where students want to learn and teachers want to teach, through real-life experience and student-centered classrooms.

The district is slowly transitioning from the consultants to trained internal coaches like Ba-

Student Inventors at Henry Ford

Students from P.I.C. and Indian Hill Elementary were chosen to participate in the regional Young Innovators competition at Kettering University. A select few were awarded $250 scholarships from Kettering, making it through to a state competition at the Henry Ford Museum. Although those students weren’t chosen to go through to the national competition (also at the Henry Ford), P.I.C.

An Update from P.I.C.’s Director, Mrs. Hall Perry Innovation Center (P.I.C.) had a terrific year engaging students in purpose-based learning experiences, including; hands-on projects, field trips, guest speakers, virtual meetings with scientists, and more! P.I.C.’s curriculum is focused on developing modern world skills engaging students in research, exploration, creative problem-solving, debating, presenting, and service learning. This year, students were involved in many activities such as: participation in the Henry Ford Invention Convention, using math skills to build sensory paths, develop-

biasz. GBHS teacher Lisa Thurlow has taken advantage of the coaching this year and used it to transform her World Affairs class. The “Active Citizens Project” was instituted, and students chose topics they were interested in as groups, such as global warming, animal shelters, mental health and more. One group created a podcast where they interviewed local politicians and brought a judge in to speak to the class.

Thurlow said, “I am grateful that our district was able to provide these coaches because it helped me become a better teacher, and more importantly, it helped my students become better, more active learners and active citizens.” ▪

students attended (compliments of Kettering) to see student inventions from across the country. Teachers are excited to inspire students for competition next year. ▪

ing a food truck business using economics, and even learning culinary skills from a chef and making and serving dinner in the “P.I.C. Trattoria”. We are so proud of our students’ accomplishments, which include: four published poetry authors, two short story authors, one student’s artwork selected for the cover of the Grand Blanc Parks & Rec. Summer Program booklet, twelve students selected to display their inventions at the Henry Ford, and ninety students achieved criteria for participation in the Blueberry Ambassador program! ▪

Mason Ambassadors Win “People’s Choice Award”

This year five Grand Blanc schools participated in I’m Concerned About the Blueberries, a local organization that guides Blueberry Ambassador volunteers to do at least 3 pay-it-forward good deeds during the school year and write about their experiences.

Business owner, Phil Shaltz, Blueberries founder, partners with local businesses and the University of Michigan-Flint to host celebrations and award cash and scholarships at the end of the school year.

This year, over 18,000 votes were cast online to select Mason Elementary as the “People’s Choice”, which earned them $1000 for their school. Mrs. James, Mason Elementary principal, says the students have not yet decided exactly where the money will be used, but it will be used by the students to do more good in the community.

Grand Blanc East Middle School student, Kiona Henry, was the recipient of a $100 Blue Ribbon Award for her school, as well! ▪

Anderson & McGrath Elementary Principals: Alexandra Bartholomew & Barbara Watkins • Brendel Elementary Principal: Doris Goetz • Cook Elementary Principal: Tia Dale Indian Hill Elementary Principal: Jeremy Mitchell • Mason Elementary Principal: Sonya James • Myers Elementary Principal: Betsy Kato Perry Innovation Center Director: Amber Hall • Reid Elementary Principal: Jamie Wagner

Page 10 • GB Shout! Volume IV

June, 2019

Myers Raises Most for Dimes for Diapers... Again!

Angie Hendershot from ABC 12 made yet another visit to Myers Elementary this May. Students were surprised with the news that they were the highest fundraisers for the Dimes for Diapers campaign. Hendershot started the movement in 2015 to support the purchase of diapers for families in the area that can’t afford to buy them. Diapers are purchased and donated to the Flint Diaper Bank with funds that are raised.

Myers 1st Graders Earn FISH Donations as Economics Lesson

Each year ELGA Credit Union and Hendershot team up with schools and businesses in the area to collect donations. Myers was the first place fundraiser last year with over $5000. This year they topped it at $6001.

As a reward, ELGA came with popsicles for all the students at Myers, as well as another trophy showing their accomplishment. Mrs. Johnston’s kindergarten class was the top fundraiser for the school. ▪

Desmond Davis Named “All-Star”

Kindergarten classmates chanted, “Desmond!

Desmond!” as 6-year-old Desmond Davis of Myers Elementary was named 2019’s Ace Cares for Kids All-Star.

Desmond was only one year old when a benign tumor was removed from his spine at Beaumont Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak. With physical therapy, he started learning how to crawl and walk again at age 2. Now in kindergarten, Desmond has a reputation for his perseverance and enthusiasm.

Ace Hardware Foundation and Beaumont Hospital representatives came to Myers Elementary for an assembly to surprise Desmond with the news.

He will now represent the Ace Hardware Foundation across the country as their national ambassador, raising awareness for st Myers Elementary 1 graders donated over As part of the unit, they also completed Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. ▪ 500 personal care and toiletry items to FISH a job application and created posters and of Grand Blanc as a part of their Social Studies Seesaw videos to advertise their businesses. lesson. Jenna Houser, the Social Studies Students carried their PBL into winter break Curriculum Chair for K-8 at GBCS, said the by doing chores at home to earn “payment” unit teaches 1st-grade economic standards in personal care items, as well. Students said through PBL, including how to best help they did chores like unloading the dishwasher others in their time of need, and what basic and feeding pets in exchange for donations from their families. A writing reflection at the needs are for all human beings.

The students created mini-businesses, where end allowed them to share their thoughts on they provided some kind of service at school, the project. such as sharpening pencils or straightening Mrs. Hawley said, “Our first-grade students coat racks. For their services, they were paid did an amazing job providing services at home Desmond Davis signs a check to Beaumont Children’s Hospital from Ace and Duracell for $10,000. and at school.” ▪ in donations for FISH. June, 2019 GB Shout! Volume IV • Page 11

Reid Invites Police & Fire to Lunch In a very successful partnership, the Reid Elementary students had special guests for lunch, rotating every other week between Grand Blanc Police and Fire. The first to visit was Chief of Grand Blanc Twp. Police, Ron Wiles. Reid parent, guest teacher and volunteer, Corey Walker said, “It is great to see the students get comfortable with law enforcement and the

Indian Hill Stresses Service

With the support of a $1300 grant from United Way of Genesee County, and the help of some hard-working Americorps volunteers, students at Indian Hill got their hands dirty beautifying school property. They planted flowers, raked leaves, seeded grass, picked up trash, put down new mulch and touched up paint on the sidewalk art! Indian Hill staff, including Principal Mr. Mitchell, actively participated in the beautification of their school.

This was only one of many service activities done at Indian Hill. In the fall, students worked with the community to clean up and plant flowers in town. ▪

firefighters. Often times children are fearful of them. This program helped show that they are good people who are there to help serve and protect. The kids have come to look forward to talking with the police officers and firefighters. They no longer get scared thinking something is wrong when they see them in the school.” ▪

A Letter from the Indian Hill Principal...

Dear Jaguar Family, This is a bittersweet end of year message for me, as this will be my last year as a Jaguar. Luckily, I’ll be just down the road at McGrath Elementary! I hope to share with the Eagles all of the lessons I have learned alongside you. The good news is that Mrs. Stone was right, “Once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar!” Over these last four years, I have taken such pride in being on this team, and I have no doubt you feel the same. Indian Hill is a special place committed to what truly matters: other people.

We are always growing, learning, and striving to be better than the day before.

My hope for all of you is that someday you can understand your personal character strengths on a deep level. I hope that you’ll realize the words of Gandhi urging individuals to “be the change” are true. The positive choices of individuals added up together can change the world for the better. Find a way to figuratively and literally get your hands dirty to create the life you want for yourself. I hope you can someday realize like I have, that the pinnacle of your life will be when you can champion the dreams of others. Even at your young age, you are strong and capable. You need not wait for a stamp of approval from a school or government to change the world. You are ready now: I promise.

Make a Difference Day at Cook Elementary

On the one year anniversary of the death of former Cook & Mason student, McKenna Schummer, students and staff participated in “Make a Difference Day” in celebration of her memory. The Schummer family, keeping McKenna’s dream alive through the #McKennasSquad Beauty Bar and Beauty Boxes, conceived of using the day to do something good in the community. They invited local school buildings to participate as they saw fit, and Cook had a very busy day. Some students made pillows for heart patients while others transfered soap and shampoo to smaller bottles for the Center of Hope. Kindergartners stuffed “Blessings Bags” with basic needs for the Shelter of Flint.

Other Grand Blanc schools continued to collect donations for the McKennasSquad Beauty Bar and made items like inspirational cards, paintings and crafts to be placed in the Beauty boxes for other pediatric hospital patients.

Cook held an assembly to celebrate McKenna’s legacy and present their gifts to the receiving local organizations. ▪

Please take the downtime of summer to relax, but also reflect on this year. If you look back and were not happy with the way something went, the good news is that it is in the past. You can make the choice to be better every day. I am proud of each one of you and can’t wait to see the great things to come.

Be Great, Top: Indian Hill students plant flowers in barrels for the front of the school in spring.

Bottom: Indian Hill students learn about seeds on Earth Day with GB Beautification Committee members before they plant.

Page 12 • GB Shout! Volume IV

Mr. Mitchell P.S. Best of luck to our fifth graders! Make us proud at East Middle School!

June, 2019

Construction (Continued from Page 1)

The students worked on the floors last fall before the snowfall, built walls indoors in the construction lab over the winter, and then started assembly when the weather broke in the spring. The buildings were completed

with vinyl siding and roofs, doors and win- Grand Blanc High School will be custom-makdows. The Grande Chalet Shoppes will be ing signs for the businesses taking residency open toward the end of June. The buildings in the chalets, as well. ▪ will house small businesses to help them start up and get established. Art students from

Water (Continued from Page 3) tion. In present day reality, an adult Salva is now able to return to Sudan to have wells drilled for safer drinking water, positively impacting hundreds of thousands.

Woven within his story is Nya’s story, a fictional current-day 11 year old living in South Sudan. She spends 6 hours a day collecting water for her family. Among other things, this means she can’t go to school.

In an effort to understand the hardships presented in the book, 6th graders were involved in activities revolving around the need for safe water.

Since children and residents of Flint are still in

need of safe drinking water, the students donated and delivered over 500 gallons of water to Doyle-Ryder Elementary School in Flint.

But first, they attempted to carry the gallon jugs of water roughly a mile on the school’s cross country course.

They also tested water from different sources and researched the problem of unsafe drinking water around the world. Students went even further with passion projects based on Salva and Nya’s stories. They researched the lack of education available to girls around the world and looked into immigration, refugee camps, water-borne illnesses and much more. Some students created items to sell at A Long Walk to Water event to donate the proceeds to a related charity.

The book’s author, Linda Sue Park, stated that, “books may not change the world, but the students who read them definitely can”.

Mrs. Kotsko, E.L.A. teacher involved with the project, says that was the central goal of this assignment: making sure students know they have the power to make a difference. ▪

Update from Anderson & McGrath The Anderson & McGrath Eagles had a wonderful 2018-2019 school year! We kicked off the year with our annual walka-thon where we raised over $10,000 and got to pie the principal in the face! We celebrated our Harvest Party with fun games and had a fabulous Math, Science & Literacy night with a record turnout.

This Spring, our 5th graders put on a play, and one student at McGrath went all the way to the County Spelling Bee this year!

Our 4th grade traveled to Mackinac and our 5th graders went to Camp Copneconic. We launched The Nest News – our very own local news station at McGrath – way to go 5th grade leaders!

We finished out the year by placing in the Top 10 for Dimes for Diapers in Genesee County! Have a fantastic summer, and don’t forgot to stop by McGrath’s playground every day for a FREE nutritious lunch from “Meet Up and Eat Up” this summer (except July 4th) It’s open to all Grand Blanc students up to age 18! ▪

Homecoming Week Tradition at Anderson & McGrath For over 2 decades, football players and cheerleaders have been visiting Anderson & McGrath to share their Homecoming Spirit during the week of the Grand Blanc High School Homecoming game.

The GBHS football players and cheerleaders spread out throughout the two buildings and read books to the classrooms. While they were there, they answered questions and interacted with the elementary students. Afterward, everyone headed to the gym where a huge pep assembly got all the students excited about the Homecoming festivities and June, 2019

Spirit Week.

The cheerleaders did a few cheer routines, including high tosses into the air and impressive flips across the front of the gym, while football players circulated in the crowd of elementary students and were treated like celebrities, receiving handshakes, high fives and hugs. The team did a short demonstration simulating a few plays they use on the field, and the elementary students exited the gym through a tunnel of players and cheer poms.

The day continues to be a rewarding experience for all the students and staff. ▪ GB Shout! Volume IV • Page 13

Children’s Garden Preschool ‘Make a Difference Day’ Book Drive

Grand Blanc Schools’ Children’s Garden Preschool participated in “Make a Difference Day” on March 6th, 2019 by hosting a book drive. “Make a Difference Day” was created in honor of Grand Blanc student McKenna Schummer who lost her battle with cancer in 2018.

The book drive was inspired by Children’s Garden Preschool student Charlie Paraschos, who has been battling leukemia with the help and support of Hurley Hospital. Children’s Garden Preschool families were asked for donations of gently used books that were then sold for .50 each, raising $600. They were able to purchase 480 brand new books with the proceeds that were then donated to the children at Hurley Hospital.

The books will be used for Hurley Hospital’s Child Life Service Program that supports children and their families when a child is admitted to the hospital. The staff of the Child Life Service Program works closely with the doctors and staff to help explain medical procedures to the children, offer distractions during procedures and provide opportunities to engage in play. The Children’s Garden staff made the delivery of the brand new books to Hurley Hospital on April 24th. It is an honor to give back to the community and provide a great way to engage and promote literacy for the children of Hurley Hospital all at the same time! ▪ Children’s Garden Preschool staff pose with Hurley Child Life Service staff while delivering 480 brand new books to the children’s hospital.

Page 14 • GB Shout! Volume IV

2nd Annual Wonder Workshop 5th Grade Robotics Competition The 2nd Annual Wonder Workshop Districtwide 5th Grade Robotics Competition was hosted by district Technology Exploration (Tech Ex) teachers and took place at Perry Innovation Center. 16 teams from Grand Blanc elementary buildings did an amazing job planning, coding and executing Mission 5 from the Wonder Workshops.

5th-grade Tech Ex classes led Wonder robots, Dash and Dot, through the first 4 missions over the first part of the school year, and those teams that were able to successfully get to Mission 5 were invited to the district competition. Students worked diligently all morning to complete the final mission for presentation to staff judges.

Great sportsmanship, impressive teamwork, and some truly unbelievable coding skills were observed by staff. Families were invited to join their students for the awards ceremony to conclude the day. Each student received a

medal for being a finalist, and trophies were given for the top 3 teams.

This competition was recognized as the first of its kind by Wonder last year. ▪

Pictured Above Left to Right: 3RD PLACE: “The Fire Ants” from McGrath Elementary (Gavin Warren, Grace Bernat, Celeste Lloyd, Addyson Lawrence, & Caleb Adams), 2ND PLACE: Reid Rockets’ “Go RoBos” (Timothy McDermaid, Trenton Jackson, Calvin Whiteside, Cooper Catrell, Lauren Lynch, & Niklas Clark), and 1ST PLACE: “The Rifters” from Indian Hill Jaguars (Nolan Bolang, Declan Coselman, Grant Petrella, Ben Sharai & Henry Sharai)

June, 2019

Reid Wows with “Krazy Kamp” Mrs. Wilkerson, kindergarten teacher at Reid Elementary, has the magical ability to turn elementary students into broadway sensations. Every year the Reid Drama Club does a magnificent job presenting a different play, and this year was no exception. The students sang, danced and acted their way

into the audience’s heart in a production of “Krazy Kamp”, even after injuries and illnesses hit the cast this year. The staff and students work very hard to memorize lines and get everything just right, and they did a fantastic job this year. ▪

The “Captain Underpants” Campaign No longer only a wildly popular children’s series, “Captain Underpants” is also the name given to a special clothing drive held at Anderson & McGrath Elementary buildings. Students collected new socks and underwear to send to first responders dealing

with the devastating California wildfires.

Students learned that many of the firefighters were working such long hours that they weren’t even showering, just changing into new socks and underwear and going back out on the job. They thought it would be nice to help them with their supplies. Boxes of donated items were shipped out promptly to appropriate authorities in the late fall. ▪

Brendel Ice Breakers Make a Splash!

Brendel Elementary continued to support needs in the community through a variety of community service projects in 2018-19.

Students and staff raised over $12,000 for the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics this year, a leading contributor to the $81,000 total the

Grand Blanc Community Schools Food Pantry at West Middle School

SUMMER DATES!

Info and reg: ahandup.rocks!

June 18 & 20, 25 & 27 8am-9am

August 20 & 22, 27 & 29 10am-11am

event in Fenton raised in 2019. The Brendel Ice Breakers jumped into Lake Fenton with the second highest total!

The Brendel community also collected over 5700 diapers for the Flint Diaper Bank and Dimes for Diapers this year.

Available to Grand Blanc Schools students and their families FREE of charge with no ID or residency requirement.

Appointments are required.

After building those downtown business chalets, the Geometry in Construction students kept busy helping our younger Bobcats learn some construction skills. On May 30, Mrs. Miller’s 2nd graders at Brendel Elementary, which is on central campus within walking distance, built birdhouses with the GBHS

students. They measured, sanded, glued and nailed beautiful birdhouses that they were then welcome to take home to decorate. This is the second year the construction students have hosted the Brendel class for this activity.

The Grand Blanc Educational Foundation generously provided the grant to make it happen.

The food pantry is a partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

Brendel 2nd Graders Visit the GBHS Construction Lab

The following week, Mr. Youngs helped the 2nd graders at Perry Innovation Center build a wooden bench. The bench will be used in the nature area by the High School. ▪ June, 2019

GB Shout! Volume IV • Page 15

SCHOOL BEGINS September 3rd (Full Day)

GRAND BLANC COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 2019-2020 S

M

T

T

F

S

2

3

AUGUST 2019

5288 Todd St, Grand Blanc, MI 48439

Physician’s Park 11:30am

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1

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHT KEY

02/23

WEEKDAYS THIS SUMMER! McGrath Elementary 11am

SCHOOL ENDS June 12th

OFFICIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR

Full Day (E & MS) Half Day (HS)

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

H

4

JANUARY 2020

C………..Community Partnership Day (GB City/Twp.- Ally Challenge) No School - September 13

1

H

8

2

3

H

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

CONF ... Parent-Teacher Conferences (E & MS = Elementary & Middle School;

5

6

7

LS

9

10

11

218 Reid Rd. in Downtown Grand Blanc

11

12

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15

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17

12

13

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18

Students 18 & under will receive a FREE nutritious lunch!

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

23 1/2 Exams HS

24 1/2

30

21

22 1/2

STAFF

19

20

STAFF

E............. Election Day—November 5 (Students Not in School/Staff PD Day) F ............. First Day of School—September 3rd (Full Day) G ............ High School Graduation—June 4th (7:00 p.m.—Dort Federal Event Center) H ............ Holiday (No School) L ............. Last Day of School— June 12th (Full Day E/MS) - (Half Day HS) MLK...... Martin Luther King Day—January 20 (No School) PDD Professional Development Day— November 5

Exams HS

25

26

27

29

30

31

NO ID is required and you DO NOT have to be a Grand Blanc resident.

Adult supervision will not be provided and adults are responsible for their own meals.

FOOD BANK FRIDAYS! Activities and prizes and a nutrition bag for the weekend will be supplied by the Food Bank team!

No lunch at either location on July 4.

25

STAFF

STAFF

26

27

28

29

H 31

SEPTEMBER 2019

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2

H

3

F

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WEDNESDAYS

FREE CHILDREN’S BOOKS! will be given out from the Bookmobile at a Grand Blanc stop near you!

The Bookmobile van will be driven by Grand Blanc principals!

See more info for stops and times at www.gbcs.org and follow @gbcsbobcats!

Thank You Grand Blanc Board of Education!

MLK

13

7

8

9

10

11

12

FEBRUARY 2020

15

16

17

18

19 20 21

22

23

24

25

26 27 28

29

30

R ............ Staff Records Day—January 27 (Students Not in School) ½ ............ Half-Days of School (All Buildings)

C 14

  

October 4 .........................All Students November 27 .................... All Students March 27…………………..All Students

LS .......... Late Start Schedule (Oct. 9; Dec. 4; Jan. 8; Feb. 5; March 11; April 8; May 6)

1 2 9 16

6

7

8

13

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15

20

21

27

28

2

3

4

10

11

17

1/2Day

16 HS 17 1/2

Conf

Conf

22

23

24

29

30

31

11 18

1/2 HS

25

23

24

5

HIGH SCHOOL

1

2

12 19

3

4

10

11

17 24

E

6

PDD

7

8

14 13 12 15 E&MS E&MS E&MS E& MS Conf Conf 1/2 Conf 1/2 1/2 DAY

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26

20 27

½

21 28

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22 29

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MIDDLE SCHOOLS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Full Day

Anderson, Brendel, Cook, Indian Hill, Mason, McGrath, Myers, Reid ............. 8:40 am— 3:50 pm 1/2 Day .............................................................. 8:40 am—12:17 pm Late Start .............................................................. 11:00 am—3:50 pm

Full Day Perry Innovation Center ...................... 7:35 am— 2:45 pm 1/2 Day .............................................................. 7:35 am—11:12 am Late Start .............................................................. 9:55 am— 2:45 pm

3

14 15

27

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4 E&MS Conf 1/2

E&MS Conf

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8

21

22

28

29

LS 12

18

25

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

HIGH SCHOOL ONLY 1/2 Days October 17, 18 January 22, 23, 24 ...Final Exams (1st Sem) June 10, 11, 12 ..... Final Exams (2nd Sem)

E&M

HS

Elementary, Perry Innovation Center & Middle School Conferences  November 12 ...............Fall Conferences (Full Day for Students)  November 13,14 ..........Fall Conferences (1/2 Day for Students)  March 3 ........................Spring Conferences (Full Day for Students)  March 4,5 .....................Spring Conferences (1/2 Day for Students) High School Conferences  October 16 ...................Fall Conferences (Full Day for Students)  October 17 ...………… Fall Conferences PM (Half Day for Students)  February 20 .................Spring Conferences (Full Day for Students)

7

13 14

11

24 31

6 E&MS 1/2 DAY

5 E&MS Conf 1/2

19

20 21

26

27

½ 28

H

APRIL 2020 8

2

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H 11

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MAY 2020 6

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Revised 4/09/19

13 HS Conf

26

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H 30

LS

25

7

20

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25

2

DECEMBER 2019 4

Full Day .............................................................. 7:20 am—2:16 pm 1/2 Day .............................................................. 7:20 am—10:43 am Late Start .............................................................. 9:40 am—2:16 pm

Full Day .............................................................. 8:05 am— 3:02 pm 1/2 Day .............................................................. 8:05 am—11:29 am Late Start .............................................................. 10:25 am—3:02 pm

1 5

12

H 18

TIME SCHEDULES

6

LS

MARCH 2020

4

LS 10

9

5

3

OCTOBER 2019

1

Exams HS

R 28

(Students Not in School)

6

NOVEMBER 2019

JULY 10TH - AUGUST 21ST

HS = High School)

24 31

25

JUNE 2020

1 7

8

2 9

3 10

4

G

1/2 Exams HS

11 1/2 Exams HS

14 15

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18

21 22

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28 29

30

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1/2 Exams HS

L

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A Positivity Project Partner School Empowering students to build positive relationships.

www.posproject.org • @posproject • #otherpeoplematter Board Left to Right: Jay Hoffman (Trustee), Meredith Anderson (Secretary), Yasmeen Youngs (Treasurer), Martin Ray (Trustee) Curtis Jablonski (Trustee), James Avery, Jr. (President) & Vice-President, Susan Kish. The Board meets Monday at 7pm, every other week.

Page 16 • GB Shout! Volume IV

For more news about Grand Blanc Community Schools and events, follow us on Social Media @gbcsbobcats or visit www.gbcs.org June, 2019