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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
DATES TO REMEMBER
AUGUST
Locker set up and
Makeup Registration
Monday, August 31
1:00 –2:30 PM
SEPTEMBER
First Day of School
Tuesday, September 8
8:20 AM -3:18 PM
PA-25 Annual Report
Thursday, September 10
5:30 PM Pierce Library
Back to School Night
Thursday, September 10
6:30 PM For Parents
6th Grade Clue Night
Friday, September 18
7:00 - 9:00 PM
PTO Meeting
Tuesday, September 22
6:30 PM Room #129
GP North Vs. GP South
Football Game at North
Friday, September 25
At 7 PM
OCTOBER
Picture Re-Take Day
Thursday, October 1
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Student Count Day
Wednesday, October 7
September 2015 Dear Pierce Parents, On behalf of the entire John D. Pierce Middle School staff, “Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year.” I’m very excited to start my second year serving as your Principal, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence here at Pierce. “Farewell” and “Welcome”: Our students and families will be intro-duced to some new staff members when they return to classes and Back- to-School Night. We extend our best wishes to Anna Boes (Speech Therapist), Christine Cramer (Counselor), Carrie Donaghue (SRC), Kahlilah Johnson-Williams (Hall Monitor), Barry Novak (Hall Monitor), Brenda Taylor (English), and Natalie Zoufal (Art), in their new assignments and ven-tures. Their dedication to our Pierce students will be missed. We are pleased to introduce new faculty and staff members to Pierce at well. Thank you for joining our community in welcoming Kate Bezak (English), Amy Koontz (Speech Therapist), Josh Lord (Hall Monitor), Jane Plieth (Art), Julia Ruggirello (Student Resource Center), Charita Sims (Hall Monitor), and Christa Warner (Counselor). In addition, Mrs. Holman will be taking a leave of absence for 1
st semester this year, and
filling in for her in 7th Grade Math. We are fortunate to have Jackie
Claeys who comes to us from her previous assignment teaching Algebra 1 and Geometry in Rochester. Additional information regarding 1
st se-
mester will be provided directly to parents and students in Mrs. Holman’s classes. Any additional late breaking staffing changes will also be acknowledged in the October issue of the Pierce Pointer. Doors Open: Pierce’s doors open on late start Mondays at 8:55 am and on all other days at 8:10am. These times coincide with our teacher duty time. Early arrivals are allowed to wait in the court-yards until doors are opened. Back-to-School Night: Please join all Pierce parents and faculty for Back-to-School Night, Thursday, September 10th. Schedule pick up be-gins at 6 PM and class sessions start at 6:30 PM. Please arrive early and check-in at the gymnasium.
SEPTEMBER 2015
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL - continued
Page 2
Touch Base: Pierce counselors (Mrs. Bolton and Mrs. Warner) are great resources and advo-cates for your child. If there are health concerns, family issues, and/or personal interest, feel free to contact them and share information that may help classroom teachers. “Plan On It”: As a faculty and staff we continue to strive to have every student effectively use their student planner every day…every period. Writing down assignments and important reminders en-hance student success. Classroom and hallway behavior are also monitored on the signature page of your child’s planner. “Stay With Us”: All future editions of the Pierce Pointer can be found on our Pierce website at: http://gpschools.schoolwires.net/Domain/761. If you do not have access to a computer, a hard copy can be obtained the first of each month from our main office. Thank you for staying connected to us! We look forward to another successful year and to working together with you! Sincerely,
Chris Clark Principal
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.
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
Welcome back to another exciting school year. I hope you had a wonderful summer. As you and your student prepare for the upcoming year, please take a moment to review the follow-ing policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are also included in your stu-dent’s planner.
Hallway Behavior: Students are expected to “Stay to the Right” to allow for smooth passing in the hallways. A “No Bodily Contact” rule will be enforced throughout the school day. Students who violate these guidelines will be given a signature on their signature page. Dress Code: Generally, students must dress in clothing that is modest and appropriately sized. For details on the dress code, please refer to your student’s planner. Students who report for school dressed inappropriately will be required to change clothes before reporting to class. Students who repeatedly violate the dress code will be assigned disciplinary consequences. Electronic Devices: Students are expected to use electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players and tablets, appropriately at all times. The use of these devices in class is at the teacher’s discretion. Inappropriate use of electronic devices will result in a signature on that student’s signa-ture card. Before and After School Supervision: Tuesday through Friday, the building opens at 8:10. On Monday, the doors open at 8:55. Students are not to be in the building before opening un-less given permission by an administrator or staff member. Students are expected to leave the building each day by 3:30 pm, unless they are participating in a school sponsored activity. Pierce students are not allowed on the Defer campus, or on the sidewalks around Defer, until Defer’s school day ends at 3:38. Lunch: A thirty minute lunch period is provided during the school day. Sixth grade students are as-signed to a table based on their sixth period class. Seventh and Eighth grade students may sign up for a table of their choosing. Table assignments may be changed at the end of every quarter. Stu-dents may bring a lunch from home, purchase a hot lunch in school or order a-la-carte items. Stu-dents are required to clean up after themselves and practice good manners each day. Attendance: Absences should be called in to 432.4701 before 9:00 AM on the day of the absence. Absences that are school related or unavoidable such as illness, extreme family emergency or nec-essary medical appointments will be recorded as excused. Absences that are not school-related, are not authorized by the school in advance, or are not accepted by the school as necessary and unavoidable will be recorded as unexcused. If a student accumulates an excessive number of unex-cused absences, a referral will be made to the Wayne County Erase Truancy program.
Page 3
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Bullying: We take a “zero tolerance” stance against bullying and encourage students to re-port all incidents of verbal, physical or relational bullying. It is very important to TAKE A STAND. If your student is the victim of, or a witness to, an in-cident of bullying, please encourage him/her to report it to any adult in the building. If your student does not wish to report it, please do so yourself.
Signature Cards: A signature card can be found in the front of your student’s planner. Any time there is a minor disciplinary infraction, a teacher or adult supervisor will ask the student for this signature card. The card will be dated and signed by the teacher or adult who witnessed the infraction. When a student fills his signature card, the teacher will notify the assistant princi-pal. The first full signature card guarantees a one hour detention, and the student will receive a new card. Each quarter students will receive a fresh card. Students are expected to leave this card in the planner at all times. If a teacher or adult asks for this signature card, and the student does not have it, the student will automatically receive a detention. If a student loses this card or removes it from the planner, he/she may get a new card from the front office and a detention may be issued. Tardies: Students are expected to arrive at class on time. Students who arrive at class after the tardy bell has rung will be given a signature on their signature card. Academics and Advisory (A2): Throughout the first quarter, our A2 program will emphasize study skills. The activities presented are designed to help students understand what study skills are and learn how to apply them to their everyday activities. Topics will include time manage-ment, organization, project planning, listening, note-taking and studying for tests. Beginning in the second quarter, students who meet eligibility requirements will be placed in their choice of A2 activities. Here at Pierce we take pride in the exemplary behavior of our students and will continue to uphold high behavioral and academic expectations for all. If you have any questions regarding our standard policies and procedures, please do hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at (313) 432-4711. Thank you, Judith Gaffrey Assistant Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S DESK - continued
Page 4
PIERCE BUILDING ACCESS
In following the district plan of developing a more secure school environment, outside ac-cess into the building during the school day will be monitored. An intercom, monitor and buzzer system has been installed. Once classes begin, outside access into the building will be monitored through this system.
Visitors to Pierce will announce themselves through use of this system located at the main entrance (Kercheval) and the north east rear parking lot door (which is handicap accessible).
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.
Page 5
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2015 - 2016
The district has established the first day of school as Tuesday, September 8, 2015
There are also several dates established through the Wayne County Common Calendar
for every school district in the county. These include:
Professional Development Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Winter Break: December 21-January 1 (students return on Late Start Monday, January 4, 2016) Midwinter Break: President’s Day, February 15-February 19, 2016 (Students return on Late Start Monday, February 22, 2016) Spring Break: March 25 - April 1 (students return on Late Start Monday, April 4, 2016)
Any additional dates will be shared as soon as they are available.
PIERCE POINTER
All future editions of the Pierce Pointer can be found on our Pierce website. Access the district website at www.gpschools.schoolwires.net/ and select Pierce from the schools “drop down list”. If you do not have access to a com-puter, a hard copy can be obtained the first of each month from our main office. Thank you for staying connected to us!
Page 6
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Monday, August 31th from 1:00-2:30 PM
All Pierce students are invited to “set-up” their lockers and use their sched-ule to find their classrooms. Hall monitors and National Junior Honor Socie-ty members will be in the halls to problem solve and answer questions.
This process is informal but provides those new to Pierce an opportunity to have questions answered before the first day of school.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Thursday, September 10th
Schedule pick up at 6:00 Classroom sessions start at 6:30
Parents will follow their student’s daily schedule and meet the teachers. During the brief sessions the staff members will provide information regarding expectations and plans for the upcoming year.
All parents are encouraged to attend this informational evening.
Please plan on being there!
STUDENT LOCKER SET-UP
The price for student lunches will again be $3.00 for the 2015 - 2016 school year. A meal con-sists of the entree, supplying protein and grain, up to two (2) vegetable side dishes one (1) fruit side dish, and Low fat or Fat Free Milk. Juice and water may not be substituted for milk.
DESTINATION IMAGINATION
"Destination Imagination is a non-profit, volunteer-led, cause-driven organization. Our cause-driven purpose is to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innova-tors and leaders." -- Mission statement from www.destinationimagination.org
Pierce will be sponsoring a number of Destination Imagination teams this school year. Eighth graders who are interested may contact Courtney Bocci at [email protected], as may parents of with students of any grade who are interested in running a team. There is a longstanding history of excellence from the Grosse Pointe Public Schools in this endeavor - last year many of our teams went to the state level competition and beyond.
These teams learn to work together creatively. The focus is academic and there is competi-tion involved. For more information, please see the website www.micreativity.org.
Page 7
IMPORTANT PARENT INFORMATION
ABSENCES FOR ILLNESS, TRIPS, ETC.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE WHEN A STUDENT
IS GOING TO BE ABSENT FOR ANY REASON.
THE ATTENDANCE LINE: 432-4701 IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.)
Unfortunately when a counselor and teacher are the only ones made aware of an ab-sence, the attendance secretary is not informed. This results in unnecessary phone calls to your home or office.
EARLY DISMISSALS FROM SCHOOL
When a student needs to be dismissed early from school, the parent must send a signed note identifying the time and date of dismissal. This note is presented to the attendance secretary when the student arrives at school that day. A pass is given to the student, permitting him/her to leave class at the designated time. ( Students will only be released to a parent, guardian or person designated on the emergency card -must be 18 years of age- coming to the school office to sign the student out.) STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE BUILDING WITHOUT PARENT, GUARDIAN, OR DES-IGNATED PERSON ACCOMPANYING THE STUDENT.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
As in state law under (FERPA) “parents of students who are in attendance at a school retain the right to inspect and review the education records of their children.” Access to inspect education records can be obtained by contacting the principal’s office for an appointment.
PTO’S 6TH GRADE CLUE NIGHT
Friday, September 18th 7:00 –9:00 PM
This is a FUN night for 6th graders only.
Tickets are $5 in advance (for sale in the office) Or $6 at the door.
Admission includes a slice of pizza and a drink. Extra pop and pizza can be purchased for $1 per item.
Page 8
PIERCE STAFF 2015 - 2016
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS Kate Bezak 6/7 Jan Brengman 6 Julie Drew 6 Susan Quinn 8 Geneva Scully 7/8 MATH Ed Brock 6 Anne Holman/ Jackie Claeys 7/8 Jennifer Schaupeter 8 Caroline Scott 8 Jill Starkey 6/7 Gina Walker 7/8
SCIENCE Danusia Fadanelli 8 Michelle Kenny 6 Carrie Morris 6 Jack Pertile 6/7 William Thompson 7/8
SOCIAL STUDIES Brian Benz 7/8 Jeannie Brousseau 7 Kathryn Quinn 6 Claudia Zwirner 6/8
ELECTIVES Heather Albrecht Vocal Music Beth Allan Physical Education Andy Backman Computer Technology Melissa Byl Foreign Language Leslie Dolle Life Skills Rachel Emery Foreign Language James Gross Instrumental Music Matt Kotes Industrial Technology Jane Plieth Art Michelle Stackpoole Drama/Broadcast Christopher Takis Instrumental Music
LIBRARY Darby Paddock Librarian/Media Spec.
ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE Paul Booker Rachel Emery
COUNSELORS Andrea Bolton Christa Warner
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF Jo Ellen Cumpata Speech Therapist Christy Davenport Literacy Intervention Joe Finazzo Student Resource Specialist Judy Ignagni School Psychologist Amy Koontz Speech Therapist Andrea Lappin-Roth Student Resource Center Sara Leslie Student Resource Center Brad Richards Student Resource Specialist Pamela Rocheleau Social Worker/Student Assistance Julia Ruggirello Student Resource Center
SUPPORT STAFF Susan Bainbridge Classroom Assistant Vanessa Engen-Wulf Library/Media Assistant Fatin Graham Classroom Assistant Anthony Kilimas Technology Support Drew Kisskalt Classroom Assistant Annie Korkmaz Classroom Assistant Kim Manikas Classroom Assistant Carolyn Marsh Classroom Assistant Jeanette Taylor Classroom Assistant
A2
COORDINATOR TBD
ATHLETIC COORDINATOR TBD
MAINTENANCE STAFF John Buffa Custodian Mary Anne Dillon Custodian Bill Fradeneck Night Foreman Bill Noonan Building Engineer
HALL MONITORS Josh Lord Charita Sims
OFFICE STAFF Denise Embree Secretary/Office Manager Cookie Etheridge Receptionist Secretary Pat Zens Attendance Secretary/Records
ADMINISTRATION Chris Clark Principal Judith Gaffrey Assistant Principal
E-mail for all staff is: first name.last name @gpschools.org
Page 9
PTO POINTS
Welcome to all parents and students to the 2015-2016 school year. If you are new to Pierce, we are so happy that you are here! If you are a veteran Pierce parent, welcome back! I hope every-one had a wonderful summer, and that you all enjoyed some lazy, relaxing days and some time spent with friends and family. My name is Michelle Kramer, and I am the PTO President for this year. I am really excited be-cause all 3 of my kids are students at Pierce this year. (yes, my husband and I have kids in 6
th, 7
th
and 8th grade!) If you already have kids here, you know this, but if you are new, here’s the deal—
Pierce is a fantastic school! You will love it, and so will your children.
Have you joined the Pierce PTO yet? If you are a member, thank you so much. If not, please consider joining us. Middle School PTO is a lot more “casual” than elementary PTO, as we let those kids branch out on their own a bit more. But we still do some fundraising, and some “friendraising” activities, so your financial support and your volunteer support is MOST appreciat-ed. The PTO meets every 3
rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. Our next meeting is
Tuesday, September 22nd
, and we would love to see a lot of new faces. Just come and find out what is going on at school, or what opportunities there might be for you to volunteer at one of our activities. Since those days of elementary classroom parties and helping with spelling tests are behind us, joining us at one of our Super Fun Nights, or 6
th Grade Clue Night is one way to still be
able to hang with your kids, but with a really good excuse—“I’m volunteering! I HAVE to go!” Please remember to join us after Back to School Night for a “Meet and Greet” at Rustics on Kercheval. PTO Board Members and Chairpersons will be there, and we look forward to catching up with old friends, and meeting some new ones! Light snacks and coffee with be served, and there will be a cash bar.
Thank you to Juli Rybicki, Pierce PTO Vice President, and her volunteers for making Registration a fun day, and a stress-free process for all. If you should have any questions throughout this school year, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or any of our PTO Board members. All names and contact info area listed on the PTO section of the Pierce website. Cheers to a wonderful school year,
Michelle Kramer, Pierce PTO President [email protected] 313-268-4033 ************************************************************* There are numerous ways to stay in the loop with the Pierce PTO: Visit the PTO Page on the Pierce website (under the Parents tab).
http://gpschools.schoolwires.net/Domain/843
Find us on Facebook! Search “Pierce PTO”. This is a great source of info! If you are uncertain of an event date/time, or “how it goes” in Middle School, just ask! Lots of parents will share their experiences or give you the info you need.
Not on Facebook? No problem! Join our email distribution list, which includes the same info that we post on Facebook. Email Kim Clexton ([email protected]) to have an email
Page 10
NO COST REWARDS FOR THE PTO!
Back to School Means Time to Re-register for Rewards!
Whether you are new to Pierce or returning, you must re-register for rewards each year!
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 debit) to Pierce. Visit http://www.target.com/redcard/benefits-target-rewards and click on Take Charge of Education to enroll. It takes only seconds to make this valuable - and pain-less - contribution!
KROGER: Did you know that a portion of your qualifying Kroger purchases could be donat-ed 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. Another great way to help your school without spending any extra money!
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!
THANK YOU!
(Tentative as of June 5, 2015)
September 10 Back to School Night (6:30pm) (Meet & Greet after at Rustics)
September 18 6th
Grade Clue Night (7-9pm)
October 16 6th
Grade Field Day (Volunteers Needed)
October 30 Fun Night (Halloween Theme, 6-8pm)
November 12 Ethnic Dinner (6-7:30pm)
November 15 District Wide Open House (1-3pm)
December 3 Poinsettia Delivery
January 11-14 Scholastic Book Fair
January 14 Coney Night (6-7:30pm)
March 17 Staff Appreciation Luncheon
March TBD Progressive Dinner
March 18 Super Fun Night (6-8pm)
June 13 8th
Grade Promotion Ceremony (Need 6th
/7th
Parent Volunteers)
Pierce PTO Meetings are the 3
rd TUESDAY of the month at 6:30 pm, in the Library
(September 22, October 20, November 17, January 19,
PIERCE PTO EVENT DATES ~ 2014 - 2015
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PIERCE PTO BOARD & COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
To contact any Board Member or Standing Chair, please first contact:
Michelle Kramer 313-268-4032 [email protected]
President: Michelle Kramer
Vice President: Juli Rybicki
Co Secretary: Kim Shine and Susan Miller
Treasurer: Nancy DeGrand
Membership: Bev Bennert and Jessie Schenk
Volunteers:
Hospitality: Amie Reno
Book Fair: Kim Shine and Courtney Bocci
Clinic: Renee McGlone
Poinsettia Sale: Helen Srebernak
Programs: Stacey Chen
Ethnic Dinner: Sabine Iafrate and Deb Walz
Coney Night: Sarah Monahan and Jill Chown
School Board Observer: Michele Hodges
Progressive Dinner:
Communications: Kim Clexton
Spirit Wear: Wendy Bruetsch
Class Advisors:
6th
Grade Renee Borowicz (D)
Joe Parent (M)
Juli Rybicki (T)
7th
Grade Amy Koenig (D)
Michelle Agosta (M)
Jill Richter (T)
8th
Grade Courtney Bocci (D)
Laura Sanom-Fleming(M)
Sabine Iafrate (T)
PLEASE NOTE: Teachers will be involved in School Improvement Activities from 7:55-8:55 AM ON MONDAYS 0NLY.
School will begin for students at 9:05 AM on Mondays due to the late start. Tuesday through Friday, students will begin school at 8:20 AM.
We are requesting that students NOT ARRIVE before 8:55 AM on Mondays and 8:10 AM on Tuesday thru Friday. This entry time coincides with the beginning of teacher duty time and allows for adequate adult supervision before school.
PIERCE DAILY SCHEDULE
Page 12
MONDAY - LATE START All Classes 51 Minutes
Hour Time
7:55-8:55 Doors Open Warning Bell 1
st Hour
School Improvement 8:55 AM 9:00 AM 9:05-9:56 AM
Staff Only (51 min.)
2nd
Hour 10:01-10:52 AM (51 min.)
3rd
Hour 10:57-11:27 AM A Lunch 11:32-12:23 PM A Class
10:57-11:48 AM B Class 11:53-12:23 PM B Lunch
(30 min.) (51 min.) (51 min.) (30 min.)
4th
Hour 12:28-1:19 PM (51 min.)
5th
Hour 1:24-2:15 PM (51 min.)
6th
Hour 2:20-3:11 PM (51 min.)
Announcements 3:11-3:18 PM Students stay in 6th
hour
TUESDAY - FRIDAY All Classes 56 Minutes
Hour Time
Doors Open Warning Bell 1
st Hour
8:10 AM 8:15 AM 8:20-9:16 AM
(56 min.)
2nd
Hour 9:21-10:17 AM (56 min.)
3rd
Hour 10:22-11:18 AM (56 min.)
4th
Hour 11:23-11:53 AM A Lunch 11:58-12:54 PM A Class
11:23-12:19 AM B Class 12:24-12:54 PM B Lunch
(30 min.) (56 min.)
(56 min.) (30 min.)
5th
Hour 12:59-1:55 PM (56 min.)
6th
Hour Announcements
2:00-2:56 PM (56 min.)
A2 Following Announcements To 3:18 PM
