City PTSA - Welcome

...the GRPS Futures Summit II this morning at OHHS. While opinions vary on how effective this meeting was, the first step to action is awareness.

We have been promised by district that there will be meetings with parents in each of GRPS' five high schools to further discuss the hub concept, blended learning (the combining of online and face-to face teaching) and current/future budget realities. At this time no date or time has been set, but we will keep you posted. There will also be further information/results from today's summit on the GRPS website http://grpublicschools.org/grps1/, hopefully SOON.

In the meantime, ask questions of those of us who did attend the summit and our staff/administration. You should brief yourself as much as possible in preparation for this meeting, to be well informed as to the potential effects of these proposed changes. Also, encourage others to do the same so we have a well-informed City community.

Thanks much.

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA president, 2009-10

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:39 PM | Permalink

City PTSA directories and membership cards were distributed to students via first hour teachers this week...and SHOULD be finding their way home in their backpacks.

If they didn't voluntarily give them up, please check backpacks and folders. Check the cards for errors and let Ted Bonarski know as soon as possible at tbonarski@comcast.net

We apologize for the lateness of the directory and are working on alternatives for next year.

Thanks much for your patience.

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA President

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 04:01 PM | Permalink

Michele Lussky, a City Middle parent is looking to start a Soprts Boosters Club at City. She has volunteered to organize this group for the support of our organized sports teams. Anyone interested in joining this effort, please email Michele at devoelussky@yahoo.com. She will also have an information table at the City PTSA Annual Potluck this Thursday...so stop and say hello and get on board to help.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:31 AM | Permalink

If you missed the GRPS School Board Candidates Forum on April 16th you can watch it on GRCC's channel 28

http://raidercast.grcc.edu/flash/grps/grps_candidates09/grps_player.html

April 27 Monday at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
April 28 Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
April 29 Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
April 30 Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
May 1 Friday at 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
May 2 Saturday at 7:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
May 3 Sunday at 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Don't forget to VOTE on Tuesday, May 5th!

Posted by Andy Bowman at 03:31 PM | Permalink

The City PTSA LAC Committee is pleased to announce a GRPS Board of Education Candidate Forum April 24th, 7 p.m. in the Grand Rapids Public Schools administration building located at 1331 Franklin Street SE.
Seven local citizens are competing for three seats on a board that faces serious challenges and major initiatives in coming years. You can make a difference by ATTENDING and by SUBMITTING QUESTIONS to help asses the best candidates to entrust with our children's education. The forum is a district-wide initiative, so please invite friends from other schools! Follow the link to learn the candidates names and how you can submit questions online for submission during the event.

Continue reading "City PTSA's Legislative Action Committee Announces Candidate Forum" »

Posted by Kate at 12:40 PM | Permalink

The GRPS board of education has oversight of a $220 Million budget and the welfare of 20,000 urban students – what special skills or past experience to you bring to the table to guide such an expansive entity?

Can you give us concrete examples of how you would advocate for GRPS in Lansing?

What are your thoughts about how GRPS can meet the of beefed up graduations requirements recently imposed by the state – How can GRPS still deliver specialized curriculum that currently meets the needs of diverse student population within the existing budget and new requirements?

What proactive measures do you feel would improve the relationship between teachers and the board of education?

Other school districts share costs and programming with local government bodies – can you describe any ideas you have or that you would support to this end locally?

Continue reading "Forum Questions" »

Posted by Kate at 08:36 PM | Permalink

Tony currently is an Associate Professor of Sociology and director of the Community Studies Institute at Ferris State University. Tony’s previous work at the Urban Life Center in Chicago included teaching students about the diverse racial/ethnic communities in the city and engaging them in the cultural, political and educational institutions of the city. His Ph.D. research centered on the changing racial dynamics of the central city neighborhoods, specifically the African American, Mexican and Puerto Rican Neighborhoods that experienced urban renewal.

Continue reading "Tony Baker" »

Posted by Kate at 07:49 PM | Permalink

I believe that we must work together as parents, teachers, principals, administration, Board of Education, community members, businesses and services, to provide the best possible training for our students, whether they enter college, or pursue a career. We need to assure them that they will be prepared to face the world of work with confidence and marketable skills.

We need to pursue creative ideas and cutting edge opportunities that will appeal to our student population, and encourage parents to keep sending their children to GRPS. I believe strongly in public education. It should be vibrant, innovative, and an attractive asset in our community. Grand Rapids Public schools needs to be a truly viable option for every resident of our city. If our entire community agrees to work together we can accomplish these reasonable goals.

Continue reading "Gordon D. Griffin" »

Posted by Kate at 07:45 PM | Permalink

My name is Jane Gietzen and I am running to become your next GRPS Board member.

I will work to maintain GRPS’ high standards and ensure a quality education for our children. With two daughters at GRPS, I know we have a great school system, but I understand that the challenges ahead will require an attentive ear and thoughtful solutions.

Continue reading "Jane Gietzen" »

Posted by Kate at 07:44 PM | Permalink

GREAT COMMUNITIES NEED GREAT SCHOOLS.
GREAT SCHOOLS NEED GREAT LEADERS.

Dear Community Member,

I have been privileged to serve as a Board Member of the Grand Rapids Public Schools since 2001. I am looking forward to continuing the important work we are doing together to make the Grand Rapids Public Schools great schools for all children.

Continue reading "Luis Pena" »

Posted by Kate at 07:37 PM | Permalink

Senita Lenear, a 13-year employee with Blue Cross Blue Shield / Blue Care Network of MI, is a board member of Student Advancement Foundation - a non-profit organization designed to assist with funding programs to meet the needs of the Grand RapidsPublicSchool District. She is the founder of the My Body is a Temple program, which helps teens and young adults to discover the benefits of sexual abstinence before marriage.

Continue reading "Senita Lenear" »

Posted by Kate at 06:45 PM | Permalink