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May 10, 2024

GLPS Families,

As we approach mid May here at GLPS, and start to think about wrapping up the year, we have to first pause for a couple of important celebrations. A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Administrative Professionals Day, and this week, along with School Nurses Day and School Communicators Day, we celebrated teacher appreciation week (and day). 

Here at GLPS, our administrative professionals (including our secretaries), both at the district and school level, are the glue that holds our district together. They support families, students, and staff; answer questions; and are generally the first person everyone sees when they come into our district. Their warm greetings and customer service helps set the tone for any building visit! Our nurses, Mrs. Brummette and Mrs. Winn, do an outstanding job of supporting our students’ health needs, managing health plans, and providing their expertise in a variety of situations. Mr. Ellsworth, our district Director of Communications, helps with newsletters, coordinates with the press, assists with building level communications, crafts messages in a variety of situations, and helps oversee a myriad of internal and external communication processes. And, as you all are very keenly aware, our teachers work with our students and families day in and day out to make sure that all kids have the opportunity to learn and grow. Their tireless efforts play a huge role in making GLPS the wonderful district that it is, and the positive impact that teachers make on the lives of our students truly make a difference. It was wonderful to see all of the celebrations that took place in buildings this week, supported by parents, community members, and PTO/PTA/PTIA groups. It is clear that our staff is loved and appreciated by our families and the greater GLPS community, and it means so much to everyone that so many people took the time to show it this week.

In the survey that I sent out last fall, the top item that people wanted to hear about this year was district events and celebrations, with 75.9% of respondents listing that as an area of interest. So, in addition to celebrating the employees above this week, I also wanted to put in a plug for the Beagle STEAM night, which will take place next Thursday, May 16th, from 6-7:30 p.m. Coordinated by Beagle art teacher Erin Fredericks, this event showcases Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math creations and projects, transforming the whole school into a showcase of our students’ talents. Mrs. Fredericks and the Beagle team received an Educational Excellence Award and grant for their work on the project, and it was presented at a recent board meeting by SET SEG insurance and the Michigan Association of School Boards. The event was well attended last year, and we hope that folks join us this year as well to see the amazing work of our Beagle Middle School students!

The number of events, celebrations, and successes of our students and staff are too numerous to list here, but I encourage you to communicate with your child’s school, read the newsletters and communications that come home, and check out our website. Grand Ledge Public Schools is a leader in our region in numerous areas, and our programs, academics, and staff, facilities, students, and families are second to none. Thank you for your continued support, and for giving us the opportunity to serve you, your students, and our community every day.  We can always get better, and we will always have work to do, but as I walk through our buildings, visits our athletic fields and performance spaces, and talk to students, families, staff, and community members, it is always evident why I am #proudtobeacomet!

Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools