Superintendent

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March 20, 2025

GLPS Families,

I am sending my message a day early this week, as spring break starts tomorrow! It’s hard to believe that we are already here, as we know things move pretty quickly once we return from break! Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, this time of year invites us to look ahead to summer while also preparing for the many important spring events that will take place between now and the end of the school year. When we return, state testing will begin, followed by senior celebrations and other exciting end-of-year activities. And, while it is snowing as I write this (it is Michigan, after all), we can also look forward to more consistent spring weather!

As I’ve shared throughout the year, many of my messages have been shaped by the feedback received from the survey I sent out last fall. Based on your input, I want to take a moment to highlight two key topics that are top of mind for our community: our strategic plan and information about supporting students and families through special education programming.

Our strategic plan, which can be viewed here, is guided by the following core beliefs:

When we say “all students,” we truly mean all students. It is our responsibility to provide the necessary support to help every student learn and grow, regardless of their unique needs. Across our district, our dedicated special education team - including central office and building administrators, teachers, teaching assistants, and Eaton RESA service providers - works tirelessly to develop individualized educational programs that meet each student where they are and help them progress. With collaboration from families, we strive to create outstanding educational opportunities for every child. As we work hard to individualize our approaches and meet students where they are, our team remains committed to seeking solutions that best support our kids. To learn more about our special education programming and the services we provide, please visit our Student Services page.

Our staff here supports all learners and the unique and individualized needs that they have, and this is the time of year when there are numerous days, weeks, and months that highlight and celebrate the unique contributions of our students. For example, we are just wrapping up Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Defined as recognizing, celebrating, and understanding that everyone’s brains, and therefore the way they process information and communicate, are wired differently, neurodiversity is an important part of who we are as a district and a community. According to the official page, recognition of Neurodiversity Week “challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organizations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.” Across the district this week, we discussed these ideas and focused on how we can make GLPS a truly welcoming place that emphasizes supporting all learners.

It is also important to note that tomorrow marks another important awareness day—World Down Syndrome Day, which highlights the gifts and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome, while challenging the stereotypes that often surround them. To learn more about these misconceptions and how you can help raise awareness and celebrate individuals with Down Syndrome, please click here.

Finally, after we return from break, April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day, and the entire month of April is recognized as World Autism Month. These observances encourage us to learn more about autism and to better understand and appreciate our students, family members, and community members on the autism spectrum. By educating ourselves, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all of our students, families, and community members. 

As we gear up for the final stretch of the school year, I hope you find time to rest and recharge over the next week. Thank you for your continued support; I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your students every day. Enjoy the break, and as always, I am #proudtobeacomet!

Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools