Strategic Plan Belief Statement Reminders
GLPS Families,
As we wrap up another week here at GLPS, I want to remind you about two of the belief statements in our strategic plan, and share some important information that aligns with those beliefs. First, we believe in a safe, inclusive environment where students can explore their interests and learn the skills they need to thrive in their communities, and second, we believe in partnerships between the family, community, and education stakeholders for the success of GLPS. We know that when we create a safe learning environment that prioritizes the needs of our students, and we do so in collaboration with our families, communities, and stakeholders, we maximize the opportunities for our kids.
To those ends, I want to share the following information with you today:
- As a follow up to my email earlier this week regarding the hoax threats, or “swatting,” that occurred around the state this week, Attorney General Dana Nessel released this information about the law enforcement’s response to the threats. I encourage you to read this information and watch the embedded video, and have a conversation with your child about the seriousness of these events. I also want to remind you about Prosecutor Lloyd’s communication from earlier this year, which carries a similar message. We take all threats very seriously, and whenever we receive information that constitutes a threat, whether it is against the school, other students, or staff, we utilize a county wide threat assessment protocol, which always includes coordination with law enforcement.
- On a completely different, and much more positive note, you will see some information in the press over the next couple of days about a grant that was received in a partnership between Grand Ledge Public Schools and the Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency (Eaton RESA). As is stated in the press release issued by MDHHS today, the grant allows us to set up a health center within GLPS to work with students and families to “learn positive behaviors, prevent diseases, receive medical care and support, resulting in healthy youth who are ready and able to learn and become educated, productive adults.” According to the MDHHS website, health centers like the one coming to GLPS, “promote the health of children, adolescents and their families by providing important primary, preventative, and early intervention health care services. These centers provide primary care, preventative care, comprehensive health assessment, vision and hearing screening, medication, immunization, treatment of acute illness, co-management of chronic illness, health education and mental health care. These integrated primary care and mental health centers serve youth and adolescents ages 5-21 in schools (School Based Health Centers) or near school property (School Linked Health Centers).” This is an amazing resource for students and families, and the ERESA/GLPS grant is one of 26 awarded statewide. We are still in the planning stages of the program, and a joint ERESA/GLPS implementation team will be meeting in March to start working out the details, including the specific location within the district. There will be much more communication coming over the next couple of months, including how families can engage with the health center, but we are excited to be able to provide this service and appreciative of our partnership with ERESA.
That is it for this week. As always, thank you for your support. I am #proudtobeacomet!
Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools
