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January 17, 2025
GLPS Families,
As we approach the second half of January, winter is definitely in full swing. You heard from me earlier this week about winter weather, and we are looking ahead to bitter cold temperatures early next week. It is winter in Michigan for sure, and that means cold weather and slippery roads, but it also means sledding, ice skating, snowmen, and skiing, so I hope you have some time to enjoy all that the area has to offer over the upcoming three-day weekend.
Here at Grand Ledge Public Schools, we close the district on Martin Luther King, Jr. day to allow our students, staff, and families to celebrate the day with service and reflection, so we encourage you to engage in both as you are able on Monday. As we look ahead to the holiday, this is an important time to reflect on why we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day in January in the first place. His advocacy for racial equality and justice through nonviolent resistance, as well as his leadership and powerful speeches, inspired millions. His work led to significant legislative changes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and his persistent dedication to these ideals influences today’s continued efforts to ensure an equitable society and opportunities for all. That is why we take the third Monday in January to honor his life and legacy, and, again, I encourage you to keep the goals he worked to achieve in mind over this weekend, and find ways to honor his message.
It is important to note, too, that January is School Board Appreciation Month, and this past Monday, we held our 2025 board organizational meeting and swore in new board members Coban Holmes, Matt Oppenheim, and Kali Stevens. We are excited to welcome them to the board, and thank them for their service. I would also like to recognize trustee Dr. Toni Glascoe, new Board President Denise DuFort, Vice President Ashley Kuykendoll, and Secretary and Past President Nicole Shannon for their continued work on the board, and their continued leadership of our district. We are fortunate to continue to have a board that truly cares about students and staff, and is passionate about leading our district to fulfill it mission of Growing Learners and Preparing Students through its vision of providing every student a high-quality education, critical thinking skills, and social development to reach their highest potential in a safe and inclusive environment. When you see these folks out in the community, please thank them for their work!
I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your students every day. I hope you have a wonderful long weekend, and for all of you football fans out there, Go Lions! Thank you for all you do for your kids and our district; as always, I am #proudtobeacomet!
Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools
