January 2020
FROM THE MOTHERS’ CLUB PRESIDENT  
Dear Grosse Pointe South Families,

Happy New Year! December was a busy month filled with wonderful events.

         The Holiday Tea was enjoyed by all. Thank you to Anne Grobel and all the volunteers who helped set up, usher, bake, and sell cookies to the many senior citizens in our community.
         The Staff Appreciation was a fabulous lunch for our outstanding South staff.  Thank you to Andrea Brien and Sabine Iafrate and all the volunteers who made delicious homemade food to show our appreciation to all our wonderful teachers, administrators and staff who take such good care of our children.
         Many thanks, to everyone who helped with the Holiday Walk . Special thanks to the generous families who opened their beautiful homes, to get us all in the holiday spirit.
We are grateful to our sponsors , Henry Ford Health System and Blaser Design Group.
         The Holiday Market at Grosse Pointe South, was perfect. Thank you to all the wonderful vendors.
          Cleminson Hall was decorated beautifully by Karen Yoo and her crew. We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful space!

Mark your Calendars
  • Date with a Devil on February 7, 2020   Battle of the Bands

For continuing updates on all the happenings in the Mothers' Club and at South, visit the mothersclubgps.com. There you can find ways to support the school, volunteer, and get involved! We have a job for everyone!

Sincerely,

Helen Srebernak
Grosse Pointe South Mothers' Club President
president2019@mothersclubgps.com
IMPORTANT DATES
January 20
MLK Day
No School

January 22
"Angst" Community Showing
6:30 PM
Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center

January 25
Athletic Booster Bash
7:30 PM
Atwater in the Park

January 29
South Choir Concert
7:00 PM
Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center
February 7
A Date with the Devil
Battle of the Bands
6:00 PM
Bert's Warehouse Theater

February 12 & 13
Pointe Players - One Acts
7:00 PM
South Auditorium

March 17-21
Mid-Winter Break
No School

March 25-28
Art Fest
GP South MPR
COUNSELORS' CORNER
Happy New Year!

Back by popular demand: the film ANGST. On Wednesday, Jan 22 students will have the opportunity to see the documentary  "Angst,"  raising awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps. According to the filmmakers:
"Our goal specifically is to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to reach out for help. Angst screens in schools, communities, and theaters around the world. The film and corresponding materials provide tools, resources and above all, hope."

Students  with parent permission  may see the film either 2nd or 6th hour on January 22nd. In the evening the film will be shown at North's Performing Arts Center at 6:30 pm followed by a panel discussion with Q & A. "Angst" is not rated and is 46 minutes long. Students that would like the opportunity to discuss and share their reactions may stay for the following period for discussion with members of South's mental health team.

If you would like your child to participate in this upcoming film experience, please complete the form here:  https://forms.gle/x2Tt6kKtuu5QYCEV9  . Your child will not be permitted to be present at the showing without your permission. 
The showing of this film is sponsored by  The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods

I went to a professional development session on resilience and, wow, was it powerful! I was reinforced in the message that our current culture is building anxiety with obstacles in technology, isolation and developmental challenges of adolescence. Here is a powerful clip to think about with regard to social media. Check out Dr. David Walsh, a strong parent resource here: http://drdavewalsh.com/ I have read his book Why Do They Act That Way? A survival guide to the adolescent brain for you and your teen . I thought it was fantastic.

Senior Parents
As college admissions are trickling in for the early birds, many students (especially in the arts communities) are just getting their college applications sent out. Other students may still be unsure about where to apply or what steps to take next. Remember that we are always happy to help! Just send your student in to see us and we will be more than happy to sit down and talk post-high school options.
As we move into the second semester, we begin to shift our senior focus from admissions to financing college. We strongly encourage parents to apply for federal student aid via FAFSA . Some schools may require the CSS Financial Aid Profile .  
Parents can only apply for the FAFSA online . FAFSA worksheets are available online to print in PDF form to prepare. In order to apply for financial aid you must go online to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/  Step one is to apply for your financial aid ID (FSA ID) now at the website. Once you get your FSA ID, you will be able to fill out the application immediately. If you are not sure that the FAFSA will be fruitful, we recommend that you complete it anyway as an opportunity to trigger institutional aid offers that you may not otherwise receive. Colleges will start awarding money as soon as they receive your information from the federal processing center, so don’t delay. Some schools may require the CSS Financial Profile. Click here to see the list of schools on the profile.
When we met with kids at the end of November we introduced them to a variety of different financial Aid meta search engines including Fastweb and FinAid Finding scholarships is all about the search.

Tips on Applying for Financial Aid
  1.  If you are in doubt as to whether or not to apply for aid…apply.
  2. Students will need their social security number.
  3. Secure the necessary forms. Check which form is needed by each college.
  4. Always read the entire form carefully.
  5. Download (or pick up from the counseling center) the FAFSA Worksheets and use them as a rough draft.
  6. Double check that proper code numbers are used. PROOF READ!
  7. Keep a copy of everything you send (electronically or via mail).
  8. Do not send a copy of your taxes with the FAFSA or Profile, colleges will ask you to submit them directly to them if they are required.
  9. Investigate possible outside sources of aid.
  10. Read carefully any responses you get and respond.
  11. Call the college’s financial aid office for help with forms or problems.
  12. Develop a personal calendar.
  13. Meet all required deadlines.
  14. Do not get distracted by frauds that guarantee aid in return for an enrollment fee.

Junior Parents
Junior Meetings!  Each year we attempt to meet individually with each Junior (and parents if they would like to join us) to have an in-depth, personalized discussion about college searching, applying, and financing. In efforts to meet with more students, we have moved these meetings up from Spring to Winter. So make your appointments now! We are anxious to get started.
Students should register now for the ACT and/or SAT tests that will be given in the second semester. Keep in mind dates for AP testing and final exams. Remember, that your child will take a free SAT at South in April as a part of the state tests. This score is official and may be used for college applications. Taking an April or June ACT is a great idea since students will have addressed the entire Algebra II math curriculum required for the test.
You can go directly to the testing companies’ websites ( www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.org ) to register and to obtain more information about the tests.
We recommend that you register early to secure a spot at your preferred testing center. Please pay attention to deadlines; there are financial penalties for late registration. When you register, you will need to use the Grosse Pointe South school code: 231-802. 

Sophomore & Freshman Parents
We spoke with freshmen on December 3 about suicide prevention and awareness. They are an impressively informed group! We challenged them to share with a trusted adult the information that we provided on signals that someone may be hurting and considering suicide. Also add to their phone contacts the 24/7 text line for help 741741. Just text “Hello” to engage someone to help! In addition, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a great resource for both the individual that is hurting and their supporters. Free 24/7 help is available.
Mid-Winter break you may find yourself loading up the family car for places near and far to visit and vacation. Consider taking a detour to a convenient college on the way and doing a short tour. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about some new options that they may never have thought of for college. It can be so valuable to get a sense of priorities and possibilities for College. Even if the student dislikes their visit that is time well spent because they can continue to hone their wish list for the perfect college match. If you don’t have any travel plans consider taking a “Gas Tank Tour” to a few local colleges. At this point it is all about exposure to develop that sense of desire and motivation for next steps in education!

Thank you to our generous 2019 Annual Campaign donors who contributed over $6300 so far to support South's students and community and reinforce our shared commitment to educational excellence. Funds raised through the Annual Campaign, along with membership dues, revenue from the School Store and events, and other donations, will fund scholarships for South seniors , enrichment of South classrooms and organizations, and preservation of South's historic building.

Scholarships . This spring, through The Mothers’ Club scholarship program, over $91,000 in need and merit-based scholarships were awarded to South seniors from Mothers’ Club funded scholarships and from community and family funded scholarships. These scholarships invest in South's legacy by supporting our South students as they head off to college.

Enrichment .  To underwrite educational enrichment activities school-wide, The Mothers’ Club granted over $21,000 in enrichment requests during this school year. Funding extra educational elements such as the Tower final edition, PBIS mentoring program, teacher training, visiting vocal clinicians and DSO musicians to work with our choir and band students, equipment for Adaptive Physical Education classes, dissection specimens, and field trips help South achieve and maintain its excellence as a renowned high school.

Preservation .  With continued financial support, South's beautiful historic building endures as a source of pride for the Grosse Pointe community. Restoration and refurbishment of Cleminson Hall's original windows and doors, South's clock mechanism, and the creation of a conference room are a few examples of preservation projects completed with funds raised by The Mothers' Club. 

We truly appreciate all contributions to this year’s Annual Campaign. For more information on our projects and mission, please visit The Mothers’ Club website at www.mothersclubgps.com.
SCHOLARSHIP
For more than 80 years, the Mothers’ Club has been awarding college scholarships to deserving seniors at South. In 2018, we awarded a total of 88 scholarships totaling more than $56,000, including Mothers’ Club funds, community and private funds. Our scholarship recipients attend colleges and universities throughout the country.

We are always looking for new ways to recognize and honor more of the deserving seniors, if you or someone you know are interested in learning more about how you can contribute – either by making a donation to a current scholarship or setting up a new award, including alumni scholarships, please contact Beverly Bennert at (313) 330-2752 or  scholarship@mothersclubgps.com
ENRICHMENT
In our fall series of enrichment grants, we approved 12 individual requests, totaling $13,804.47
Some of the Enrichment grants we were able to fulfill are:

  • DSO musicians visiting both Symphony and Concert Orchestra classrooms as guest clinicians.
  • MI Shakespeare Festival coming to South in Spring of 2020 to perform Romeo and Juliet for all freshman students.
  • Art Fest costs
  • Continuation of yoga program for special needs students.
  • Camp Fowler trip for ASD and cognitively impaired students.
  • DECA registration and competition fee for students to compete in the district and state level.
  • Assistance with acting and directing of the All School Musical, Crazy for You; monies will help coach actors in production from Jan-April 2020.
PRESERVATION
The Preservation Committee is working closely with the district on projects related to the passing of the bond to ensure the updates are consistent with the architectural integrity of the building. In the fall, we were pleased to support South’s new secure vestibule by funding wood trim and granite consistent with the original offices. We look forward to supporting the redesign of the Fisher Road plaza to create a beautiful and accessible entrance for our school this spring.
Mothers' Club Alumni Membership

Do you know someone who is a former South student
or a parent/legal guardian of a former South student with no current students at South?
Invite them to become an Alumni Member of The Mothers' Club.
 
Alumni Membership Dues support  enrichment ,  preservation,  and  scholarship  for South.  Alumni Members receive a copy of the student / alumni directory, invitations to Mothers’ Club events, a monthly email of the High Pointes Newsletter, and other emails showcasing what is happening at South.  Alumni Members may attend and vote at monthly membership meetings.  

To become an alumni member go to  https://www.mothersclubgps.com/membership/ or contact Julie Mathews Schuetze (jmschuetze@sbcglobal.net).  
SOUTH SCHOOL STORE
As you may know, plans are already underway for the GPS 2020 Senior All Night Party. The party will be held at South on graduation night, June 4th. It will be a fun and special night for our graduates to spend together. Our goal is for 100% participation. Thanks again if you have already purchased your student's ticket. If not, please go to the Mothers' Club website ( www.mothersclubgps.com ) to purchase your tickets. The price is $70 through the end of the month. On February 1st, the price will increase to $80. You may also bring a check payable to “GPS Mothers’ Club – ANP” to the main office. Don't delay - purchase your ticket NOW!

We will be posting updates on social media, as well as sending out e-blasts, regularly in the New Year. The official social media accounts/pages for the parents of the Class of 2020 are:
     Facebook: GPS 2020
     Instagram: GrossePointeSouth2020
2019-2020 Class Officers
President- Aleena S.
VP- Evie K.
Treasurer- Elle O.
Secretary- Eleni T.
Contact Information
Class Advisor: Meg Pierce
Advisor Email: piercem2@gpschools.org
Instagram: @gpsouth.22
Facebook: GPS Class Of 2022
Class advisor Katie Parent at  parentk@gpschools.org
Saturday, Jan 25 th  –  MSBOA District XVI High School Chamber Festival  (Rochester HS)
Saturday, Feb 1 st  –  MSBOA District XVI HS Solo & Ensemble  (Rochester HS)
Monday, Feb 3 rd  –  All Band Students - Pre Festival Band Concert   – 7:00 pm (Pierce MS)
Tuesday, Feb 4 th  –  All Orchestra Students – Pre Festival Orchestra Concert   – 7:00 pm (GPS)
Friday, Feb 7 th  or Sunday, Feb 9 th  (Need to confirm) –  WSU Orchestra Session  
Tuesday, Feb 11 th  –  Booster Meeting   – 7:00 pm Band & Orchestra Room
Thursday, Feb 27 th  thru Saturday, Feb 29 th  –  MSBOA District Orchestra Festival
Tuesday, March 3 rd  -  Booster Meeting  – 7:00 pm Band & Orchestra Festival
Thursday, March 5 th  thru Saturday, March 7 th  –  MSBOA District Band Festival
Happy New Year. Chris Pratt, and the entire Choir, would like to extend an invitation for you to join them on Wednesday January 29th. Starting off the New Year on a high note, the Choir will be performing one night only, at 7:00 PM, at the Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center. This is located at 707 Vernier Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. Please see the Choir Website for details on how to get your tickets. With only one performance they will surely sell out quickly.   www.gpsouthchoir.org  
Please join the very talented Pointe Players for their Student Directed
One-Acts Performances. Each performance is student directed and student performed.

Come and support these wonderful, exciting and energetic thespians on Wednesday and Thursday February 12 & 13 . Both shows are at 7:00 in the South Auditorium. Tickets will be for sale at the door.
GP South Athletic Booster Bash! - Saturday, Jan 25th  

Don’t miss your opportunity to win Front Row Graduation seats, Parking Spots,
Participation fees, Tickets to various Sporting Events and other coveted prizes!

Saturday, January 25 @ 7:30 PM
Where:  Atwater Brewery in Grosse Pointe Park

Tickets: $40 person / $75 couple –  Buy tickets online

If you have questions, please contact - (313) 432-3540
 

Volunteers Needed
Each year, the ArtFest Planning Committee works closely with the GPS Art Department in preparing for this much anticipated week. Success would not be possible without all of the committed volunteers we have to help set up and run this event. Your help is again needed this year! Interested? Contact our Volunteers Coordinator, Danielle Cannon ( dcannon26@gmail.com , (313) 434-2646)

Award Sponsorship
ArtFest is all about supporting our students in their creative pursuit of the arts. In 2019, we were able to provide over $8000 in awards to our students through generous donations from our community. Have you considered sponsorship, but not sure where to start? 
Contact our Sponsorship & Awards Coordinator, Debbie McSunas ( mdmcsunas@comcast.net , (423) 987-0912)

Looking forward to seeing you in March!

ArtFest 2020 Co-Chair, Paula Draper
(313) 310-0211
High Pointes | Grosse Pointe South Mothers' Club | http://www.mothersclubgps.com/