We Are Very Lucky

As we enter the third week of school, I can't help but reflect on some of the blessings we have here in Grosse Pointe. Despite the computer glitches of the first few days, this has been a very smooth start to a new school year.

The kids have been terrific! I always knock on wood after I say that, but they have been unusually respectful and polite so far. And they have taken especially good care of the new Student Commons. They are using it to its fullest extent, but are doing a good job picking up after themselves and keeping it neat and clean.

We are also blessed to have the infusion of technology this school year. Although not all of it is fully up and running...to the chagrin of some...we are much further ahead than when we left in the spring. We are fortunate to have a district that believes in continuous improvement and invests time and money to train its teachers.

Today, we hosted the PLAN test for our sophomores at the two high schools. This test is a smaller version of the ACT that students take when they are juniors. It has a direct correlation to performance on the "big" test they will take next year. We will use results from the PLAN test to make positive interventions for these students during the next school year.

This Friday, we have the annual North/South football game. This is a big deal to many in the Pointes, and this year we are fortunate to have two competitive teams that are likely headed to the playoffs.

We are the host school this year, and the game will follow the 3rd annual "Victory in the Pointes" celebration. Come between 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday evening to sample the food from many of the area restaurants, or buy your spirit wear. This celebration will be held on the front lawn outside Cleminson Hall.

There are not many communities around the country that can provide venues like this for their citizens. Again, we are very blessed.

I can only hope the school year continues as it started. There is a great deal of positive energy in the building, and many reasons to feel optimistic.