PSAT/NMSQT Testing Oct 22. 

Please see the following letter for information regarding fall PSAT/NMSQT testing taking place on October 22. Keep in mind we will have an adjusted schedule that day. Students are excused at 11:00 am if they have their own ride home. If they rely on bus transportation they will remain at school until the buses arrive at 2:44 pm. 

Work Permits

Starting October 5, 2026 all work permits will be issued and approved through the State of Michigan's "Youth Employment Permit Portal" (YEPP). The high school will no longer have permits available or have the ability to approve work permits. All current work permits that have been signed prior to October 2, 2026 will continue to be valid. Please see the information in the links below for more information on how to apply for a work permit.

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/wage-and-hour/youth-employment-standards-act-yesa/yepp

TalkingPoints Emergency Message

Attention Parents/Guardians: On Wednesday, September 16, we sent a test of our emergency messaging system through TalkingPoints. Emergency messages will be used for communication of school cancellations (snow days) and other urgent announcements.  If you are set up on TalkingPoints, you should have received this message via text and phone call. If you did not receive this message on Sept. 16, please notify your child's school office so we can correct any contact information.  

Student IDs: If you have received your student ID in the mail, please review all of the information carefully to verify its correct. If you find any errors in your name, student ID number, grade level, or the school year, please bring the ID to the main office so a replacement can be ordered.

Seal of Biliteracy

Attention students interested in the Seal of Biliteracy, please visit our Seal of Biliteracy webpage for all registration and payment information for the first testing date on Nov. 5.  

Host Families Needed

We have two wonderful exchange students who attend Grandville High School and are in need of new host families as soon as possible due to no fault of their own. They are currently placed in the same home but can be placed in separate homes if needed.

Lorenzo – Italy
Lorenzo is 17 years old and is looking for a family who would welcome him into their home and include him in their everyday family life.

Pau – Spain
Pau is 15 years old and is currently a member of the Grandville High School JV soccer team. He would love to stay connected with his team and continue being part of the Grandville community.

What does a host family need to provide?

Host families do not need to be a traditional family. We welcome single adults, couples, families with children, empty nesters, and retirees. The most important thing is being willing to welcome a student into your home and treat them as part of the family.

Host families provide:

• A bed and a bedroom for the student

• Meals, just as you would provide for the rest of your family

• Some transportation to school activities, sports, and occasional activities with friends

• The opportunity to experience normal family life — family dinners, game nights, holidays, outings, vacations, and more

• A safe, supportive, and welcoming home

The student’s natural parents are still financially responsible for the student in every other way and will cover the student's personal expenses, including clothing, toiletries, school supplies, entertainment, activities with friends, school dances, sports fees, and other personal expenses. Students also have their own health and liability insurance.

CETUSA provides support throughout the entire exchange. Host families go through an application, interview, home visit, background check, and reference process before being approved, and we are available to support the family and student throughout the year.

You do not have to be an experienced host family or know anything about Italy or Spain. This is simply an opportunity to welcome a teenager into your home and help make their exchange experience a positive one.

If you or someone you know may be interested in hosting Lorenzo or Pau, please reach out their Local Coordinator, Christy Tripp at christytripp@sbcglobal.net or 616-204-4538. Even if you have questions and aren't sure whether hosting is right for your family, we would be happy to talk with you and explain how it works.

Attention Parents of Students in AP Classes:

The deadline to register and pay for AP exams is coming up on Oct. 30. Please see this letter with more information about the Advanced Placement Program and exams. You can also visit our AP Program website for more information. Please contact Mr. Kennedy (mkennedy@gpsbulldogs.org) with any questions. 

Yearbooks for 2026-2027

Attention Parents and Students: It's time to order your yearbook for the 2026-2027 school year! 

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors can order a yearbook in one of three ways: through this Jostens site, by calling 1-877-767-5217, or in Room 166 at GHS. 

Seniors: Please visit this Jostens page to order your senior yearbook and to get home shipment. Your senior yearbook can be shipped to the last address you leave with GHS before you graduate. Senior yearbooks will be shipped during the month of September AFTER you graduate. 

Senior All Night Party

SANP Information:

Visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/grandville-parent-support-organizations This page contains all the latest fundraisers, registration, and restaurant night info.

SANP Registration Information:

Senior Parents and Students!! Registration for the All Night Party is open! Current cost is $125! While the location is a well-kept secret, it promises to be a night of fun, food, and entertainment that your graduate will remember for a lifetime. Parent help needed: Check out the following link to see what current needs are out there:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA8AD2CABF49-65265735-2027 

SANP Fundraisers

• Dawg House Fundraiser is currently running! Have you seen it in your yard yet? Be on the lookout!

• Yard Signs!! Yard Sign sales close on October 9 for the Fall. We will reopen back in the spring. To order: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2027-sanp-store 

• Holiday Wreaths- just in time for the holiday season. Orders due Oct 27 and will be delivered the week after Thanksgiving. To order: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/holiday-wreath-sale-6 

• Grandville Night Market- October 15 5-8pm- We will be face painting & selling pumpkin kits

• Football Squares for the UofM vs MSU (Game- Nov 7) -squares on sale now! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/football-squares-msu-vs-u-of-m-2 

• Best Seat in the House/Best Reserved Parking Raffle- 3 winners of each for 2027 Graduation ceremony- purchase your tickets here-tickets on sale until May 2027 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/best-seat-in-the-house-and-best-parking-spot-raffle 

• Restaurant nights for October:

  • October 13- Chipotle (Grandville location) 5-9pm (Must mention Grandville HS)

  • October 27- Noodles & Co (Grandville location) 4-8pm (Must mention Grandville HS)

Follow SANP2027: 

Facebook: Class of 2027 Grandville Bulldogs

Instagram: sanp_grandville_2027

Email: ghs.2027.sanp@gmail.com

Webpage: www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/grandville-parent-support-organizations 

The next SANP Parent Meeting is Wednesday, Nov 4, at 7pm - located on the 2nd floor in the project room 280. (Enter Canal Side- door B)

Cell Phone Information:

In accordance with new Michigan legislation, we have attached a letter outlining our new Cell Phone Policy, which will be in effect for the 2026-2027 school year. We ask that you review the policy and talk with your student(s) prior to the start of the year.

Medical Documentation for 2026/27 School Year

All medical forms must be updated annually.  This includes the Annual Health Form on PowerSchool.  Any diagnosed Medical condition requiring a Health Care Plan must have updated documentation from the student’s Physician every year. 

**REMINDER: 

New medication forms need to be submitted at the start of each school year.  All prescription meds must have a Medication Administration Form signed by both a parent/guardian and the Physician.  

Students may not carry any medications without a Medication Administration Form signed by a parent.  Prescriptions must also be signed by a Physician that the student is competent to self-administer the medication.  This includes rescue-type medications.  Each student will need to meet with the Nurse to validate medication self-administration understanding at the start of the school year.   

Medication forms are located on the GPS website under the Department tab labeled “Nursing Services”.  

Nurse Services Parent Letter

Concessions

The GHS Athletic Department would like to share an important update regarding concession stand operations for the 2026-27 school year.

Can you please distribute the following information through the appropriate channels for your schools?

The GHS Athletic Department will continue with a cashless system for all concession stand operations this year. The following payment methods will be accepted:

• Credit/Debit Cards

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay

• Cash App (via QR Code)

Please note: Cash will still be accepted at ticket admissions.

Sports Equipment Reminder

Please remember that equipment, ball bags and other athletic items cannot be stored in the Main Office during the school day. If you do not have a vehicle where you can safely keep athletic equipment during the day or it is too big for your locker, please place it in the Athletic Closet upstairs - Room 220. This closet will remain locked during school hours.  All athletes have access to the elevator, so you do not need to worry about carrying heavy bags up and down the stairs. Please help us keep the Main Office clear and accessible during the day by using the designated athletic storage closet. 

Grandville Athletic Passes  (2026)

Grandville Families, 

Our digital season athletic passes for the upcoming 2026-27 school year are available for purchase. We are again partnering with GoFan Ticketing. Digital season athletic passes must be purchased online and are now available through Grandville’s GoFan Online Ticket Office. 

Grandville Athletic Season Passes allow access to the following events:

1. All Home High School Athletic Events

2. All Home Middle School Athletic Events

3. Passes do not work for admittance to any MHSAA Tournament Contest. 

Link to Purchase Season Passes: Grandville Athletics GoFan Website

If you have any questions on how to buy tickets/passes using the GoFan website, please review the following information - https://gofan.playonsports.com/digital-ticketing-guide 

ALL Sports Digital Pass Options - 

• Adults- $50

• Students- $25

• Family Packages Available

$100 VARSITY FOOTBALL PARKING PASS (Limited Number Available)- Purchase Online @ GoFan.co

• Premium parking for all Home Varsity Football games.

• Parking passes must be redeemed at the time of entry for access to premium parking.

• 4 Home Football Games

Please contact the Grandville High School Athletic Office if you have any questions. All Passes are digital and must be purchased at GoFan.Co. Pass holders will present their phone to the admissions workers for entrance. 

Email: mremenap@gpsbulldogs.org

Phone: (616) 254-6436

Purchase Passes: https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10149  

Thanks for Supporting Grandville Athletics

Go Dawgs!

Boys Cross Country

The Boys Cross Country team competed on Wednesday, September 30th, in their second OK Red Jamboree meet of the season. The team placed 5th overall with standout performances from many of the runners. Caden Livermore finished in first place with a time of 15:10. Rounding out the top ten for the Dawgs were Graham Kusmierski (16:25), Liam Jurewicz (17:21), Marcus Anderson (17:29), Dylan Aten (17:36), Cam Stone (17:36), Mason Syniszewski (17:37), Mahir Tabakovic (17:50), Isaiah Ewing (17:54), and Wilson Labardee (18:58).

Many of the boys ran their personal best times of the year, and several runners secured their best times ever. The team will race again on Saturday, October 10, at the Portage Invitational. 

Girls Cross Country

The girls cross country team competed at their second Jamboree meet of the season at Hudsonville on Wednesday, placing 6th. Ariana Elzinga led the Grandville team with a 10th place finish. Her time of 19:24 is now the Grandville girls' 21st fastest recorded time on any cross country course and is the tenth-fastest Grandville sophomore time.

The impressive pack of Simone McDargh (20:30), Chloe Gray (20:35), and Andie Buursma (20:58) came through next, placing 26th, 30th, and 32nd, respectively. McDargh recorded a personal best time, and Gray recorded a season best.

The next pack to come through was led by Liv Swart (22:12) in 51st, Brooke Livermore (22:17) in 52nd, and Bella Skinner (22:17) in 53rd.

Additional personal records were set by Ella Bolek (22:46), Kiara Bourtembourg (23:42), Nora Teutsch (24:29), Vicky Jones (24:54), Peyton Peterman (27:49), Amelia Yonker (27:51), and Piper Nanney (27:55). Season records were set by Daniela Atkins (23:57), Melody Vander Lugt (29:59), and Kaitlyn Chapman (31:30).

The girls will compete next at the Portage Invitational on Saturday, October 10.

Girls Swim and Dive

The Lady Dawgs Swim and Dive team went 1-1 to kick off the OK Red dual meet season. They opened with a win against West Ottawa 190-125 and fell to Rockford 125-190. Wins from the two meets came from Tessa Graverson, Abby Crater, Marley VanderWall, Suriaya Moss, Loren VandeKerkhoff, Charlotte Ernst, Lyza Vanpopering, Rylee Gill, and Brynn Newell. Other strong performances came from Anna Pepper, Alex Belyew, Aaliyah Smith, Ava Phelps, and Aksana Sterk.

Girls Varsity Volleyball 

WHAT A COMEBACK! 

The Varsity Volleyball team battled back to complete an incredible reverse sweep against West Ottawa! 

The team was led by:

•  McKenna Verburg: 6 aces

•  Addie DeVries: 14 kills

•  Jenna Patten: 13 kills

•  Addie Perry: 27 digs

•  Reese Dykstra: 24 assists

After dropping the first two sets, the team showed tremendous fight, resilience, and determination to storm back and take the match! What a way to finish! 

Way to fight, Varsity! LET’S GO! 

Disc Golf Club

Attention students interested in joining the Disc Golf club: there will be the first disc golf club meet of the season at 3:30 PM on Friday, Oct. 9. Please meet coach Wixson at the front of the Heritage Park. If there are any questions contact caidengillispie@gpsbulldogs.org or rockwellshwartz@gpsbulldogs.org. 

PowderPuff Football Game

The annual Junior/Senior PowderPuff football game will be held Wednesday, October 7 at 6:00 PM at the Bulldog Stadium. Gates open at 5:30. There are no discounts on tickets for this event. Join us for this fun event!

Bird Club

Please see link for GHS Bird Club dates for the 26-27 school year. Meetings with start in room 111 at 3pm for a school walk.

Odyssey of the Mind Fundraiser

See Odyssey of the Mind flyer HERE .

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

A representative from Michigan Achievement Scholarship will be at parent teacher conferences on Thursday October 29th from 4-7.  No appointment necessary.  Stop by and find out about how your senior can get up to $5500 for public or private colleges and about the free two years of community college.  

TRAILS to Wellness Small Group at GHS

Grandville High School is now offering the University of Michigan’s,"TRAILS to Wellness"  program to support our students’ social, emotional, and behavioral health. Mrs. Sterckx (SEL Coach) will run another cohort of this skills group for students experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Students will learn effective strategies to manage common symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as feelings of hopelessness, decreased energy, worried thoughts and avoidant behaviors.  The goal of our group work will be to improve emotional health for optimal academic and social/emotional achievement.

This ten week program is free, and students will meet once per week (for 45 minutes to an hour) during the school day. Click here for more information about the TRAILS program. If you are interested in your child(ren) participating, please complete this interest form. Space is limited, and groups will be determined based on need and availability.

The 2027-28 FAFSA Form is Available!

Did you hear? The 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is available now at fafsa.gov. Most students can complete the form and see their results in 15 minutes or less. Encourage your students to submit the 2027-28 FAFSA form today. 

Additionally, the following resources are available to assist students and families in completing the FAFSA: 

• How to Create a StudentAid.gov Account Guide: This step-by-step guide is easy to print and share.

• 2027-28 Preview Presentation: This guide to completing the new online FAFSA form will familiarize you with what’s new and common user scenarios. The presentation can be used as provided at a FAFSA completion event or modified as needed. 

Senior Parents

Parents of seniors heading off to college next year.  On October 29th during parent teacher conferences, a representative from GRCC's financial aid department will be here.  They can help with any questions regarding financial aid, FAFSA and the Michigan achievement scholarship.  Feel free to stop by anytime from 4-7 with questions you may have.

The FAFSA opens on October 1st, 2026

-GHS counseling team

SAT Retakes

Any senior interested in retaking the SAT can do so by signing up here.  SAT retakes are done outside of the school day. 

• See Upcoming 2026-2027 SAT Test Dates HERE 

Free Financial Aid Webinars for Students and Families

Learn About the Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Students looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to register for a Michigan Achievement Scholarship Informational Session. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is the largest state financial aid program and has supported more than 110,000 Michigan students since 2023!

Learn About the Financial Aid Process and the FAFSA

Students and families interested in learning about navigating the student financial aid process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are encouraged to register for a Virtual Financial Aid Presentation.

Closed captioning will be provided. If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact MiStudentAid@Michigan.gov two business days prior to the scheduled Webinar. Requests received after that date cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to provide the accommodation requested.

College Visits at Grandville

College visits will begin on Monday Sept 14. College visits go from September through November. Colleges visiting will be put in the announcements. Interested 11th and 12th grade students will be able to sign up through Google Forms on their email account and must have permission from their teacher during the hour of the visit. Google Forms for each visit will be emailed to Juniors and Seniors about a week before the visit. There will not be sign-ups in the counseling office. Locations for each visit are included on the email and vary depending on the visit. You will be allowed a maximum of 3 VISITS TOTAL FOR THE FALL so choose wisely. Make sure to mark visits in your agenda when signing up. Please see your counselor if you have any questions.

So far the following Colleges will be visiting. This list will be updated as new visits are added:

College Visit List 2026-2027

Hand2Hand - Weekend Food Support

If your family needs a little extra help with food on weekends, Hand2Hand provides nutritious food to students and families who could use additional support when school is not in session. Families can sign up to receive a bag of food to help provide meals & snacks by scanning the QR code here. Click here for Español

Looking for scholarships?  Use this link to access the GHS local scholarship document page. 

Collegiate Sports

If your student is considering playing a sport at a Division I or Division II college or university, please make sure to complete the registration process through the NCAA Eligibility Center. It is also important to review the list of NCAA-approved courses at Grandville High School to ensure your student is meeting the academic requirements for eligibility.

Additionally, please notify your student’s school counselor as early as possible if they are considering competing at the collegiate level. Your counselor can help ensure your student is taking the appropriate courses and meeting the necessary academic requirements throughout high school.

The SORA app is always available.  Stop in the Media Center if you need help setting it up.  

Visit GPSbulldogs.org/rec to discover all the programs offered through Grandville Community Education! From youth activities to adult enrichment, there are options for all ages 

Parents, this letter is to inform you of our optional Library Restriction Process.  Please read through carefully and take the appropriate steps if you wish to do so.