POINTS OF PRIDE

grand blanc schools points of pride: 2018-19

  • The Sinking Fund Renewal passed in May of 2019 at over 70% Grand Blanc voter approval! Thank you to our amazing community!
  • Zero-Increase Bond will be up for voter consideration in May of 2020 with the capability of generating approx. 69 million dollars for exciting district-wide improvements without raising taxes! This is the last in “The Future is Now” series of school voter initiatives. Stay tuned for exciting updates!
  • A new district website at www.gbcs.org and the GBCS app were rolled out by the GBCS Technology Dept. in the Summer of 2019. The new app is available for download in the Apple App store and Google Play.
  • Grand Blanc Athletics joined the Saginaw Valley League for the 2018-19 school year with many successful team seasons and district/regional championships! Follow athletics at https://grandblancathletics.com/
  • Our fine arts programs continued to earn many awards and successes. Winter Drumline was named World Champion in their division. Grand Blanc was named a “Best Community for Music Education” for the second year by NAMM.
  • 2018-2023 Strategic Plan progress continues to be made. Culturally Responsive Teaching, Mindfulness, Positivity Project, Mental Health, Community Partnerships and Family Engagement continue to grow and support our efforts to educate the whole child.
  • Teaching coaches were chosen from the district and trained to transition away from external consultants, CBD Consulting. Coaches help teachers to think outside the box and engage students in new and exciting ways while supporting the use of new classroom technology and methods.
  • Elementary libraries completed transformation this summer with funds from the voter-approved 2015 Technology Bond, with all 9 now having new technology and furniture, some being completely redesigned. Almost 200 classrooms were transformed with new teacher stations, smart boards and projector walls in the Spring/Summer of 2019.
  • Grand Blanc Constructions Trades students, led by CTE teachers Wes Wiltse and Jason Youngs, built the Chalet Shoppes for the City of Grand Blanc. The shops opened next to GB City Hall in the summer of 2019.
  • In addition, scrap pods were constructed for two elementary schools to pilot for creative outside play, also made by our CTE high school students.
  • FISH of GB began a partnership with GBCS dining services to freeze excess food and distribute it, along with FBEM purchases and donated goods, at St. Christopher's Church on Saginaw in Grand Blanc twice per month.
  • The Bobcat Bookmobile gave out hundreds of books over the summer to elementary students in the area, while Meet Up & Eat Up served thousands of nutritious meals to students at TWO locations this summer.
  • A Hand Up food pantry continues to grow at West Middle School, as well, serving student families across the district.
  • GBHS began piloting a mental health initiative with Easterseals of Michigan. The high school now has a clinician onsite for outpatient therapy appointments for students and their families.
  • Grand Blanc was awarded a competitive Michigan State Police School Safety Grant from the State of Michigan worth over $243,000 to help with funding the installation of Legacy Barricades on classroom doors. Barricades have been installed in almost all GBCS buildings. Installation continues this year.
  • Perry Innovation Center added 8th grade to their upper school, now housing 2nd-8th grade Grand Blanc students that pilot technology and educational programs for the district.
  • Grand Blanc Schools received the “Education Service Leader” award at the Governor’s Service Awards from Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission at the Detroit Opera House in fall of 2019. The United Way of Genesee County, who also won an award for their Volunteer Program, facilitated the nomination of Grand Blanc Schools and helps fund/support many of our community service projects. Also the same week, Rep. Tim Sneller presented a letter from the State of Michigan thanking Grand Blanc Schools for work in the community and with the Positivity Project at a Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
  • For 2019-20, Middle Schools (including Perry Upper School) are piloting 'Advisory Period' to have a time at the beginning of each day to get to know a teacher/mentor.

Read the year-end newsletter, GB Shout!, for Grand Blanc Community Schools!