Anthony Ianni blasted home a message to a hand-selected group of GBHS students 5th hour on Friday in the auditorium. The former Spartan basketball player was the first known college player diagnosed with autism. His parents were told very early on that he would not graduate high school or play sports and that he would likely finish out his life in a group home setting. Ianni grew to 6' tall by the 6th grade (and soon reached 6' 9"), adding another reason for his peers to give him a hard time. In spite of those obstacles, he not only played basketball as a Spartan at Michigan State but graduated with a Sociology degree. During his time on the team, MSU played in two Big Ten Championships and a Final Four. His message to the students at the schools he visits now across the country? Be kind to one another, show respect to everyone, and think about the legacy you want to leave behind in your school and community. He's reminding students they are all on the same ...

Kindergarten Information Night Coming Up for Grand Blanc Community Schools!

Grand Blanc Community Schools is proud to again offer a unique tuition-free educational opportunity to students in grades 2-8. Perry Innovation Center (P.I.C.) is leading the evolution of the classroom with the smart use of technology and student-centered learning! Students at P.I.C. are researching, collaborating, and steering the direction of their lessons. Students pursue their interests in ways that incorporate core curriculum in science, social studies, and language arts. Classes like “Life Happens” and “The Science of Spying” naturally create engaging lessons that students participate in enthusiastically. The focus is placed on developing critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, independence and collaboration skills. Students can expect a smaller, more personal environment at Perry Innovation Center. In some ways, a day at Perry is similar to other Grand Blanc Schools, from the morning announcements to the lunchroom, students will have the opportunity to play outsi...

Myers Elementary 1st graders recently donated over 500 personal care and toiletry items to FISH of Grand Blanc as a part of their Social Studies lesson. Mrs. Hawley and Mr. Kovacs joined together to complete a Project Based Learning (PBL) Social Studies unit they conceived of with Jenna Houser, the Social Studies Curriculum Chair for K-8 at GBCS. Houser said the unit teaches 1st-grade economic standards through PBL, including how to best help others in their time of need, and what basic needs are for all human beings. They aimed to incorporate several Positivity Project character strengths, as well. The unit for these 1st-grade students began with a visit to the Myers 4th grade Market Day in December, an economics lesson where 4th graders sell goods they've made to other students. This familiarized the 1st graders with the basic ideas of creating small businesses. Barb Smith from FISH of Grand Blanc then visited the students to explain the role of organizations like FIS...

Friday, January 18th was a very special day for the kindergartners at Myers Elementary. One of their own, 6-year-old Desmond Davis, was named 2019's Ace Cares for Kids All-Star. Desmond was only one when a benign tumor was removed from his spine at Beaumont Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak. With physical therapy, he started learning how to crawl and walk again at age 2. Now in kindergarten, Desmond has a reputation for his perseverance and enthusiasm. Ace Hardware Foundation, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, and Beaumont Hospital representatives were at Myers Elementary for the assembly to surprise Desmond with the news. They were joined in the school gym by Desmond's family, news crews, school staff, and administrators. Desmond will now represent the Ace Hardware Foundation across the country as their national ambassador, raising awareness for Children's Miracle Network hospitals for the entire year. Desmond signed a check to Beaumont Children's from...

To the Grand Blanc Community and Beyond: January is School Board Recognition Month. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the individuals who approach their volunteer work with extraordinary dedication to Grand Blanc Community Schools. They are Grand Blanc residents whose decisions affect our children and build our community. All of our Board of Education members have, or have had students in Grand Blanc Schools. Some are alumni themselves. They are active in building activities, sporting events, alumni activities and so much more, in addition to their attendance at meetings and workshops. The Grand Blanc Board of Education is charged with making decisions that are sometimes difficult and often require sifting through a great deal of information. They contribute hundreds of hours each year leading Grand Blanc Schools and participate in professional development to keep informed of the latest trends in educational leadership. All of this is done on a volunteer basis ...

LINKS is a peer-to-peer support program that "links" general education peers with students who have disabilities at Grand Blanc East Middle School. On January 15, 2019, students from the program created a living wax museum in the East Middle School Lecture Hall. Each student in the program researched a person (famous or infamous, living or deceased) who has been identified as someone on the Autism Spectrum, who they feel deserved to be honored at their museum for their perseverance, creativity, and bravery. The purpose of this "Celebration of Learning" is to bring awareness of the incredible successes people can obtain despite their differences. A Living Wax Museum is very similar to a real wax museum, in that visitors can come and learn about a variety of people. The main difference is that the LINKS students were acting as the statues, who "became" the people they have selected to honor. They collected research and shared out important life fac...

Rylie Dewley, the first Majorette GBHS has had in 39 years, won Miss Sunset Coasts Outstanding Teen and will compete at Miss Michigan Outstanding Teen in June. Rylie is a freshman who started twirling baton as an elementary student at Indian Hill Elementary! Congratulations Rylie! Read more in this article .  #WeAreGB

Nathan Riek's AP American Government class had a very unique final exam this semester. They hosted a "Coffee House Politics" chat wherein members of the community were invited to participate in a conversation on popular political topics with students. Each class was divided into groups that consisted of several students and several community adults. They were given a bowl that contained questions and students drew randomly to choose a topic to engage discussion. Students were directed to use active listening techniques. Superintendent Clarence Garner, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Alward, School Board Members, GBTPD Chief Wiles, Genesee County Republican Party Chairman, Koen Driesen, a representative from Debbie Stabenow's office, an NRA representative and many other leaders, teachers, business owners, and parents with widely varying political affiliations and opinions participated throughout the day. Discussions took place in the Flex Lab at High School West. T...