WEEKLY UPDATE – MIDDLE SCHOOL 2.23.2026 – 2.27.2026

Dear Greenspire Community,

Each week, our Greenspire Spirit Awards continue to fill my heart and strengthen the beautiful community we are building together. Through student and staff nominations grounded in our core values of self-efficacy, listening, optimism, trust, and honor, we are intentionally shining a light on the goodness that lives in each of us. This has quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of our Friday All School Council time, and when we are not in session on a Friday, we make it a priority to share the week’s nominees earlier because celebrating one another simply cannot wait.

There is something deeply powerful about teaching our students to look for the good in one another. In a world that can often feel heavy, this practice supports mental and emotional wellness by helping our community feel seen, valued, and connected. Students are noticing perseverance when learning feels challenging, courage when someone speaks up, empathy when a friend is struggling, and quiet acts of kindness that might otherwise go unseen. When we name these moments out loud, we remind each other that who we are matters just as much as what we achieve.

As nominations cross grade levels, classrooms, and roles within the school, our bonds grow stronger. A student may be recognized by someone outside of their academic circle, reinforcing that they belong to something bigger than any one class or subject area. These connections build trust and nurture psychological safety, which in turn supports learning across all academic areas. When students feel safe, valued, and honored, they are more willing to take risks, try again, and believe in their own self-efficacy.

The Spirit Awards are restorative practices in action. They center relationships, highlight strengths, and intentionally build a culture of kindness and accountability. Week by week, we are strengthening our collective well-being and creating a community where every member feels uplifted, connected, and deeply cared for.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Staff PD Donations:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to help nourish our teachers during their professional development. Your kindness and generosity mean so much, and we are truly grateful for your support. Thank you, thank you!

____________________________________________________

PSAT for 8th Graders: 

All 8th-grade students in the state of Michigan are required to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test). This assessment is part of the state’s mandated testing program and provides helpful information about students’ academic progress and readiness.

While this is an important and required assessment, it is just one measure of student growth. We encourage families to help students prepare by ensuring they get a good night’s rest, eat healthy meals, and arrive at school on time and ready to do their best. A calm, positive start to the day can make a big difference.

Additional information may be sent home soon with your child that will need to be reviewed and signed. Please keep an eye out for those materials.

As always, thank you for your partnership and support!

Enrollment for 2026/2027:

Applications for the upcoming school year are now open at Greenspire School. All new and returning students are required to submit an application.

**Applications can be completed here on the Greenspire School website starting today! **

Please note that applications must be submitted by Friday, March 13 by 4:00 PM. Returning students who do not complete an application during this enrollment window may forfeit their spot for the next school year. Even if your child currently attends Greenspire, an application is still required.

If you know someone interested in learning more about Greenspire School or how to apply, please encourage them to contact us at office@greenspireschool.org or call 231.421.5905.

Greenspire High School:

Curious about what’s happening at Greenspire High School? Please use the link below to read the Sturgeon Splash 🙂 

Willy Wonka Jr. Update: 

We had a very long and very successful 3 hour work day at Milliken on Thursday.  There was a lot learned and I heard from many that it was fun and instructive.  We have a lot more work to do getting ready over the next three weeks to get ready to put on a great show!

Greenspire Talent Show: 

Get ready for the first-ever Greenspire School District Talent Showcase taking place at Old Town Playhouse in April! If you’re a performer, submit your audition video using the QR code. Auditions are open to students, parents, & Greenspire staff!

Time is running out to order your 2025-2026 Greenspire Middle School Yearbook! For the third year in a row, students are creating the yearbook and, although the details are top secret, we can tell you it will be amazing! Order online if you haven’t already or if you want to order an extra copy. Yearbooks are selling for $30 until April 30th, 2026. Help secure a lasting memory for your student and purchase a yearbook today! 

To order, click on this link or go to www.buytheyearbook.com. Then click on the button to “Purchase Yearbooks.” Enter our school’s information or just use our school code (#308906). Please email Alli with any questions (alli.boyer@greenspireschool.org).

Parents of 8th-grade students ONLY!!!

We are offering the opportunity for you to create a special, personalized ad in the yearbook for your 8th grader again this year!  You have the opportunity to celebrate your promoting 8th grader by purchasing space to personalize in the yearbook. Each space is fully customizable! You can add pictures, quotes, or a special note of pride for your child’s accomplishment. A half-page ad is selling for $20, and a quarter-page ad is selling for $15.  Recognition ads can be purchased, designed, and submitted online before Friday, April 17, 2026. 

To order, click on this link or go to www.buytheyearbook.com and click on “Buy Ads.” Please email Alli with questions about how to purchase an ad, create an account, and start designing.

Project Updates and Staff Email Addresses:

Please feel free to reach out to staff if you have any questions!

Click on Math Website Link for all math updates 🙂

We were able to start reading our realistic fiction novels this week and spent a good amount of time getting to know the storyline.  These books are all about young people in the real world who are doing similar things to what our students do: going to school, spending time with family and friends, and trying to figure out their place in the world.  Students have shown an overwhelming amount of eagerness to read these relatable stories during class.

There are characters in each book who have neurodivergencies, a condition that is caused by the way their brain is wired.  Some of the events in the books have negative outcomes (students making fun of others, feeling alone or left out, acting out due to misunderstanding of their conditions).  These books are written for middle level audiences, so the severity of the negative instances is toned down, making it easier for the reader to comprehend without it being too traumatic.  Having said that, some of that negativity might still be impactful to our students, as they are very empathetic individuals.  

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me.  I am very happy to keep you in the loop on the conversations we are having.  The goal is to have them understand themes and compare them to themes shown in other forms of media.  I also hope that students are able to feel a sense of acceptance and tolerance for those who are similar and different from them.  -Claire

Students have begun looking at the specific motor skills required to operate a powered toy car. We hosted guests from the GVSU P.A. program this past week, and students were able to experience adaptive devices and physiology models as well as handling real human bones. We are beginning to gather preliminary information about the recipients and will start laying out the criteria for each adaptive vehicle, which puts us between the Define and Ideate stages of Design Thinking. Students will learn to and further develop their skills using a CAD program to begin visualizing their ideas.

Registrar/Office Manager: Emma.moulton@greenspireschool.org 

Assistant Principal: Becky.morse@greenspireschool.org 

Principal: Emily.feaster@greenspireschool.org 

Superintendent: Michael.schramm@greenspireschool.org