MPS WINTER WEATHER NOTICE - 3 HOUR DELAY TODAY 12.4.25 - Due to sustained high winds resulting in reduced visibility from blowing and drifting snow, and producing accumulating lake effect bands that are expected to persist through the morning commute creating hazardous travel conditions, Munising Public Schools will be under a 3 hour delay today, Thursday, December 4th, 2025. Munising Middle/High School will begin at 11:00 am and Mather Elementary at 11:15 am. Due to the delay our morning ECSE class will be canceled at Mather.

A huge thank-you to Gallery Coffee and the ROAM Community Foundation for their incredible hospitality and generosity today! Our fourth graders enjoyed a wonderful learning experience centered around plot and storytelling, and the welcoming atmosphere (hot cocoa included) made the lesson even more special.
Students had the chance to learn in a real community space, explore new ideas, and connect their classroom work to the world around them. We are so grateful for partners who support our students and help bring learning to life.
Thank you, Gallery Coffee, ROAM Community Foundation, Ms. Martin, Mrs. Kelto, Mr. Ethan, and Volunteers for making today unforgettable for our fourth graders!






Take a moment to check out all of the exciting events, celebrations, and updates happening at Mather Elementary this month. December is full of learning, joy, and schoolwide traditions—you won’t want to miss it!




We are excited to recognize Blake Willis as our Student of the Week! Blake was nominated by Mrs. Murk, who shared that he has shown tremendous effort and determination in his schoolwork this year. Blake demonstrates what it truly means to “Never Give Up!” and brings so much character and fun to the classroom.
Blake’s favorite subject is reading, and he looks forward to each new story. Outside of school, he enjoys riding his bike, playing with monster trucks, and spending time with his brother, Skylar.
Congratulations, Blake, on this well-deserved honor! We are so proud of you!


Today, our Kindergarten and 4th grade classes met for their first Reading Buddies session of the year, and it was a wonderful success!
This mentorship program has been a Mather tradition for the past four years, and it’s incredible to watch the connections grow between our “big” and “little” readers. The smiles, encouragement, and shared stories remind us how powerful these relationships can be.
We’re excited to continue meeting monthly throughout the rest of the school year and can’t wait to see the confidence and friendships that blossom!
Great job, students—and thank you, teachers, for making these moments possible!

Jump-Off Champion Spotlight!
Congratulations to Petra Bogater, our Mather Elementary Jump-Off Champion! Petra, a 4th grader in Mrs. Kelto’s class, showed incredible stamina, focus, and determination during our school-wide Jump-Off finals.
Her hard work and “Never Give Up” STANG attitude helped her rise to the top—way to go, Petra!
We are so proud of you and all the awesome finalist in this year's competition! Keep jumping, keep shining, and keep inspiring your classmates!



Due to the incoming winter storm, our buildings will close TODAY at 3:00pm. ALL after school activities, practices, meetings, and events are canceled today. Please travel safely and have a great Thanksgiving!




Lions vs. Packers Spirit Day – Wednesday, Nov. 26
Wear your favorite team’s merch! One student from each grade will be recognized for their outstanding effort.
Jump-Off Finals – Wednesday at 10:45 AM(Closed to the public)
Finalists:
K: Ilylah Crosby, Aubrey Hughes
1st: Orin Lewis, Gina Bowerman
2nd: Ivy Grahovac, Ezamae Lee-Bliss
3rd: Eleanor Exelby, Quinn Murray
4th: Nolan Graves, Petra Bogater
5th: Athena Paquette, Jake Johnson
~Thank you to Mr. Mattson for running the prelims in gym!
Thanksgiving Wishes
Wishing all our Mather families a safe, restful, joy-filled Thanksgiving.
We are so thankful for our wonderful school community and the happiness your children bring each day.

Student of the Week: Filimena Dolaskie!
Fili, nominated by Mrs. Nebel, is a proud STANG role model. She is kind, helpful, and a positive leader in the classroom.
Her favorite subjects are math and reading, and she enjoys gymnastics, skating, and art outside of school.
Congratulations, Filimena—well deserved!

Our Mustangs had an amazing start to the year! Tuesday we celebrated academic growth, positive behavior, reading achievements, and plenty of STANG pride. Take a look at all the incredible accomplishments from our Quarter 1 Awards Assembly!
⭐ STANG Citizens of the Quarter
Kindergarten – Stay Safe: Leo Fostun
Leo always follows expectations, comes ready to learn, and treats others with kindness and respect.
1st Grade – Take Responsibility: Olivia Marrow
Olivia models responsibility through her hard work, positive choices, and constant effort to improve.
2nd Grade – Act With Kindness: Delia Phillipson
Delia is kind to everyone and always steps up to help. She is a wonderful STANG role model.
3rd Grade – Never Give Up: Clare Chamberlin
Clare shows perseverance, kindness, and consistent participation every day.
4th Grade – Give Respect: Annika Hand
Annika is respectful, thoughtful, and a strong leader in demonstrating STANG expectations.
5th Grade – All 5 STANGs: Liam Lewis
Liam is a model of safety, responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and respect. His positive attitude and strong character inspire others.
📚 i-Ready Lesson Leaders
Kindergarten: Filimena D. (Reading), Gavin P. ( Math)
1st Grade: Orin L. (Math), Evelyn B. (Reading)
2nd Grade: Rebekah P. ( Reading), Micah T. (Math)
3rd Grade: Torin M. ( Reading, Math)
4th Grade: Petra B. (Math), Evin K. ( Reading)
5th Grade: Kelsey B. (Math), Jonathan M. (Reading)
🔢 Reflex & Fact Fluency Achievements
Reflex Gains:
5th Grade: 79.3% Green Lights
1st Grade: 79.9% Facts Gained
Fact Fluency Top Scores:
1st: Odin E. – 77%
2nd: Joshua M. – 99%
3rd: Leila E. – 80%
4th: Warren B. – 98%
5th: Jake J. – 99%, Remle S. – 94%, Kelsey B. – 94%
🌟 Green Light Mastery (100%)
5th: Gracie G., Jake J., Simon K., Liam L., Caden P., Chase T., Logan D., Ari U.
4th: Petra B., Gabby P.
3rd: Jack C. (87.1%)
2nd: Finley M. (79.2%)
1st: Cole C. (73.2%)
📖 AR Reading Awards
🎉 1,000 Point Club: Jake Johnson
Prize: Movie Theater Pass + Principal for Half a Day (plus one wish!)
🐻 750 Points: Simon Kelto – Reading Bear Award
🍰 250 Points: Hadley Lasak & Stella Bishop – Dessert Reward
We had tons of AR winners this quarter—amazing reading, Mustangs!
Assembly Fun
Jump Rope Teacher Demo:
Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Schalow, and Mr. Ethan rocked their jump-in skills while Mrs. DeFrancesco and Ms. Berube twirled the rope! A great kick-off for next week’s Schoolwide Jump Off Competition.
Teacher Musical Chairs:
Our staff battled it out on stage…
🏆 Mrs. Gramm won the final round!
📚 STANG Card Milestone
Our students have earned 596 STANG cards so far—already more than halfway to unlocking our Book Vending Machine!







