Student of the Week: Dean Johnson!
Nominated by Mrs. Van Buren, Dean shows our STANG values every day—he arrives with a smile, is ready to learn, tries his best, and shows great respect by offering kind compliments to classmates and teachers. His favorite class is gym, and outside of school he loves riding his scooter, hockey, and football.
Congrats, Dean (son of Randi & Cliff Johnson)—we’re proud of you! 🧡
Nominated by Mrs. Van Buren, Dean shows our STANG values every day—he arrives with a smile, is ready to learn, tries his best, and shows great respect by offering kind compliments to classmates and teachers. His favorite class is gym, and outside of school he loves riding his scooter, hockey, and football.
Congrats, Dean (son of Randi & Cliff Johnson)—we’re proud of you! 🧡
Attention Seniors and their parents: Save the Date for this upcoming important workshop!
Mather Elementary October Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Hello Mustang Families!
The October breakfast and lunch menu is now ready. Please see the attached menu for all the delicious options this month.
Reminder:
Breakfast is served daily before classes begin.
Lunch includes a fruit, vegetable, and milk option each day.
Menus are subject to change based on availability.
We know how important good meals are for growing minds—thank you for helping us keep our Mustangs fueled up and ready to learn!
Hello Mustang Families!
The October breakfast and lunch menu is now ready. Please see the attached menu for all the delicious options this month.
Reminder:
Breakfast is served daily before classes begin.
Lunch includes a fruit, vegetable, and milk option each day.
Menus are subject to change based on availability.
We know how important good meals are for growing minds—thank you for helping us keep our Mustangs fueled up and ready to learn!
IMPORTANT - MPS FOOD SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 9.30.25
Good News! FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS TO CONTINUE FOR NOW! Yesterday afternoon, we received the MDE memo below and based upon what has been communicated we will continue serving free meals (breakfast and lunch) to ALL students until we know the status of the state budget and the Michigan School Meals (30d) funding which will hopefully begin flowing again from the School Aid Fund by mid to late October. Based on the tenor of the memo, we do NOT intend to start charging for meals at this time and we are optimistic that the legislature and Governor will prioritize and continue free meals for all through the remainder of the 25-26 school year. Please spread the word.....we will share any additional information that we receive on this matter. Sincerely, M. Travis, Superintendent.
Good News! FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS TO CONTINUE FOR NOW! Yesterday afternoon, we received the MDE memo below and based upon what has been communicated we will continue serving free meals (breakfast and lunch) to ALL students until we know the status of the state budget and the Michigan School Meals (30d) funding which will hopefully begin flowing again from the School Aid Fund by mid to late October. Based on the tenor of the memo, we do NOT intend to start charging for meals at this time and we are optimistic that the legislature and Governor will prioritize and continue free meals for all through the remainder of the 25-26 school year. Please spread the word.....we will share any additional information that we receive on this matter. Sincerely, M. Travis, Superintendent.
Civics came to life for Mather Elementary's 4th grade students at the courthouse! From investigators and attorneys to jurors and the accused, students put their new Judicial Branch knowledge into action during a mock trial with Judge Nebel. We’re grateful for the community partnerships that bring rich, real-world learning to our students. Thank you!
Mather Elementary's 4th graders soaked up yesterday's sunshine with an outdoor reading block! Students found cozy spots, dove into choice books, and practiced stamina and fluency—proof that a little fresh air can spark big thinking.
Join the Alger County 4-H Youth Garden Club! Youth ages 8–19 can dive into food & flower gardening, build confidence, and connect with friends—all while learning to “follow through” the 4-H way. The club meets once a month on Tuesdays; the next meeting is Tue, 10/14/25, after school–5:00 PM in the Daycamp Room at Alger Parks & Rec. Enrollment is free through 4HOnline Questions? Contact Tyreen Prunick (Alger County 4-H/MSU Extension, 906-387-2530) or Anne O’Neill (annieoneill2@gmail.com, 906-553-2238). Come get rooted in 4-H!
Congratulations to Kaden and his parents!
School Pictures Are Ready! (Ordering Info + Retake Day)
Dear Mather Families,
Good news—school pictures from this past Wednesday are ready to view and order.
How to order:
-Go to mylifetouch.com
-Sign in or create an account.
-Link your student using their Student ID number.
-Enter our Event Code: EVT3CWR9P and choose your package.
-Orders ship directly to your home
At checkout, all families can add a FREE Digital SmileSafe card—a child safety resource provided by Lifetouch. (Learn more on the Lifetouch site.)
Retake Day:
If your child was absent or you’d like a new photo, Picture Retake Day is Monday, October 20, 2025.
Need help?
If you don’t know your child’s Student ID or have trouble ordering, please contact the Mather Elementary office and we’ll be happy to assist.
Thank you for partnering with us!
—Mather Elementary School 906-387-2102
Order prints anytime at www.mylifetouch.com (Event Code: EVT3CWR9P)
Dear Mather Families,
Good news—school pictures from this past Wednesday are ready to view and order.
How to order:
-Go to mylifetouch.com
-Sign in or create an account.
-Link your student using their Student ID number.
-Enter our Event Code: EVT3CWR9P and choose your package.
-Orders ship directly to your home
At checkout, all families can add a FREE Digital SmileSafe card—a child safety resource provided by Lifetouch. (Learn more on the Lifetouch site.)
Retake Day:
If your child was absent or you’d like a new photo, Picture Retake Day is Monday, October 20, 2025.
Need help?
If you don’t know your child’s Student ID or have trouble ordering, please contact the Mather Elementary office and we’ll be happy to assist.
Thank you for partnering with us!
—Mather Elementary School 906-387-2102
Order prints anytime at www.mylifetouch.com (Event Code: EVT3CWR9P)
Mather Elementary Student of the Week: Ari Uehlein!
Ari stands out for her leadership, positive attitude, and genuine respect for others. She’s the first to lend a helping hand, stays attentive and ready to learn, and takes responsibility for her work—true STANG in action!
Her favorite subject is math. Outside of school, Ari stays active with flag football, basketball, softball, and soccer. She also enjoys swimming, camping, and snowmobiling with her family.
Please join us in congratulating Ari on this well-deserved honor!
Ari stands out for her leadership, positive attitude, and genuine respect for others. She’s the first to lend a helping hand, stays attentive and ready to learn, and takes responsibility for her work—true STANG in action!
Her favorite subject is math. Outside of school, Ari stays active with flag football, basketball, softball, and soccer. She also enjoys swimming, camping, and snowmobiling with her family.
Please join us in congratulating Ari on this well-deserved honor!
We are looking for a new Varsity Co-Ed Golf Coach! Apply today!!
Fall Homecoming is next week for the middle/high school!
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS WOULD LIKE TO THANK PASTOR JAMES PETERSEN FOR SERVING AS OUR PRO-BONO CROSSING GUARD AT MUNISING MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL. Pastor Petersen serves in this important safety role at the M-28 crosswalk near the Middle-High School both before and after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays. Thank you to the City of Munising Police Department and Officer Kleiman for providing this training to Pastor Petersen and thank you Pastor Petersen for keeping our secondary students safe. We are still seeking (either with or without pay) a crossing guard for Tuesdays. If you are interested, please contact Valerie Goings at valerie.goings@mps-up.com.
Congratulations to Weston Jones and his great grandparents!
Happy Constitution Day from Mather Elementary! 🇺🇸
Our students explored how the U.S. Constitution shapes our country—each grade in a developmentally fun way.
Fifth graders read A More Perfect Union by Betsy Maestro, explored why a constitution was needed 11 years after the Declaration, learned about James Madison as the “Father of the Constitution,” and connected democracy to the Iroquois League— In 4th grade students watched the Liberty’s Kids “We the People” episode reviewed the Constitution’s sections. They also read the Bill of Rights, and began Articles I–III on the three branches. Third graders watched a PBS video, wrote their own “amendments,” and created personal Bills of Rights (extra recess was a popular idea!). Second graders had a brief lesson on rights and responsibilities and co-wrote a simple class promise to practice good citizenship. First grade and kindergarten watched a kid-friendly video, built Classroom Constitutions, and colored Constitution Day pictures. Preschool learned about choosing positive actions and “signed” with a smiley face to show their commitment. We’re proud of our students for connecting history to everyday citizenship!
Our students explored how the U.S. Constitution shapes our country—each grade in a developmentally fun way.
Fifth graders read A More Perfect Union by Betsy Maestro, explored why a constitution was needed 11 years after the Declaration, learned about James Madison as the “Father of the Constitution,” and connected democracy to the Iroquois League— In 4th grade students watched the Liberty’s Kids “We the People” episode reviewed the Constitution’s sections. They also read the Bill of Rights, and began Articles I–III on the three branches. Third graders watched a PBS video, wrote their own “amendments,” and created personal Bills of Rights (extra recess was a popular idea!). Second graders had a brief lesson on rights and responsibilities and co-wrote a simple class promise to practice good citizenship. First grade and kindergarten watched a kid-friendly video, built Classroom Constitutions, and colored Constitution Day pictures. Preschool learned about choosing positive actions and “signed” with a smiley face to show their commitment. We’re proud of our students for connecting history to everyday citizenship!
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS SEEKING A PART-TIME CUSTODIAN
Interested individuals are urged to apply! Report to the notice below for details.
Interested individuals are urged to apply! Report to the notice below for details.
Mather Service Announcement for Families: Safety & Health Reminders
Dear Mather Elementary families,
We’re sharing a quick, family-friendly reminder to help keep every child safe and healthy at school. Thank you for partnering with us!
1) Small Objects & Magnets — “Not for Mouths”
We’ve learned that some children have small round “bead” magnets at home—often discovered in dresser drawers—and a few have brought them to school. These and other tiny items (beads, erasers, paper clips) can be dangerous if swallowed.
What families can do
Do a quick home sweep of backpacks, pockets, pencil cases, and lunch bags; remove magnets and other tiny items.
Talk with your child: small objects never go in the mouth; if they find one at school, they should hand it to an adult right away.
If your child may have swallowed something or says they did, contact your healthcare provider and call our office immediately so we can support and monitor at school.
School response
If a student reports an ingestion or health concern, staff err on the side of caution and notify the office immediately. Nurse Amy assesses, documents, and we contact families as appropriate.
2) Seasonal Health Reminders
We are seeing typical early-year illnesses: lice, hand-foot-mouth, fevers, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Best practices at home
Check & treat: If you discover lice, start treatment and let us know so Nurse Amy can document and support discreetly.
Handwashing: Soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after bathroom use and before eating.
No sharing: Please avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, headphones, brushes, water bottles, or snacks.
Watch symptoms: Red, itchy, or goopy eyes; fever; sore throat; rash; fatigue—consult your provider as needed.
When to keep a child home
Fever or fever-reducing meds in the past 24 hours → keep home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
Vomiting/diarrhea in the last 24 hours → keep home.
Eye symptoms with discharge or significant irritation → consult your provider; follow their return-to-school guidance.
Hand-foot-mouth → Consult your health care provider→ keep home for fever and symptoms- local health departments can require temporary exclusion during outbreaks.
3) How to Report to School (so we can help)
Illness/absence: Call the attendance line/office and include your child’s name, teacher, and reason for absence.
Lice notification: Email or call the office or Nurse Amy; we’ll document confidentially and share prevention tips.
Medical notes: Your provider can fax documentation to 906-387-4774 (ATTN: Nurse Amy).
Thank you for reinforcing our STANG expectations at home—Stay Safe, Take Responsibility, Act with Kindness, Never give up, Give Respect. Together, we can keep our Mustangs healthy, learning, and thriving.
With appreciation,
Mrs. DeFrancesco
Principal, Mather Elementary School
Dear Mather Elementary families,
We’re sharing a quick, family-friendly reminder to help keep every child safe and healthy at school. Thank you for partnering with us!
1) Small Objects & Magnets — “Not for Mouths”
We’ve learned that some children have small round “bead” magnets at home—often discovered in dresser drawers—and a few have brought them to school. These and other tiny items (beads, erasers, paper clips) can be dangerous if swallowed.
What families can do
Do a quick home sweep of backpacks, pockets, pencil cases, and lunch bags; remove magnets and other tiny items.
Talk with your child: small objects never go in the mouth; if they find one at school, they should hand it to an adult right away.
If your child may have swallowed something or says they did, contact your healthcare provider and call our office immediately so we can support and monitor at school.
School response
If a student reports an ingestion or health concern, staff err on the side of caution and notify the office immediately. Nurse Amy assesses, documents, and we contact families as appropriate.
2) Seasonal Health Reminders
We are seeing typical early-year illnesses: lice, hand-foot-mouth, fevers, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Best practices at home
Check & treat: If you discover lice, start treatment and let us know so Nurse Amy can document and support discreetly.
Handwashing: Soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after bathroom use and before eating.
No sharing: Please avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, headphones, brushes, water bottles, or snacks.
Watch symptoms: Red, itchy, or goopy eyes; fever; sore throat; rash; fatigue—consult your provider as needed.
When to keep a child home
Fever or fever-reducing meds in the past 24 hours → keep home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
Vomiting/diarrhea in the last 24 hours → keep home.
Eye symptoms with discharge or significant irritation → consult your provider; follow their return-to-school guidance.
Hand-foot-mouth → Consult your health care provider→ keep home for fever and symptoms- local health departments can require temporary exclusion during outbreaks.
3) How to Report to School (so we can help)
Illness/absence: Call the attendance line/office and include your child’s name, teacher, and reason for absence.
Lice notification: Email or call the office or Nurse Amy; we’ll document confidentially and share prevention tips.
Medical notes: Your provider can fax documentation to 906-387-4774 (ATTN: Nurse Amy).
Thank you for reinforcing our STANG expectations at home—Stay Safe, Take Responsibility, Act with Kindness, Never give up, Give Respect. Together, we can keep our Mustangs healthy, learning, and thriving.
With appreciation,
Mrs. DeFrancesco
Principal, Mather Elementary School
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Looking for a flexible way to make a difference?
Become a Substitute Teacher in Early Childhood Programs through the Marquette & Alger Substitute Pool!
✅ Must be 18+
✅ Interested in working with children under 5
✅ Available at least 10 days during the school year
📅 Training Dates: September 29 & 30, 2025
📍 Marquette Alger RESA | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Lunch provided!)
Includes a stipend + paid requirements (CPR/First Aid, Fingerprinting, Training Hours)
Help support our youngest learners while earning a paycheck and giving back to your community.
Questions? Contact Lyndsay Carey at lcarey@maresa.org.
Become a Substitute Teacher in Early Childhood Programs through the Marquette & Alger Substitute Pool!
✅ Must be 18+
✅ Interested in working with children under 5
✅ Available at least 10 days during the school year
📅 Training Dates: September 29 & 30, 2025
📍 Marquette Alger RESA | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Lunch provided!)
Includes a stipend + paid requirements (CPR/First Aid, Fingerprinting, Training Hours)
Help support our youngest learners while earning a paycheck and giving back to your community.
Questions? Contact Lyndsay Carey at lcarey@maresa.org.
4th Grade Spotlight: The Survivor Tree
Today, Mrs. Kelto’s & Ms. Martin's fourth graders watched a kid-friendly documentary about 9/11 and read The Survivor Tree, the true story of a callery pear tree unearthed from Ground Zero thirty days after the attacks. The lesson centered on hope and resilience emerging from a difficult chapter in our history. Students then painted their own “Survivor Tree” representations, which will be displayed in the hallway for the whole school to see.
This is a favorite learning experience, and the students were thoughtful, respectful, and creative throughout.
Today, Mrs. Kelto’s & Ms. Martin's fourth graders watched a kid-friendly documentary about 9/11 and read The Survivor Tree, the true story of a callery pear tree unearthed from Ground Zero thirty days after the attacks. The lesson centered on hope and resilience emerging from a difficult chapter in our history. Students then painted their own “Survivor Tree” representations, which will be displayed in the hallway for the whole school to see.
This is a favorite learning experience, and the students were thoughtful, respectful, and creative throughout.
