History Comes to Life at Mather!
Our 3rd and 4th grade students had an incredible opportunity to experience history firsthand during the Historic Mackinac on Tour presentations this week!
Thanks to the generous support of Mackinac Associates, this engaging program was brought right to our students at no cost. Students explored the importance of the Straits area in the 1800s, learning how it served as a vital meeting place for trade, the role of its unique geography, the types of goods exchanged, and the diverse groups of people involved.
Hands-on learning and storytelling helped bring Michigan’s rich history to life in a meaningful and memorable way!
Thank you to our presenters and to Mrs. Martin for coordinating this wonderful experience for our students.
Our 3rd and 4th grade students had an incredible opportunity to experience history firsthand during the Historic Mackinac on Tour presentations this week!
Thanks to the generous support of Mackinac Associates, this engaging program was brought right to our students at no cost. Students explored the importance of the Straits area in the 1800s, learning how it served as a vital meeting place for trade, the role of its unique geography, the types of goods exchanged, and the diverse groups of people involved.
Hands-on learning and storytelling helped bring Michigan’s rich history to life in a meaningful and memorable way!
Thank you to our presenters and to Mrs. Martin for coordinating this wonderful experience for our students.
MPS SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATE: Most of the school districts in our two county (Marquette-Alger RESA) region and across the Upper Peninsula have been forced to close school 13 or more days this winter for safety reasons due to well above average snowfall and storm system frequency and severity. All of the district superintendents in MARESA have issued a joint letter (link below) to our Legislators and the State Superintendent at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requesting additional forgiven days beyond the 9 days that can be granted by the State Superintendent at MDE. The State Superintendent responded that only our legislators have the power to collectively grant additional forgiven days. We remain optimistic, however there are no guarantees, so therefore we have tentatively adjusted our school calendar so that students and staff will be in attendance on Monday, June 8th and Tuesday, June 9th with June 9th tentatively slated as our last day of school. Please plan accordingly. If by chance our legislators can help us and forgive additional days as we have requested in the letter linked below, we will notify the public. Sincerely, M. Travis, Superintendent. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w7BYgTUEqIIe2_BFBMYQZ0Dbg1ROem_U/view?usp=sharing
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE FOR TOMORROW WEDS. 4/8/26 MORNING BUS RUN: We will have 3 buses due to a planned driver absence. SHINGLETON riders and regular FROG BUS riders can expect to be picked up roughly 30 minutes early to accommodate the extra students and travel time. We expect to be back to 4 buses for the afternoon bus run home, however if anything changes throughout the day we will let you know.
Preschool Screening is tomorrow at Alger Parks & Rec gym. Please call Mather to schedule appointment (906) 387-2102- or just drop in: 9:00-2:30PM.
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE: TUESDAY 4/7 AFTERNOON BUS RUN CHANGES
This afternoon we will be operating with 3 buses due to an unexpected driver absence. Shingleton area and the tail end of the Frog Bus route can expect delayed drop offs possibly up to 30 minutes or longer depending on road conditions and the number of riders.
This afternoon we will be operating with 3 buses due to an unexpected driver absence. Shingleton area and the tail end of the Frog Bus route can expect delayed drop offs possibly up to 30 minutes or longer depending on road conditions and the number of riders.
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE UPDATE 5:00pm (4/6): The Road Commission informed us that M28 is now closed from Munising to Kawbawgam Road in Marquette County due to whiteout conditions for at least the next two hours. After the Camel Bus drops off the AuTrain students the driver will return to Mather Elementary and supervise the remaining 6 Christmas area riders until M28 reopens. Arrangements for a pizza dinner are being made.
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE UPDATE 4/6 4:35PM. The Camel Bus is no longer stuck. The driver is now working to complete his route and it may be another 30 or more minutes until the remaining riders are dropped off at home.
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE - 3:45PM - MONDAY APRIL 6TH: The Camel Bus (#3) driven by Chris Bussiere is currently stuck on Old Golf Course Road between Christmas and AuTrain. Wilderness Towing is on the way to pull the bus out. Remaining students on the bus may arrive home 30 or more minutes late.
Congrats to Zoey - our JR NHS Member of the Month!
Congratulations to Shaun & his parents- Mather Elementary's Student of the Week!
Congratulations to Hailee and her mother!
Mather Elementary read 10,000 pages schoolwide! Our Mustangs had an AMAZING day full of fun, laughter, and reading!
Ms. Berube pulled a fast one today… and Principal DeFrancesco ended up locked up!
Students put some pies in the faces of some brave teachers:
Mrs. Kelto, Mrs. Bogater, Mrs. Murk, Mrs. Mattson, Mrs. VanBuren, and Mr. Ethan!
But then… turnabout is fair play!
While out on community service- Principal DeFrancesco came prepared with quarters from home and helped “sabotage” a few more jars… which led to even more pies for:
Mrs. Butler, Ms. Martin, and Mr. Rushford! And of course, teachers saved the best for last… lining up to take their turn at Principal DeFrancesco!
Throughout the day, students celebrated Pajama Day, built forts, read with flashlights, and worked together to reach an incredible goal… of 10,000 pages read schoolwide!
Thanks to their hard work and teamwork, Principal DeFrancesco was officially released from lock-up!
What a fun-filled day of reading, laughter, and STANG pride. Have a wonderful Spring Break Mather Community- You've earned it!!
Ms. Berube pulled a fast one today… and Principal DeFrancesco ended up locked up!
Students put some pies in the faces of some brave teachers:
Mrs. Kelto, Mrs. Bogater, Mrs. Murk, Mrs. Mattson, Mrs. VanBuren, and Mr. Ethan!
But then… turnabout is fair play!
While out on community service- Principal DeFrancesco came prepared with quarters from home and helped “sabotage” a few more jars… which led to even more pies for:
Mrs. Butler, Ms. Martin, and Mr. Rushford! And of course, teachers saved the best for last… lining up to take their turn at Principal DeFrancesco!
Throughout the day, students celebrated Pajama Day, built forts, read with flashlights, and worked together to reach an incredible goal… of 10,000 pages read schoolwide!
Thanks to their hard work and teamwork, Principal DeFrancesco was officially released from lock-up!
What a fun-filled day of reading, laughter, and STANG pride. Have a wonderful Spring Break Mather Community- You've earned it!!
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO INTRODUCE SINKING FUND BALLOT PROPOSAL TO DISTRICT VOTERS ON TUESDAY MAY 5TH 2026 - To learn more, please visit the District's Informational Web Page for the Sinking Fund at https://munisingmi.sites.thrillshare.com/
ECSE Families at Mather Elementary
Just a reminder that our ECSE Classroom WILL be in session tomorrow (Friday)!
It’s also a Schoolwide Pajama Day, so students are welcome to come cozy and ready to learn in their favorite pajamas!
Looking ahead:
We will also be in session on the last Fridays of the month:
April 24
May 29
We’re excited to see our students and continue learning together—pajamas included!
Just a reminder that our ECSE Classroom WILL be in session tomorrow (Friday)!
It’s also a Schoolwide Pajama Day, so students are welcome to come cozy and ready to learn in their favorite pajamas!
Looking ahead:
We will also be in session on the last Fridays of the month:
April 24
May 29
We’re excited to see our students and continue learning together—pajamas included!
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE FOR TOMORROW, FRIDAY 3/27/26 PM BUS RUN - We will be operating with 3 buses/3 routes tomorrow afternoon due to a scheduled driver absence. Shingleton area and the tail end of the Camel Bus Route can expect delayed drop offs possibly up to 30 minutes or possibly a little longer depending on road conditions and number of riders.
Exciting News at Mather Elementary!
Our students have been working hard showing their STANG pride, and we are excited to celebrate their efforts with the Mather Book Vending Machine Reveal on March 27th!
Students helped earn this exciting addition by collecting 1,000 STANG Cards through positive behavior and demonstrating our school values:
🐎 Stay Safe
🐎 Take Responsibility
🐎 Act with Kindness
🐎 Never Give Up
🐎 Give Respect
The Book Vending Machine will be unveiled on March 27th to help round out our March Reading Month celebration and continue building a love of reading at Mather!
We are so proud of our students for their hard work and positive choices that made this possible!
Our students have been working hard showing their STANG pride, and we are excited to celebrate their efforts with the Mather Book Vending Machine Reveal on March 27th!
Students helped earn this exciting addition by collecting 1,000 STANG Cards through positive behavior and demonstrating our school values:
🐎 Stay Safe
🐎 Take Responsibility
🐎 Act with Kindness
🐎 Never Give Up
🐎 Give Respect
The Book Vending Machine will be unveiled on March 27th to help round out our March Reading Month celebration and continue building a love of reading at Mather!
We are so proud of our students for their hard work and positive choices that made this possible!
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS' JAZZ BAND STUDENTS JAZZ THINGS UP!
Our MS/HS Jazz Band student-musicians brought some swinging energy to last night's (3/24) annual Jazz it Up Music Fundraiser hosted at Gallery Coffee. The students all took their improvisations to the next level after feedback from last weeks NMU Jazz Festival Clinicians and wowed those present with their musical talents. Thank you to all the family and community members that came and supported our music program by enjoying live music and offering financial support through the silent auction. We'd also like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the different community businesses that contributed items of interest for the silent auction, to all of the volunteers, and especially to our hosts at Gallery Coffee :-)
Our MS/HS Jazz Band student-musicians brought some swinging energy to last night's (3/24) annual Jazz it Up Music Fundraiser hosted at Gallery Coffee. The students all took their improvisations to the next level after feedback from last weeks NMU Jazz Festival Clinicians and wowed those present with their musical talents. Thank you to all the family and community members that came and supported our music program by enjoying live music and offering financial support through the silent auction. We'd also like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the different community businesses that contributed items of interest for the silent auction, to all of the volunteers, and especially to our hosts at Gallery Coffee :-)
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES HIRING OF NEW SUPERINTENDENT - EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026
The MPS Board of Education, is pleased to introduce your next superintendent, Michelle Paul. At the regular board meeting on Monday (3/23) evening, the Board unanimously approved her hiring and 3 year contract. Michelle is very excited to meet everyone and looks forward to attending the public Meet & Greet on Friday, April 24th from 3:00-6:00pm in the Munising School Public Library conference room. Michelle and retiring Superintendent Travis will be working together in mid-late June to ensure a smooth transition. Superintendent Paul will officially assume the role on July 1st. Below is a formal letter of introduction from the Board of Education where you can learn more about Michelle and her vision of leadership. Congratulations Michelle and Welcome to Munising & Stang Nation!
The MPS Board of Education, is pleased to introduce your next superintendent, Michelle Paul. At the regular board meeting on Monday (3/23) evening, the Board unanimously approved her hiring and 3 year contract. Michelle is very excited to meet everyone and looks forward to attending the public Meet & Greet on Friday, April 24th from 3:00-6:00pm in the Munising School Public Library conference room. Michelle and retiring Superintendent Travis will be working together in mid-late June to ensure a smooth transition. Superintendent Paul will officially assume the role on July 1st. Below is a formal letter of introduction from the Board of Education where you can learn more about Michelle and her vision of leadership. Congratulations Michelle and Welcome to Munising & Stang Nation!
Mather Families & Community – Preschool Screening is Coming!
Do you have a child turning 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026? It’s time to sign up for Preschool Screening!
🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Alger Parks & Rec Gym
413 Maple St., Munising
Screening is a quick and important check to support your child’s growth and development. Our team will look at:
✔️ Large & fine motor skills
✔️ Speech & language
✔️ Hearing & vision
✔️ Early learning skills
This is a great opportunity to ensure your child is ready for preschool and beyond!
📞 To sign up:
Call Munising Public Schools: (906) 387-2102
Children must be screened in their residing district.
Don’t forget to scan the QR code on the flyer to apply for GSRP/Head Start!
Let’s give our youngest learners the best start possible
Do you have a child turning 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026? It’s time to sign up for Preschool Screening!
🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Alger Parks & Rec Gym
413 Maple St., Munising
Screening is a quick and important check to support your child’s growth and development. Our team will look at:
✔️ Large & fine motor skills
✔️ Speech & language
✔️ Hearing & vision
✔️ Early learning skills
This is a great opportunity to ensure your child is ready for preschool and beyond!
📞 To sign up:
Call Munising Public Schools: (906) 387-2102
Children must be screened in their residing district.
Don’t forget to scan the QR code on the flyer to apply for GSRP/Head Start!
Let’s give our youngest learners the best start possible
We hope you can join us tomorrow at Gallery Coffee for great jazz music performed by our middle/high school students, drinks, snacks, and an awesome silent auction!
