Yesterday Mather celebrated an incredible second quarter at Mather Elementary! We are so proud of our students for their growth, effort, and daily commitment to our STANG values: Stay Safe, Take Responsibility, Act with Kindness, Never Give Up, and Give Respect.
Special Recognition:
Jake Johnson earned the honor of being Principal for a Half Day for reaching outstanding AR point milestones — amazing work!
During the assembly we had a Staff vs. Student Trivia Challenge.
Our STANG Student Leaders — Jake, Simon, Henry, Stella, Nora, Hadley, Jayden, Warren, and Petra — went head-to-head with staff in a fun trivia showdown- and took the win!
Thank you to our staff challengers: Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Schalow, Mrs. LaFlamme, Mrs. Bogater, Mrs. Nebel, and Ms. Martin — great sports and great fun!
Quarter 2 Exemplary STANG Citizen Shout-Outs
• Kindergarten — Audrey Grimm
• 1st Grade — Charlie Krajewski
• 2nd Grade — Wayland Holley
• 3rd Grade — Havana Graves
• 4th Grade — Kenzie Chetnick
• 5th Grade — Jonah Cole
i-Ready Growth Award Winners
Math Growth: Sebastian Gaunt, Michael Collier, Olivia Eubanks, Torin Mitchell, Breckin Rautanen, Amelia Bronson
Reading Growth: Wylder Dutton, Odin Jastzemski, Olivia Eubanks, Stella Popour, Caden Matson, Stella Bishop
Reflex Math Fluency Leaders
Cole Chamberlin, Finley MacArthur, Amina Hase, Warren Ball, Gracie Grabowski — and a huge shout-out to our 3rd Grade class for outstanding overall growth!
STANG Card Kindness Shout-Outs
Filimina Dolaskie, Jasper Mellon, Jason Pickard, Daisy Johnson, Jameson Grahovac, and Mary Goetz — thank you for showing kindness, respect, and leadership in action!
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making Mather such a positive, supportive, and high-energy learning community. We are proud of our STANGs!
Special Recognition:
Jake Johnson earned the honor of being Principal for a Half Day for reaching outstanding AR point milestones — amazing work!
During the assembly we had a Staff vs. Student Trivia Challenge.
Our STANG Student Leaders — Jake, Simon, Henry, Stella, Nora, Hadley, Jayden, Warren, and Petra — went head-to-head with staff in a fun trivia showdown- and took the win!
Thank you to our staff challengers: Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Schalow, Mrs. LaFlamme, Mrs. Bogater, Mrs. Nebel, and Ms. Martin — great sports and great fun!
Quarter 2 Exemplary STANG Citizen Shout-Outs
• Kindergarten — Audrey Grimm
• 1st Grade — Charlie Krajewski
• 2nd Grade — Wayland Holley
• 3rd Grade — Havana Graves
• 4th Grade — Kenzie Chetnick
• 5th Grade — Jonah Cole
i-Ready Growth Award Winners
Math Growth: Sebastian Gaunt, Michael Collier, Olivia Eubanks, Torin Mitchell, Breckin Rautanen, Amelia Bronson
Reading Growth: Wylder Dutton, Odin Jastzemski, Olivia Eubanks, Stella Popour, Caden Matson, Stella Bishop
Reflex Math Fluency Leaders
Cole Chamberlin, Finley MacArthur, Amina Hase, Warren Ball, Gracie Grabowski — and a huge shout-out to our 3rd Grade class for outstanding overall growth!
STANG Card Kindness Shout-Outs
Filimina Dolaskie, Jasper Mellon, Jason Pickard, Daisy Johnson, Jameson Grahovac, and Mary Goetz — thank you for showing kindness, respect, and leadership in action!
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making Mather such a positive, supportive, and high-energy learning community. We are proud of our STANGs!
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE FOR THURSDAY 2/12 & FRIDAY 2/13:
For the next two days, we will be running 3 routes due to a bus driver's planned absence.
Shingleton students can expect to be picked up early and dropped off later than normal.
Riders on the Frog bus route can also expect to be picked up early and dropped off later than normal. Refer to the pictured route document for more information or contact Bus Driver Coordinator, Jeff Meyer at jeff.meyer@mps-up.com.
For the next two days, we will be running 3 routes due to a bus driver's planned absence.
Shingleton students can expect to be picked up early and dropped off later than normal.
Riders on the Frog bus route can also expect to be picked up early and dropped off later than normal. Refer to the pictured route document for more information or contact Bus Driver Coordinator, Jeff Meyer at jeff.meyer@mps-up.com.
We are happy to announce that MHS has been awarded another Excellence in Education Scholarship! Congratulations to our newest addition, Tamryn Nolan and her chosen influential educator Hilary Ludecke!
MPS PARENT & COMMUNITY NOTICE - INSTITUTION OF EARLY RELEASE DAY SCHEDULES
Michigan public schools are allowed to forgive up to six days (and equivalent hours) of instruction per school year for closures due to factors outside their control, such as severe weather, power outages, water/sewer failures, infectious disease outbreaks, or health/safety threats. An additional three days (6+3=9) can be requested from the state if the initial six are exhausted. Michigan Public Schools are required to have a minimum of 180 days and 1098 hours of instruction per school year. The Michigan Department of Education regulates pupil accounting requirements and waiver requests for Michigan schools. It is important to note that the number of forgiven days maxes out at 9 days with an approved waiver, but there is no maximum number of delayed starts or early releases as long as the district is in session for a minimum of 1098 hours. Therefore, a district that utilizes a 3 hour delay, loses 3 hours of instructional time toward the required 1098, but does NOT lose a day or even a partial day on the "day count". Thus far the district has utilized 8 of our 9 available forgiven days and has also utilized 2 delayed starts and 2 early releases for weather and sewer issues which only impacted the hours of necessary instruction. This school year we built two additional days into our calendar so that we scheduled 182 days of instruction as well as 40+ additional hours. Therefore, we can theoretically only utilize 3 more full day closures without needing to add school days to the calendar year, however with our overage of hours we have more flexibility in utilizing delays or dismissals in order to preserve our remaining forgiven days. This district has not regularly utilized "Early Dismissal" days for many years but we are at a point where it makes sense for various reasons to use these as needed. Due to an increased number of serious weather events this winter, with increased variability of these events and related forecasting accuracy, as well as the number of forgiven days we've already used, we will now begin using two different EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULES for each building. Depending on the timing of various weather events we will now have more latitude to save a day of school on our "day count" when possible, continue to strive for a June 5th end of the school year, and still ensure that we keep the safety of our students, staff, and community members our top priority. The various schedules for both buildings may be reviewed at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/0B3i8QumZJHd8aldsVUQxUlpNbmM/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103154425355104092098&resourcekey=0-kgm85aUtwTV5RAasH5tPLQ&rtpof=true&sd=true
Michigan public schools are allowed to forgive up to six days (and equivalent hours) of instruction per school year for closures due to factors outside their control, such as severe weather, power outages, water/sewer failures, infectious disease outbreaks, or health/safety threats. An additional three days (6+3=9) can be requested from the state if the initial six are exhausted. Michigan Public Schools are required to have a minimum of 180 days and 1098 hours of instruction per school year. The Michigan Department of Education regulates pupil accounting requirements and waiver requests for Michigan schools. It is important to note that the number of forgiven days maxes out at 9 days with an approved waiver, but there is no maximum number of delayed starts or early releases as long as the district is in session for a minimum of 1098 hours. Therefore, a district that utilizes a 3 hour delay, loses 3 hours of instructional time toward the required 1098, but does NOT lose a day or even a partial day on the "day count". Thus far the district has utilized 8 of our 9 available forgiven days and has also utilized 2 delayed starts and 2 early releases for weather and sewer issues which only impacted the hours of necessary instruction. This school year we built two additional days into our calendar so that we scheduled 182 days of instruction as well as 40+ additional hours. Therefore, we can theoretically only utilize 3 more full day closures without needing to add school days to the calendar year, however with our overage of hours we have more flexibility in utilizing delays or dismissals in order to preserve our remaining forgiven days. This district has not regularly utilized "Early Dismissal" days for many years but we are at a point where it makes sense for various reasons to use these as needed. Due to an increased number of serious weather events this winter, with increased variability of these events and related forecasting accuracy, as well as the number of forgiven days we've already used, we will now begin using two different EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULES for each building. Depending on the timing of various weather events we will now have more latitude to save a day of school on our "day count" when possible, continue to strive for a June 5th end of the school year, and still ensure that we keep the safety of our students, staff, and community members our top priority. The various schedules for both buildings may be reviewed at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/0B3i8QumZJHd8aldsVUQxUlpNbmM/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103154425355104092098&resourcekey=0-kgm85aUtwTV5RAasH5tPLQ&rtpof=true&sd=true
We are happy to introduce to you our new Behavioral Support Specialist, Mrs. Amber Nebel-Manitowabi. She will be working with students at both the elementary and middle/high school buildings. Please help us welcome Amber to our school district!
Congratulations to our Excellence in Education Scholarship Winners Olivia Cotey and Sage Anderson. Congratulations as well to their Influential Educators Mr. Jim Cotey and Mrs. Heather Nayback, who were selected by the students for the honor!
Congratulations to Jayden and her parents!
We are pleased to announce Harper Robbins as our Student of the Week! Nominated by Mr. Bowerman, Harper is recognized for her strong effort, positive attitude, and leadership in the classroom. She takes pride in helping with lunch duties and classroom jobs, has made excellent academic growth this year, and consistently shows kindness and responsibility toward others. Harper’s favorite subjects are art and music. Congratulations, Harper — this honor is well deserved!
Help support Youth in Government by donating online at: https://payments.efundsforschools.com/fundraising/districts/56236/campaigns/MYIG
Youth In Government is a unique opportunity for students to experience hands-on learning in leadership, civics, and public service. Many school programs are seeking support, but Youth In Government holds a special place in our school and community. It is a place where students from all backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and serve by debating real issues, drafting legislation, and experiencing the workings of state government firsthand. Through this, students not only learn the mechanics of government, but also develop invaluable skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Unfortunately, the state legislature has not renewed the grant that previously covered the majority of our delegation’s costs. This year, in order to fully fund our delegation’s attendance at our five-day spring conference in Lansing, we are looking to raise significantly more than usual.
This year your donation means more than ever! Thank you for helping to build tomorrow’s leaders!
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS NOW CLOSED TODAY, FRIDAY 2.6.26 - Due to reduced visibility and drifting on and near M28 resulting in hazardous travel conditions in those areas that are expected to worsen this afternoon and evening as winds and lake effect snow increase and temperatures decrease. Although portions of our large district are not currently experiencing adverse weather, sections of M28 between Munising and AuTrain are becoming unsafe as there is already an accident between G.I. Landing and Christmas with the Sheriff's Department on the scene. Exercise caution if you must travel that stretch.
3 HOUR DELAY FOR FRIDAY 2.6.26 Due to the Winter Weather Advisory predicted by the Northwest Weather Service for Munising and Alger County, the Munising Public Schools will be under a 3 hour delay at this time. PLEASE NOTE: IN COORDINATION WITH THE ALGER COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION, WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND BY 8:45AM WILL DETERMINE IF COMPLETE CLOSURE FOR THE DAY IS NECESSARY. Munising Middle/High School will tentatively begin at 11:00 am and Mather Elementary at 11:15 am. STAY TUNED!
2nd Grade Writers Celebrate Their Hallway Hero Win!
Last month, our 2nd grade students earned their Hallway Hero victory — and celebrated with sledding and hot cocoa! To capture the experience, students turned their celebration into writing pieces, sharing details, feelings, and favorite moments from the day.
We’re excited to feature the writing of:
Delia, Aiden, Brantlee, Wayland, Esmae, and Micah
Their work highlights not only a fun winter reward, but also the strong writing growth happening in our classrooms. We are so proud of their effort, voice, and creativity!
Great job showing your STANG values and turning your experience into powerful writing, 2nd grade!
Last month, our 2nd grade students earned their Hallway Hero victory — and celebrated with sledding and hot cocoa! To capture the experience, students turned their celebration into writing pieces, sharing details, feelings, and favorite moments from the day.
We’re excited to feature the writing of:
Delia, Aiden, Brantlee, Wayland, Esmae, and Micah
Their work highlights not only a fun winter reward, but also the strong writing growth happening in our classrooms. We are so proud of their effort, voice, and creativity!
Great job showing your STANG values and turning your experience into powerful writing, 2nd grade!
This month our middie/high school students are being challenge to give back again to our community through the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. Students can bring in money to their intervention teacher for their grade level student or staff representative. The community can also support by donating online to the cause at https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/6902656!
Thank you for helping us teach character and leadership!
Check Out Our February Mather Pony Express!
Our February newsletter is packed with winter fun, important dates, and family updates — including:
🏅 All-School Winter Olympics
💗 Kindness & Unity activities
🎉 Spirit Days
📚 Reading at Home reminders
🧠 Healthy screen time tips
🌟 Student Leadership highlights
🗓 Key February events & field trips
Take a few minutes to read through — we have an exciting month ahead at Mather!
Our February newsletter is packed with winter fun, important dates, and family updates — including:
🏅 All-School Winter Olympics
💗 Kindness & Unity activities
🎉 Spirit Days
📚 Reading at Home reminders
🧠 Healthy screen time tips
🌟 Student Leadership highlights
🗓 Key February events & field trips
Take a few minutes to read through — we have an exciting month ahead at Mather!
Congratulations to our Semester 1 Middle/High School Honor Roll Students!!
MPS TRANSPORTATION UPDATE FOR TUESDAY 2/3 - AFTERNOON RUN
This afternoon we will be running 4 busses however all Shingleton kids will be riding the Bear bus today so we can accommodate a sports run. Shingleton kids can expect to be dropped off a little later than normal.
This afternoon we will be running 4 busses however all Shingleton kids will be riding the Bear bus today so we can accommodate a sports run. Shingleton kids can expect to be dropped off a little later than normal.
Attention Sophomore Class parents!! Please check out an opportunity to learn more about Middle College!
Here are more highlights from Mrs. Murk’s and Mrs. LaFlamme’s classes during their outdoor learning trip to the educational center at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
More smiles, more discoveries, and more snowy fun — thank you again to our teachers/staff and park educators for an unforgettable learning day!
More smiles, more discoveries, and more snowy fun — thank you again to our teachers/staff and park educators for an unforgettable learning day!
Mather Elementary is proud to recognize Lacey Westphal as our Student of the Week! Nominated by Mr. Ethan Nachazel, Lacey is known for her kindness, daily effort, and willingness to help her classmates. Her favorite subject is art, and she enjoys gymnastics outside of school.
Congratulations, Lacey — well deserved!
Congratulations, Lacey — well deserved!
Today Mrs. Murk’s and Mrs. LaFlamme’s 1st Grade classes had an amazing hands-on learning adventure at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Educational Center.
Students explored winter habitats and discovered how animals survive in cold weather. They learned how to identify animal tracks in the snow, practiced observation skills like young scientists, and even experienced snowshoeing as part of their outdoor learning day.
Real-world learning + fresh air + curiosity in action = a fantastic day for our young explorers. Thank you to our staff and park educators for making this experience meaningful and memorable for our students!
Students explored winter habitats and discovered how animals survive in cold weather. They learned how to identify animal tracks in the snow, practiced observation skills like young scientists, and even experienced snowshoeing as part of their outdoor learning day.
Real-world learning + fresh air + curiosity in action = a fantastic day for our young explorers. Thank you to our staff and park educators for making this experience meaningful and memorable for our students!
