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.
Welcome Back, Mather Families!
We are almost through our second week of school, and it’s been such a joy to see our hallways full of energy, curiosity, and kindness. Thank you for partnering with us to make these first days smooth, positive, and filled with learning.
As we continue building strong routines, we encourage everyone to celebrate small successes, keep showing kindness, and support one another as we settle into the year. Every smile, high five, and positive choice makes a difference!
Look out for the Pony Express Newsletter. It will be coming home with your student and is attached to this post. Each edition will feature: Student work and celebrations, Important upcoming events, with Announcements and reminders.
This is a great way to stay connected with all the exciting things happening at Mather Elementary!
Together, let’s make this school year one filled with growth, joy, and success for all our students.
We are almost through our second week of school, and it’s been such a joy to see our hallways full of energy, curiosity, and kindness. Thank you for partnering with us to make these first days smooth, positive, and filled with learning.
As we continue building strong routines, we encourage everyone to celebrate small successes, keep showing kindness, and support one another as we settle into the year. Every smile, high five, and positive choice makes a difference!
Look out for the Pony Express Newsletter. It will be coming home with your student and is attached to this post. Each edition will feature: Student work and celebrations, Important upcoming events, with Announcements and reminders.
This is a great way to stay connected with all the exciting things happening at Mather Elementary!
Together, let’s make this school year one filled with growth, joy, and success for all our students.
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS THANKS VERN REED & ALGER MATTERS (AC3)
The teachers and administrators at MPS would like to express our gratitude to Vern Reed III, Marjorie Moore, and AC3 (now Alger Matters) for helping to provide another outstanding professional development opportunity for our teachers and paraprofessionals on August 26th and 27th. Vern has worked with our staff 3 times now over a two year period and his expertise as well as his delivery style resonates with our educators and is helping to make a difference for all learners, especially those that are under-resourced. Vern's experience as a long time alternative education teacher and professional consultant on poverty and brain research has really benefitted our students and staff. Vern knows how to translate theory into practice and along with Jon Young at MARESA, these gentlemen have helped us develop our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to improve rigor, relevance, and relationships for all types of learners. Thank you Vern, Jon, and Alger Matters!
The teachers and administrators at MPS would like to express our gratitude to Vern Reed III, Marjorie Moore, and AC3 (now Alger Matters) for helping to provide another outstanding professional development opportunity for our teachers and paraprofessionals on August 26th and 27th. Vern has worked with our staff 3 times now over a two year period and his expertise as well as his delivery style resonates with our educators and is helping to make a difference for all learners, especially those that are under-resourced. Vern's experience as a long time alternative education teacher and professional consultant on poverty and brain research has really benefitted our students and staff. Vern knows how to translate theory into practice and along with Jon Young at MARESA, these gentlemen have helped us develop our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to improve rigor, relevance, and relationships for all types of learners. Thank you Vern, Jon, and Alger Matters!
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE - SUNDAY, 9/7 - We are currently down to three bus drivers and will be running 3 bus routes indefinitely. Please refer to the 3 Bus Route document that has been shared.
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE - FOR THU 9/4 & FRI 9/5: Due to continued driver absence, we will only be running 3 Bus Routes for the rest of the week. The 3 routes and 3 drivers are listed below in attached document. Please note the pick ups will be earlier as shown. For questions, please contact Driver Coordinator, Jeff Meyer 906-387-4145.
Tomorrow's home volleyball match vs. Carney Nadeau will be VARSITY ONLY due to low roster numbers on the JV Carney team. Start time 6pm!
Today's tennis match in Ishpeming has been canceled due to rain. Practice will be held at the Mather Gym from 4-5:30 pm today.
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE - FOR PM BUS RUN - WEDNESDAY 9/3
Due to unexpected driver absence, we will only be running 3 Bus Routes this afternoon. The 3 routes and 3 drivers are listed below in attached document. For questions, please contact Driver Coordinator, Jeff Meyer at 906-387-4145 or jeff.meyer@mps-up.com.
Update: Bus 5 is running late as they adjust to the new route. Students assigned to Bus 5 are safe and supervised. Thank you for your patience. Feel free to call the office if you have any questions. 906-387-2102
MPS TRANSPORTATION NOTICE - AUGUST 28, 2025
Parents, Students, & Community Members, please note the Regular (4) Bus Routes and the Emergency (3) Bus Routes for 2025-2026. These routes are also posted on the district website. The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2nd. Until all drivers and student riders are in a routine, it is strongly advised that students are waiting visibly at their bus stop 10 minutes earlier than usual. For questions, please contact Jeff Meyer, Bus Driver Coordinator at jeff.meyer@mps-up.com or 906.387.4145.
Parents, Students, & Community Members, please note the Regular (4) Bus Routes and the Emergency (3) Bus Routes for 2025-2026. These routes are also posted on the district website. The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2nd. Until all drivers and student riders are in a routine, it is strongly advised that students are waiting visibly at their bus stop 10 minutes earlier than usual. For questions, please contact Jeff Meyer, Bus Driver Coordinator at jeff.meyer@mps-up.com or 906.387.4145.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about our Away for the Day Cell Phone Policy, which starts for all students Tuesday, September 2nd!
Need a schedule change? Now is the time! Email or stop by the middle/high school to see Mr. Mattson!
If you have not registered, please come down to the office as soon as possible!
If you have not registered, please come down to the office as soon as possible!
✨ Mather Elementary Open House ✨
We are so excited to welcome our STANG families back to school!
📅 Tuesday, August 26th
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
* Preschool Orientation - 5:00 PM in the Auditorium
*Kindergarten Meet & Greet
5:00–6:00 PM → Students with last names A–L
6:00–7:00 PM → Students with last names M–Z
*Grades 1–5 Families
Drop in anytime between 5:00–7:00 PM to meet your teachers and visit classrooms.
☎️ Questions? Call the Mather Office at 906-387-2102
We can’t wait to see our students and families as we kick off another amazing year of STANG Pride!
We are so excited to welcome our STANG families back to school!
📅 Tuesday, August 26th
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
* Preschool Orientation - 5:00 PM in the Auditorium
*Kindergarten Meet & Greet
5:00–6:00 PM → Students with last names A–L
6:00–7:00 PM → Students with last names M–Z
*Grades 1–5 Families
Drop in anytime between 5:00–7:00 PM to meet your teachers and visit classrooms.
☎️ Questions? Call the Mather Office at 906-387-2102
We can’t wait to see our students and families as we kick off another amazing year of STANG Pride!
