PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEW TEACHERS TO THE BAY Back to SchoolBack to School Open HouseOpen House September 3rdSeptember 3rd Back to School Open House September 3rd*See back cover*See back cover for detailsfor details *See back cover for details suttonsbaypublicschools suttonsbaynorsewww.SuttonsBaySchools.comK - 12 ATTENDANCE TOPS STATE BENCHMARKS Students learn best when they are present and engaged. We are proud to share that daily attendance increased at every level this year, with district rates now meeting or exceeding the state average:Math: Jumped from the 50th to the 60th percentile Reading: Climbed from the 52nd to the 57 percentileth52NDPERCENTILE 2024-25 SYPERCENTILE 2025-26 SY57THREADINGREADINGREADINGREADINGELEMENTARY STUDENTSMATHMATHMATHMATHELEMENTARY STUDENTSPERCENTILE 2025-26 SY60THPERCENTILE 2024-25 SY50TH2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR2024-25 SCHOOL YEARMIDDLE SCHOOLELEMENTARY SCHOOL2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR2024-25 SCHOOL YEARHIGH SCHOOL87%90%87%91%93%90% IN THE CLASSROOM & IN THE DATA: SUTTONS BAY STUDENTS ARE THRIVINGMr. LemaI will be teaching: Weights/Conditioning, Physical Education, and Sports Management Becoming part of the SB community, supporting students as they grow, and building strong connections with families. I am most looking forward to: Ms. MetcalfI will be teaching: Kindergarten Building meaningful connections with students and their families. I am most looking forward to:Ms. MarinoI will be teaching: Earth Science, Forensics, and Chemistry Creating an environment where students are curious and excited about science. I am most looking forward to: THANK YOU TO OUR NORSEMEN FAMILIES FOR PARTNERING WITH US TO BUILD A SAFE, WELCOMING, AND ENGAGING ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY STUDENT CAN GROW, ACHIEVE, AND THRIVE! This success comes from a deliberate focus on supporting our educators with high-quality curriculum, analyzing data to provide targeted student interventions, and maintaining a seamless, aligned K-12 learning experience.*NATIONAL AVERAGE RANGE BEGINS IN THE 40 PERCENTILETH ACADEMIC GROWTH EXCEEDS NATIONAL AVERAGE Norse NotesC o m m u n i t y N e w s l e t t e r - F a l l 2 0 2 6 E d i t i o n At Suttons Bay Schools, student achievement is our top priority. Thanks to the hard work of our students, staff, and families, we are thrilled to report significant academic growth and rising attendance rates across the district last school year!One successful example is our elementary students’ incredible gains on their recent NWEA assessments, proving that our learners are growing at rates that compete with and outpace the national averages:
A Note From Superintendent Petz Dear Suttons Bay Students and Families, We are looking forward to welcoming all our students back to campus on Tuesday, September 8th. Each school year is an opportunity for our entire school community to embrace, support, and empower students to build strong connections and thrive in school. Seeing all the smiling faces back in classrooms in the next few weeks is the best way to start our year and we are excited to show our students all the things we have been working on. This summer, our subcontractors, operations teams, and construction crews have been busy all around campus making improvements. Our Middle and Elementary School entrances have been replaced and redesigned, the parking areas along Elm Street are updated, and our stadium renovations, including the addition of a walking track, full-field replacement, and a new concession stand with restrooms, are underway. We are NORSEMEN PROUD of all the changes we’ve made so far to our campus and look forward to completing the demolition work on the north end that will transition to the construction of our new multipurpose practice gym (renderings pictured below). You’re invited to see these updates and meet our amazing staff at our Open House on Thursday, September 3rd from 4:30 – 6:00 PM. As we do every summer, our District Leadership Team reflected on what’s working well and where we can improve as we head into 2026 - 2027. This year, we’re focusing our efforts on three goals that we believe will make a significant, positive impact for all students: 1.Create engaging, meaningful, and joyful learning that challenges our students and activates their curiosity and deeper thinking through high-quality instruction. 2.Design student-centered supports, programs, and instruction through advanced learning opportunities, improved teacher coaching and professional development, and new curriculum. 3.Continue to improve daily attendance and reduce tardies and chronic absenteeism by ensuring every student is present and ready to learn. Last year, our focus on student attendance made a tremendous, positive impact on our students and we are proud to share that SBPS was recognized by the Michigan Department of Education for the improvements in daily attendance and changes that made a difference for students. Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically, feel a sense of belonging, graduate on time, and build the habits they need for life beyond the classroom. Missing just two days a month — even when excused — adds up to nearly a month of lost learning each year. At SBPS, we believe every day of classroom instruction is important and support from our families makes all the difference. We can’t do this without you! Students and families will notice additional initiatives, programs, and strategies again this year to continue our progress on student attendance, tardies, and chronic absenteeism. We are so thankful for our families for choosing Suttons Bay and trusting us to be the best choice for their children to learn. See you in early September. Upward, Casey Petz Suttons Bay Public SchoolsLibby Wadsworth Elementary Asst. Principal 231-271-8601 wadsworthe@ suttonsbayschools.comChris Reeve K-12 Principal 231-271-8604 reevec@ suttonsbayschools.comJamie Hawkins Secondary Asst. Principal & AD 231-271-2545 hawkinsj@ suttonsbayschools.comCasey Petz Superintendent 231-271-8600 petzc@ suttonsbayschools.comPAGE|02www.SuttonsBaySchools.com
As we prepare to begin another school year, here at LIFT, we wanted to extend a thank you to everyone who helped make this summer so special! Rising 6th - 12th grade Norsemen joined us for everything from beach days and dune hikes to movie days, coffee chats, a trip to Mackinac Island and so much more. Whether you were a guardian who managed the family calendar, a volunteer who helped ensure programming went smoothly, or a teen who said "yes" to joining us on an adventure, thank you all! Keep an eye out for school year calendars and sign-up information in the next week or so. Enjoy this last bit of summer, and we'll see you soon!HIGHLIGHTS FROM SPRING AND SUMMER AT SBPS MS Kindness Council at Munson Manor with advisor Lauren Walker. Kane Steimel (left) and Eli Anderson (right) participate in a construction demonstration at this year’s MiCareerQuest Northwest event. Sophomores visit Judge Paciorka’s courtroom to enhance their study of To Kill a Mockingbird.PAGE|03www.SuttonsBaySchools.com FRESHMEN EXPLORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES In May, our 9th grade students took a trip to the Traverse City Civic Center for MiCareerQuest Northwest, a hands-on career exploration event featuring over 50 employers and training centers representing a wide range of industries including healthcare, construction, information technology and manufacturing. This annual event provides an opportunity for students to connect with local professionals in an interactive and engaging setting and spark career discussions that can help guide their high school path. SOPHOMORES VISIT LEELANAU COUNTY COURTROOM Sophomores in Mr. Couturier's English class recently had the opportunity to bring the pages of To Kill a Mockingbird to life with a visit to Judge Paciorka's courtroom. During the visit, Judge Paciorka explained the structure of the court system, the roles of those involved in a trial, and the legal process from start to finish. By connecting the novel's courtroom scenes to real-world judicial procedures, students gained a deeper understanding of justice, fairness, and civic responsibility. Our Middle School Kindness Council volunteered their time after school this spring to shop for, prepare, and serve a meal for guests at Munson Manor Hospitality House. Munson Manor provides a “home away from home” for patients, families, and caregivers who are traveling during a loved one’s hospitalization. Our students truly shined! They were not only helpful and hardworking, but also warm and welcoming, taking time to connect with guests, share smiles, and create a positive, comforting environment. MS KINDNESS COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS AT MUNSON MANOR This summer, our elementary students enjoyed an exciting week at Camp Invention, where they explored STEM through hands-on activities, creative problem-solving, and teamwork. Campers designed, built, and tested innovative projects while strengthening critical-thinking skills and having fun. We are proud of our young innovators and grateful to the staff and volunteers who helped make this memorable learning experience possible. SUMMER ‘STEM’ FUN AT CAMP INVENTION Holden Koleno tests his design project at Camp Invention.
HOCO!HOCO!NORSE SPIRIT WEAR Available at MI Market in Suttons Bay!CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026 Class Valedictorian Megan U’Ren Class Salutatorian Gavin Schichtel SBPS EARNS FIRST-EVER MICHIGAN GREEN SCHOOL DESIGNATION Suttons Bay Public Schools is proud to announce its official certification as a Michigan Green School by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This statewide honor recognizes our district's deep commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and hands-on learning. This achievement reflects district-wide efforts, including: Thank you to our dedicated students, staff, and community partners for empowering our youth to lead a greener future!District-wide recycling led by Life Skills students, building both job readiness and eco-awareness. Sustainable food service program with locally sourced meals from the MI Farm Co-Op. Energy efficiency through multi-year LED lighting upgrades. Hands-on learning from raising threatened species via "Sturgeon in the Classroom" to planting a student-led native garden with the Leelanau Conservation District. “Anchored in Suttons Bay, sailing toward success.” www.SuttonsBaySchools.com PAGE| 04HOMECOMING 2026!HOMECOMING 2026!Friday, October 9thFriday, October 9th Join us for Homecoming on Friday, October 9th for our annual Parade and Chili Supper as we celebrate our students, our traditions, and the incredible spirit that makes our school and community so special. We will announce the official kickoff time and details for the week’s big game as we get closer to the date! Mark your calendars, gather your family, and help us make this Homecoming our best one yet! Line the streets to cheer on our creative student floats, dynamic marching band, sports teams, student groups, and the homecoming court during the early evening parade. Afterward, warm up at our beloved community Chili Supper, where families, alumni, neighbors, and friends can share a delicious meal and catch up with old friends. Whether you graduated decades ago or have a child starting kindergarten, everyone is invited to wear their red and white, show their Norse pride, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of connection and community celebration.
QUARTERLY STUDENT RECOGNITIONSTUDENT ATHLETES OF THE MONTHApril 2026Megan Lint11thApril 2026Jackson Truckey10thMay 2026Gavin Schichtel12thMay 2026Hannah Gordon12th Student Athlete of the Month Awards honor our high school student-athletes who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate exemplary behavior in the classroom and in competition, and serve as positive contributors to their teams and school community.Nice Organized Responsible Safe Engaged Middle School Cataleya Schocko - 6 Talon Warnes - 7 Malachi Ward - 8 Lillian McCormick - 8High SchoolAsuma Bradford - 9 Soc Studies Giovanni Zavala - 9 ELA Kane Steimel - 9 Science Connor Anslow - 11 Math Norah Fehrenbach - 9 Band Laselle Colvin - 9 ELA Raiden Burns - 10 Science Keianna Williams - 11 Soc Studies Isaac Martin - 11 Math Cecelia Koleno - 10 Spanish Wallace Kohler - 1 Music Felicity Kite - 3 Music Kaylin Lehnen - 4 Music Jada Myers - 4 Music Holden Koleno - Music Irving Kohler - K Music Lylah Henderson - 3 Music Ayla Fernandez - 2 Music Finley Petz - 5 Band Halle Remeta - 5 Band Adonis Mitchell - K Jasire Sanchez - K Sidney Nawara - 1 Leo Moreno - 3 Roland Yaple - 2 Eliza Plamondon - 5 Violatte Parkin - 4 Violet Kohler - 4 Iyla Ackerman - K Kasen Tracey - 1 Eliza Taber - K Aiden Enoch - 3 Skylar Bressette - 2 Fisher Sumera - 4 Aleah Banda - 4 Jameson Liberty - 5 Owen McCarthy - 1 PE Ixayana Mejia - 3 PE Charlotte Smith - 4 PE Miles Tatman-Priest - 5 PE Ali Moreno - K PE Nicolas Bustos-Perez - 3 PE Ida Koleno - 4 PE Ian Moreno - 5 PE Logan Hutcheon - 5 Art Esther Kent - 3 Art Adelaide Drake - 2 Art Zendaya Fox - 1 Art Leon Kent - K Art Layla Maier - 1 Art Linda Petoskey - 3 Art Diarely Mejia - 4 Art Elementary School NORSE Award Recipients CAREER TECH CENTER PAGE| 05www.SuttonsBaySchools.com Junior, Warren Dittrich (left) amd senior, Jesus Alcala (right), inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Outstanding Career Student Technical Education Awards! Senior Sawyer Kiessel and Junior, Anna Porter were both recognized at the annual Career Tech Awards night for their exceptional academic and occupational performance over the last school year.
High school teachers, Adam Couturier (pictured with K-12 Principal Chris Reeve), and Nicki Hursey (not pictured), were each recipients of one of this year's LMCU Roots in Education Grants. These grants recognize educators who bring creativity, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences into their classrooms by providing funding for projects that enhance student engagement and achievement. 231-271-8601 smithjen@ suttonsbay schools.com SBPS EDUCATORS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE PAGE| 06www.SuttonsBaySchools.com Middle school teacher, Lauren Petz, was recognized with one of this year’s Outstanding Educator Awards, presented by Northwest Education Services in partnership with TBA Credit Union. This distinguished honor celebrates educators who make a lasting impact on their students through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the classroom. Elementary Assistant Principal Libby Wadsworth (left) and Middle School Social Worker, Lauren Walker (right), were each honored with one of this year’s Women Leaders in Culturally Responsive Education Awards from Northwest Education Services. This recognition celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning environments for students, staff, and families.
Varsity FootballAug 27 @ Forest Area - 7:00 PM Sep 3 @ Brethren - 7:00 PM Sep 11 @ Marion - 7:00 PM Sep 18 @ Mesick - 7:00 PM Sep 24 @ Baldwin - 6:00 PM Oct 2 @ Onekama - 7:00 PM Oct 10 vs Bear Lake - 12:00 PM Oct 17 vs Our Lady of the Lake - 12:00 PM Oct 23 @ Alcona - 7:00 PMVarsity Coed Cross CountrySep 12 @ Buckley - TBD Sep 15 @ TBD Sep 19 @ Glen Lake - TBD Sep 23 @ Elk Rapids - TBD Sep 29 @ Buckley - TBD Oct 7 @ Mancelona - TBD Oct 13 @ Benzie Central - TBD Oct 24 @ TBD (Regionals Invitational)*Athletic schedules are subject to change. For the most up-to- date information, visit the SBPS Athletics website by scanning the QR code or visit the athletics page of the district website. PAGE| 07www.SuttonsBaySchools.comMS Coed SoccerSep 9 @ Glen Lake - 4:15 PM Sep 11 vs Kingsley - 4:30 PM Sep 14 vs Buckley - 4:15 PM Sep 16 vs Benzie Central - 4:15 PM Sep 18 @ TC Christian - 4:30 PM Sep 21 vs TC Bulldogs - 4:30 PM Sep 23 @ Leland - 4:15 PM Sep 25 @ Kingsley - 4:30 PM Sep 28 vs Glen Lake - 4:15 PM Sep 30 @ Buckley - 4:15 PM Oct 5 @ Benzie Central - 4:15 PM Oct 7 vs TC Bulldogs - 4:30 PM Oct 9 vs TC Christian - 4:30 PM Oct 12 vs Leland - 4:15 PMVarsity Boys SoccerAug 19 vs Grayling - 5:00 PM Aug 21 @ TC Bulldogs - TBD Aug 22 @ TC Bulldogs - TBD Aug 24 @ TC St. Francis - 5:00 PM Sep 3 vs Benzie Central - 5:00 PM Sep 9 @ Glen Lake - 5:30 PM Sep 11 @ NM Christian - 5:00 PM Sep 12 @ Kingsley - 11:00 AM Sep 14 vs Buckley - 5:30 PM Sep 19 - Weber Invitational - TBD Sep 21 @ TC Christian - 5:00 PM Sep 23 @ Leland - 5:30 PM Sep 25 @ Charlevoix - 5:00 PM Sep 28 vs Glen Lake - 5:30 PM Sep 30 @ Buckley - 5:30 PM Oct 3 vs Manistee - 11:00 AM Oct 5 @ Benzie Central - 5:30 PM Oct 12 vs Leland - 5:30 PMMS FootballSep 9 vs Onekama - 6:00 PM Sep 16 @ Brethren - 6:00 PM Sep 23 vs Baldwin - 6:00 PM Sep 30 vs Brethren - 6:00 PM Oct 7 vs Mesick - 6:00 PM Oct 14 @ Walkerville - 12:00 PM FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES Aug 19 @ Manistee - 7:00 PM Aug 22 @ NM Christian - TBD Aug 25 vs SB Varsity Quad - 5:00 PM Sep 1 vs GT Academy - 7:00 PM Sep 10 vs Buckley - 7:00 PM Sep 12 @ Lake City - TBD Sep 17 vs Onekama - 7:00 PM Sep 22 @ Glen Lake - 7:00 PM Sep 29 @ Mesick - 7:00 PM Oct 1 @ Benzie Central - 7:00 PM Oct 6 vs Frankfort Elberta - 7:00 PM Oct 8 @ Brethren - 7:00 PM Oct 13 vs TC St. Francis - 7:00 PM Oct 15 @ Leland - 7:00 PM Oct 20 @ Elk Rapids Quad - 5:00 PM Oct 22 @ Glen Lake Quad - 5:00 PM Oct 27 @ Buckley Quad - 5:00 PM Oct 29 vs SB Varsity Tri - 5:00 PM Varsity Volleyball JV Volleyball Aug 19 @ Manistee - 5:30 PM Sep 1 vs GT Academy - 5:30 PM Sep 10 vs Buckley - 5:30 PM Sep 17 vs Onekama - 5:30 PM Sep 19 @ Lake City - TBD Sep 22 @ Glen Lake - 5:30 PM Sep 29 @ Mesick - 5:30 PM Oct 1 @ Benzie Central - 5:30 PM Oct 6 vs Frankfort Elberta - 5:30 PM Oct 8 @ Brethren - 5:30 PM Oct 13 vs TC St. Francis - 5:30 PM Oct 15 @ Leland - 5:30 PM Oct 20 @ Elk Rapids Quad - 5:00 PM Oct 21 @ Glen Lake Quad - 5:00 PM MS Volleyball Sep 9 vs Buckley - 4:30 PM Sep 11 vs Onekama - 4:30 PM Sep 14 @ LL St. Mary - 4:30 PM Sep 16 @ Mesick - 4:30 PM Sep 18 @ TC Christian - 4:30 PM Sep 21 @ Glen Lake - 4:30 PM Sep 30 @ Benzie Central - 4:30 PM Oct 2 vs LL St. Mary - 4:30 PM Oct 5 vs Frankfort Elberta - 4:30 PM Oct 7 @ Brethren - 4:30 PM Oct 9 vs TC Christian - 4:30 PM Oct 12 vs TC Bulldogs - 4:30 PM Oct 14 @ Leland - 4:30 PMGo Norse!
NORSE NOTES Suttons Bay Public Schools P. O. Box 367 500 S. Elm Street Suttons Bay, MI 49682 suttonsbaypublicschools www.SuttonsBaySchools.comsuttonsbaynorse ECRWSS Postal Patron Contact Us Please feel free to contact us with your questions or comments. Board member emails end in @suttonsbayschools.comBOARD OF EDUCATION Chris DeJong, President .............dejongc@........734-395-5801 Lizabeth Venie, Vice President ....veniel@...........231-271-3685 Lee Grant, Treasurer ...................grantl@............231-633-0774 Greg Gurka, Secretary ................gurkag@..........734-646-2347 Seth Megill, Trustee ....................megills@..........231-492-5512 Douglas Comar, Trustee .............comard@.........989-513-3304 Steve Hall, Trustee ......................halls@..............231-883-7499 ADMINISTRATION Casey Petz, Superintendent ................................231-271-8600 Chris Reeve, K-12 Principal.................................231-271-8604 Libby Wadsworth, EL Asst. Principal ...................231-271-8601 Jamie Hawkins, MS/HS Asst. Principal/AD..........231-271-2545 Board meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 pm and are located in the board meeting room in the high school building. All meetings of the Board of Education take place in public for the purpose of conducting the School District’s business and are not to be considered a public community meeting. There is a time set aside for public comment during each meeting as noted on the agenda. The minutes of all meetings will be available at the Superintendent’s Office at 500 S. Elm St., Suttons Bay, and on the school website www.suttonsbayschools.com after approval at the following Board Meeting. Meeting agendas will also be posted on the school website. Any person with a disability who needs accommodation for participation in the meetings should contact the Board Recording Secretary at (231) 271-8600 x 400, in advance of the meeting to request assistance. Our Offices Are Open and We Encourage You to Reach Out! Preschool, Elementary & Middle Schools: 231-271-8601 High School: 231-271-8604 I Central Office: 231-271-8600 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Suttons Bay, MI 49682 Permit No. 11Sept. 3rd 4:30-6:00Aug. 26th 9:00-12:00 *For NEW KDG and TK students and families! *For ALL PreK-12 students and families!KinderKinderKinderCampCampCampclassrooms and common areasvisitvisitwith the NORSE familyconnectconnectteachers and friendsmeetmeetOPEN HOUSE