BIG BAY DE NOC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

BIG BAY DE NOC
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
OUR FUTURE BEGINS NOW
May 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
5/24 *
5/25 *
5/29 *
6/2 *
6/2,3,4
6/4 *
6/8 *
6/24 *
High School Graduation 7:00 p.m.
No School— Memorial Day
Kindergarten Graduation 9:00
PTO End of Year Picnics 11:30
Final Exams
Last day of school, out at noon
School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Special Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.
THE LAST DAY OF
SCHOOL IS JUNE 4.
Everyone at the Big Bay de
Noc School wishes each
of you a warm and safe
summer. See you
in the fall!
TOP SENIORS NAMED FOR 2015
This spring the Big Bay de Noc School is proud to name Alexis Dian Roberts
as senior class Valedictorian and Heather Angelica LaLonde as the salutatorian. We wish all the seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors.
Alexis Dian Roberts is the daughter of Victoria and
the late Eric Roberts, of Garden, Michigan. Throughout
high school she has been involved in National Honor
Society, Student Forum, Engineering Olympics, Yearbook, HOSA, volleyball, and golf all while maintaining
a 3.9 GPA. Alexis is class secretary and has earned Valedictorian of her senior class. Her favorite thing to do is
laugh and help out people whenever she can. She plans
to attend Bay College in the fall to pursue a career in
nursing and specialize in pediatrics.
Heather Angelica LaLonde is the daughter of Daniel
2015-16 School Calendar
Sept 1 Open House 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Sept 8 First Day of School
Oct 9
Staff Work Day No School
Nov 16 Deer Day No School
Nov 25-27 Thanksgiving - No School
Dec 23-Jan 1 Winter Break - No School
Jan 22 Staff Work Day - No School
Feb 15 Presidents’ Day - No School
Feb 26 Staff Work Day - No School
Mar 25– Apr 1 Spring Break - No School
May 30 Memorial Day - No School
June 9 Last day of School
SCHOOL WEBSITE is
www.bigbayschool.com
* Annual school calendar
* Breakfast/lunch menu
* Announcements
* Athletic Schedules
* PowerSchool Access
* And lots more !
Parents, contact the school
office for a login for your children’s accounts 644-2773
Also, check us out on FACEBOOK
and Michelle LaLonde of St. Jacques, Michigan. Heather
has maintained a 3.89 GPA for all four years of high
school, and has earned salutatorian of the graduating
class. Throughout high school, Heather has been a part of
basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, golf,
Drama Club, Engineering Olympics, Quiz Bowl, Yearbook, National Honor Society, HOSA and class Treasurer.
As an athlete, Heather was awarded ‘Most improved’ for basketball, ‘Coaches Award’ for golf, and Honorable Mention for
the C.U.P. conference in volleyball. She enjoys spending time
with family and friends, being outdoors and being an athlete. For the next two years,
Heather plans to attend Bay College to earn an Associate’s Degree in Business.
HERITAGE WIND
ENERGY
This is the company that owns
the Garden Wind Farm. Recently, they and the Lagina Family
donated $55,000 to our school !
The donation is intended to fund
the 7-12 grade athletic program
for 2015-16.
Pictured above: Board member Adam Gembel,
Supt. Ken Groh, Martin Lagina, Board member
This company is investing in our
Jon Haindl.
school, our community and our
children. The concern and generosity demonstrated by Heritage Wind
Energy is sincerely appreciated !
Congratulations Big Bay de Noc Class of 2015
Alec David Bloom 
Allen Nickolas Dalgord
Tyler Andrew DeMars
Mackenzie Jerome DesJarden
Patience Kiaryma Harris 
Sarah Marie Henry
Brittany Lee Hepfer
Rebecca Joy Johnson  
Nicholas Carl Knudson 
Brett Randall LaLonde 
Heather Angelica LaLonde S 
Felicia Jo LeFevre 
Mackenzie Renee McPhee 
Jonathan Travis Moberg
Matthew David Moore
Jacob Michael Nedeau 
Kaden Jamison Pelletier
Alivia Mary Marie Porter
Anthony Thomas Richard  
Colton John Andrew Richard 
Bailey Ann Riggers
Alexis Dian Roberts V 
Nerissa Ann Schlesky
Kevin David Severin
Molly Ann Slavinski 
Bryce Earl Thompson
Mariah Jean Yonker
 National Honor Society Member
V Valedictorian
 Honor Student
S
Class Motto: “Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in
the woods and you’re lost and you see a path. Then by all means
follow the path.” - Ellen DeGeneres
Salutatorian
Mrs. Kuehl's 3rd Grade Class took it upon themselves to
Kindergarten Class of 2015
Kindergarten graduation is May 29, 2015. The students
and teachers would like to thank the following volunteers
who helped out in the classrooms this year: Shirley Lavalle, Ruth Craig, Larry Daasch, Irma Gonzalez-Hider,
Beth Hopp, Danna Kuhr, Lorelei McRoberts, Dottie
Sundling, Mary Jane VanRemortal, Bob and Diane
Velthouse, Marlene Winter-Johnson, Donna Winters, and
Mary Gollakner. Your support means so much !
start a Make-A-Difference project after completing a reading
unit on it in class. They took up a collection of toiletry items
for those in need. All items were donated to the Garden Food
Pantry.
The High School Bowl Team would like to thank the
following people and businesses for their monetary contributions and providing the team with t-shirts that acknowledged
their success of competing in the Cerebral Sixteen. Thank you
to Bill Anderson, Carrie Ranguette, Linda's Breadbox, Foxy's
Den, and U.P. Tire. We truly appreciate your support!
THANK YOU BOOSTER CLUB !
FROM SUPT. GROH’S DESK
Dear Big Bay de Noc Community Members: The Sinking Fund
renovation project is underway! The areas that were the concession stand and the old business ed room are being remodeled into
a new central office to serve the school. The vacated office is
being remodeled into a Health Department approved concession
area. Additionally, a new clock/public address system will be
installed and the fire alarm system is being updated. The cost of
this project is $295,000 and the work is being done by Cross
Construction of Munising, Michigan. Substantial completion is
planned for August 3, 2015. A big thank you to district residents
for supporting this project through the sinking fund.
The Big Bay de Noc Booster Club recently donated $5000.00 to
the Big Bay de Noc School athletic fund. The donation will be
used to reduce the cost of athletic transportation for the 2015-16
school year. A big thank you goes out to all club members and
families who work so hard throughout the year both monetarily
and by donating their time during summer fundraisers, working
the concession stand during sports seasons and selling raffle
tickets. Pictured above is: Booster Club President Angie
LaLonde and Superintendent Ken Groh.
YOOPER HOOPERS - 1ST PLACE
The Big Bay de Noc Airballers took first place in the 15th Annual Yooper Hooper in Manistique going undefeated in their
bracket. Pictured are: Joey Hoholik, Tyler Sundling, Tony Demars, Alex LaLonde.
Beginning July 1, 2015, Mrs. Mary Brayak will be the new Superintendent at Big Bay de Noc. We will be sharing her services
with the Mid Peninsula School in Rock/Perkins, where she will
continue being their Superintendent as well. She has been the
Mid Pen Superintendent for four years and prior to that was the
Superintendent at Bark River-Harris. Being the Superintendent
for both school districts at the same time will be a challenge!
She will need support and cooperation from everyone. We look
forward to her arrival and we wish her well in her new assignment!
Recently, parents, students and staff participated in an anonymous survey about our school. The results are being reviewed
now. Our school received many compliments and also many
suggestions on how we can make improvements. A concern that
came through loud and clear was communication! It is apparent
that we need to make improvements in this area, and we will be
working on that. Thank you for participating in this survey.
Results will be used as we seek to make improvements in our
school.
I am ending my second year at Big Bay de Noc and as mentioned
above, I will not be returning. My time at Big Bay de Noc has
been interesting and personally fulfilling. I have enjoyed this
experience, especially my interactions with students, staff and
community. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.
Small rural schools are faced with unique challenges for the future, and I believe that Big Bay de Noc can meet these challenges!
CONGRATUATIONS TO BARB MEAD AND
NICOLE LECKSON for being chosen Big Bay’s 2015
Outstanding Persons In Education (OPIE) winners by their
coworkers.
was chosen Big Bay de
Noc Athlete of the Year by
the varsity coaching staff at
the annual Sports Banquet
honoring all athletes.
Awards and letters were
given and coaches honored
their athletes from the fall
sports to the spring sports.
So Proud of You !
BRETT LALONDE
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
LIBRARY MEMORIAL DONATIONS
In memory of JEANNE NELSON:
Donald & Shirley Thennes
In memory of CAROLL LUND:
Donald & Shirley Thennes
In memory of ELAINE HARTMAN:
Nick & Patti Thennes
In memory of DENNIS GREENE:
Joseph & Bonnie Hardy
In memory of ROBERT BROULLIRE:
Morgan & DeAnna Tatrow
In memory of KIRK PETERSON:
Morgan & DeAnna Tatrow
In memory of RANDY TALLMAN:
Lois Saxon
James & Carol Morrison
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PLAYGROUND MEMORIAL DONATIONS
In memory of DOUGLAS SWANSON: Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau

John Denholm as alternate) to vote in the ISD Board Biennial
Election on June 1, 2015.
appointed the slate of fall/winter 2015-16 coaches.
adopt the 2015-2016 school calendar as presented.
accepted the very generous donation of $55,000.00 from Heritage
Wind Energy and Marty & Olivia Lagina to fund the athletic
program for the 2015-2016 school year.
Michelle Goldi addressed the Board with concerns.
meeting recessed at 7:05 p.m. while members took a walking tour
of the construction project, reconvened at 7:18 p.m.
moved into closed session at 7:20 p.m. to discuss negotiations,
reconvened into regular session at 7:44 p.m.
acknowledged the fact that the Big Bay de Noc support staff contract expires June 30, 2015 and the teachers’ contract expires on
August 31, 2015. Mr. Kenneth Groh is authorized to serve as
chief negotiator for both contracts and after June 30, 2015, he will
be paid $50 per hour.
approved the School Principal's contract for the 2015-2016 and
2016-2017 school years as presented.
adjourned meeting at 8:46 p.m.
In memory of HELEN DENKINS:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of ELAINE HARTMAN:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of SONJA GOUIN:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of FREDA FARLEY:
Nick & Patti Thennes
In memory of CAROLL LUND:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of LEONARD LUND:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
The Big Bay de Noc Scholarship Foundation and other
In memory of SANDY MILLER:
Nick & Patti Thennes
In memory of SONJA GOUIN:
Nick & Patti Thennes
community sponsors are pleased to have awarded the following
scholarships to our 2015 graduates.
In memory of PAUL HILL:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of GAYLORD SWAGART:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
Donation made by the Edward J. Sackerson Charitable Foundation
SCHOLARSHIP MEMORIAL DONATIONS
In memory of JIM WILSON:
Nick & Patti Thennes
In memory of MARY LOU RITTER:
Wade & Marlene Groleau
In memory of RANDY TALLMAN:
Wade & Marlene Groleau
In memory of JERRY HEROD:
Joy & Todd Bloom
In memory of ACE RITTER:
Nick & Patti Thennes
In memory of ANITA LAMBERG:
Wade & Marlene Groleau
In memory of DELORES HAAS:
Nick & Patti Thennes
In memory of FREDA FARLEY:
Grant & Patricia Heslip
Bell Swanson
In memory of HELEN DENKINS:
Bill & Karen Pilon
In memory of LOUIS PITKO:
Craig & Cathy Knudson
In memory of ORVILLE NOFFKE:
Marlyn Noffke
In memory of ELAINE HARTMAN:
Don & Shirley Thennes
Keith & Mary Rochefort
Amil & Alice Handeguand
Jon & Gloria Haindl
Bruce & Christine Swagart
Schoolcraft County Chapter of Retired School Personnel
BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
The Board of Education at its May 11 regular meeting:
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Supt. Groh reported: a) Nicole Leckson (aide) and Barbara Mead
(teacher) have been named as this year’s honorees representing
the Big Bay de Noc ESP and EA as the Outstanding Persons in
Education (OPIE) winners. c) Good progress is being made on the
construction project d) Craig informed the Board that there may
be some revenue available from the Secure Rural Schools Fund.
Mr. Groh will make some phone calls to check on it.
Principal Thill reported on various end-of-school-year events and
thanked the members of the Grad Party Committee.
designate Jon Haindl as Big Bay de Noc’s representative (with
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SCHOLARSHIP
Lamarbe Scholarship (Valedictorian)
(Salutatorian)
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Chris Lang Memorial Scholarship
Chris Lang Memorial Scholarship
Nancy Lang Memorial Scholarship
Nancy Lang Memorial Scholarship
Irene Johnson Memorial Scholarship (Nursing)
William Smith Memorial Scholarship
Dighton & Rose Tatrow Scholarship
Jason Groll Scholarship (Wildlife or Nursing)
Jeff Ranguette Memorial Scholarship
Viola Haindl Memorial Scholarship
Cecelia Dalgord Memorial
Victor Borga Memorial Scholarship (Education)
Jerry Cousineau Memorial Scholarship
BJ Stupak Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
Heritage Garden Wind Farm Ed. Scholarship
Heritage Garden Wind Farm Ed. Scholarship
Heritage Garden Wind Farm Ed Scholarship
Heritage Garden Wind Farm Ed Scholarship
Heritage Garden Wind Farm Ed Scholarship
Dr. Debbie Hermes Educational Scholarship
Nahma Boat Club Scholarship
Nahma Boat Club Scholarship
Rapid River Four Township Seniors Scholarship
Rapid River Four Township Seniors Scholarship
American Legion Post 545 Scholarship
American Legion Post 545 Scholarship
Rapid River Relic Riders Scholarship
Rapid River Relic Riders Scholarship
UP Sportscasters & Sportswriters Scholarship
Girl Scouts Upper Peninsula Scholarship
Ken & Patricia Gartland Scholarship
Ken & Patricia Gartland Scholarship
Daily Press Senior of the Year
Manistique Federal Credit Union Scholarship
STUDENT
Alexis Roberts
Heather LaLonde
Colton Richard
Alexis Roberts
Heather LaLonde
Rebecca Johnson
Alec Bloom
Nick Knudson
Tony Richard
Kaden Pelletier
Mackenzie McPhee
Patience Harris
Bryce Thompson
Felicia LeFevre
Nerissa Schelsky
Brett LaLonde
Jacob Nedeau
Patience Harris
Tony Richard
Colton Richard
Molly Slavinski
Mackenzie McPhee
Molly Slavinski
Brett LaLonde
Colton Richard
Alex Bloom
Molly Slavinski
Colton Richard
Anthony Richard
Mackenzie McPhee
Alexis Roberts
Alexis Roberts
Brett LaLonde
Heather LaLonde
Molly Slavinski
Colton Richard
Colton Richard
Mackenzie McPhee
Molly Slavinski
Brett LaLonde
Nick Knudson
Rebecca Johnson
Brett Lalonde
Anthony Richard
Mackenzie McPhee
Molly Slavinski
$700
$600
$400
$400
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$400
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$2500
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$500
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$1000
$100
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$1000