BIG BAY DE NOC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

BIG BAY DE NOC
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
OUR FUTURE BEGINS NOW
May 2014
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
5/25 *
5/26 *
5/30 *
6/4 *
6/3,4,5
6/5 *
6/9 *
6/25 *
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 (full day)
School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Special Board Meeting 5:30 p.m.
THE LAST DAY OF
SCHOOL IS JUNE 5.
Everyone at the Big Bay de
Noc School wishes each
of you a warm and safe
summer. See you
in the fall!
2014-15 School Calendar
Sept 2 First Day of School
Nov 17 Deer Day No School
Nov 26-28 Thanksgiving No School
Dec 22-Jan 2 Christmas Break No School
Feb 16 Presidents’ Day No School
Mar 30– Apr 6 Spring Break
May 25 Memorial Day No School
June 4 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
TOP SENIORS NAMED FOR 2014
This spring the Big Bay de Noc School is proud to name Emily Kurth and Samantha
Sundling as senior class co-valedictorians and Elizabeth Thill as the salutatorian. We
wish all the seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors.
Emily Taylor Kurth
is the daughter of Brenn and Michelle
Kurth of Garden, MI. Emily is co-valedictorian this year, and has
maintained a grade point average of 4.0 throughout high school. She
has been involved in the National Honor Society for three years, and
was vice President of the chapter this year. Emily has also been a
member of the Quiz Bowl team for four years and was team captain
this year. She was also junior class treasurer. This past year, Emily
has become a member of the Health Occupations Students of America. After graduation, she plans pursue a pre-medical major of neuroscience and a minor in nutrition in the Health Professions Residential
College of Central Michigan University. Emily then plans to attend
medical school to become a Physician of Emergency Medicine and fulfill her dreams of
becoming a doctor.
Samantha Jo Sundling is the daughter of Lori and Richard
Sundling of St. Jacques, Michigan. After attending Big Bay de Noc
since pre-school, she is graduating as co-valedictorian of her class,
with a 4.0 GPA. She has participated in many athletic activities
throughout her high school career including, 4 years of basketball
and golf, 3 years of volleyball, and 1 year of cross country, soccer
and track and field, earning multiple awards and honors. Sammy
has also been involved in Youth in Government, National Honor
Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Student Council, Student Forum, Engineering Olympics, Prom Committee, Art
Club, and Yearbook. Outside of school, she participates in her local youth group and volunteers time toward multiple community
activities. Her favorite pastime is playing sports for her school and
being able to wear #23, because there is nothing she loved more than wearing that jersey
and playing basketball, for her school. Samantha plans on attending Bay de Noc Community College to pursue a degree in nursing and later on transfering to a larger university so
that she can obtain her Master's in Nursing, allowing her to become a nurse practitioner.
Elizabeth Jayne Thill is the daughter of Marla Pomeroy of St. Jacques and Lyle Thill
of Fayette. She is graduating from Big Bay de Noc as Salutatorian with a GPA of 3.9.
Throughout high school, Elizabeth (Libbie) has been an active participant in Youth in Government, Engineering Olympics, High
School Bowl, Art Club, Yearbook, Prom Committee, and Health
Occupations Students of America. She was inducted into the National Honor Society in the tenth grade, and has been an active
member since. Libbie also spent time during high school playing
junior varsity volleyball and varsity soccer, cheerleading, volleyball, track and field, and golf. Her favorite pastimes include spending time with friends and family, shopping, camping, and relaxing
at the beach. After high school, Elizabeth plans to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree of Biological Science at Lake Superior State University, then transfer to Michigan State University and graduate as a
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Congratulations Big Bay de Noc Class of 2014
Zachary Allen Beaudre
Cassidy Darlene Cayemberg 
Dustin Allen Clarkson
Carl Isaac Cooper 
Sam Thomas Furman
Nicole Lynn Gustafson
Alexander Craig Hubble 
Devin Freeman Jensen 
Emily Taylor Kurth V
Makhayla Hartleeanna LaButte 
Benjamin John LaFave
Ashley Nicole Larkins
John Larry Miller, Jr.
Zachary Mark Pomeroy
Alivia Mary Marie Porter
Cole Robert Potvin 
Kristen Riley Pyke
Alex Michael Ranguette  
Alicia Joan Raredon  
Althetha Rose Saez  
Samantha Jo Sundling  V
Loren Jon Swayer
Perry Charles Tatrow
Elizabeth Jayne Thill  S
Chelsea Ann Thompson
 National Honor Society Member
V Valedictorian
 Honor Student
S
Salutatorian
―It’s easier to go down a mountain than up but the view is always better from the top.‖ - Unknown
Congratulations to Dayton
Benish 6th grade (pictured right)
the winner of our playground
raffle. He won the black bear
carving made and donated by Jim
Denkins. We raised $351 toward Phase 2 of our new playground. Thank you to everyone
who purchased tickets for the
bear.
Kindergarten Class of 2014 (pictured above). Kindergarden graduation is May 30, 2014. The students and teacher Angie LaLonde wish to thank Shirley LaVallee (the Painting
Lady) for volunteering her time every Friday to work with the
kids on their painting skills. Also a big thank you goes out to
classroom aides Nicole Leckson, Nance Ray, Lindsey Pomeroy
and student aide Molly Slavinski for all their help this year.
The Big Bay de Noc Booster Club held its annual Sports
banquet honoring all their athletes. Awards and letters were
given and coaches honored their athletes from the fall sports to
the spring sports. Pictured right: Receiving the Outstanding
Senior Female Athlete was Samantha Sundling. Receiving the
Outstanding Senior Male Athlete was Cole Potvin.
BEST WISHES LARRY ANDERSON
The staff and students at Big Bay de
Noc extend their best wishes to
Larry Anderson as he retires at the
end of this school year. Larry began working at Bay de Noc in 2001
as a custodian then later as a bus
driver. This year he was chosen by
his fellow workers as the OPIE
Winner (Outstanding Person in
Education). Congratulations and
best wishes go out to Larry for
many happy years of retirement.
YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT UPDATE
The Youth in Government Students wish to thank everyone who helped them make their trip to Lansing possible
this year. Without your support it would have been very
difficult for the 12 members of our school to attend this
amazing educational experience. Thank you! The students who attended Youth in Government this year were:
(pictured below) Front Matt Ranguette. Middle row left
side: Matt Moore, Libbie Thill, Ariel Cousineau, Mariah
Yonker, Devin Jensen. Back Row left side: Vanessa
Damer, Sammy Sundling, Patience Harris, Becca Johnson, Caitlin Sefcik, Halle Potvin. Not Pictured Advisor
Kelly Kurpier.
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
Dear Big Bay Community Members:
The Sinking Fund gives the Board of Education the opportunity to make necessary improvements to the building
and grounds. The Sinking Fund also allows us to be sure
that children are attending school in a safe, secure and
healthy environment. We thank the voters for these improvements that are made possible by the sinking fund.
Summer 2014 Construction Projects: Sinking fund dollars will be used to make several significant improvements at the Big Bay de Noc School this summer.
12 security cameras will be added both inside and
outside of the building to provide for better student
safety.
Both the septic tank and drain field that serves the
school will need to be replaced
Certain sidewalks around the building will be replaced
53 interior doors will be replaced and the building
will be re-keyed. Classroom doors will have new,
more secure locksets. The anticipated timeline for the
work is June 9 to August 1.
-Supt. Kenneth H. Groh
NEW ATHLETIC ADMISSION PRICES
The Board of Education approved new athletic admission
prices for Senior Citizens (62 & older) beginning this fall.
The new rate is $3.00 per person (same as student price)
or a season pass for $35.00. In the past seniors were admitted free of charge; however, Big Bay de Noc is one of
the few schools not charging seniors. With the ever increasing athletic expenses, the Board felt it was no longer
able to continue this practice.
PTO NEWS
We would like to extend a big "Thank You" to the PTO
for another great year of events and items for our students! Some highlights include the Halloween Carnival,
Christmas program hospitality, books and gifts from
Santa, numerous classroom supplies, field trips, and endof-year picnic. We appreciate
the time and effort our parents
and members put forth in planning and coordinating these
fun, special experiences for
our students.
2014 Prom Royalty
King Bryce Thompson and Queen Mariah Yonker
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
PLAYGROUND MEMORIALS
In memory of LISA CASEY FELDMAN:
Big Bay de Noc School Staff
In memory of MAURICE CHANDLER:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory DAVID WATCHORN:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of HARVEY GRAY:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of GENE CARLEY:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of WENDALL SWANSON:
Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
In memory of WILLIAM WARD: Bryan Landis & Sherry Boudreau
LIBRARY MEMORIAL DONATIONS
In memory of SANDY GROLEAU: Herb & Donna Pomeory
In memory of ANDRE QUAGHEBEUR: Herb & Donna Pomeroy
In memory of GERALD GROLEAU: Herb & Donna Pomeroy
In memory of CHERYL BOSANIC:
Herb & Donna Pomeroy
In memory of GERARD BERNIER:
Diana G. Thill
dangers of sexting. Kindergarten graduation will be held on Friday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. Elementary classes will be starting their
PTO sponsored field trips next week to various locations.
appointed the following coaches for the 2014-2015 school year:
Varsity Soccer – Gary Sporer, Cross Country – Dave Partyka, JV
Volleyball – Jami Lang, Varsity Volleyball – Lindsea Nieuwenkamp, JH Girls’ Basketball – Heather Pederson, 7th Grade Boys’
Basketball – Jonny Moore, 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Ryan
Barron, JV Boys’ Basketball – Pat McKeage, Varsity Boys’ Basketball – Bob Pederson, JV Girls’ Basketball – Mike Martinez,
Varsity Girls’ Basketball – Brad McPhee.
approved to change the athletic admission prices for the 20142015 school year. Senior citizens age 62 and over will be charged
the student rate of $3.00 per event or $35.00 for a season pass,
set the Budget Hearing meeting for June 25, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.
adopted the 2014-2015 school calendar as presented.
adopted the Resolution to Participate in the Federal Surplus Assistance Program.
changed start time of the Board meeting on July 21 to 5:00 p.m.
Ann Harrington reviewed the history of the Scholarship Foundation since 1989. She indicated that the current members of the
committee would like to step down and was wondering how to go
about looking for replacements. She also expressed concern over
the number of applicants for the scholarships.
adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m.
SCHOLARSHIP MEMORIAL DONATIONS
In memory of MOE CHANDLER:
Jim & Ione Collins
The Big Bay de Noc Scholarship Foundation is pleased to
In memory of RON SCHAUER:
Jim & Carol Dalgord
In memory of BOB BROULLIRE:
Carol Mellon Engebretsen
Kay Cousineau
Lori & Bill Dalgord
In memory of GERALD GROLEAU:
Sandra Groleau
Sharon & Ken Johnson
Wade & Marlene Groleau
Sheila & Mike Smith
John & Stacy Groleau
In memory of WILLIAM WARD:
Joel Peterson
Heather & Bob Pederson
Ida & Jerry Campbell
Carl & Evie St. Ours
Shirley & Jim LaVallee
Diana G. Thill
Steve & Christa Peterson
Lois Saxton
Carol Mellon Engebretsen
John & Bea LaTulip
SCHOLARSHIP
Lamarbe Scholarship (Valedictorian)
(Valedictorian)
(Salutatorian)
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Big Bay Scholarship
Chris Lang Scholarship
Chris Lang Scholarship
Nancy Lang Scholarship
Nancy Lang Scholarship
Irene Johnson Scholarship (Nursing)
William Smith Scholarship
Dighton & Rose Tatrow Scholarship
Jason Groll Scholarship (Wildlife or Nursing)
Jeff Ranguette Scholarship
Viola Haindl Scholarship (Desire)
Cecelia Dalgord Memorial
Tyler Frankovich Scholarship
Tyler Frankovich Scholarship
Victor Borga Scholarship (Education)
Jerry Cousineau Scholarship
Cecelia Dalgord Scholarship
BJ Stupak Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
Cabin Fever Cruisers Scholarship
William Ward Memorial 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
GFWC Scholarship
UP Sportscasters & Sportswriters Scholarship
BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
The Board of Education at its May 12 regular meeting:
Approved the agenda as amended and the minutes of the April 14,
2014 regular meeting.
Public Comment: Bill Anderson, former basketball coach in the
District stated that he thinks Nicky Sundling is doing a great job
in her first year as Athletic Director. She recently made some
tough coaching decisions and he hopes the Board will support
her.
accepted the monthly expenditures for April, 2014 in the amount
of $172,009.17, which includes general fund accounts payable in
the amount of $58,558.41.
Ken Groh, Superintendent reported: Graduation is Sunday, May
25 and the graduation speaker is Clay Potvin. Larry Anderson
(bus driver) has been named as this year’s honoree representing
the Big Bay de Noc ESP as the Outstanding Person in Education
(OPIE) winner. A memo stating that the septic tank drain field is
insufficient was reviewed and discussed.
DeeDee Thill, Principal: Martin Lowenberg, a Holocaust survivor, gave a presentation last week regarding tolerance. Trooper
Dale Hongisto gave a presentation to the 7-12 students on the
have awarded the following scholarships to our 2014 graduates.
STUDENT
Samantha Sundling
Emily Kurth
Libby Thill
Devin Jensen
Emily Kurth
Makhayla LaButte
Isaac Cooper
Alex Ranguette
Devin Jensen
Alley Saez
Isaac Cooper
Alex Ranguette
Samantha Sundling
Alley Saez
Libby Thill
Samantha Sundling
Devin Jensen
Libby Thill
Alley Saez
Makhayla LaButte
Alicia Raredon
Alex Ranguette
Alicia Raredon
Alley Saez
Emily Kurth
Alicia Raredon
Isaac Cooper
Cole Potvin
Chelsea Thompson
Makhayla LaButte
Samantha Sundling
Emily Kurth
Samantha Sundling
Libby Thill
Samantha Sundling
Alicia Raredon
Samantha Sundling
Libby Thill
Samantha Thill
Libby Thill
Samantha Sundling
Cole Potvin
$600
$600
$500
$400
$400
$400
$400
$400
$200
$200
$200
$200
$250
$250
$250
$250
$250
$300
$300
$250
$250
$200
$400
$300
$2500
$300
$300
$300
$300
$200
$500
$1000
$100
$100
$500
$500
$500
$500
$250
$250
$500
$150