Mountaineer Minute-August 17, 2026
26-27 School Picture Day Order Forms Available!
Brockway Photography is doing EK-12 Pictures again this year!
Download and Print the Picture Day Order Form HERE or pick one up in the Office!
You can also order online @ brockwayphotography.com
Code: 0648WEA or 0648WEB
Congratulations Mrs. Sarah Cavalieri - Athletic Director/Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Sarah Cavalieri is making history as the first female Athletic Director at Iron Mountain Public Schools, where she also serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. She has worked in education for ten years, including five years in the classroom, and is now starting her sixth year with IMPS. She loves working in the district because of its close-knit, supportive community and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Mrs. Cavalieri is passionate about helping students and staff succeed and making sure people feel cared for. In her new role as Athletic Director, she is excited to work closely with student-athletes, coaches, and families. She believes sports are a great way for students to learn about teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
Outside of work, Mrs. Cavalieri and her family love traveling, exploring unique places, and learning about history. She is a proud Mountaineer parent - her husband and three older children graduated from Iron Mountain, and her youngest daughter is currently a sophomore.
Congratulations, Mrs. Cavalieri - your dedication to our students and families is unmatched; we are grateful for you and excited to see you in this new role!
Welcome Mrs. Luda Koch - Administrative Assistant, North Downtown Campus/ Business Operations Coordinator
Luda Koch is the new Administrative Assistant at the North-Downtown Campus and the Business Operations Coordinator for Iron Mountain Public Schools. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Illinois Chicago and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lewis University. Before transitioning to education, she spent most of her career working in accounting and financial analysis for major national corporations.
For the past eight years, Ms. Koch has worked behind the scenes in school business offices. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for everything it takes to support students, families, and staff every day. Outside of work, Ms. Koch stays busy with her husband, Jim, and their three sons, often cheering them on at their sports games. When she has free time, she enjoys running, mountain biking, skiing, or curling up with a good book. She is a massive fan of Harry Potter - her favorite book and movie series - and is excited to use her experience to help IMPS continue to succeed.
Welcome Mrs. Jamie Johnston - School Nurse
Jamie Johnston, BSN, RN, is the new school nurse at Iron Mountain Public Schools. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Bay de Noc Community College in 2019 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Grand Canyon University in 2024. She chose to join IMPS because it gives her the perfect chance to combine her love for nursing with her dedication to her local community.
As a mother of two boys, Nurse Johnston is excited to work in the same district her children attend while creating a safe and healthy environment for all students. She is passionate about helping others, building strong relationships, and making a positive impact every day.
When she is not at school, Nurse Johnston loves spending time outdoors with her family, whether they are camping, traveling, baking, or fishing. In her quiet time, her favorite book to revisit is The Great Gatsby because of its themes about chasing dreams and how the story offers something new to think about with every read.
Welcome Mrs. Kailee Celello - EK Teacher
Mrs. Kailee Celello is starting her third year of teaching as an Early Kindergarten teacher at North Elementary. She and her husband (Marcus) chose Iron Mountain as the place to raise their family, and she wanted to help strengthen the community through teaching. Since her husband works for Iron Mountain Middle and High School and her son will go to school there soon, the district is a huge part of her family's life.
Her favorite part of teaching is watching how much her students learn and grow from the first day of school to the last. She also loves being the person who guides young kids through their very first school experiences. She is super excited to join the district and build new connections with students, staff, and families.
Outside of school, her family's favorite children's book and song is The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, a silly, rhyming story that always makes everyone smile.
Welcome Mr. Anthony Abney - MEERA and Career Exploration Teacher
Mr. Anthony Abney is the new MEERA and Career Exploration teacher at the Middle and High School. This will be his second year teaching, first in the district. He chose to join IMPS because it became his local school after moving to Iron Mountain with his wife.
Mr. Abney's favorite part of teaching is building relationships with his students and getting to know them. As he starts his new role, he is most excited about coming to work every day in a place he truly enjoys.
In his free time, he loves reading the Malazan series, which he considers the absolute best fantasy series ever written, period.
Welcome Mrs. Delaney Pekarek - Secondary Math Teacher
Mrs. Delaney Pekarek is starting her first year teaching as a Secondary Math Teacher at the Middle and High School, aligned with 6th-8th graders. She chose the district for its strong Mountaineer pride and its smaller class sizes, which make it easier to connect with her students.
Mrs. Pekarek is passionate about forming meaningful relationships with her students. She works hard to build a comfortable classroom community where everyone can be themselves and learn from one another. This year, she is most looking forward to meeting her new students while growing and learning as an educator. Outside the classroom, her favorite book is The Giver by Lois Lowry, her favorite movie is We Bought a Zoo, and she loves listening to true crime podcasts.
Welcome Mrs. Sara Van Pembrook-Critser - 6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Sara Van Pembrook-Critser is beginning her fifth year of teaching as the new 6th grade ELA, Science, and Social Studies teacher at Iron Mountain Middle and High School. After teaching in Georgia for a few years, she was eager to move back to the Upper Peninsula. She chose IMPS because the close-knit district felt like a welcoming family from day one.
Mrs. Van Pembrook-Critser is passionate about helping students discover their true potential and showing them that mistakes are just part of the learning process. Her favorite part of teaching is that no two days are ever the same, along with sharing laughs and seeing a student's confidence grow when something finally clicks. This year, she is excited to connect with her students and their families while bringing ELA, science, and social studies to life in a fun, supportive classroom. In her free time, she loves listening to the podcast Crime Junkie because she enjoys trying to solve the mysteries before each episode ends.
Welcome Mr. Matt Balthazore - Middle and High School English Teacher
Matt Balthazore is the new Middle and High School English teacher at Iron Mountain Public Schools. Although this is his first year with the district, he previously taught for a year in Marquette. Mr. Balthazore and his wife recently moved back to the Upper Peninsula from Illinois. Since his wife is originally from Iron Mountain, they were drawn back by the area's strong sense of community and the opportunity to build a future for their family.
Mr. Balthazore is passionate about helping students discover their potential and realize that past struggles do not define what they can achieve. His favorite part of teaching is building strong relationships with his students and watching their confidence grow over time. As he begins this new chapter, he looks forward to connecting with the local community and learning right alongside his students. Outside the classroom, Mr. Balthazore's favorite book is Empire of the Summer Moon, his favorite movie is Tombstone, and his favorite podcast is Pardon My Take.
2026-27 school year/season:
- Educational Assistants
- Part-Time Maintenance
- Food Service- Substitute Lunchroom Servers
Apply here - IMPS Employment Website
Looking to Sub? Check out more information at the bottom of this newsletter!
2026 Board of Education Elections
Iron Mountain Public Schools has 2 School Board Seats that will expire December 31, 2026 and will be seeking for elections on the upcoming November 3, 2026 regular school election ballot.
The open seats are as follows:
- 4 year term Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2030
- 4 year term Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2030
The deadline for nominations is 4:00pm on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
For more detailed instructions and guidance on how to become a School Board Member, please click on the following link or go to MASB.org and click on "Become a Voice for Michigan Students.
Candidate's Guide to School Board Elections
MORE INFORMATION available on our website
Join the Iron Mountain High School Academic Booster Club (ABC Club)
Join ABC to support the next generation of students! It’s a small time commitment that makes a big impact.
- Group meets just twice a year; no fundraising required!
- Open to parents, teachers, and community members.
Contact: Russell Kassin at 906-239-9059 or rkassin@fnbimk.com.
Receipts must be turned in by the 10th of each month
We can only accept receipts dated within quarters set by the Community Dollars Program.
Any receipts that are turned in outside the accepted date range cannot be used or exchanged for tokens. *Dates do not apply to Tadych's Marketplace receipts
Q1: Jan-Mar; Q2: Apr-Jun; Q3: Jul-Sept; Q4: Oct-Dec
Earn Cash for Our Schools (EK-8)
YOU can support our schools while doing the shopping you're doing anyway!
Scan or submit your receipt with the Box Tops app within 14 days of purchase, or shop with your Walmart, Walgreens, Meijer, etc connected account, and you'll earn for your school with every Box Tops product you buy. The earnings add up quickly! In order to earn cash for your school, you'll need to use the Box Tops app on your mobile device.
Check your app store or visit https://boxtops4education.com/ to download the app and learn more.
Questions? Contact Becky Perry @ perryb@imschools.org or call 906-779-2610
⚫️🟡 Support the CLASS OF 2028 🟡⚫️
⭐️ Store will be open August 1st-September 1st⭐️
🟡 Order & pay online
⚫️ No shipping cost—bags will be sent directly to the school
🟡 Available in black, white, & grey
⚫️ Choose from 3 sizes to fit your needs
📣 Anyone can order, please share this link with family & friends. They make great gifts!
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2028 🖤💛
🛒 Order here: https://happyteesbyjenny.shop/products/imhs-class-of-2028-tote-bag-fundraiser-ends-08-18
Totes will arrive mid October (Class representatives will contact everyone for pick up)
Questions? Call or Text 906-396-1475
⚫️🟡 Support the CLASS OF 2029 🟡⚫️
STADIUM JACKETS & Bundle Options are BACK!
⭐️Store will be open August 14th-September 4th⭐️
We are selling official Stadium Jackets packed with all the accessories. ADDITIONALLY, fall sports t-shirts, long sleeves and football jerseys for kids and adults are also available!
Ordering now ensures you'll have yours just in time for the Fall Season, the kickoff of the new school year, and for years to come.
🛒 Order here: https://iron-mountain-football-sideline-fundraiser-2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
📣 Anyone can order, please share this link with family & friends. They make great gifts!
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2029 🖤
![A promotional graphic featuring a cartoon mountaineer mascot inside a tilted Polaroid photo frame with placeholder text reading "[Insert YOUR Name]." The bottom section displays a black camera icon next to the text "TALES OF A Mountaineer" against a bright orange background.](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/20c3/thumb-6496b979b5a033f08fc233281499b869.png "A promotional graphic featuring a cartoon mountaineer mascot inside a tilted Polaroid photo frame with placeholder text reading \"[Insert YOUR Name].\" The bottom section displays a black camera icon next to the text \"TALES OF A Mountaineer\" against a bright orange background.")
Tales of a Mountaineer
Mountaineer Alumni, Tell your Tale!
We want to hear from you!
👉 How to get involved:
IF you're interested in being featured, or have a family member who is, throughout the year, please email Maria or fill out the Google Form linked here:
📝 Google Form: http://imps.news/Vi2C
📮 Questions? Email Maria Langsford: langsfordm@imschools.org
Help us spread the word! Share this with your classmates and let’s get those stories flowing!
Get ready for a spooky adventure at Loud Acres Farm!
Their Haunted Farm event, "Field of Screams," is happening this October. New for this year is "Total Blackout"—you have to be there to experience it!
🗓️ When: October 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
⏰ Time: 7pm - 10pm Central Time (Farm opens at 6:30)
📍 Where: 178 Fisher Road, Crystal Falls, MI
💲 Cost: $15 cash only
The event is "Enter At Your Own Risk," so "Expect the Unexpected!" For safety, no costumes are allowed. There will be security, food, and vendors on site. Kids 12 and under need to bring an adult.
Loud Acres Farm also offers other family events—check their Facebook page for more details!
You can also email them at loudacresfarm@yahoo.com.
