Superintendent Spring 2026 Update
May 15, 2026
As the flowers begin to bloom in New Buffalo, our schools are preparing for a vital season of growth. In Michigan, 750,000 students across grades 3-11 will take the M-STEP, PSAT, or SAT. This year, the NBAS assessment calendar is set to ensure every student has the opportunity to showcase their academic growth:
April 8-10: High school students will begin with PSAT/SAT and M-STEP Science and Social Studies.
April 14: New Buffalo Elementary School will officially begin its M-STEP assessments.
April 21: Middle school students will start their PSAT and M-STEP assessments.
Behind the scenes of these critical weeks is a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure every student has the environment they need to succeed. We would like to highlight the incredible coordination effort of Sara Meed, Angela Robertson, and Keri Haskins.
Sara Mead: Serving as the Title I Coordinator at New Buffalo Elementary School, Sara ensures targeted assistance by leveraging data to identify student needs and ensure that each student has the resources and support needed to succeed.
Angela Robertson: As a middle school counselor, she manages scheduling logistics and student readiness, providing a steady presence for students navigating these important milestones while bridging student wellness through positive behavior supports.
Keri Haskins: As a high school counselor, Keri plays a pivotal role in developing the school schedule, providing post-secondary planning, and organizing PSAT and SAT sessions, helping our students prepare for their next steps toward college and career readiness.
This undertaking involves coordinating digital testing platforms, managing strict state timelines, and -most importantly- supporting the well-being of our students. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work in organizing these essential assessments and for their commitment to supporting our staff's instructional efforts and students' hard work. Thank you to Sara, Angela, and Keri for your leadership and for making sure our Bison are ready to shine!
Celebrating the Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 continues to represent New Buffalo High School with excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in their plans for the future. This year’s senior class has already earned more than 217 college credits, and 71% of students have taken at least one college-level or AP course, giving them a strong head start as they prepare for life after graduation. The class has also reached 85% FAFSA completion, reflecting an important step in helping students access financial aid and postsecondary opportunities.
One standout example is Max Gotcher, who has been named an Evans Scholar and will attend the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business on a full-ride Evans Scholarship. The Evans Scholarship is a prestigious award for golf caddies that covers full tuition and housing. More information about the program can be found here: https://wgacaddieacademy.org/the-evans-scholarship
The senior class has also helped lead a memorable year in athletics. Members of the Class of 2026 were part of the District Champion Boys’ Soccer and District Champion Boys’ Basketball teams, while the Red Arrow Raiders Girls’ Basketball team earned a conference championship.
These student accomplishments are part of a larger story of continued academic success at New Buffalo High School. NBHS received a Bronze distinction on the AP School Honor Roll and was ranked the 34th Best High School in Michigan out of 955 schools by U.S. News & World Report. Together, these achievements reflect the hard work of our students, the support of our families, and the dedication of our staff.
The annual New Buffalo Area Schools district 5k will take place on Monday, May 18th, at 1:50pm at the district's multiplex field. Students in grades K-12 will attend. Community members are also welcome to join. There is no cost to run the race. This year, the 5k theme is Carnival for a Cure. Students will decorate a banner that shows personal connection to someone they know who has had to face a battle with cancer.
Mrs. Knoll (6th grade teacher) will kick off our opening ceremonies in the press box, and students will read messages to the three staff members who will be retiring at the end of the school year. Mrs. Tracy Ripley (High School Principal) Mrs. Kim Magro (2nd grade teacher), and Mrs. Jennifer Bauer (Middle School Special Education teacher) will be honored as the district's retirees.
Maria Churchill, cancer survivor and former New Buffalo Elementary School teacher who is now retired, has been the guest of honor at the 5k each year. She will lead the start of the race. Along with the 5k race, there will be an inflatable obstacle course, inflatable skee ball, face painting, concessions, and a number of yard games available to students. Nancy's will be donating free ice cream to all students, and Jammin' with Jerry will be donating his services to keep the atmosphere lively and to motivate the runners.
New Buffalo Elementary School, New Buffalo Middle School, and New Buffalo High School are currently collecting Coins for Cancer. Each school building is having a Coins for Cancer competition. The class who donates the most money will win a dutch waffle party to be held at the end of May. Coins for Cancer, along with t-shirt sales, concession sales, and snack cart sales (held during advisory class at New Buffalo Middle School and New Buffalo High School the week prior to the 5k) will help to raise funds for Berrien County Cancer Service. We are proud to say that this is the 3rd consecutive year that all proceeds will benefit Berrien County Cancer Service as this is beneficial to members of our local community. In return, Berrien County Cancer Service has generously offered to provide a snack to each of the runners upon completion of the race. Their partnership with New Buffalo Area Schools is greatly appreciated.
New Buffalo Educational Trust Supports Many Pathways After Graduation
The purpose of the New Buffalo Educational Trust is to provide financial support for New Buffalo High School graduates as they continue their education and prepare for life after high school. While college and university programs are often the most common use of these funds, the Trust is designed to support a much broader range of continuing education opportunities.
Students are encouraged to use these funds in ways that help them become more employable and pursue meaningful career pathways, including college courses, trade programs, certifications, apprenticeships, specialized training, and other educational experiences.
We are proud to see growing interest among our graduates in skilled trades and non-traditional career pathways. Currently, three graduates are training as local fire science specialists, two are participating in electrician apprenticeship programs, one is enrolled in a welding program, and another is part of a Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC apprenticeship. One graduate from the Class of 2025 is also pursuing an intensive Broadway dance program in New York.
The Class of 2026 continues this spirit of exploration and ambition. One graduate has already completed culinary coursework and will be enrolled in a pastry class in France this summer.
The strength of the New Buffalo Educational Trust lies in its flexibility. These funds can support many different forms of education, allowing each graduate to pursue a path shaped by their own passion, drive, creativity, and goals.
