Bison Blurb
NBES Weekly Family Newsletter for February 27, 2026
Thursday and Friday are 1/2 days for students! There will be BASE!
We Need Your Input!
At New Buffalo Area Schools, we are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that every student has the best possible educational experience. One of the most important ways we gather feedback from our families is through the Studer Education Survey.
We are asking that you please take a few minutes to complete this important survey. Your feedback provides valuable insight into what we are doing well and where we can grow. The results directly influence our planning, decision-making, and school improvement efforts. Your honest input helps us strengthen communication, enhance student support, and build a positive school culture for all.
The survey is confidential and designed to give every family a voice. Whether your experiences have been positive, challenging, or somewhere in between, we truly want to hear from you. Every response makes a difference.
Please complete the survey by March 6, 2026. You can access it using the link below:
• New Buffalo Area Schools - Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey
Celebrating Black History Month in Spanish Class
To celebrate Black History Month in Spanish class, Mrs. Martinez introduced the Kindergarten students to one of her favorite poets, Amanda Gorman. Amanda Gorman is a young American poet and writer who believes that everyone can help make the world better. They read her children's book Change Sings: A Children's Anthem. In the book she encourages children to use their voices, be kind, and take small actions to create positive change in their communities.
March Reading Month is Here!
PTO Information
We Need Your Help!
End of Year Carnival is back!
Friday, June 5th — save the date!
Help with grade-level games or other activities.
CLICK HERE to share where you might like to jump in.
Full details and day-of sign-ups will be shared closer to the event.
Help Support The Community & Get A Discount
Order Your NBES Yearbook!
Don't forget to order your 2025-2026 NBES yearbook! Orders are due by March 1. Use the link below to order.
https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/OdJokQc2L4BF15cWxH7wf6v4
BASE Updates
- Half days next week - Thursday 3/5 & Friday 3/6: Please bring a cold lunch!
- 3rd Trimester Enrichment schedule is out, please click HERE!
- Parents/Guardians please click on the link below to take a short survey about the BASE program! Parent/Guardian Studer Survey BASE
The next Science Olympiad is Friday, March 20
The BASE Buckstore is open the last week of every month! Every student will be able to shop at the store that whole week using their BASE Bucks
Now hiring Enrichment leaders for the 3rd trimester!
Child Nutrition and Education Benefits
We need your help! If you have not already done so, please fill out this application. Students and the school receive many benefits from the completion of this application.
Students that qualify for scholarships for summer camp and field trips need to fill out this form. This is also needed for students that apply for Toys for Tots.
Child Nutrition and Education Benefits Application
Positive Behavioral Inteventions and Supports (PBIS)
Our schoolwide expectations for students are:
Be responsible. Be respectful. Be safe.
Mobile Dentist Is Coming to NBES
Click on the logo to listen to WNBI Radio!
Important Upcoming Dates
March 5- 3rd Grade Mighty Acorns at 8:45
March 5- 1/2 day for students
March 6- 1/2 day for students end of 2nd trimester
March 6- Hats on Day
March 10- 1st Grade Field Trip to Discovery Zone Children's Museum
March 11- Kindergarten Field Trip to Bendix Woods
March 17- K-5th Grade Field Trip to Niles Movie Theater
March 19- PTO Chat in conference room after drop off
March 20- Berrien RESA Playgroup at 10:00
March 25- Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Spring Music Concert 6:00 pm
March 30-April 3- Spring Break
April 6- No School for Students
April 7- School Resumes
April 8- PTO Meeting at 4:00 in elementary media center
April 17- 4th Grade Mighty Acorns at 1:00 pm
April 17- Popcorn Day
2025-2026 District Calendar
School Contact Information
Melissa Lijewski, Elementary Principal- mlijewski@nbas.org, (269) 469-6060
Jenna Wendel, Administrative Assistant- jwendel@nbas.org, (269) 469-6060
Renee Bowen, Student Services- rbowen@nbas.org, (269) 469-6069
Madeline Selby, BASE Director- mselby@nbas.org, (269) 469- 6062
Tom Whitsel, Transportation Director- twhitsel@nbas.org, (269) 469- 6009
Jacob Stella, Technology Director- techstaff@nbas.org, (269) 469-6020
Susan Martinic, Food Service Director- smartinic@nbas.org, (269) 469-6048
Mark German, Director of Operations- mgerman@nbas.org, (269) 469- 6018
Important Links
NBES Mission and Vision Statement
Every student. Every day.