Mountaineer Minute: Oct 11, 2026

• Homecoming Fun!
• Attendance Awareness Tips
• Student of the Week
• September Students of the Month
• Mountaineer Pride & Recognition
• Food Services, including information, EBF & lunch menu links
• Upcoming Dates
• Athletics
• Employment Opportunities
• Support. Celebrate. Inspire.
• MOUNTAINEER Bulletin Board
• IMHS Yearbooks Dating Back to 1916
• Find Us, Follow Us!

Schools across the district will post messages on social media for ISD-Wide "Every Day Counts Attendance Campaign" focused on three key areas: the importance of regular school attendance, literacy, and family engagement.

Like Mountaineers say, #AttendanceMatters 🖤💛

Allie Holmes

Grade: 10th

Parents: Kaylee Lada & Stephen Holmes

Allie is an outstanding student at Iron Mountain High School. Her positive attitude, tremendous work ethic, and academic abilities are on display daily. In the classroom, Allie goes above and beyond, where she is always one to participate in class discussions or to provide assistance to a classmate. Allie is a terrific example of what it means to be a Mountaineer!

Early Kindergarten:

Teacher: Laney Lorenzoni

Kinsley Cooper

Kinsley is always full of smiles and brings so much happiness to our classroom! She is a great listener and does a wonderful job following directions. She is always willing to help her friends and teachers and is such a kind and caring friend to everyone. Kinsley’s sweet personality and positive attitude make her a joy to have in class. We are so happy to celebrate Kinsley as our Student of the Month!

Kindergarten:

Teacher: Dawn Hazelwood

Daneiralys Alcazar-Saez

Daneiralys, “Chi-Chi”, is a wonderful example of what it means to be a leader in our classroom! She consistently makes positive choices and shows kindness and respect toward her classmates and teachers. Daneiralys has also shown incredible determination. When something is difficult, she does not give up! She continues to try her best and has learned that with hard work and determination, she can accomplish anything. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and looks for ways to help others in our classroom.

First Grade:

Teacher: Renee Grenier

Gigi Tomassucci

It is my pleasure to recognize Gigi Tomassucci as Student of the Month! Gigi has made such big strides in such a short time! She has made new friends, become more comfortable in our classroom, and shows up each day ready to try her best. She is kind, sweet, and caring and brings a wonderful attitude to our classroom. I am so proud of how brave she has been since joining our North Elementary family. We are so lucky to have her in our class!

Second Grade:

Teacher: Kate Grenier

Leo Flaminio

Leo is a wonderful example of what it means to be an exemplary student. He comes to school ready to learn, works very hard, and always puts forth his best effort. Leo is naturally curious and loves asking thoughtful questions and learning new things. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn make him a fantastic role model for his classmates. I am so proud of Leo and all of the effort he puts into making each day a successful one!

Third Grade:

Teacher: Sommer Spencer

Ellie Formolo

Since joining our school this year, Ellie has made a positive impression in our classroom! She consistently works hard, stays focused, and gives her very best effort. She is respectful and patient with both her classmates and teachers, always follows directions, and treats others with kindness. Her polite and well-mannered nature, along with her positive attitude, makes her a joy to have in our classroom. We are so lucky to have her in our class!

Fourth Grade:

Teacher: Korina Harris

Carter Groleau

Carter is off to a great start in fourth grade. He has picked up on the routines and expectations quickly. And is always demonstrating appropriate and positive behavior. He is respectful and has a great attitude towards completing his assignments. Carter sets the standard for classroom expectations for his peers. We are happy to have Carter in our class this year!

Fifth Grade:

Teacher: MacKenzie Schwamlien

Ruby Field

I am proud to recognize Ruby Field as the 5th grade Student of the Month! She consistently demonstrates respect and kindness toward teachers and her classmates. She actively engages and participates in class and shows a strong understanding of our classroom expectations. She is a positive role model in our classroom and consistently makes thoughtful choices that contribute to a welcoming and respectful learning environment. We are so proud of her hard work, positive attitude, and the wonderful example she sets for others!

North Elementary students were recognized for GOLD behavior this week. Winners got to have Donuts with Officer Opolka! We're so lucky to have these amazing students and an even more amazing, supportive SRO!👮

Congratulations Henry Thiel-Simpson, Finnegan Franz, Axull Thomas, Jude Swiercz, Knox Schulze, Morgan Howell, Joey Perez, Dino Romagnoli, Sylvi Junttila, Phoenix White, Olivia Anderson, Hannah Hartwig, Sunny Burkhart, Carter Howell.

Not pictured Brynnly Summerfield

Find the North (EK-3) & Downtown (4-12) Lunch Menus on our Food Services Website.

Required Forms: All families must complete the EBF form on the MealMagic portal
to help IMPS secure crucial funding.

October 2026 -

October 21st, 6pm - Senior Financial Aid Night.

October 22nd, 5:30pm - Washington DC Trip Info Session (6th/7th Graders Only!)

October 23rd - Picture Retakes

October 29th, 4pm-7pm - McTeachers Night @ McDonalds IMT

November 2026 -

November 5th - 1/2 Day for Students - Parent Teacher Conferences - 12pm-3pm & 4pm-6pm

More details to come.

• North - In Teachers Classrooms
• MS/HS - In the Izzo Gym

District and Academic Calendar

The following college reps will be here for informational meetings during seminar:

10/13: UW-Stevens Point

10/14: Michigan State

This is a great opportunity for juniors and seniors to find out more about colleges, ask questions and learn what programs each university offers. Sign up in the guidance office today!

Seniors, get support on completing your FAFSA with pizza and beverages in the Izzo Commons on October 21st @ 6pm!

Contact Shelly Petrusch with questions.

Iron Mountain MS 6th–7th grade families — 2028 Washington, D.C. trip information came home this week! 🇺🇸 Join us to learn about the trip, pricing, and how to reserve your student’s spot.

🗓️ Parent Meeting: Thursday, October 22 | 5:30–6:00 PM |
📍 Location: IMHS Auditorium

☑️ RSVP to attend the meeting here!

Families who attend receive $500 off each traveler!

We hope to see you there! Questions? Contact Mrs. Smith

Picture retakes will be October 23rd during the day! Brockway Photography will be at the MS/HS starting at 7:30am for 4th-12th grade and then he will go to North Main Campus.

Download and Print the Picture Day Order Form HERE!

You can also order online @ brockwayphotography.com

Code: 0648WEA or 0648WEB

🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛

October 13th: Volley for a Cure

October 15th: IMKCS Flag Football playing at Halftime

Join the Iron Mountain Mountaineers for our 20th annual "Volley for a Cure"! On Tuesday, October 13th, IMHS takes on the Norway Knights in the Izzo Gymnasium for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. JV 4:30PM/Varsity 6:00PM

All donations directly benefit our local Cancer Closet, hospital cancer unit, and American Cancer Society. Come out, support the team, and help us honor the strong friends and family members fighting in our community! Questions? Contact Coach Cronkright.

** Please Wear Pink & Bring Cash Donations! **

If interested, please contact Maria Langsford, Communications Coordinator, at 906-221-7996 or langsfordm@imschools.org. Volleyball Season is now CLOSED. The deadline for Basketball season is October 31, 2026.

🏊 Interested in Swim? Join Us for Pizza! 🍕

All interested 9th–12th graders are welcome to come meet the coaches and swimmers to learn all about the Kingsford Co-Op Swim Team and get your questions answered.

🗓️ Date: Friday, October 16th

⏰ Time: Lunch period (11:40 AM – 12:15 PM)

📍 Place: Conference Room B117

Can't make the meeting? No problem! The season officially kicks off on November 9th at 3:30 PM at the YMCA Pool.

2026-27 school year:

• Senior Army Instructor (SAI)
• Army Instructor (AI) – Enlisted Instructor
• Maintenance Coordinator
• Food Service- Substitute Lunchroom Servers

Apply here - IMPS Employment Website

Looking to Sub? Check out more information at the bottom of this newsletter!

The Middle/High School Success Clothes Closet needs donations! We are collecting new or gently used T-Shirts, Sweatpants & Soft/Athletic Shorts (Men’s & Women’s, sizes S–XL):

The closet helps students with PE, spills, or routine clothing needs throughout the day.

Drop-off location: Middle/High School Main Office (att: School Success Office).

Thank you for your generous, continued support for our youth!

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 for a 4 year term, Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2030.

The deadline for nominations was July 21, 2026.

MORE INFORMATION available on our website.

First Meeting October 5th @ 5:00pm in the HS Conference Room!

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. *Tadych's Marketplace receipts are no longer accepted.

Q1: Jan-Mar; Q2: Apr-Jun; Q3: Jul-Sept; Q4: Oct-Dec

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

🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛

Register here.

Beginning Oct. 2 youth employment permits will be processed through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) new Youth Employment Permit Portal rather than through schools. The transition to the new portal does not change Michigan’s youth employment laws, requirements or protections. It simply moves the permit process to a new, centralized online platform.

A valid youth employment permit issued by a Michigan school before Oct. 2, 2026 will continue to be valid until the minor turns 18 or graduates. A new work permit is needed if the minor changes jobs.

YEPP Website

YEPP Webinar

YEPP Fact Sheet

Mountaineer Alumni, Tell your Tale!

We want to hear from you!

👉 How to get involved:

IF you're interested in being featured throughout the year, or have a family member who is, please email Maria or fill out the Google Form linked here:

📝 Google Form: http://imps.news/9oli

📮 Questions? Email Maria Langsford: langsfordm@imschools.org

Help us spread the word! Share this with your classmates and let’s get those stories flowing!

Support North Elementary School and visit our teachers at McTeacher's Night at McDonald's of Iron Mountain on Thursday, October 29th from 4-7pm! A percentage of sales for dine in and drive thru sales from 4-7 PM will be donated to our school, as well as any tips for our wonderful staff! Thank you Killian Management for your continued support!

It's time to lace up your sneakers and hit the court! Registration is officially open for our youth 5v5 Basketball Tournament taking place the weekend of December 5th–6th, 2026. All 4th-8th grade girls and 4th-6th boys are welcome to participate. This action-packed weekend offers a 2-game minimum guarantee for every team, with division matchups split across Mountaineer gyms. Spaces fill up fast—assemble your squad and sign up today! 👇

More Information and Registration Form here

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.

Visit our District Website

Visit our Athletic Website

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

@immountaineersofficial

Check out our YouTube Channel

Learn more about ways of staying connected here!

Stop by the Spirit Store & Get ready to show your Mountaineer pride! 🖤💛

Email Amy Pietrantonio to order or with questions.

Check or Cash Only!

Ready to get started? Click graphic to learn more.

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Iron Mountain Public Schools,

217 Izzo-Mariucci Way, Iron Mountain, MI 49801