Mountaineer Minute-August 24 2026
In this issue,
- Important Links for Back to School!
- Immunization policy and information
- CEP Education Benefits Forms/Letter - Help Secure Vital Funding for IM Students
- Michiganโs Pathfinder Tool Information
- New School Year Events & Information!
- Athletics
- Employment Opportunities
- Support. Celebrate. Inspire.
- MOUNTAINEER Bulletin Board
- IMHS Yearbooks Dating Back to 1916
- Find Us, Follow Us!
Welcome Back, Mountaineers!
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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
Admin Welcoming YOU Back to School!
Mountaineer Families - Keep a lookout for a note from your Administrative team to come in the mail!
We are excited to welcome our students and families back!
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Soon we will have District Calendar magnets available at school offices so you are always in the know on academic and district events!
IT'S TIME!... Review Your Child's Immunization Records
All students entering EK, K, and 7th grade for 2026-27 school year, as well as any newly enrolled students since January 1st, will be audited for vaccinations this coming fall. These audits have an effect on our funding. If you have a child in this category please make sure their immunizations are current over the next 3 months.
All public school children must have an up to date immunization record or a waiver on file to attend. If you choose not to vaccinate, you will still need to go to the health department for a waiver appointment.
Visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines for the complete immunization schedule. Most 7th graders will need to begin their Meningococcal Series and get a Tdap booster to begin school in the fall.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call:
Dickinson-Iron District Health Department at
(906) 774-1868 or (906) 265-9913
Thank you,
Rachel Hautamaki, BSN, RN
Jamie Johnston, BSN, RN
Iron Mountain Public Schools- District Nurses
Help Secure Vital Funding for Iron Mountain Students!
Mountaineer Families, We Need Your Help!
Dear Mountaineer Families,
We need your help! Please take a few minutes to fill out the CEP Education Benefits Form on the MealMagic portal (highly highly preferred)!
Even if you aren't sure if you qualify, every completed form counts. State and federal funding for our schools depends directly on the data from these forms. The more forms we collect, the more resources we can secure to support our students.
How your completed form directly helps our schools:
- Student Support: Funds reading/math tutors, academic aids, counselors, social workers, and school nurses.
- Technology & Supplies: Provides Chromebooks, iPads, and essential classroom learning materials.
- Staff & Community: Supports ongoing teacher training and family engagement events.
Your information is kept completely secure and confidential according to official eligibility guidelines. Please complete the form on the MealMagic portal as soon as possible.
Have questions? Contact Melanie Sardina at 906-779-7735.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep Iron Mountain Public Schools strong!
Explore Future Careers Together with Michiganโs Pathfinder Tool!
Are you or your child trying to figure out what comes after high school? Whether you are a student planning your future or a parent helping along the way, Michiganโs Pathfinder tool can help you make smart choices about school and jobs. Pathfinder (Pathfinder.MiTalent.org) is a free website where you can look up popular careers and see the exact training or college degrees you need to get them.
What You Can Do on Pathfinder:
- Compare Different Paths: Filter search results by job type, field, or school. You can even pick a few different paths and compare them side-by-side.
- See the Whole Plan: Once you pick a career goal, Pathfinder builds a clear, step-by-step roadmap showing every bit of training you will need.
If you've used Pathfinder before, check out the updated platform. Planning for the future is much easier when you do it together. Take a look and start exploring today!
Get started at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org
New School Year Events & Information
Attention ALL Mountaineer Families
Whether you take the bus, carpool or are dropped off...
BRING THE ENERGY!!
We want to see your not-so-secret handshakes, dances, special hugs, cheek kisses, high fives, etc to celebrate the first day of school! Some of our Staff/Admin team will be there to greet you, meet you & document this moment in YOUR WAY!!
๐๏ธ Monday, August 31st, 2026
โฐ Starting at 7:30am
๐All Iron Mountain school locations (EK-12)!!
Please Complete FinalForms before August 24th - Directions linked below
North Elementary School Open House (EK-5)
Call 906-779-2626 with questions!
Note: North Elementary is now EK-5 @ 2 different campus'
Link to Final Forms Registration instructions
- (4/5) Orientation, Open House and NEW building tour!
Monday, August 24 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
North - Downtown Campus, 217 Hughitt Street Iron Mountain, MI (Use Hughitt Street entrance
- (EK-3) Open House
Tuesday, August 25 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
North Elementary - 900 5th Street Iron Mountain, MI
Meet the Mountaineers (Fall Sports)
Tuesday, August 25 6:00 PM (Mountaineer Field) - Refreshments start at 5:30 PM
First Day of School
Monday, August 31
No School/Labor Day Weekend
Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7
North Elementary Picture Day
Wednesday, September 2 - during school day for all EK-5th.
- EK-3 will be at North Campus
- 4/5 will be at Downtown Campus
Please Complete FinalForms before August 24th - Directions linked below
6th-12th Grade Orientation/Picture Day
Call 906-779-2610 with questions!
Tuesday, August 25 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (HS Auditorium)
Link to Final Forms Registration instructions
* Please do your best to come during the time assigned for your student's grade. If you miss the assigned time, please come as soon as you can.
* If you have more than one student, you may come together at one time - NOTE: 7th, 9th and all new students will still need to attend orientation, so plan this accordingly.
* Seniors can come anytime between 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Middle School (6-8th) Pictures & Schedule Pick-up: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- 8th Grade: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
- 6th Grade: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- 7th Grade: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- New Student Orientation (For 7th, 9th, and all new students): 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- High School (9-12th) Pictures & Schedule Pick-up: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- 9th & 10th Grade: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
- 11th & 12th Grade: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Seniors can come anytime between 9:00-3:00pm
Meet the Mountaineers (Fall Sports)
Tuesday, August 25 6:00 PM (Mountaineer Field) - Refreshments start at 5:30 PM
First Day of School
Monday, August 31
No School/Labor Day Weekend
Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7
Athletics
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๐ CALLING ALL MOUNTAINEER FANS! ๐๏ธ๐
The IMHS Athletic Booster Club needs volunteers to staff the concession stands this Fall for our Football and Volleyball home games! Sales from the concession stands support Mountaineer student athletes in various ways throughout the year.
Itโs a fun, easy way to support the kids and feel the game-day energy! ๐
๐ Sign up for a shift here:
JV/Varsity Football: http://imps.news/ni3v
Volleyball: http://imps.news/Ai9o
๐๐ Sports Season Passes Available ๐ง๐ปโ๐ซฏโ๐ง๐ฝ๐
Individual Pass: $50.
Senior Citizen Pass: $35.
(No family pass as our students get in free)
Available for pick-up at the Iron Mountain High School office located at
300 W. B Street Iron Mountain, MI
Season passes available for all home football, volleyball, basketball
and wrestling games/matches for the 2026-2027 season.
Contact Sarah Cavalieri with questions - cavalieris@imschools.org or 906-779-2610
READY, SET, GOLD! ๐ ๐บ ๐
Marching band has a mandatory practice Tuesday the 25th 1pm-4pm to get ready for the first Varsity Football home game vs. Hancock on Thursday the 27th at 6pm at Mountaineer Field!
We hope to see you there! GO MOUNTAINEERS!
**Band Members, please come to Orientation/Picture Day first to get your picture & pick up your schedule & then head over to practice.**
Contact Mr. Recla with questions and location,.
Get Your Physical to Practice & Play!
Mountaineer Athletes and Families,
DO NOT delay getting your physical! Make your appointment today!
Physical forms are REQUIRED to be on file to attend practices or tryouts - beginning August 10th, 2026. The physical form, yearly concussion awareness form, and yearly handbook agreement form can be found on our website or contact Sarah Cavalieri.
Meet the Mountaineers Fall Edition
Meet the Mountaineers is Tuesday, August 25th @ 6:00 PM at the Mountaineer Field/Stadium!
Starting at 5:30 PM, concessions and refreshments will be provided by the IMHS Athletic Booster Club. Thank you Booster Club for all you do to support our student-athletes!
Our Fall Sports include JV/Varsity Football, JV/Varsity Volleyball, Boys Varsity Soccer, Girls Varsity Tennis and Sideline Cheer.
Athletic Booster Club Fundraiser
FUND DRIVE Fundraiser Opportunity!
Athletes, PLEASE sign up!
Volunteers will need an adult 18 and older && who's not in high school to drive and 3 athletes to go on the route. Please make sure each athlete signs up on their own with their own email and phone number. After team introductions, the volunteers will meet at the concession stands to get their route and go!
Sign up to Volunteer HERE:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4BAAAC2FA7FD0-64745971-meet
Attention Local Businesses!
Mountaineer Gymnasium is home to a 10โ Pro-LED Scoring Table and two stunning 7โ x 13โ high definition video scoreboards. With over 40 home events each yearโthese displays offer unmatched visibility for your message. We offer a variety of sponsorship packages to fit every budget & special event sponsorships.
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.
Employment Opportunities
2026-27 school year:
- 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!
Support. Celebrate. Inspire.
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 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.
Join the Iron Mountain High School Academic Booster Club (ABC Club)
Join ABC to support the next generation of students! Itโs 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
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
Costco Shoppers!
Time out! Costco shoppers can earn BIG right now: Buy 1 participating product at Costco and earn 10 Bonus Box Tops for your school when you scan or submit your receipt. Plus, 5,000 club members will win 100 Bonus Box Tops (thatโs $10!) for their school.* Winners chosen at random. Ends 9/30. More Details at this website.
MOUNTAINEER Bulletin Board
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โซ๏ธ๐ก Support the CLASS OF 2028 ๐กโซ๏ธ
โญ๏ธ Store will be open August 1st-September 1stโญ๏ธ
๐ก Order & pay online
โซ๏ธ No shipping costโbags will be sent directly to the school
๐ก Available in black, white, & grey
โซ๏ธ Choose from 3 sizes to fit your needs
๐ฃ Anyone can order, please share this link with family & friends. They make great gifts!
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2028 ๐ค๐
๐ Order here: http://imps.news/7ote
Totes will arrive mid October (Class representatives will contact everyone for pick up)
Questions? Call or Text 906-396-1475
โซ๏ธ๐ก Support the CLASS OF 2029 ๐กโซ๏ธ
STADIUM JACKETS & Bundle Options are BACK!
โญ๏ธStore will be open August 14th-September 4thโญ๏ธ
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.
๐ Order here: http://imps.news/5oyK
๐ฃ Anyone can order, please share this link with family & friends. They make great gifts!
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2029 ๐ค
Tales of a Mountaineer
Mountaineer Alumni, Tell your Tale!
We want to hear from you!
๐ 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:
๐ Google Form: http://imps.news/Vi2C
๐ฎ Questions? Email Maria Langsford: langsfordm@imschools.org
Help us spread the word! Share this with your classmates and letโs 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"โyou have to be there to experience it!
๐๏ธ When: October 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
โฐ Time: 7pm - 10pm Central Time (Farm opens at 6:30)
๐ Where: 178 Fisher Road, Crystal Falls, MI
๐ฒ 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 eventsโcheck their Facebook page for more details!
You can also email them at loudacresfarm@yahoo.com.
IMHS Yearbooks Now Available Online, Dating Back to 1916
Find Us, Follow Us for More Information
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! ๐ค๐
Email Amy Pietrantonio to order or with questions.
Check or Cash Only!
We're looking for Substitute Teachers in our District!
Ready to get started? Click graphic to learn more.
The Mountaineer Minute weekly e-newsletter is distributed to district families via Powerschool Communicate.
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Alumni and Mountaineer families,
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Iron Mountain Public Schools,
217 Izzo-Mariucci Way, Iron Mountain, MI 49801