Petoskey Elementary Summer Update

Hello Petoskey Elementary Families,

As another school year comes to a close, we want to extend our sincere appreciation for the support, encouragement, and partnership you have shown throughout the year. Together, we have celebrated accomplishments, supported one another through challenges, and created meaningful learning experiences for our students.

This year has been filled with growth, achievement, and memorable moments across our elementary buildings. From classroom learning and school events to performances, field trips, and celebrations, our students have continued to impress us with their hard work, kindness, and resilience. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.

As summer begins, we hope your family finds time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time together. Summer is also a wonderful opportunity to continue learning in fun and meaningful ways through reading, outdoor adventures, creative activities, and new experiences. Even a few minutes of reading each day can help students stay connected to learning and prepared for the upcoming school year.

A few things to keep in mind.

1. We will be sending out 2026-2027 classroom placements in mid -August. You will receive a letter from your child's classroom teacher through Parent Square.

2. Summer School will be in session at Ottawa! We are about full but would possibly be able to add more kids if there is a desire to join.

3. Summer is a perfect time to focus on the three S’s! Limit the sugar, limit the screen time, and get some quality sleep!

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. We wish you and your family a joyful, safe, and restful summer!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Perreault, Central Elementary

Jason Latz, Lincoln Elementary

Jodi Schreiber, Ottawa Elementary

Mark Oberman, Sheridan Elementary

Elementary Office Hours: June 11 - 19, Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

* Construction will be happening at Central and Lincoln Elementary all summer*

Summer School will be at Ottawa Elementary this Summer

Spitler Summer Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on Friday)

Pre-School through 2nd Grade: Students have selected books from a summer reading program called Kids Read Now is a summer reading program designed to mitigate learning loss over the summer and to continue to promote a love of reading! Students selected 8 book titles in class. The books are mailed home throughout the summer. Make sure your child reads the books and completes the questions and activities included. Report reading 8 books over the summer and your child will get a certificate and a special surprise when they return to school! Directions for reporting are included with the books.

3rd through 5th Grade: Students visited the book vending machines before summer vacation. We encourage families to read together, as well as talk about the books they are reading. There are many things you can do before, during, or after reading. You can predict what you think will happen, create a character web describing all of the things about a character, or even write an alternative ending. These are only a few things you can do to engage your child in reading.

Happy Reading!

We know how exciting it is for students and families to learn about teacher placements for the upcoming school year. Families can expect to receive teacher placement information by mid-August 2026.

This timeline allows us to account for new enrollments and necessary adjustments while ensuring class lists are as accurate and stable as possible before the first day of school.

Additionally, please mark your calendars for our Elementary Open House, which will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. We hope you have a WONDERFUL SUMMER!

We are already looking ahead at next school year and cannot wait to welcome our new Kindergarteners to school. This year, our Kindergarteners will come to their new school for Begindergarten. Students will come to school during an hour and a half block of time to meet their teacher and spend some time in the classroom for the first time. Parents will drop off their child and return after Begindergarten is over. More details will be sent out in August. Mark your calendars! We can't wait to see you.

All children will find out who their teacher is in mid August. Your child's school will be in touch via email or mail with details about times for Begindergarten and Open House dates. We look forward to seeing you in late August!

As a reminder, ALL school supplies will be provided for your child when they return to school. Some things you might want to consider to look for over the summer:

• Backpack (no wheels)
• Lunchbox
• Gym Shoes

If you need any support when we return to school, please stop by or reach out to your child's school.

It's the start of summer reading so let's celebrate! Join us for a Messtival. We'll make a mess with chalk, bubbles, paint, and shaving cream PLUS:

• A juggling performance with Clark Lewis at 6:00pm
• A human 'slop' machine at 7:00pm. Get three in a row to pie teen librarian Nisa!
• Cold and drippy treats for purchase from the Big Tasty Treats ice cream truck

And most importantly pick up your all ages summer reading booklet.

The Summer Reading activity booklet is a fun, low-stakes way to learn about the library, the community, and yourself.

While you’re checking off activities you can also earn a little treat.

The District will not discriminate against any person based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), height, weight, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, or any other legally protected class. The Board reaffirms its long-standing policy of compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination.

Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator, Becky Smith,Director of Teaching and Learning

Spitler Administration Building, 1130 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI 49770

231-348-2352, TitleIXCoordinator@northmen.org