Bison Blurb
NBES Weekly Family Newsletter for January 16, 2026
NBES is #34 in the State of Michigan
New Buffalo Elementary School is ranked #34 in Michigan Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2026. This ranking is out of 1,475 elementary schools in Michigan that were ranked by U.S news.
No School On Monday, January 19- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Winterfest Pep Assembly
All students will go over to the high school on Thursday at 2:10 for the winterfest pep assembly.
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
PTO Updates
The monthly PTO chat has been moved to January 22 right after school drop off in the elementary conference room. The next PTO board meeting will take place on January 29 at 4:00 in the elementary media center.
We hope to see you there!
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.
BASE Updates
- Girls on the Run registration is now open! Please view the link for registration & information.
- GOTR Flyer
- Science Olympiad practice is on Friday, January 23rd.
- Reminder for all youth basketball drop off & pick up - Please enter through Door 24 for all practices (behind lower El entrance)
- Please view the 2nd trimester enrichment schedule to see what's being offered at BASE
- Enrichment Schedule
Mobile Dentist Is Coming to NBES
K9 Searches
New Buffalo Area Schools is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all students. As part of this commitment, we are partnering with local law enforcement to help ensure our schools remain nicotine and drug-free. This year, our schools will conduct planned safety sweeps with specially trained detection dogs. These sweeps will include hallways and lockers. We want to assure you that these measures are preventative in nature and are being implemented to reinforce our school community’s shared expectation of a safe and drug-free learning environment.
Thank you for your support as we continue to prioritize the well-being of our students. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the school office.
Important Upcoming Dates
January 19- No school for Students- Martin Luther King Jr Day
January 22- PTO chat right after drop off in elementary conference room
January 22- Family Fit Night 6:00-7:00
January 23- Berrien RESA Playgroup 10:00
January 23- Popcorn Day
January 29- PTO Board Meeting at 4:00 in elementary media center
January 30- 4th Grade Mighty Acorns at 1:00 pm
February 5- K-2nd Grade Ice Skating Trip 12:30-2:30
February 12- Valentine's Day Parties 2:30
February 13- No School For Students
February 16- No School For Students
February 18- 3rd-5th Grade Ice Skating Trip 11:45-3:00
February 20- Popcorn Day
February 20- 4th Grade field trip to Lansing
February 25- Artists & Authors Night 6:00-7:00
February 27- Donuts with Dudes 7:45 am
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.