Bison Blurb
NBES Weekly Family Newsletter for December 19, 2025
Happy Holidays
As we head into the holiday season, I want to thank you for the partnership, support, and care you show our students and staff throughout the year. Our school is truly a special place because of the families who make up our community.
I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with rest, laughter, and time together, and a happy and healthy New Year. We look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready to learn.
Community Survey
This survey is being conducted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Planning Commission about waste and recycling. Results from this survey will help shape the future of recycling, composting, and materials management in Berrien County and beyond. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SWMiMaterialsManagement.
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
1. Sign out location change: The parents/guardians may enter in the BASE Door 1A, sign their children out and exit out of door 1B in the cafeteria.
*The doors will remain locked, but please ring the bell if the door is not opened for you.*
2. Please view the 2nd trimester enrichment schedule to see what's being offered at BASE!
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
December 22- January 2- Winter Break
January 5- School resumes
January 8 & 9- Dibels Testing
January 14- PTO Board Meeting at 4:00 in elementary media center
January 15- 1/2 day for students- Parent Teacher Conference 1:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00
January 16- 1/2 day for students
January 16- 5th Grade Mighty Acorns 10:10
January 29- PTO chat in elementary Conference Room at 8:30
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.