Bison Blurb
NBES Weekly Family Newsletter for November 14, 2025
Family STEAM Night
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.
Music Concert
The fall music concert for 3rd-5th grade students will take place on Tuesday, November 18 at 6:00 at the performing arts center at the high school. Students should arrive by 5:45. I can't wait to see the students shine on stage with their musical talents!
To lift the spirits in the community, Mrs. Foulk will be taking the 5th grade students to sing holiday songs at a local nursing home in December. All grade levels will also be participating in the annual sing along in the gym before the holiday parties on December 19. We hope you will be able to join us to celebrate!
End of Trimester 1
This week marks the end of the 1st trimester. There will be 1/2 days on Thursday and Friday. Base will be open both days. Students that will be attending Base will need to have lunch if they plan to attend on those days. Dismissal times are noon on half days.
Report cards will go home on Tuesday, December 2.
PTO Updates
On November 25 the PTO will be hosting an all school glow party to celebrate the end of the PTO fundraiser. If you would like to volunteer to help please sign up here.
The PTO will be hosting the annual holiday shop on December 9, 10, and 11. Students will be able to bring money and shop to buy gifts during this time. More information will be coming soon.
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
New Buffalo Youth Sports Basketball Information
Sign up link: newbuffalosports.org/basketball
Scholarship link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeOPdCZr_g8r2.../viewform
Positive Behavioral Inteventions and Supports (PBIS)
Our schoolwide expectations for students are:
Be responsible. Be respectful. Be safe.
BASE Updates
1. The next Science Olympiad practice is on Thursday, December 11th.
*This is a change on the schedule, due to the Empty Bowls event at the High School.
2. Monday (11/17) & Wednesday(11/19) are the last 2 volleyball clinics!
3. Girl Scouts is on Wednesday, 11/19.
4. The last day of soccer for (K-2) is next Wednesday, 11/19
Important Upcoming Dates
November 18- 3rd-5th Grade Music Concert 6:00
November 20- 1/2 Day for Students
November 21- 1/2 Day for Students
November 21- Berrien RESA Playgroup 10:00
November 21- Unity Day" wear orange
November 26- November 28- Thanksgiving Break
December 2- Reports go home
December 3- PreK field trip to Bellaboos
December 5- Hats on Day
December 9-11- PTO Holiday Shop
December 18- 3rd Grade Mighty Acorns 1:00
December 18- PTO Chat in elementary Conference Room at 8:30
December 19- Holiday Parties 2:30
December 22- January 2- Winter Break
January 5- School resumes
January 14- PTO Board Meeting at 4:00 in elementary media center
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.