Please welcome Kristen Priest!
After nearly 11 years working in the Entertainment Industry on films, television shows and live theatrical events, I am finally back in Saranac and ready to begin my teaching career. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre and Entertainment Arts from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Television, Film and Theatre Production from California State University, Los Angeles. Due to the pandemic, I thought it was a perfect time to earn my teaching certificate through Michigan's Alternate Route Program with Teachers of Tomorrow. My focus is Elementary Education, Language Arts and Special Education. After having the opportunity to substitute teach last year at Saranac, I am humbled to be invited to join the teaching staff. I am looking forward to this new adventure at Saranac Elementary.
Please welcome Mr. Winsor
Mr. Jeremy Winsor comes to Saranac Schools with a variety of experiences. Mr. Winsor has been teaching most recently at Fulton Schools. While at Fulton Schools he developed a cross-curricular program building learning opportunities for students and educators alike with the Michigan DNR's Salmon in the Classroom Program." He raised support and constructed the schools greenhouse where he built learning opportunities for students using aquaponics to teach the interrelatedness of the sciences. He has been a teacher-coach at Central Michigan Universities Biological Station on Beaver Island where he co-facilitates a week long professional development for educators. He was a co-author of the "Learning at a Distance Guidelines" released by the Michigan Department of Education at the onset of the pandemic. Jeremy uses a model building, inquiry-based approach to teaching. He has helped start the Saranac Youth Wrestling program and looks forward to coaching the youth wrestlers this school year. In his free time he enjoys being outdoors with his family.
Saranac Community Schools will be introducing some of our new staff members over the next week.
First we would like to introduce Taylor Johnston, she will be teaching kindergarten this fall.
Taylor is a first-year teacher from Grand Rapids. She recently graduated from Grand Valley State University. She loves traveling, Disney, and her dogs!
August 13th, 2021
Dear Saranac Elementary Families,
The staff at Saranac Elementary has been preparing for fall 2021 all summer long. The office is now officially open. If you have questions, you may contact the office at 616-642-1200 between 8am and 3pm or email our principal, Mr. Mike Catrell, catrellmik@scs-staff.org .
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Young 5s through 6th grade
Monday, August 30- 1/2 Day, 7:45am – 11:00am
Normal School Schedule - Our normal daily instruction begins at 7:45. Our school doors open at 7:20 for student drop off. School dismisses at 2:45.
News From The Kitchen - Lunch and breakfast will be free to all students this school year. However, in order for our school to receive federal funding, we need each family to fill out the free and reduced lunch forms which are included in this packet. Breakfast is available at 7:30 AM.
EVERY STUDENT must return these forms even if the family does not qualify. Free and reduced lunch forms are included in this packet.
Volunteers in the buildings – All volunteers in the school must pass a clear background check. All volunteers must be scheduled with their child’s teacher.
Morning Student Drop Off - Please make sure you pull up as far as possible when dropping off your student(s). The goal is to be able to have 5 cars unloading all at once.
Student Pick Up – If you need to pick up your child early from school we will follow the same procedure as we did this past school year. Dial 642-1200 and we will have your child come out to your vehicle.
End of Day Pick-up – Teachers will walk all students outside of the building upon dismissal.
Staff Changes – Please welcome Taylor Johnston - Kindergarten teacher.
Mask Policy - At this time masks are not required to be worn in the buildings or during recess. The Federal government requires masks for all students to be worn while using school transportation.
PICTURE DAY will be on Tuesday, September 28, 2021
*School Calendar and School Supply list can be found on the school website at* www.saranack12.mi.us.
OPEN HOUSE – Thursday, August 26rd, 2021
In order for you and your child to get acquainted with your new teacher and classroom, the staff will be available for you to stop in from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. You are welcome and encouraged to bring any school supplies to place in your child’s desk at this time.
Representatives from the Transportation Department & Food Service will also be available for questions and office staff will be available for any documentation still needed for registration.
Like to stay informed? Visit www.saranac.k12.mi.us for helpful information, news, schedules, lunch menus, and links.
Would you like to be updated about school events, closings and more via text or email? Here’s how: Our school uses the email and phone numbers that you provide upon registration and on the blue emergency contact cards to send out electronic communications. The communications include letters such as this, school cancelations and other important information.
Skyward Family Access is an easy way for you to keep-up-to-date with your student’s grades, attendance, behavior, request contact information changes, and more. If you need assistance setting up access, please contact your student’s classroom teacher or the Technology Dept.
You can also follow us on FACEBOOK! Like the Saranac Elementary School page for events and latest happenings.
Annual Parent Notice Right to Request Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications
Because your child attends a school that received federal funds from the Title I program, you may request the following information about the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s):
Whether the teacher has met Michigan licensing requirements for the grade level(s) and subject area(s) for which the teacher provides instruction.
Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status through which Michigan licensing requirements have been waived.
The teacher’s college degree(s), major(s), and fields(s) of discipline, as well as any graduate degree or certification.
You may also request this information about any paraprofessional who provides Title I services to your child.
If you would like to receive this information, please contact Teri Bergy at the superintendent’s office (642-1400). Your request will be processed in a timely manner.
Sincerely,
Mike Catrell
Principal
catrellmik@scs-staff.org
Mr. Stauffer and the high school marching band enjoyed a great week of practice and comraderie this past week at "Band Camp." Highlights included a giant slip and slide, a visit from SFD and "spirit week" themed days!
Please welcome Brad Hesche as our new Saranac Board of Education Trustee, following a Board of Education led process.
A lifelong resident and 1999 graduate of Saranac High School, Brad pursued further education at Ferris State University, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.
Brad is married to Shandra (Eliason) Hesche (also a Saranac born/raised/graduate) and resides in Saranac. Brad and Shandra are the proud parents of three Saranac Schools students: Madalyn, Max, and Gemma.
Brad has been very active in the community. He is the President of the Saranac Jr. Football & Cheer program, and has also volunteered with youth baseball/softball, basketball, and at Saranac Community Schools.
Brad brings an abundance of knowledge and a strong dedication to the Saranac Community.
Welcome Brad Hesche!
Congrats to all our Saranac students who dedicated so much time, effort and hard work at the Ionia Free Fair. It did not go unnoticed.
Free Desktop Computers and Hotspots available for
eligible Ionia County Residents. Please refer to the flyer below.
On Saturday, September 25th, Saranac Promise will be holding a Reverse Raffle at the Shadow Ridge Golf & Banquet Center. The grand prize will be $2,500. Doors are going to open at 5:30 pm. Tickets will be $75 per person. PayPal in now Available.
The Board of Education is seeking input regarding the mascot. You are encouraged to fill out the survey under the News Update.
SCS will be offering athletic physicals for all Saranac student-athletes on Friday, July 9th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the JSH Cafeteria for $20.00 per athlete.
Athletes in grades 7-12 will be required to have a sports physical dated April 15, 2021 or later on file, using the MHSAA physical form, in order to participate in a school-sponsored or club sport during the 2021-22 school year. Those participating in youth football/cheer typically need this, as well. Students may not begin official practices or tryouts without this completed form.
To find the PDF link for the form please go to our websites Menu and look under "Departments" for the "Athletics" page. It is labeled as "Physical Form."
How do we get better?? Offseason youth camp. Great start lady Reds.
Saranac Community Schools became MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program) verified today! Thanks to Elissa Mutschler, Tracy Dahms, and Susann Young.
Saranac Community Schools would like to recognize Mr. Houston for his many years of service and dedication to the district. Mr. Houston served as an English teacher, Athletic Director, and football coach for just shy of 36 years. Keith looks forward to spending time with his boys and his continued involvement with football.
Congrats Mr. Houston and from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You"
Saranac Community Schools would like to recognize Connie Kauffman for her many years of service and dedication to the district. Connie has worked as a classroom and recess para for 22 years. Connie looks forward to retirement with her husband and spending time with grandkids.
Congrats Connie and from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You"
Saranac Community Schools would like to recognize Tom White for his many years of service and dedication to the district. Tom has worked in transportation as a bus driver for just over 11 years. Tom looks forward to retirement with his wife and kids and spending time with his business.
Congrats Tom and from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You"
Congrats to Madeline Hill, Abby Price, Kiarra Lambert, and Anna Castelli. They broke the school record in the 4X800 m relay with a time of 10:31.8
Saranac Community Schools would like to recognize Kim Stevens for his many years of service and dedication to the district. Kim has worked in athletics, as a coach and director, and in transportation. Kim looks forward to retirement with his wife and family.
Congrats Kim and from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You"
I even found a picture with a small smile, no easy task.
Saranac Community Schools would like to recognize Doug VanBennekom for his many years of service and dedication to the district. Doug has worked in custodial and maintenance for 17 years. Doug looks forward to retirement with his wife and grandkids.
Congrats Doug and from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You"
Staff
Saranac Community Schools would like to recognize Greg Smith for his many years of service and dedication to the district. Greg has worked in transportation, operations, custodial, and maintenance for 28 years. Greg looks forward to retirement with his wife and grandkids.
Congrats Greg and from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You"
