We have now marked a week off of our calendar and we hope that your family has fallen back into the routine of the school year. We are excited to see some familiar faces as well as many new faces!

Every two weeks I will be sending all families the Blackbird and Shay Principals Update. I am hopeful that this communication tool will keep you more closely informed of the events and offerings at our schools.

The Principal's Update will highlight the great activities, projects, and learning happening everyday at Harbor Springs Elementary.

Sincerely

Mr. Fairbanks

Blackbird Office 526-4600

Blackbird Attendance Line 526-4660

Blackbird Childcare Center 526-4656

Shay Office 526-4500

Shay Attendance line 526-4550

Bus Garage 526-5601

Superintendent's Office 526-4545

Food Service 526-4736

School Messenger System

Harbor Springs Public Schools is using the School Messenger System, which is integrated with PowerSchool and uses parent-provided email addresses, phone numbers and SMS messaging (with opt-in) to notify staff and parents. This system will be used for school closings related to weather or other school emergencies. NOTE: You need to opt-in if you wish to receive notifications via text message. Please text YES to 67587 if you wish to receive district notifications.

I am excited to be joining the Blackbird team and look forward to getting to know you and your child this year. A little about me: I attended Michigan State University for my undergraduate degree(GO State!) and received my masters through Grand Valley State University (GO Lakers!). I have spent the last 21 years working with children, with the last three spent as a therapist in the Petoskey Schools system. My husband, Michael, and I have three children (Brendan, 16, Kennedy, 12 and Addison, 9). When I'm not working, I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors in this beautiful place we get to call "home." Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your child and their educational experience. GO Rams!

My name is Amanda Hume, and I am the new Elementary Special Education Teacher at Blackbird and Shay. I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2004 and 2007 with degrees in Psychology/Special Education and Early Childhood Education. After moving to this area in 2005, I spent sixteen years teaching special education and kindergarten in Petoskey Schools. I have four children of my own who have joined me here in Harbor Springs for the 2021-2022 school year at the Middle School, Shay, and Blackbird (Pre-School and the Childcare Center). I am very excited to work with students and families in the Harbor Springs community.

School Name: Blackbird Elementary School

Picture Day Date: Thursday, October 7

Picture Day ID: EVT4QZF2W

The fifth grade class is hosting a car wash on Saturday, September 11 from 10:00-3:00 to raise money for their Lansing field trip. Pay by donation and enjoy the bake sale!

Ram Spirit Store - The Ram Boosters have created an online store to order a variety of Ram gear. The store can be accessed at Ram Spirit Store. The deadline for orders is September 13th with delivery to the high school.

Homecoming 2021 - HSHS will celebrate Homecoming during the week of September 27th.

Calendar of Events

Friday, September 10th

Football @ Johannesburg-Lewiston (7:00 PM)

Saturday, September 11th

Cross Country @ Charlevoix (9:30 AM)

Soccer @ Sault Ste. Marie (1:30 PM)

Monday, September 13th

Tennis vs. Glen Lake (4:00 PM)

Golf @ Grayling (4:30 PM)

Soccer @ Kalkaska (5:00 PM)

Tuesday, September 14th

Tennis vs. Alpena (4:00 PM)

Golf @ Hidden River (4:30 PM)

Volleyball vs. Elk Rapids (5:30 PM)

Wednesday, September 15th

Golf @ Kalkaska (4:30 PM)

Soccer vs. Grayling (5:00 PM)

Thursday, September 16th

Tennis vs. Elk Rapids (4:00 PM)

Volleyball @ St. Ignace (5:45 PM)

Friday, September 17th

Football @ Boyne City (7:00 PM)

Please have students use the designated crosswalk when crossing Lake Street BEFORE and AFTER school.

Please use caution when dropping/picking up your child. Children are not always paying attention, so please be on the lookout!

Also, please be aware of the student Drop off/Pick up areas. These areas become very congested during the morning and afternoon. Please be courteous of other cars and do not use those designated areas for parking.

We want to keep our children SAFE!

We are SO very thankful to Holy Childhood of Jesus Church, for selecting our elementary schools to be the recipient of their Tree of Life Ministry for the month of August. This ministry was able to gift our schools with a generous donation of much needed back to school supplies that will ensure we are off to a successful start! Thank you to Annette Malkus (pictured), organizers and the parishioners who supported this cause.

Boyne Area Gymnastics will be starting their Fall session soon. Both gymnastics and dance classes will be offered. Classes are for ages 18 months through high school. To register or for more info, please contact us a 231-582-9787 or boyneareagymnastics@hotmail.com