📢 We're Hiring!
Chippewa Hills is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and student-focused leader to serve as the next Principal of Barryton Elementary.
We’re looking for someone who:
🔹Leads with heart and vision
🔹Is passionate about student achievement and continuous school improvement
🔹Builds strong relationships with students, staff, and families
🔹Communicates clearly and inspires others
If you're ready to make a difference in a collaborative and caring school community, we want to hear from you!
👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.chsd.us/o/chsd/page/employment
Chippewa Hills is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and student-focused leader to serve as the next Principal of Barryton Elementary.
We’re looking for someone who:
🔹Leads with heart and vision
🔹Is passionate about student achievement and continuous school improvement
🔹Builds strong relationships with students, staff, and families
🔹Communicates clearly and inspires others
If you're ready to make a difference in a collaborative and caring school community, we want to hear from you!
👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.chsd.us/o/chsd/page/employment
Michelle Newman Named Superintendent of Chippewa Hills School District
At the July 14 Board of Education meeting, the Chippewa Hills Board of Education voted to officially name Michelle Newman as Superintendent of Chippewa Hills School District.
Ms. Newman has been serving as interim superintendent since May 2024, guiding the district through important transitions and challenges with steady leadership and a student-first vision. Prior to this role, she was the principal at Chippewa Hills High School, where she built strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
Board President Tony Gibson shared, “I’m thrilled that the Board of Education voted unanimously to name Michelle Newman as our district’s next superintendent. Michelle is an exceptional leader with a clear and inspiring vision for the future of our schools. I’m confident she will guide our district with integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to student success.”
Ms. Newman expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Truly, I am honored that the Board and the staff have put their trust in me for this role. As we move forward, I am excited to work with our entire community in supporting our students on their path to success.”
Please join us in congratulating Superintendent Michelle Newman as she begins this next chapter leading Chippewa Hills!
🧤 Service in Action! 🧤
Earlier this week, our amazing Chippewa Hills FFA members rolled up their sleeves and took part in the Adopt-A-Road cleanup along M-66!
These students work hard and lead by example to help keep our community clean!
Great job, Warriors!
Earlier this week, our amazing Chippewa Hills FFA members rolled up their sleeves and took part in the Adopt-A-Road cleanup along M-66!
These students work hard and lead by example to help keep our community clean!
Great job, Warriors!
☀️ Weidman Summer Program Fun! ☀️
Our Weidman Little Warriors summer program has been making waves with themed weeks full of laughter and adventure!
During Beach & Under the Sea Week, our Little Warriors turned into car wash pros, then cooled off on a giant 21-foot splash pad! Teachers fired up the grill for a cookout to continue the fun!
This week, it’s all hands on deck for Pirate Week—complete with a visit from a real pirate! Ahoy, matey! 🏴☠️
Summer isn’t over yet, and there’s still so much more fun on the horizon for our Little Warriors! Stay tuned! 🌞
Our Weidman Little Warriors summer program has been making waves with themed weeks full of laughter and adventure!
During Beach & Under the Sea Week, our Little Warriors turned into car wash pros, then cooled off on a giant 21-foot splash pad! Teachers fired up the grill for a cookout to continue the fun!
This week, it’s all hands on deck for Pirate Week—complete with a visit from a real pirate! Ahoy, matey! 🏴☠️
Summer isn’t over yet, and there’s still so much more fun on the horizon for our Little Warriors! Stay tuned! 🌞
🍎 Meet Up and Eat Up Reminder!
Free meal pick-up is today from 11 AM–1 PM at Barryton, Mecosta, and Weidman Elementary schools. Evening pick-up is from 4–6 PM behind the Middle School.
No sign-up needed—stop by and grab meals for your kids!
Free meal pick-up is today from 11 AM–1 PM at Barryton, Mecosta, and Weidman Elementary schools. Evening pick-up is from 4–6 PM behind the Middle School.
No sign-up needed—stop by and grab meals for your kids!
🏃♂️📣 Fall Sports Season is Almost Here! 🏐🏈
High school fall sports kick off on August 11 — and ALL athletes must have a physical on file to begin practice with their teams.
To help meet the demand for sports physicals, the Chippewa Hills Wellness Center is offering extended hours from Monday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 30, with evening appointments available until 6:00–7:00 PM.
The Wellness Center is open all summer! Don't wait until the last minute — schedule your physical now and avoid the rush the week before season starts.
Call today to schedule your appointment: 989-967-2290.
Let's get ready for a great season, Warriors! ❤️💙
High school fall sports kick off on August 11 — and ALL athletes must have a physical on file to begin practice with their teams.
To help meet the demand for sports physicals, the Chippewa Hills Wellness Center is offering extended hours from Monday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 30, with evening appointments available until 6:00–7:00 PM.
The Wellness Center is open all summer! Don't wait until the last minute — schedule your physical now and avoid the rush the week before season starts.
Call today to schedule your appointment: 989-967-2290.
Let's get ready for a great season, Warriors! ❤️💙
Our July Board of Education meeting is tonight at 6:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
✨ What an adventure! Some of our 8th graders recently returned from an unforgettable East Coast trip packed with history, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
They began by exploring the hallowed grounds of the Civil War battlefields in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Then they traveled to Washington, D.C., where they visited the Smithsonian Museum and Holocaust Museum, and stopped by the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.
The journey continued in New York City, where students soaked in the energy of Times Square, rode the subway, took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and experienced the magic of a Broadway performance of The Lion King.
These memories will stay with our students for years to come—and we’re so proud of how they represented Chippewa Hills along the way! ❤️💙
They began by exploring the hallowed grounds of the Civil War battlefields in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Then they traveled to Washington, D.C., where they visited the Smithsonian Museum and Holocaust Museum, and stopped by the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.
The journey continued in New York City, where students soaked in the energy of Times Square, rode the subway, took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and experienced the magic of a Broadway performance of The Lion King.
These memories will stay with our students for years to come—and we’re so proud of how they represented Chippewa Hills along the way! ❤️💙
🎻 #ThrowbackThursday | Celebrating Our Chippewa Hills Orchestra 🎻
Check out this photo from 1990 of our Chippewa Hills orchestra students practicing together!
For decades, our orchestra program has given Warriors the chance to learn strings, build teamwork, and create something truly beautiful.
While many schools in our area offer outstanding band and jazz programs, Chippewa Hills stands out as one of the only local districts with a dedicated orchestra program. It’s a rare opportunity—and it’s part of what makes our music program so special.
We’re proud to keep this tradition alive for new generations of Warriors!
🎶 Were you part of the Chippewa Hills orchestra, or do you have a favorite memory? Share it with us below!
Check out this photo from 1990 of our Chippewa Hills orchestra students practicing together!
For decades, our orchestra program has given Warriors the chance to learn strings, build teamwork, and create something truly beautiful.
While many schools in our area offer outstanding band and jazz programs, Chippewa Hills stands out as one of the only local districts with a dedicated orchestra program. It’s a rare opportunity—and it’s part of what makes our music program so special.
We’re proud to keep this tradition alive for new generations of Warriors!
🎶 Were you part of the Chippewa Hills orchestra, or do you have a favorite memory? Share it with us below!
🖌️ A Bridge Built by Many Hands
This spring, our high school Painting students were given a small section of a photo of the Mackinac Bridge to recreate. Each student had to mix colors to match the original photo and paint exactly what they saw on their piece.
When all the pieces came together, they created this incredible collaborative artwork of Michigan’s most iconic bridge.
We’re so proud of their final masterpiece! Great job, Warriors!
This spring, our high school Painting students were given a small section of a photo of the Mackinac Bridge to recreate. Each student had to mix colors to match the original photo and paint exactly what they saw on their piece.
When all the pieces came together, they created this incredible collaborative artwork of Michigan’s most iconic bridge.
We’re so proud of their final masterpiece! Great job, Warriors!
Reminder: Meet Up and Eat Up pickup is today! Due to kitchen maintenance, the Mecosta Elementary food pickup will be held in front of the high school from 11 AM - 1 PM. All other pickup locations will remain the same!
11 AM - 1 PM: at Barryton Elementary and Weidman Elementary
4-6 PM: Behind the Middle School
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility! Let’s keep our kids nourished and ready for summer fun! 🌞
11 AM - 1 PM: at Barryton Elementary and Weidman Elementary
4-6 PM: Behind the Middle School
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility! Let’s keep our kids nourished and ready for summer fun! 🌞
🍎 Reminder: Meet Up and Eat Up is tomorrow! Free summer meals for all kids and teens 18 and under—no sign-up required!
Weekly pick-up schedule (Wednesday, 11 AM–1 PM):
- Barryton Elementary – normal location
- Weidman Elementary – normal location
⚠️ Mecosta Elementary families: Due to kitchen maintenance, this week’s pick-up will be in front of the High School from 11 AM–1 PM.
Evening pick-up (4–6 PM) at the Middle School Cafeteria
Thank you for your flexibility! Let’s keep our kids nourished and ready for summer fun! 🌞
Weekly pick-up schedule (Wednesday, 11 AM–1 PM):
- Barryton Elementary – normal location
- Weidman Elementary – normal location
⚠️ Mecosta Elementary families: Due to kitchen maintenance, this week’s pick-up will be in front of the High School from 11 AM–1 PM.
Evening pick-up (4–6 PM) at the Middle School Cafeteria
Thank you for your flexibility! Let’s keep our kids nourished and ready for summer fun! 🌞
🎨 Summer Learning Tip | Ignite Creativity with Art!
Tip: Create something together—draw, paint, sculpt, or craft!
Art isn’t just fun—it builds fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Grab markers, glue, clay, or even nature finds, and let the imagination run wild.
🖌️ Explore local art experiences in our area:
- Art Works Road Trip at Morton Township Hall, July 11: Children ages 7-13 are invited to create an art project designed to grow their imagination while building their skills and confidence in a supportive, hands-on environment. https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/road-trip/artworks-road-trip-july-11-morton-township-hall
- Family Art Camp at Coldwater Lake, July 14-16: Activities include arts and crafts for all ages, tie-dying t-shirts, adult workshops, family games, campfires, and more! https://www.artreachcenter.org/upcoming-events/coldwater-family-art-camp-day-1-1
- July Art Camp at Art Reach in Mt. Pleasant, July 28-August 1: Children ages 6-12 will be able to work with a diverse set of media to create art and craft projects to take home! https://www.artreachcenter.org/upcoming-events/july-art-camp-day-1
- At Home Art Inspiration from Art Works: Check out this listing of fun at-home art activities you can do at home with your kids: https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/at-home-art-inspiration
What will your family create this week? Share your masterpieces or favorite art moments in the comments—we’d love to see your creativity shine!
Tip: Create something together—draw, paint, sculpt, or craft!
Art isn’t just fun—it builds fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Grab markers, glue, clay, or even nature finds, and let the imagination run wild.
🖌️ Explore local art experiences in our area:
- Art Works Road Trip at Morton Township Hall, July 11: Children ages 7-13 are invited to create an art project designed to grow their imagination while building their skills and confidence in a supportive, hands-on environment. https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/road-trip/artworks-road-trip-july-11-morton-township-hall
- Family Art Camp at Coldwater Lake, July 14-16: Activities include arts and crafts for all ages, tie-dying t-shirts, adult workshops, family games, campfires, and more! https://www.artreachcenter.org/upcoming-events/coldwater-family-art-camp-day-1-1
- July Art Camp at Art Reach in Mt. Pleasant, July 28-August 1: Children ages 6-12 will be able to work with a diverse set of media to create art and craft projects to take home! https://www.artreachcenter.org/upcoming-events/july-art-camp-day-1
- At Home Art Inspiration from Art Works: Check out this listing of fun at-home art activities you can do at home with your kids: https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/at-home-art-inspiration
What will your family create this week? Share your masterpieces or favorite art moments in the comments—we’d love to see your creativity shine!
Happy 4th of July, Warriors!
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful day celebrating freedom, community, and the red, white, and blue!
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful day celebrating freedom, community, and the red, white, and blue!
☀️ Summer’s better with a full belly!
Free meals are ready to be picked up every Wednesday for any child or teen under 18.
🕚 11–1 at all 3 of our Elementary Buildings (Barryton, Mecosta, and Weidman)
🕓 4–6 at the Middle School
No sign-up needed—just swing by!
Last week, our Chippewa Hills FFA members rolled up their sleeves and got to work cleaning the barn and preparing it for the animals! We're proud of their dedication and teamwork to make sure everything is ready and safe for the upcoming school year!
Great work, Warriors! ❤️💙
Monday Learning Tip | Celebrate What the 4th of July Means
The 4th of July is more than parades and fireworks—it’s a chance to help kids learn about freedom, history, and what it means to be part of a community. ❤️💙
This week, try this with your family:
🔹 Share why we celebrate Independence Day. Talk about words like freedom, independence, and community.
🔹 Read the words of the Declaration of Independence or a children’s version, and ask: “What does independence mean to you?”
🔹 Encourage kids to draw a picture of what they love most about their community or country.
🔹 Ask open-ended questions like:
“Why do we use fireworks to celebrate?”
“What do the colors of our flag stand for?”
“What freedoms are most important to us today?”
Then, take those reflections out into the community and celebrate together!
Here are local fireworks shows happening nearby:
🎆 July 3 | Big Rapids Freedom Fest
🎆 July 3 | Canadian Lakes Fireworks
🎆 July 4 | Village of Mecosta Celebration
🎆 July 4 | Soaring Eagle Casino Fireworks
🎆 July 5 | Lake Isabella Fireworks
Let’s celebrate the day with meaning, gratitude, and togetherness. ❤️🤍💙
🥪 Meet Up and Eat Up Reminder!
Wednesdays are for meals... and a little extra fun! 😄 Our amazing staff are bringing the energy, smiles, and even costumes to make meal pickup something families look forward to every week.
Meet Up and Eat Up continues tomorrow! Visit any Elementary School from 11 AM – 1 PM or the Middle School from 4-6 PM to get a week’s worth of nutritious meals for your kids—completely free!
Come for the food, stay for the fun—you never know what our crew will come up with next! 🎉
School’s out—but our work is just beginning!
This summer, we've partnered with Energy Systems Group to revitalize learning environments across our district. With critical infrastructure upgrades, such as:
· Significant HVAC repairs/replacements
· In-floor heating systems
· District wide web-based automation controls
We’re creating more efficient, breathable, and comfortable spaces for your return.
Enjoy your summer—ESG has got it from here and is hard at work behind the scenes!
📚 Monday Learning Tip | Keep Growing This Summer!
Tip: Visit your local library—it’s more than just books!
If you're looking for a cool place to beat the heat and keep your kids learning, check out Morton Township Library in Mecosta! This local gem offers something for every age group—and it’s all free.
Here’s what’s happening this summer:
📖 Summer Reading Challenge – Sign up and track your reading to earn prizes!
👶 Weekly Preschool Story Hour – Stories, songs, crafts, and early literacy fun
🎉 Exciting Weekly Programs – From animal visits to STEM activities, there's something new every week!
Located in Mecosta, the Morton Township Library is a welcoming space that encourages kids to explore, imagine, and grow. Learn more: morton.michlibrary.org
Have you visited the library this summer?
