🎉 Welcome to the Warrior Family, Anika Shephard!
We’re excited to welcome Anika Shephard as a new Kindergarten Teacher at Mecosta Elementary!
Anika earned her teaching degree from Central Michigan University and is already a familiar face at Chippewa Hills. Last year, she served as a long-term substitute teacher at Barryton Elementary. Now, she’s excited to officially begin her professional teaching career as part of the Mecosta Elementary team!
Anika says everyone at Chippewa Hills has been incredibly helpful and welcoming, and she is looking forward to getting to know her students, families, and colleagues as she begins this new chapter.
Outside of school, Anika enjoys crocheting, traveling, and music. She plays the flute and is married to our school’s band teacher—so music definitely has a place in their household! She and her husband also have a puppy named Quincy. 🐶
Please join us in welcoming Anika to Chippewa Hills! ❤️💙
We’re excited to welcome Anika Shephard as a new Kindergarten Teacher at Mecosta Elementary!
Anika earned her teaching degree from Central Michigan University and is already a familiar face at Chippewa Hills. Last year, she served as a long-term substitute teacher at Barryton Elementary. Now, she’s excited to officially begin her professional teaching career as part of the Mecosta Elementary team!
Anika says everyone at Chippewa Hills has been incredibly helpful and welcoming, and she is looking forward to getting to know her students, families, and colleagues as she begins this new chapter.
Outside of school, Anika enjoys crocheting, traveling, and music. She plays the flute and is married to our school’s band teacher—so music definitely has a place in their household! She and her husband also have a puppy named Quincy. 🐶
Please join us in welcoming Anika to Chippewa Hills! ❤️💙
🎉 Welcome to the Team, Crystal Delaney!
We’re excited to welcome Crystal Delaney as a new Special Education Teacher at Chippewa Hills Middle School!
A Chippewa Hills graduate, Crystal earned her bachelor’s degree in K-12 Special Education and Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and her master’s degree in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Spring Arbor University. For the past six years, she has taught in the greater Grand Rapids area before returning home to the Chippewa Hills community.
Crystal says she is looking forward to joining a great team of educators who are passionate about supporting students. She also hopes to find an opportunity to get involved with Warrior Athletics as a coach!
Outside of school, Crystal enjoys reading and listening to books and is an avid traveler—the beach is her happy place! She also loves anything related to sea turtles. 🐢🌊
Crystal has two grown daughters who are her everything, and she loves spending time bowling and golfing with them. Her family also includes two dogs and two cats!
We’re so glad to have one of our own back at Chippewa Hills. Please join us in giving Crystal a warm Warrior welcome home! ❤️💙
We’re excited to welcome Crystal Delaney as a new Special Education Teacher at Chippewa Hills Middle School!
A Chippewa Hills graduate, Crystal earned her bachelor’s degree in K-12 Special Education and Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and her master’s degree in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Spring Arbor University. For the past six years, she has taught in the greater Grand Rapids area before returning home to the Chippewa Hills community.
Crystal says she is looking forward to joining a great team of educators who are passionate about supporting students. She also hopes to find an opportunity to get involved with Warrior Athletics as a coach!
Outside of school, Crystal enjoys reading and listening to books and is an avid traveler—the beach is her happy place! She also loves anything related to sea turtles. 🐢🌊
Crystal has two grown daughters who are her everything, and she loves spending time bowling and golfing with them. Her family also includes two dogs and two cats!
We’re so glad to have one of our own back at Chippewa Hills. Please join us in giving Crystal a warm Warrior welcome home! ❤️💙
🎉 Welcome to the Warrior Family, Brian Haraburda!
We’re excited to welcome Brian Haraburda as the new Assistant Principal at Chippewa Hills High School!
Brian attended Grand Valley State University and Cornerstone University before earning his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Calvin University. He began his teaching career with Grand Haven Public Schools before moving to Allendale, where he taught math, coached golf, and most recently served as the Middle School Athletic Director.
Sports have also been a big part of Brian’s life outside the classroom. He has been a sports official for more than 30 years, working volleyball, football, basketball, and softball at a variety of levels—including Big Ten softball!
Brian says he’s excited to become part of the Chippewa Hills community and continue building on the traditions already in place.
Outside of school, Brian loves playing golf, going to the movies, and building LEGOs - especially Star Wars sets. He has two grown children, Glenn and Rachel. Glenn lives in the Grand Rapids area, while Rachel taught herself German and is currently living and studying in Germany.
Please join us in welcoming Brian to Chippewa Hills! ❤️💙
We’re excited to welcome Brian Haraburda as the new Assistant Principal at Chippewa Hills High School!
Brian attended Grand Valley State University and Cornerstone University before earning his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Calvin University. He began his teaching career with Grand Haven Public Schools before moving to Allendale, where he taught math, coached golf, and most recently served as the Middle School Athletic Director.
Sports have also been a big part of Brian’s life outside the classroom. He has been a sports official for more than 30 years, working volleyball, football, basketball, and softball at a variety of levels—including Big Ten softball!
Brian says he’s excited to become part of the Chippewa Hills community and continue building on the traditions already in place.
Outside of school, Brian loves playing golf, going to the movies, and building LEGOs - especially Star Wars sets. He has two grown children, Glenn and Rachel. Glenn lives in the Grand Rapids area, while Rachel taught herself German and is currently living and studying in Germany.
Please join us in welcoming Brian to Chippewa Hills! ❤️💙
🎉 Welcome to the Warrior Family, Patrick Burtis!
We’re excited to welcome Patrick Burtis as the new Assistant Principal at Chippewa Hills Middle School!
Patrick is originally from Houghton Lake and earned his teaching degree in Social Studies from Northern Michigan University and his administrative degree from Central Michigan University. He comes to Chippewa Hills after seven years teaching Social Studies at Munising Middle/High School, where he was also involved with Youth in Government and coached basketball for many years.
As he begins his new role, Patrick says he’s most looking forward to building relationships with our students, staff, families, and community.
Outside of school, Patrick describes himself as an avid reader, super nerd, and sports fanatic. He enjoys spending time outdoors, following sports, and being with his family. Patrick and his wife graduated from high school together and are parents to 2-year-old Beau, with another little boy due in November! Their household also includes two dogs and two cats—one “normal” and one hairless. 😄
Please join us in giving Patrick a warm Warrior welcome! ❤️💙
We’re excited to welcome Patrick Burtis as the new Assistant Principal at Chippewa Hills Middle School!
Patrick is originally from Houghton Lake and earned his teaching degree in Social Studies from Northern Michigan University and his administrative degree from Central Michigan University. He comes to Chippewa Hills after seven years teaching Social Studies at Munising Middle/High School, where he was also involved with Youth in Government and coached basketball for many years.
As he begins his new role, Patrick says he’s most looking forward to building relationships with our students, staff, families, and community.
Outside of school, Patrick describes himself as an avid reader, super nerd, and sports fanatic. He enjoys spending time outdoors, following sports, and being with his family. Patrick and his wife graduated from high school together and are parents to 2-year-old Beau, with another little boy due in November! Their household also includes two dogs and two cats—one “normal” and one hairless. 😄
Please join us in giving Patrick a warm Warrior welcome! ❤️💙
🚌 Back to School Transportation Reminders 🚌
As we get ready to welcome our Warriors back on Monday, August 24, our Transportation Department is busy finalizing bus routes for the new school year!
📍 Transportation Changes Due August 19
If your family has moved or your child’s transportation schedule has changed—including changes to regular pickup or drop-off locations—please notify your child’s school office or the Transportation Department by Wednesday, August 19.
Changes received by August 19 will be in effect for the first day of school. Changes received after August 19 will take effect beginning August 26.
Please remember that due to bus capacity, bus passes will not be available for the 2026-27 school year. Students will need to ride their assigned bus and use their established pickup and drop-off locations.
📞 Watch for a Call from Transportation!
The Transportation Department will begin calling families later next week to confirm students’ bus pickup and drop-off times for the start of the school year. Please watch for this call as we work to finalize routes and get everyone ready for August 24!
Find transportation information and everything you need to get ready for the new school year on our Back to School 2026 webpage: https://www.chsd.us/page/back-to-school-2026
We’re looking forward to having our Warriors back on the bus and back at school! ❤️💙
As we get ready to welcome our Warriors back on Monday, August 24, our Transportation Department is busy finalizing bus routes for the new school year!
📍 Transportation Changes Due August 19
If your family has moved or your child’s transportation schedule has changed—including changes to regular pickup or drop-off locations—please notify your child’s school office or the Transportation Department by Wednesday, August 19.
Changes received by August 19 will be in effect for the first day of school. Changes received after August 19 will take effect beginning August 26.
Please remember that due to bus capacity, bus passes will not be available for the 2026-27 school year. Students will need to ride their assigned bus and use their established pickup and drop-off locations.
📞 Watch for a Call from Transportation!
The Transportation Department will begin calling families later next week to confirm students’ bus pickup and drop-off times for the start of the school year. Please watch for this call as we work to finalize routes and get everyone ready for August 24!
Find transportation information and everything you need to get ready for the new school year on our Back to School 2026 webpage: https://www.chsd.us/page/back-to-school-2026
We’re looking forward to having our Warriors back on the bus and back at school! ❤️💙
📣 Now Hiring: GSRP Lead Teacher at Mecosta Elementary!
Our friends at the Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District (MOISD) are seeking a Lead Teacher for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) located at Mecosta Elementary.
If you’re passionate about early childhood education and helping our youngest learners get a great start, this is a wonderful opportunity to make an impact right here in our Warrior community! ❤️
The full job description and qualifications are included below.
🔗 To learn more about this position or to apply, visit:
https://www.moisd.org/about/job-postings/
Please help spread the word!
Our friends at the Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District (MOISD) are seeking a Lead Teacher for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) located at Mecosta Elementary.
If you’re passionate about early childhood education and helping our youngest learners get a great start, this is a wonderful opportunity to make an impact right here in our Warrior community! ❤️
The full job description and qualifications are included below.
🔗 To learn more about this position or to apply, visit:
https://www.moisd.org/about/job-postings/
Please help spread the word!
❄️ Snow Plowing & Ice Removal Services
Chippewa Hills School District is accepting proposals for snow plowing and ice removal services for district facilities for the upcoming winter season.
Proposals will be accepted until 3:30 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Interested contractors can find complete bid specifications, requirements, and submission information on our website:
👉 https://www.chsd.us/page/purchasingbids
Please share with local contractors who may be interested!
Chippewa Hills School District is accepting proposals for snow plowing and ice removal services for district facilities for the upcoming winter season.
Proposals will be accepted until 3:30 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Interested contractors can find complete bid specifications, requirements, and submission information on our website:
👉 https://www.chsd.us/page/purchasingbids
Please share with local contractors who may be interested!
🥪 Last SUN Meals To-Go Pickup of the Summer! ☀️
Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12, is our final SUN Meals To-Go pickup of the summer. Stop by and pick up a free week’s worth of meals for every child ages 18 and under!
🔹 Barryton, Mecosta & Weidman Elementary: 11 AM–1 PM
🔹 Chippewa Hills Middle School: 4–6 PM
No registration or ID required. Just stop by, sign in, and pick up your meals!
Thank you to everyone who participated in SUN Meals To-Go this summer! ❤️💙
Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12, is our final SUN Meals To-Go pickup of the summer. Stop by and pick up a free week’s worth of meals for every child ages 18 and under!
🔹 Barryton, Mecosta & Weidman Elementary: 11 AM–1 PM
🔹 Chippewa Hills Middle School: 4–6 PM
No registration or ID required. Just stop by, sign in, and pick up your meals!
Thank you to everyone who participated in SUN Meals To-Go this summer! ❤️💙
🚐 We’re Hiring Van Route Drivers!
Chippewa Hills School District is looking for dependable individuals to help transport our students as van route drivers!
We currently have two opportunities available:
☀️ Morning Route: Approximately 2 hours
🌤️ Afternoon Route: Approximately 2 hours
The morning and afternoon routes serve the same route and students and are posted separately. Interested drivers can choose just the morning route, just the afternoon route, or both!
No CDL required! Applicants must have a valid, clean driver’s license with no serious traffic violations or DUIs, along with strong communication skills and the ability to work well with students, families, and staff.
If you’re looking for a part-time opportunity that works well around another job, retirement, or your daily schedule, we’d love to hear from you!
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.chsd.us/o/chsd/page/employment
Chippewa Hills School District is looking for dependable individuals to help transport our students as van route drivers!
We currently have two opportunities available:
☀️ Morning Route: Approximately 2 hours
🌤️ Afternoon Route: Approximately 2 hours
The morning and afternoon routes serve the same route and students and are posted separately. Interested drivers can choose just the morning route, just the afternoon route, or both!
No CDL required! Applicants must have a valid, clean driver’s license with no serious traffic violations or DUIs, along with strong communication skills and the ability to work well with students, families, and staff.
If you’re looking for a part-time opportunity that works well around another job, retirement, or your daily schedule, we’d love to hear from you!
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.chsd.us/o/chsd/page/employment
📣 Now Hiring: Early Childhood Positions!
Our friends at the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA) have several early childhood positions available within the Head Start programs at Mecosta Elementary and Barryton Elementary!
If you’re passionate about working with young children and helping them learn, grow, and thrive, this could be a great opportunity to make a difference right here in our school community. ❤️
Learn more about available positions and apply online:
https://www.nemcsa.org/careers/
Please help us spread the word by sharing with someone who might be a great fit!
Our friends at the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA) have several early childhood positions available within the Head Start programs at Mecosta Elementary and Barryton Elementary!
If you’re passionate about working with young children and helping them learn, grow, and thrive, this could be a great opportunity to make a difference right here in our school community. ❤️
Learn more about available positions and apply online:
https://www.nemcsa.org/careers/
Please help us spread the word by sharing with someone who might be a great fit!
Our August Board of Education meeting is tonight at 6 PM at Weidman Elementary.
You may notice emergency vehicles and Aero Med at Chippewa Hills High School this morning.
This is not a school-related emergency and does not involve any Chippewa Hills students or staff. The helicopter is utilizing the high school parking lot for a community-related medical emergency.
Thank you for allowing first responders the space they need to provide care.
This is not a school-related emergency and does not involve any Chippewa Hills students or staff. The helicopter is utilizing the high school parking lot for a community-related medical emergency.
Thank you for allowing first responders the space they need to provide care.
Back to School 2026 is just around the corner, Warriors!
📬 Registration packets have been mailed! All Chippewa Hills school buildings mailed student registration packets to Warrior families this week. Please keep an eye on your mailbox, complete the required paperwork, and return it to your child's school office.
📅 Our Back-to-School events are just around the corner! Check the flyer below for registration, open house, and orientation dates for each school.
💻 NEW! We've created a Back to School 2026 webpage to help make the return to school easier for families. You'll find required forms, transportation information, and much more!
🔗 Visit our Back to School 2026 webpage here: https://www.chsd.us/page/back-to-school-2026
We can't wait to welcome our Warrior students back on Monday, August 24! ❤️💙
📬 Registration packets have been mailed! All Chippewa Hills school buildings mailed student registration packets to Warrior families this week. Please keep an eye on your mailbox, complete the required paperwork, and return it to your child's school office.
📅 Our Back-to-School events are just around the corner! Check the flyer below for registration, open house, and orientation dates for each school.
💻 NEW! We've created a Back to School 2026 webpage to help make the return to school easier for families. You'll find required forms, transportation information, and much more!
🔗 Visit our Back to School 2026 webpage here: https://www.chsd.us/page/back-to-school-2026
We can't wait to welcome our Warrior students back on Monday, August 24! ❤️💙
Just a reminder that our SUN Meals To-Go pickup continues again tomorrow (Wednesday)! Grab a week’s worth of meals at no cost for all children in your household age 18 and under!
Available at:
🔹 Barryton, Mecosta & Weidman Elementaries: 11 AM–1 PM
🔹 Chippewa Hills Middle School: 4–6 PM.
Available at:
🔹 Barryton, Mecosta & Weidman Elementaries: 11 AM–1 PM
🔹 Chippewa Hills Middle School: 4–6 PM.
Our Chippewa Hills FFA members were hard at work during their Adopt-A-Highway cleanup last week!
Members met at the school for a safety meeting before heading out to clean their stretch of M-66, where they removed a truck cover, a tire, car parts, cardboard, and 12 bags of trash from the roadside.
After the cleanup, members enjoyed pizza generously donated by Lakeside Pizza & Grinders of Canadian Lakes (thank you, Lakeside!). Many also stayed afterward to clean the FFA barn and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Thank you to our FFA members for their hard work and dedication to keeping our community clean. We can't wait to see what this new FFA year has in store!
Members met at the school for a safety meeting before heading out to clean their stretch of M-66, where they removed a truck cover, a tire, car parts, cardboard, and 12 bags of trash from the roadside.
After the cleanup, members enjoyed pizza generously donated by Lakeside Pizza & Grinders of Canadian Lakes (thank you, Lakeside!). Many also stayed afterward to clean the FFA barn and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Thank you to our FFA members for their hard work and dedication to keeping our community clean. We can't wait to see what this new FFA year has in store!
📚 Join the Chippewa Hills Team! 🍎
We're looking for passionate educators to help inspire and support our Warrior students!
Now hiring:
🔹 2nd Grade Teacher – Barryton Elementary
🔹 7th Grade Math Teacher – Chippewa Hills Middle School
If you're ready to make a difference and become part of a supportive school community, we'd love to hear from you!
Learn more about these opportunities and apply online: https://www.chsd.us/o/chsd/page/employment
Come join the Warrior family! ❤️💙
We're looking for passionate educators to help inspire and support our Warrior students!
Now hiring:
🔹 2nd Grade Teacher – Barryton Elementary
🔹 7th Grade Math Teacher – Chippewa Hills Middle School
If you're ready to make a difference and become part of a supportive school community, we'd love to hear from you!
Learn more about these opportunities and apply online: https://www.chsd.us/o/chsd/page/employment
Come join the Warrior family! ❤️💙
🏫 Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal 🏫
Chippewa Hills School District has a Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal on the August 4 election ballot.
Here are the facts:
✅ This is a renewal of the district's current operating millage, not a tax increase.
✅ It does not apply to your primary residence (homestead).
✅ It applies only to non-homestead properties, including businesses, commercial properties, rental properties, and vacation or second homes.
Revenue from this operating millage helps support the day-to-day operation of our schools, including teacher and staff salaries, textbooks and instructional materials, utilities, classroom supplies, and other operating expenses.
🔹 Why is this millage needed?
Under Michigan law, public school districts must levy an operating millage on non-homestead property in order to receive their full state foundation allowance for each student.
🔹 Why does the ballot mention up to 19.8 mills?
The ballot language authorizes up to 19.8 mills to protect the district from automatic tax-rate reductions that can occur under Michigan's Headlee Amendment. If approved, the district intends to continue levying 18 mills for school operating purposes. The additional authorization helps ensure the district can continue receiving its full state funding if future Headlee rollbacks occur.
Election Day is Tuesday, August 4. Polls are open from 7 AM – 8 PM.
Chippewa Hills School District has a Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal on the August 4 election ballot.
Here are the facts:
✅ This is a renewal of the district's current operating millage, not a tax increase.
✅ It does not apply to your primary residence (homestead).
✅ It applies only to non-homestead properties, including businesses, commercial properties, rental properties, and vacation or second homes.
Revenue from this operating millage helps support the day-to-day operation of our schools, including teacher and staff salaries, textbooks and instructional materials, utilities, classroom supplies, and other operating expenses.
🔹 Why is this millage needed?
Under Michigan law, public school districts must levy an operating millage on non-homestead property in order to receive their full state foundation allowance for each student.
🔹 Why does the ballot mention up to 19.8 mills?
The ballot language authorizes up to 19.8 mills to protect the district from automatic tax-rate reductions that can occur under Michigan's Headlee Amendment. If approved, the district intends to continue levying 18 mills for school operating purposes. The additional authorization helps ensure the district can continue receiving its full state funding if future Headlee rollbacks occur.
Election Day is Tuesday, August 4. Polls are open from 7 AM – 8 PM.
Our Chippewa Hills FFA Chapter would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our students and agricultural program during the Mecosta County Fair Livestock Auction last week!
A special thank you to Isabella Bank for purchasing our FFA goat and Fate's Food Market for purchasing our FFA lamb. Your generosity and investment in our students mean so much.
The proceeds from these projects will be reinvested directly into our FFA program, helping provide new opportunities and future projects for our students.
Thank you for believing in agricultural education and for your continued support of Chippewa Hills FFA! 💙❤️🌾
A special thank you to Isabella Bank for purchasing our FFA goat and Fate's Food Market for purchasing our FFA lamb. Your generosity and investment in our students mean so much.
The proceeds from these projects will be reinvested directly into our FFA program, helping provide new opportunities and future projects for our students.
Thank you for believing in agricultural education and for your continued support of Chippewa Hills FFA! 💙❤️🌾
Reminder: SUN Meals To-Go pickup is today! Grab a week’s worth of meals at no cost for all children in your household age 18 and under!
Available at:
🔹 Barryton, Mecosta & Weidman Elementaries: 11 AM–1 PM
🔹 Chippewa Hills Middle School: 4–6 PM.
Available at:
🔹 Barryton, Mecosta & Weidman Elementaries: 11 AM–1 PM
🔹 Chippewa Hills Middle School: 4–6 PM.
🎒 Backpack & School Supply Drive! ✏️
As the new school year approaches, our local foster families need our community's support.
Family Bound and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are collecting backpacks and school supplies to help ensure children in foster care have the tools they need for a successful start to the school year. This year's need is especially great, and every donation can make a meaningful difference.
You can help by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer to shop the DHHS Amazon Wish List. Your generosity will help provide backpacks and essential school supplies to local foster children before the start of school.
Together, we can help every child begin the school year feeling prepared and ready to learn! ❤️💙
As the new school year approaches, our local foster families need our community's support.
Family Bound and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are collecting backpacks and school supplies to help ensure children in foster care have the tools they need for a successful start to the school year. This year's need is especially great, and every donation can make a meaningful difference.
You can help by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer to shop the DHHS Amazon Wish List. Your generosity will help provide backpacks and essential school supplies to local foster children before the start of school.
Together, we can help every child begin the school year feeling prepared and ready to learn! ❤️💙
