Chippewa Hills School District

🏃‍♀️ Warriors on the Run! 🏃‍♂️ Last Thursday’s race was a hot one, but our incredible Warriors on the Run clubs rose to the challenge and gave it their all on the 2-mile course! Students from Barryton Elementary, Mecosta Elementary, Weidman Elementary, and St. Michael’s School laced up, pushed through the heat, and crossed the finish line with determination, pride, and plenty of smiles. Every runner earned a medal and had a huge cheering section at the finish line! A huge THANK YOU to all the families, staff, and community members who came out to cheer on our young athletes. Your support means the world! 📸 The finish line was busy, so we didn’t catch every runner—but we’d love to see your photos too! Drop your pictures in the comments and help us celebrate these amazing kiddos! Great job, Warriors—we’re so proud of you! ❤️💙

🐷💋 Pucker Up, Principal Trecy! 💋🐷 As part of their March is Reading Month challenge, Mecosta Elementary students were on a mission to read 100,000 minutes. But guess what? Our Mecosta Warriors CRUSHED that goal by logging over 169,000 minutes in March! To celebrate, the Mecosta team said “YES!” to a whole day of fun chosen by the students. This morning’s Yes Day kickoff included Principal Amanda Trecy kissing a pig – say hello to Hank the pig! Today’s festivities also include: water balloons, root beer floats, extra recess, special art projects, and a dunk tank! Way to go, Mecosta readers! Enjoy every second of your well-earned celebration — you made it happen! 🙌

Meet Up and Eat Up: Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens! Chippewa Hills is proud to participate in the Meet Up and Eat Up program again this year, providing free meals all summer long to children and teens 18 and under. Families can pick up a week's worth of food every Wednesday, from June 4 to August 13. Here are the pickup locations and times for the summer: - Wednesdays, 11 AM – 1 PM at all three Elementary buildings (Barryton, Mecosta, and Weidman) - Wednesdays, 4 PM – 6 PM at the Middle School No registration or ID required—just sign in and pick up! Let's make sure every child stays nourished and ready to learn this summer.

🎉 Congratulations High School Student Council! 🎉 We are proud to announce that our Student Council has earned the Award of Excellence from MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership—the highest honor a student council can receive in the state! This prestigious award recognizes student organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, member development, community service, and a clear, goal-driven vision for their program. This achievement reflects the commitment and excellence our student leaders bring to our school. Pictured here are our High School Student Council Officers with their award: Bode McArthur, Easton Williams, Bode Gutierrez, Gabriella Newman, Emma Maki, and Violette Giblin. Missing: Skyelynn Shortsle Please join us in celebrating the positive impact our Student Council makes on our school and community. We are beyond proud! 💙❤️ Congratulations, Warriors!

Thank You, Control Solutions, Inc. and Energy Systems Group! Yesterday, some of our high school students had a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the future of smart buildings and careers in energy efficiency and building automation. We were thrilled to welcome Nick Elzinga from Control Solutions, Inc. and Michael Nordloh from Energy Systems Group to Chippewa Hills High School. Nick and Michael shared insights into the growing need for skilled professionals in the trades and the exciting career outlook for students interested in fields like HVAC, electrical work, controls technology, IT integration, and engineering. Students also learned about internships, training programs, apprenticeships, and certifications that can help launch them into these high-demand fields. Not only are Control Solutions, Inc. and Energy Systems Group helping improve our school buildings through ongoing upgrade projects—they’re investing in the future of our students as well. We’re grateful for their time, knowledge, and commitment to inspiring the next generation. Thank you for supporting our Warrior community!

Fall Enrollment is Open for Little Warriors Preschool & Latchkey! Is your child ready to start learning, growing, and making new friends? The Little Warriors Preschool & Latchkey Program is now accepting enrollment for Fall! Designed for families in the Chippewa Hills School District, our program offers: ✔️ Quality preschool and before/after school care ✔️ Caring, experienced staff ✔️ Fun and engaging learning activities ✔️ DHS payments accepted Choose the location that works best for you: Mecosta Elementary – Call 231-972-7477 https://www.chsd.us/o/me/page/little-warriors Weidman Elementary – Call 989-644-1024 https://www.chsd.us/o/we/page/little-warriors Help your child build a strong foundation in a fun, welcoming environment. Enroll today—space is limited!

🏃‍♂️ Warriors on the Run! 🏃‍♀️ Come out and cheer on our young Warrior athletes as they hit the trails for our annual Warriors on the Run 2-mile fun run! 📅 Thursday, May 15 at 4:30 PM 📍 Chippewa Hills Cross Country Course (Corner of M-66 and Arthur Rd) Our Warriors on the Run clubs from Barryton Elementary, Mecosta Elementary, Weidman Elementary, and St. Michael’s School in Remus have been training hard since April and are ready for the main event! This beloved Chippewa Hills tradition helps our young athletes to build confidence, friendships, and endurance through running. Come on, Warrior Nation, let’s pack the course, cheer loud, and help these runners feel unstoppable!

🌟 We Are Leaders. 🌟 We are excited to announce that all three of our elementary schools — Weidman, Mecosta, and Barryton — earned A ratings on the 2025 Michigan Context and Performance (CAP) Report Card, placing them in the top 7% of all elementary and middle schools statewide! ⭐ Weidman ranked #14 out of 2,188 schools ⭐ Mecosta ranked #103 and was named a Top 100 Most Improved School ⭐ Barryton came in at #149 Chippewa Hills Middle School also earned a strong B rating, landing in the top 23% statewide. The CAP Report levels the playing field by factoring in student poverty — so these ratings show how schools perform compared to their peers with similar challenges. An A rating means our schools aren’t just doing well — they’re exceeding expectations in a big way. But here's the best part: Chippewa Hills is the highest-performing district in our region, according to this analysis! No other local district saw performance like this across the board — and we are celebrating every student, teacher, staff member, and family who made it happen! You can read more about our performance on the CAP Report Card here: https://www.chsd.us/article/2210066 Congratulations, Warriors — this success belongs to all of us! ❤️💙

🐟 Salmon release day! Last week, students from Ms. Spry's 8th grade Agriculture class took a hands-on learning adventure to the DNR Boat Launch near Croton Dam to release their class-raised salmon! While there, students also counted and measured the salmon, conducted water testing, searched for macroinvertebrates, and helped clean up the park area! It was an amazing day of science and stewardship for our Warriors. A huge thank-you to Mr. O'Neil and Ms. Spry’s dad for their help and support in making the trip a success!

Our May Board of Education meeting is tonight at 6:00 PM in the High School Media Center.

🎓 Honoring Our Retiring Teachers: What I’ll Remember, What I Hope Today we celebrate Diane Thomas, a beloved social studies teacher at Chippewa Hills High School whose passion for teaching, storytelling, and student growth has touched hearts across the district. Mrs. Thomas has spent over 30 years in education, and since 2002, she’s brought her energy, wisdom, and love for learning to students at the high school, Mosaic, and the intermediate building. Over the years, she’s taught English, History, Study Skills, Life After High School, Drama, and more—but above all, she’s inspired students to see the best in themselves. 📚 What she’ll remember most: “What I’ll miss most are the kids—they keep me young, happy, and on my toes. I love the unexpected moments, and I’ll never forget the pride on a student’s face when they accomplish something they never thought they could do. Whether it’s a test, a speech, athletics, or a project, those moments are the highlight of my time here.” Mrs. Thomas also played a vital role in extracurriculars like Drama Club, Forensics, and Talent Revue—often guiding nervous students to discover hidden talents on stage and turning challenges into unforgettable team victories. 🌟 Her parting advice: “Never give up. Learn to love what you do, and try to give back some of the good you’ve been given.” As she looks ahead to retirement, Diane is excited to spend more time with her family, travel, work in her garden and orchard, and help with her family’s trucking and excavating business—all while building a brand-new home. Thank you, Mrs. Thomas, for the energy, humor, and heart you’ve shared with the Chippewa Hills family. You’ve made an unforgettable impact on countless Warriors, and we wish you nothing but joy in this next chapter. ❤️💙

🍎 Reminder! Don’t miss out on Sun Bucks — Michigan’s Summer EBT program that gives eligible families $120 per school-aged child to help with grocery costs this summer. ✅ Apply through MI Bridges: www.michigan.gov/mibridges 📄 More info & FAQs: www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/food/summer-ebt Make sure to apply as soon as possible!

This cheesy grin says it all! 😄 The countdown is ON — the last day of school for Chippewa Hills is Friday, May 23!

🌟 Thank You to the Knights of Columbus! 🌟 A huge thank you to the Knights of Columbus from St. Michael’s Parish in Remus for their generous $1,200 donation in support of our special education programs! Earlier today, Bob Swanson and Don Swanson from the Knights of Columbus personally presented each of our elementary school principals with a $400 check. These funds will be used to purchase sensory items that support our students who receive special education services — helping them succeed, feel supported, and thrive in the classroom. Thank you for your generosity and continued commitment to our Warriors. Your kindness truly makes a difference!

✨ Thank You, Isabella Bank! ✨ We are incredibly grateful to Isabella Bank for their generous $1,000 contribution toward the purchase of new stage curtains for our high school auditorium! This gift will help us continue to provide a vibrant space for student performances, assemblies, and school events. Today, Lori Todd from Isabella Bank in Remus presented this check to our superintendent, Michelle Newman. Thank you for supporting our schools and investing in the future of our Warriors!

🎓 Honoring Our Retiring Teachers: What I’ll Remember, What I Hope This week, we continue celebrating the incredible educators closing out their final school year with Chippewa Hills. Today, we honor Leah Werner, a proud Chippewa Hills alum, dedicated teacher, and lifelong Warrior who has poured her heart into education for 26 years. Mrs. Werner began her career teaching in Ohio, where she led 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms. She later returned home to Chippewa Hills, bringing her passion for learning to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Weidman Elementary. For her, teaching has never been just a job—it’s been a calling filled with purpose, challenge, and joy. 🍎 What she’ll remember most: "I come from a long line of Warriors. I was a Chip kid born and raised, and I am blessed to have taught and raised my family in the place I grew up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job. I am so lucky to spend each day with kids, doing something that is challenging, purposeful, and important. I smile on my way to work, knowing that I am on my way to see a room full of my favorite people. I have been so proud to watch my kiddos grow up and head off into the world to do great things. I have been blessed to work with WONDERFUL people – my school family have become my closest friends, and I love you all. I have met so many great families, and it has been my privilege to teach your children." 💙 What she hopes for the future: "Teachers, enjoy your kids, and remember why we do this job. Students, be amazing. You have great things ahead, and I cannot wait to see what you do. Thank you for the years of sharing your lives and creating memories. It has been a gift!" From the halls she once walked as a student to the classroom she filled with love and learning, Mrs. Werner has shaped generations of Warriors with her heart, her humor, and her deep belief in the power of kids. Mrs. Werner, thank you for giving your heart to this district, to your students, and to this community. Your love for learning—and for the Warriors you’ve taught—will be remembered by every child lucky enough to have been yours. ❤️💙

🎓 Honoring Our Retiring Teachers: What I’ll Remember, What I Hope As we continue our Teacher Appreciation Week celebration, we’re honoring the dedicated educators who are closing out their final school year with Chippewa Hills. Today, we celebrate Mary Suman, a beloved elementary teacher who has spent the last 25 years creating joyful, meaningful learning moments for her students. Mrs. Suman began her teaching career at Barryton Elementary, where she taught mostly 3rd and 4th grade for 21 years. She finished her career at Weidman Elementary, teaching 4th grade for the past four years. Throughout it all, her classroom was a place of laughter, growth, and the kind of “got it” moments that make learning magic. 🍎 What she’ll remember most: "I will remember my students and all the fun moments we’ve had in class—the excitement of learning and the 'got it' moments. I will truly miss the students and my colleagues. I have worked with the most dedicated teachers who truly care about what’s best for kids.” 🌟 What she hopes for the future: “My advice to students is: never give up on yourself. There will be hard days, but the good days will prevail. And always look out for one another in this world.” As she steps into retirement, Mrs. Suman is looking forward to spending more time with her husband of nearly 30 years and their yellow lab, Josie. You’ll find them fishing across the state, enjoying all the peaceful moments retirement has to offer. Thank you, Mrs. Suman, for 25 years of love, encouragement, and laughter. Thank you for helping so many young Warriors fall in love with learning. ❤️💙

🌺 Honoring Heroes & Celebrating Culture in 2nd Grade! 🌵 Mrs. Huffman’s 2nd grade class at Weidman Elementary had a special visit on Friday from the American Legion Auxiliary of Mt. Pleasant. The ladies shared a story about the poppy flower and its powerful meaning as a Memorial Day symbol, then donated the book to the classroom! Each student was gifted a poppy bookmark, a coloring book, and a brand-new pack of crayons. We are so thankful for their time and generosity! To keep the creativity going, students made cactus puppets to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Monday! It’s been a week full of learning, generosity, and fun in 2nd grade!

🎓 Honoring Our Retiring Teachers: What I’ll Remember, What I Hope For Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the teachers who are closing out their final school year with Chippewa Hills. Today we’re honoring high school art teacher Andrea St. John, who has spent the last 26 years inspiring students through creativity, connection, and an unwavering love of art and learning. Mrs. St. John began her career teaching part-time at St. Michael’s School and Clare Primary School, and just a few years later, she returned to her roots—stepping into the role at CHHS once held by her own high school art teacher, Dan Lee. Since then, she’s taught everything from creative writing and literature to all forms of visual art, including Pottery, Sculpture, Digital Photography, and Advanced Art. 🖌️ What she’ll remember most: “I will remember my students' excitement about projects they loved, the great teachers and administrators I have worked with, and my room. I love my room. I am most proud of the relationships I have built, the love of art I have shared, and the skills I have learned over the years that I teach and practice with my kids. I learned something new every day.” 🎨 What she hopes for the future: “I encourage all of my students, current and past, to keep learning, keep trying. Every mistake is a learning opportunity. You are never too old to try something new. Always be creative. I hope when my former students and colleagues think of me they have something they can smile about, a memory that is good, and that they always know I care for them.” In her retirement, Mrs. St. John is looking forward to pouring her energy into her own art, spending more time with her grandkids, gardening, reading, enjoying the outdoors—and getting in as much horse time as possible! Thank you, Mrs. St. John, for sharing your creativity, passion, and care with the students of Chippewa Hills. Your legacy lives on in every Warrior who learned to see the world—and themselves— a little more beautifully in your classroom. ❤️💙

🎉 National Teacher Signing Day! 🎉 Congratulations to senior Madison Sellers who officially signed her commitment to pursue a career in education! Madison took this important step during a special signing event today at the Mecosta Osceola Career Center, joining students across the country who are answering the call to become tomorrow’s teachers. National Teacher Signing Day, led by Educators Rising, honors students who are preparing to shape the future—one classroom at a time. We’re so proud of Madison for choosing this meaningful path and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in the lives of her future students! ❤️💙