Superintendent and school leaders report mid‑year testing, theater and athletics updates

Superintendent Bryan DeAugustine thanked board members for their service for School Board Recognition Month and noted upcoming presentations by MARESA and a Sinking Fund project presentation.

Chris Marana reported that elementary students are completing mid‑year testing and that report cards will go home this week; he said Mrs. Ahola has taken over the Quiz Bowl for 4th and 5th graders, that the elementary chorus will sing the national anthem at an upcoming basketball game, and that a hat day raised donations for the Trillium House in memory of longtime staff member Marsha Fraser.

Griffin Lawson reported that middle school students completed winter NWEA testing, that Mrs. Long has resumed work as a math specialist, and that student activities include a reward outing at the Negaunee Ice Arena, an ongoing dodgeball tournament and a semi‑formal dance organized by the student council.

Cliff Fossitt said the high school had a strong first semester, that the theater tech class returned for the second semester with assistance from NMU, that more students are taking the lead on singing the national anthem at home games, and that the winter formal is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2025. Jake Skewis noted that Ethan Marta scored his 1,000th career point in a recent boys' basketball game against Negaunee and that winter sports are in season.

Special education director Nathan Longton thanked Speech Teacher Karsyn Cook for presenting at a recent professional development day and acknowledged MARESA staff for helping with visual‑impairment training. Transportation supervisor Eric Warlin reported that transportation operations are proceeding well.

These updates were presented as informational reports; no formal board action was recorded on these items.