We hope you have had a fun-filled summer with your family. Here at Onekama Consolidated Schools, administration and support staff have worked throughout the summer to prepare for another exceptional educational experience for each child. Teachers are returning to the building to prepare and create engaging lessons for all student learners to be successful.

OUR SCHOOL

As the school year approaches, we wanted to share a few items that may assist you in preparing for the year. We encourage you to review the resources in this newsletter to learn more about what we are doing to get ready for a new school year.

We look forward to another school year full of learning and adventure.

David R. Huntington is a native of Grand Haven, MI. He began his tenure with Onekama Consolidated School District on July 1, 2024. Mr. Huntington holds a B.A. with secondary education certification in biology and chemistry from Grand Valley State University, as well as an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. David completed a graduate program earning his superintendent endorsement through University of Alaska Southeast in June of 2022. Mr. Huntington possesses a preK-12 administrative certificate in the state of Michigan and Hawaii, as well as a Type B administrative certificate with superintendent endorsement in Alaska.

Principal Huntington’s priorities at Onekama Consolidated School are to communicate consistently and effectively with all stakeholders, promote quality classroom instruction aligned with evidence-based research, adopt and implement evidence-based curriculum, and establish a culture of respect, high expectations, and continuous improvement amongst both staff and students.

Prior to OCS, Principal Huntington served as K-12 Principal at Nenana City School District in Nenana, Alaska from 2020-2024. From 2018-2020, he served as Assistant Principal, as well as the Activities Director for Galena City School District in Galena, Alaska.

Principal Huntington and his family relocated to Alaska from Kamuela, HI (located on the Big Island) in 2018, where he served as a Chemistry Instructor, Residential Faculty member, and Varsity Basketball Coach at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. As a teacher in the Science Department at this institution for over a decade, Mr. Huntington contributed greatly to HPA’s academic and residential initiatives, which are world-renowned in the private school industry.

Prior to Hawaii, Mr. Huntington had teaching and leadership experience in public, private, alternative and outdoor education in Michigan. His time in classrooms and residence halls has been instrumental in shaping his current philosophy and approach to leadership and education. Having worked with an extremely diverse student population, Mr. Huntington is equipped with skills to meet each students’ individual needs, yet able to identify and capitalize on their unique qualities. His strong presence and personable demeanor set Principal Huntington apart from others, allowing him to lead students and faculty alike.

An advocate for education, Principal Huntington believes there is nothing more important for our youth. He hopes to provide an abundance of support, both academic and social/emotional, to students at Onekama Consolidated Schools. Principal Huntington is committed to leading Onekama Consolidated Schools to be an exemplary school within the MISD and state of Michigan.

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade: 10:40 am - 11:05 am

3rd - 5th Grade: 11:05 am - 11:30 am

Middle/High School: 11:30 am - 12:18 pm

Our teachers do an excellent job of communicating information regarding our programs. Here is where you can stay informed proactively:

• Onekama School Website
• Onekama School App
• Onekama Portagers School Facebook Page
• Newsletters
• Weekly Bulletins
• Top 5- Weekly Principal and Athletic Director Communication via Smore format

We are gearing up for our new clubs that will be starting this Fall, for Middle & High School students. If anyone is interested in joining the Fishing, E-Sports Gaming or Clay Target Clubs please follow the link to fill out the form. More information to come.

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.

2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.

3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.

4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.