“A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.” – Henry Adams

As we step into Teacher Appreciation Week, I find myself reflecting—like many of you probably do—on that one teacher. The one who saw something in us even when we didn’t see it in ourselves. The one who took the extra time to make sure it clicked. The one who showed up to our game, our concert, our moment, and made us feel like we mattered. The one who made school a safe, welcoming place every single day.

For me, I was fortunate to have more than one of those teachers—but the one who left a lifelong mark was Mrs. White.

Mrs. White was my 4th grade teacher, and she changed the way I saw school forever. She was the first teacher who made reading enjoyable, not just expected. She smiled—constantly. And she took time, every single day, to check in with me and make sure I was truly learning. The first chapter book she gave me was The Phantom Tollbooth, and every morning I would meet with her at her desk to share what I remembered from the last chapter. For the first time, I actually remembered what I read—and better yet, I wanted to keep going. She didn’t just teach me how to read—she gave me a love for it.

Years later, I had the honor of teaching her grandson in my own 5th grade classroom. And as life would have it, when my wife and I built our first house, we ended up with Mr. and Mrs. White as our neighbors.

Life has a way of coming full circle when it’s meant to.

I truly believe we all have a "Mrs. White" in our story. Somewhere along the way, someone gave us the gift of belief, care, and connection. That’s what educators do.

Somewhere along the way, our society has become increasingly critical and cynical toward the teaching profession. But not here—not at Newaygo. Here, we recognize that teachers are the backbone of our schools, our communities, and our futures. Teaching is one of the few professions where someone regularly gives more time, energy, and love to someone else’s child than they may have left for their own. That kind of service should never be overlooked.

This week is a reminder. A reminder that what teachers do matters. A reminder of the quiet sacrifices and unwavering dedication. A reminder that even on the hardest days, they show up—because kids need them.

To the many educators who have shaped my life—and to the incredible teachers here at Newaygo—I want to say thank you. You matter. Your work matters. And the impact you have will ripple far beyond what you may ever see.

Thank you, Mrs. White.
And thank you to all of our Newaygo teachers.
This week, and every week, we appreciate you.

#WeAreNewaygo

Newaygo Elementary:

May 11th Mothers’ Day

May 13th 4th grade field trip

May 13th Booster Mtg 5:30

May 15/16th Kinder Field Trip

May 22th 3rd grade trip

May 22nd 4th grade trip

May 23 1/2 day of school

May 26th Memorial Day!

May 30th Field Day

Newaygo Middle School:

May 5th Move Up Day... 8th Graders to the HS

May 11th Mother's Day

May 23rd 1/2 day of school

May 26th Memorial Day

May 28th 4th graders visiting Newaygo MS

May 28th 4th grade students/parents/guardians open house at Newaygo MS

May 30th ROARS Trip

June 6th 8th Grade Ceremony

Newaygo High School:

May 5th: 8th Graders visit the HS

May 6th: Lions United Day

May 8th: Honors Banquet

May 10th Mattress Sale

May 15th: Talent Show

May 16th: Last Day for Seniors'

May 22nd Graduation

May 23rd 1/2 Day of school

May 26th Memorial Day

June 5/6th Final Exams

Extracurriculars at HOME:

May 5th - JV Softball at HOME versus Big Rapids

May 7th - Varsity Baseball at HOME versus Big Rapids

May 7th - JV Softball at HOME versus Montague

May 7th - Girls Soccer at HOME versus Kent City

May 9th - JV Softball at HOME versus Sparta

May 12th - Varsity Softball at HOME versus Chippewa Hills

May 12th - Varsity Baseball at HOME versus Chippewa Hills

May 16th - Varsity Softball at HOME versus Cedar Springs

May 19th - Varsity Softball at HOME versus Whitehall

May 19th - Varsity Baseball at HOME versus Whitehall

May 27th - Varsity Softball at HOME versus Ludington

May 27th - Varsity Baseball at HOME versus Grant

There’s something special about the quiet strength of a mom.

She’s the one who is always there—steady, reliable, and full of grace—even when no one was watching.

As we approach Mother’s Day on May 11th, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the moms who have shaped our lives in ways big and small. Because if we’re being honest… one day will never be enough.

Moms are the ones who stayed up late to wash the uniform the night before the big game—even when you forgot to mention it until bedtime.

They helped us study for the test we were nervous about, even when they had a full plate themselves.
They drove us to practices, sleepovers, part-time jobs, and last-minute store runs.
They took the photos we’ll one day treasure—capturing the toothless smiles, the messy birthday cakes, and the proud moments we didn’t know we’d want to remember.
They packed the lunches, signed the forms, made the appointments, and picked up the pieces after tough days.
They gave pep talks in the driveway, advice at the dinner table, and the kind of hugs that made everything feel okay.
And maybe most of all, they believe in us.

Moms teach us what it means to love unconditionally. They model strength, compassion, and the power of simply being there. For many of us, they were our first teacher, our first coach, our first fan—and often, our most enduring one.

To all the moms in the Newaygo community—biological, adoptive, step, foster, and those who’ve stepped into the role in their own beautiful way—thank you. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to help the children you love become who they are meant to be.

Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. Your love doesn’t go unappreciated. And your presence, your steady hand, your heart—it makes all the difference.

From all of us at Newaygo Public Schools, Happy Mother’s Day.

You deserve so much more than just one day.

1. We are so proud to celebrate several outstanding Newaygo students who were recently honored at the 42nd Annual Newaygo County Student & Community Awards Night! Their accomplishments reflect the heart, determination, and excellence we value at Newaygo Public Schools. Please help us congratulate:

Leah Ruehmeier – Newaygo County Education Association Scholarship Recipient
Sebastian McCastle – Accounting Award
Karla Nelson – Future Educators Award
Bryan Vallery – Education & Activity Center Award
Rooster Poll – Information Technology Award

Each of these students has demonstrated perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to growth — they are a true reflection of #LionPride and the bright future ahead.

We couldn’t be prouder!

2. It is with great excitement and pride that we share some incredible news — Newaygo Public Schools has been officially recognized as a 2024-2025 Capturing Kids' Hearts® Rising Star District!

A huge congratulations to both Newaygo Elementary School and Newaygo Middle School for earning the Rising Star designation. This recognition highlights the persistent commitment of our staff to building strong, connected, and supportive environments where students and adults can thrive.

This achievement is not the finish line, but a celebration of our ongoing journey. We will continue striving to live out the spirit of Capturing Kids' Hearts every day, growing together and making Newaygo the very best it can be.

#WeAreNewaygo

3. Congratulations to Newaygo Elementary, Newaygo Middle, and Newaygo High School — all three of our schools have been awarded Michigan Green School Certification! ♻️

To earn this recognition, each building completed at least 10 environmental stewardship activities — protecting Michigan’s air, land, water, and wildlife. This achievement reflects the commitment and hard work of our students, staff, and community in promoting energy consciousness, recycling, and sustainability.

Newaygo is proudly showing that we care deeply about our planet — and the future. 🌱

4. Bond Project Update -- In an effort to continue our commitment to transparency and open communication, we’d like to share highlights from our most recent bond project design meeting. The team reviewed proposed updates for the high school locker rooms, fitness room, staff restroom, and learning spaces. Plans are moving forward with thoughtful upgrades to both the boys and girls locker rooms—including new flooring and finishes, updated sinks, and improved HVAC where needed. We’re also moving ahead with improvements to the fitness room, including a new exterior door and a refreshed look for the existing ductwork. These updates will help enhance the experience for our students and staff.

We also discussed exciting enhancements to academic spaces such as the woodshop, STEM lab, and computer lab—with future planning in mind for potential e-sports programming. At the middle school, we’re beginning conversations about transitioning the library into a more modern media center, which would better support today’s learners. As always, our design teams are working closely with Newaygo staff to ensure that every improvement supports student engagement, safety, and long-term district goals. Looking for more information? Check out this page: https://www.newaygo.net/district/bond-project-updates/

5. Modernizing Our Newaygo Brand -- Newaygo Public Schools is currently exploring updated logo concepts as part of our effort to modernize and unify our visual identity. With increased focus on clarity, professionalism, and consistency across digital, print, and athletic spaces, these new designs are intended to reflect the strength of our Lion pride while creating a more cohesive and future-ready brand. While honoring the essence of our current lion imagery, the proposed updates offer a clean, refined look that better supports the evolving needs of our schools and community.

We are now in the final stages of the design process, with several logo options under consideration. These concepts will be shared with the Board of Education, and we welcome community feedback as part of this important next step. Feel free to email bgilpin@newaygo.net your thoughts.

6. A Fond Farewell to Summer Magic—And a Warm Welcome to Summer Blast

For the past 29 years, Summer Magic has been a cornerstone of summer learning and fun for students across Newaygo. We are incredibly grateful to Tara Nelson and the entire PCA team for their decades of dedication and service to our community. The impact they’ve made on generations of students is immeasurable, and their legacy will always be part of who we are.

As Summer Magic comes to a close, we are thrilled to share that TrueNorth Community Services has stepped in to continue supporting students through a reimagined program—Summer Blast. While there are some updates, the heart of the program remains the same: creating an engaging, enriching, and safe summer experience for our K–8 students. From academic enrichment to outdoor adventures and weekly field trips, Summer Blast is ready to keep the spirit of summer learning alive.

We’re grateful for this continued partnership with TrueNorth and look forward to another great summer for our kids!

7. Lions Football: Road Warriors with a Homecoming Worth the Wait

We’re excited to share the 2025–2026 Varsity Football schedule! With our stadium undergoing significant track and facility upgrades this summer, we’ve made a few adjustments to the fall season. While it’s not ideal to open the year with several games on the road, we’re embracing the opportunity to improve our athletic facilities—investments that will benefit our students and community for years to come.

Our Home Opener is set for Friday, September 26th against Tri-County, and we can’t wait to welcome the team back to the field with roaring support from our Lion faithful. Until then, we have no doubt our Lions will rise to the challenge, showcasing grit and heart on the road. These upgrades will bring new pride to our school and provide a lasting legacy for future athletes.

We look forward to seeing you in the stands—whether home or away—cheering on our Lions all season long!

8. At Newaygo Public Schools, student safety remains our top priority—both in and out of the classroom. As we continue to partner with families and the community, we want to ensure everyone is aware of proper safety procedures, especially along high-traffic roads like M-82.

To help clarify expectations and promote safe driving around school buses, we’ve created a brief informational video (see below).
Your attentiveness and partnership help keep all of our students safe. Thank you for your continued support!

9. PowerSchool Online Enrollment is Here!

We’re excited to share that Newaygo Public Schools—and all of Newaygo County—is officially moving to online enrollment beginning with the 2025–26 school year. That means no more paper packets—just a more efficient, convenient way to get your child enrolled and ready for school.

Online enrollment is now fully live through PowerSchool, which is also becoming our new student information hub. All district registrars have been trained and are ready to support families through this transition. We know new systems can come with questions, so we’ll be sending out step-by-step directions soon to guide you through the process and ensure you and your student are set for the year ahead.

We appreciate your support as we modernize our systems to better serve you. More to come soon!

10. Now Open: School of Choice Enrollment Window

The School of Choice window is now open for families interested in joining Newaygo Public Schools for the 2025–26 school year.

For more details on how to apply and key dates, please visit our School of Choice information page:
🔗 newaygo.net/support-services/schools-of-choice-information

We look forward to welcoming new students and families to our community—because here at Newaygo, we truly believe we’re better together.

11. Administrative Updates for 2025–26

As we look ahead to the 2025–26 school year, we want to share a few administrative updates that reflect our ongoing commitment to leadership continuity and student success across all buildings.

We are excited to announce that Mr. Kyle McAlister will be stepping into the role of Principal at Newaygo Middle School beginning this fall. Kyle brings great energy, a strong connection with students, and a passion for supporting staff and families. We’re confident he will continue to build on the positive momentum at NMS.

In addition, Mr. Jim Smith will be transitioning to Newaygo High School as Assistant Principal. This move ensures we retain his experience and leadership within our district.

We are proud to keep both Kyle and Jim as part of the administrative team as we work to create long-term stability and excellence across all levels. A posting for the Middle School Assistant Principal position is now live and will close on May 15, 2025.

12. May is Mental Health Awareness Month

At Newaygo Public Schools, we believe mental health is a cornerstone of student and staff success. When our students feel supported, seen, and safe—academically and emotionally—they’re more prepared to thrive in the classroom and in life. The same is true for our educators and staff, who give so much of themselves each day to serve others.

This May, we proudly join the Michigan Department of Education in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. As a district, we are committed to removing the stigma around mental health and expanding access to resources and supports. Whether through school-based mental health services, partnerships with organizations like ParentGuidance.org, or our work with local counseling professionals, we are taking purposeful steps to ensure every student and staff member knows: you are not alone, and help is always within reach.

Together, we can build a culture of care and compassion—one where mental wellness is prioritized every month of the year.

It happens every spring. The weather warms up, the sun sets later, and suddenly school feels like a distant afterthought. I’ve lived it—not just as a superintendent, but as a dad.

With two boys at home, as soon as the temperatures crept above 60, it was like someone flipped a switch. The homework groans got louder, the bedtime pushback became routine, and the phrase “Do I have to go to school tomorrow?” started showing up more and more. They were ready for summer.

Maybe your household is a little like that too?

Here’s what I can tell you: the key is consistency.

I encouraged my boys to play hard. They were outside for hours—riding bikes, playing catch, exploring the yard. And I loved every second of it. But we also stuck to our routines. Bedtime stayed firm. Expectations about schoolwork didn’t change. We talked regularly about the importance of finishing strong.

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, here are a few simple ways you can help your child stay focused and finish strong:

• Stick to routines – Keep those bedtimes, dinner times, and homework rhythms consistent. Kids thrive on structure, especially when everything else feels exciting and distracting.

• Celebrate effort, not just results – Encourage your child when they try hard, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. Resilience and grit go a long way.

• Keep communication open – Ask about school. Celebrate wins. Help them talk through challenges.

• Encourage outdoor time—but with balance – Physical activity and time in nature are wonderful. Just remember to balance fun with rest and responsibilities.

Most importantly, remind your child that how they finish matters. Not for grades or awards—but because finishing what we start is a life skill that will serve them long beyond the classroom.

So yes, let them run and play. Let them soak up the joy that comes with spring in Michigan. But let’s also stay the course together—and help our kids cross that finish line with confidence and pride.

#WeAreNewaygo

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