The 2005-2006 school year is expected get underway for the St. Ignace Area School District students and staff Tuesday, September 6.

The first day of school, however, is contingent on the completion of the summer renovations to LaSalle High School. “I’d say we’re going to open on time, but it will be very close,” Superintendent Mike Springsteen said Tuesday, August 23. “Unless there’s an unforeseen major problem, we should be set.”

He added that work on the electrical and fire alarm systems is basically complete, and that work on the classroom heaters is near completion. New cabinets for many of the classrooms will be installed in the next week, as will the windows. “Then we should have just enough time to clean up,” he said.

If the work and cleanup cannot be completed before September 6, the entire district’s opening will be postponed however many days are needed to finish. Additional information will be made available as the school opening date nears.

All students in grades kindergarten through 12 will attend in the morning only Tuesday, September 6. Young 5s students will attend each day for half-days beginning Wednesday, September 7. Kindergarten through sixth grade students will start each day at 8:10 a.m., while seventh through 12th grade students will start at 8:05 a.m. Dismissal time for kindergarten through 12th Tuesday, September 6, will be 11:25 a.m.

Classes will dismiss at 2:55 p.m. for kindergarten through sixth grade students and 3 p.m. for seventh through 12th grade students on full days.

Parents who transport their students are asked to get their children to the school 10 minutes before the start of classes. School doors will open at 7:30 a.m. daily.

Parents of kindergarten and Young 5s students have been sent a letter regarding a specific schedule for their child. If you have not registered your child for the 2005-2006 school year, you may phone 643-8500 to arrange to do so. Immunizations must be up to date to allow attendance in public school.

Registration for high school classes will be Tuesday, August 30, for juniors and seniors. Eighth grade, freshmen, and sophomores will register Wednesday, August 31.

The school breakfast program will begin Tuesday, September 6, the first day of school.

The school lunch program will begin for all students Wednesday, September 7. Lunch prices for the school year are $1.80 for elementary and middle school students and $2.10 for high school students. Class lists for grades kindergarten through seventh are posted on the school doors one week before school starts.

Athletic event prices for the 2005-2006 school year will be as follows: middle school/freshmen contests, adults $4, students $3, and family ticket $12. High school JV and varsity events would be adult $5, students $4, and family ticket $15. Season pass would be $80 for students, $100 adult, and $200 for family.

Bus schedules for the school year will be as follows:

John Beaudoin, bus 01, will be driving the St. Ignace Township routes with the first pick-up in the Pine River area about 6:30 a.m. and ending in Evergreen Shores at 7:35 a.m. (includes reservation pick-ups).

David Crisp, bus 05, will pick up at Worth Road, Brevort, US-2, Gros Cap, Pte. LaBarbe, North Portage, Woods Road, Cedar Lane, and South Portage starting at 6:30 a.m.

Sandy Thorin, bus 05A, will pick-up in the city from Spring Street South starting at 6:55 a.m.

Frank Beaudoin, bus 97, will be driving the Brevort Township area starting at 6:30 a.m. on Belonga Road.

Randy Gustin, bus 02, will be driving the North City route with pick-ups starting at 7 a.m. at 829 North State Street.

Parents are urged to bring their kindergarten students on the first day and walk them into the school. They will be made aware of bus schedules at that time.

Questions regarding the above information should be directed to the specific principal’s office: high school, Mr. Gustafson at 643-8800, elementary/middle school, Ms. Ledy at 643-8500 or 643-7822.