School Days Begin Tuesday for EUP Students
Class of 2020 Introduced to School With Bus Ride Aug. 23
By David Latva

Twenty-six of the 52 upcoming St. Ignace kindergarten students took part in orientation day Thursday, August 23. Pictured are (front, from left) Donovan Insley, Eden Sanborn, Niana Hughey, Riley Kita, Nicholas Allers, Ryan LaVake, Reid Marshall, Donovan McNeeley, Katelyn Lambert, Raeann Bigelow, Josee Misner, Jayde Fraser; (back row) Caleb Brown, Kennedy Kammers, Lily McLean, Emma Feleppa, Lauren Lee, Austin Graham, Logan McMillan, Garret Rickley, Hallie Marshall, Riley Martin, Missy Wyers, Logan Rickley, Anthony Naybeck, Lane Matson, Rachel Riegel, and Maddie Winberg.

Fifty-two incoming students at St. Ignace Area Schools and their parents were invited to an orientation day, highlighted by a ride on the school bus, Thursday, August 23. Twenty-six students took part in the day, organized by elementary principal Bonnie Ledy.

"Having the students picked up and the orientation relieves the anxiety of the first days of school," said Ms. Ledy.

The parents and students met the three kindergarten teaches, Sherrie Gustafson, Marci Bishop, and Lil McDonald, school secretaries, superintendent Mike Springsteen, and other members of the staff, followed by a walk through the cafeteria. They then split into their respective classrooms.

Top right: On the first day of classes Tuesday, September 4, students at St. Ignace Area Schools begin the new year by discussing their personal interests. Third grade teacher Pat Shiemke addresses her new pupils. In the first row (from left) are Jazmine Orr, Jared Cece, Alysse Bentley, and Brandon Carlton. Visible at the end of the second row is Thomas Conguy.

Ms. Ledy met with the parents for a question and answer session before joining children in the classrooms.

"Charlie Fowler, former elementary principal, started this program, and we have expanded on it over the years. This has been a very positive program for the students and children," she said.

Above: Claudette Brown works in the lunch line at St. Ignace Area Schools, as second graders head for a meal on the first day of classes Tuesday. Pictured (front to back) are Preston Spencer, Alexia McMillan, Luke Valetta, and Hannah Meyer. Center right: Ashley Kasper of Hessel, who enters first grade this year, shows her new backpack to Les Cheneaux Elementary School aide Leanne Cason (left) and parent Kristen Diehl on the first day of school in Cedarville Tuesday, September 4. Bottom right: Fifth grade teacher Kathy Tassier greets a group of students with questions at the Les Cheneaux Elementary School entrance before classes start Tuesday.