Ithaca North Elementary

Our 5th graders had an incredible opportunity to take part in a walking field trip to the courthouse! During their visit, students explored several important offices, including the Clerk’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Register of Deeds, and the Commissioners Room. They also had the chance to speak with Sheriff Clark and participate in a mock trial right in the courtroom. This hands-on experience brought learning to life as students made meaningful connections to topics we’ve been studying in class. They asked thoughtful questions, engaged in great conversations, and deepened their understanding of how local government works—all while learning about the history of Gratiot County. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible and to those who took the time to teach and inspire our students. It was a memorable and impactful experience for all!

We had a very special virtual visit with our 6th graders recently! We were honored to welcome back one of our own Ithaca Alumni who is now serving as a National Park Ranger at Jewel Cave National Monument. It was an incredible experience for our students to see where their education can take them. Our guest shared a wealth of knowledge about the unique geology of Jewel Cave, the life of a Park Ranger, and the importance of preserving our National Parks. Our students were absolutely engaged, asking fantastic questions and learning what it takes to protect one of the longest caves in the world!

As an extension of their properties of matter science unit, fifth graders were challenged to use random STEAM lab supplies to build freestanding towers that could hold golf balls. Ms. Richardson's class constructed the tallest tower at 78cm!

Miss Sopocy’s 5th grade class has officially finished both the ELA and Math M-STEP tests! To celebrate all of their hard work and perseverance, the students participated in an engaging and yummy science lesson. To wrap up Unit 3 on Matter, the class made Root Beer Floats to observe the three states of matter in action: • Solid: The vanilla ice cream. • Liquid: The root beer. • Gas: The carbonation creating those foamy bubbles! This experiment was a fantastic way to get the kids thinking critically while enjoying a sweet treat for completing their testing. Way to go, 5th grade!

Congratulations to our Grand Prize winner at North for the March Read-Athon fundraiser!

Reminder for our Grandparents/VIPs!

Our highest grade level earners took a rainy walk to The Hearthstone for their lunch with Mrs. Rayburn!

Congratulations to the top students at North Elementary for our Read-A-Thon fundraiser. Each of them have earned lunch out with Mrs. Rayburn as a reward for all of their hard work!

Congratulations to Mrs. Hull's class for winning the class competition for the Read-A-Thon! Thank you to our amazing PTO for buying us ice cream!

Congratulations to Everley M who designed the logo for our 6th grade camp shirts! Thanks to the generous sponsors, listed on the reverse. The next time families will see these shirts is the day 6th graders return from camp. It's only a few weeks away!!

Our 5th grade scientists have been busy exploring chemical changes! Students had the opportunity to observe several exciting reactions right in the classroom. They watched bread transform into toast, noticing changes in both color and smell. They also created a gas by combining water and an Alka-Seltzer tablet, and explored changes in temperature using hydrogen peroxide and yeast. To deepen their learning, students weighed each experiment and recorded their observations, gaining hands-on experience with real scientific practices. It was an engaging and interactive way to bring science to life!

North Elementary would like to congratulate two third grade teachers who are retiring at the end of this school year!

🍎 We’re Growing! Join Our 3rd Grade Team! 🍎

Please see the attached FREE Youth Fishing Program.

Third graders used matatalab robots to explore temperate climate zones in STEAM lab. Students collaborated to create codes that would move robots from spot to spot on the climate maps.

Missing Something? Let’s Reunite These Clothes with Their Owners! Our Lost & Found is growing by the day! We have a collection of jackets, sweatshirts, and other gear that are missing their favorite students. 🧥🧢 Parents and Students: Please take a quick moment to scroll through the photos below. If you recognize an item belonging to your child, have them stop by the lost and found location at North (hallway to gym/lunch) to claim it! Pro-Tips to Help Us Out: Check the Photos: Even if you don't think you're missing something, a quick look helps! Label Everything: To prevent future "disappearances," please consider writing your student’s name on the inside tags of their hoodies and coats. 🏷️ Help us clear out the rack and get these warm clothes back home!

Welcome Grandparents/VIPs!

Congratulations to our newest Read-Athon Superstars. These students have raised $200+ and have earned a pizza lunch with Mrs. Rayburn!

With a grand total of $31,773.00, we have DOUBLED our original goal for our Read-Athon Fundraiser! Thank you for supporting our students and our PTO!