Fourth graders tackled a lock box challenge in STEAM lab to learn about bees. Each team needed to use their problem-solving skills in order to unlock 4 different locks and retrieve supplies necessary to create a swarm of buzzing bees. They quickly realized collaboration was critical for success!




North Elementary: Where the journey began.
Our alumni spotlight series continues! Today, we are catching up with Rugelio Ramereiz to see where life has taken him since his days at North!
We love that his favorite memory is the epic day the entire class got to challenge the principal to a game of dodgeball! Talk about an unforgettable way to build some school spirit (and get a little competitive). Today, Rugelio is bringing that same energy and team spirit to the world as a Director of Recruitment, College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University.
We love seeing our North family thrive out in the world!
Our alumni spotlight series continues! Today, we are catching up with Rugelio Ramereiz to see where life has taken him since his days at North!
We love that his favorite memory is the epic day the entire class got to challenge the principal to a game of dodgeball! Talk about an unforgettable way to build some school spirit (and get a little competitive). Today, Rugelio is bringing that same energy and team spirit to the world as a Director of Recruitment, College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University.
We love seeing our North family thrive out in the world!

5th graders created photosynthesis models to demonstrate their creative knowledge about this scientific process!

4th grade is off to a great start! We kicked off the school year with mealworms! Students will be observing these tiny creatures as they learn about their life cycle and explore the adaptations that help them survive in their environment. Hands-on science makes learning come alive! We can't wait to see what our scientists discover!


Third graders used ozobot robots to learn about inherited traits in STEAM lab. The robots randomly chose traits that puppies would inherit from each parent (floppy or pointy ears, shaggy or skinny tail, etc.). Students then drew puppies with the chosen traits and compared them with other puppies in the room. What a fun way to expand on the science work they are doing in their classrooms!





Hello!
As you prepare for Halloween, please see the Halloween costume information image. It is very important to note that trick-or-treating costumes may not meet school requirements. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.

North Elementary: Where the journey began.
Our alumni spotlight series continues! Today, we are catching up with Trevor Paradise to see where life has taken him since his days at North!
We love that his favorite childhood memory is a classic: breaking something and having to go find mom to show her how bad it really was! Today, Trevor is doing great things as a Program Supervisor .
We love seeing our North family thrive out in the world!
Our alumni spotlight series continues! Today, we are catching up with Trevor Paradise to see where life has taken him since his days at North!
We love that his favorite childhood memory is a classic: breaking something and having to go find mom to show her how bad it really was! Today, Trevor is doing great things as a Program Supervisor .
We love seeing our North family thrive out in the world!

Mark your calendars! The 2026–2027 Year-at-a-Glance is officially here!
From holidays and breaks to report cards, elementary conferences, and Homecoming, everything you need for the school year is in one spot.
Pro Tip: Save or screenshot this calendar so you always have key dates at your fingertips!

Our 6th graders kicked off the school year with a hands-on mystery! Students were challenged to analyze ink handprints and match them to everyday household items like doorknobs, light bulbs, and pencils.
It was a fantastic welcome-back activity that tested their critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. Way to crack the code, class!
It was a fantastic welcome-back activity that tested their critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. Way to crack the code, class!








Miss Sopocy's 5th grade class kicked off the new school year by building a strong class community! The students spent the first day of school discovering the importance of partnership, communication, and problem-solving as they teamed up for a hands-on "Save Fred" challenge and a Social Studies map activity. By putting their collaboration skills to the test, these students practiced patience, strategy, and how to encourage one another! Working together right from day one was a wonderful way to start the year.







Hi North Families,
You will be able to locate North Elementary's Newsletter via your child's Friday Folder, email, Thrillshare, the school website, and Facebook. If you have any questions locating the newsletter, please contact northoffice@ithacaschools.net for assistance.
Here is The Buzz WK 1!
We had a great first week! Have a wonderful weekend!
Swarm Together, Mrs. Rayburn
North Elementary: Where the journey began.
Our alumni spotlight series continues! Today, we are catching up with Ethan Workman to see where life has taken them since their days at North.
When looking back at their favorite moments, this alum instantly remembers the excitement of the 4th-grade field trip to the state capital! From boarding the buses to exploring the historic halls and learning about government firsthand, it is a milestone memory that so many of our students cherish.
We love seeing our North family thrive out in the world, taking the lessons they learned here into their bright futures!

Sixth graders learned about aerospace engineering in STEAM lab this week by constructing and testing parachutes. Working designs needed to carry a plastic person out of the wind tunnel and safely onto the white "landing spot"!









Thank you to United Way of Greater Central Michigan and our lovely Community for the Stuff the Bus Donation! Our teachers feel so supported!

Thank you to all the families who joined us for the North Elementary Open House! We had an outstanding 93% turnout from our parents and students.
We are so grateful to be part of such a supportive community. It was wonderful seeing everyone tour their classrooms and meet their new teachers. We can’t wait to officially kick off the school year this Monday, August 24th!
We are so grateful to be part of such a supportive community. It was wonderful seeing everyone tour their classrooms and meet their new teachers. We can’t wait to officially kick off the school year this Monday, August 24th!

A brand-new school year is right around the corner! Our dedicated teachers and staff are counting down the days until our halls are full of energy again. We can't wait to welcome everyone back on Monday, August 24th—get ready for an amazing year of learning, growth, and fun ahead!

North Elementary: Where the journey began.
Our alumni spotlight series continues! Today, we are catching up with Jamey Conn to see where life has taken them since their days at North.
When looking back at their time here, this alum remembers the excitement of the final day of 6th grade, when the elementary schools would meet at the high school stadium for an epic, cross-town Field Day! They loved how it blended healthy athletic competition with a fun chance to make new friends right before entering junior high together.
We love seeing our North family thrive out in the world, carrying those childhood friendships with them!

Thank you to Farmers Insurance Karen Smith Agency and Lace and Grace Fortney Ward for their Stuff the Bus donation of school supplies! Wow are we lucky! Swarm Together! 🐝

Save the Date: Open House & Meet the Teacher Night!
The countdown to the new school year is getting real, and we can't wait to welcome you back! Skip the first-day jitters and join us for one of our absolute favorite nights of the year.
Date: Thursday, August 20th
Time: 6:00 PM
Here is what’s in store for the evening:
Explore: Check out your brand-new classroom and find your desk!
Meet: Say hello to your teacher and get ready for an awesome year ahead.
Connect: Catch up with old friends and wave hello to your favorite staff members.
We have missed our school family so much this summer and can’t wait to kick off the year together. See you there!

North Elementary: Where the journey began.
Our alumni spotlight series continues! Today, we are catching up with Jared Macha to see where life has taken them since their days at North.
When looking back at their favorite moments, this alum still vividly recalls pulling off the ultimate surprise birthday party for their classroom teacher! We absolutely love hearing stories like this—it is a beautiful reminder of the lifelong impact our incredible teachers have on their students and just how much they still mean to them all these years later.
We are so proud of our alumni and the kind, thoughtful people they grow up to be. We love seeing our North family thrive out in the world!

