Sixth graders practiced their environmental engineering skills after learning about an interesting beaver relocation project carried out in Idaho in the 1950s. Their challenge was to design boxes that would keep wooden block "beavers" safe while parachuting in the air, but open upon landing.






Teamwork from Day One!
Ms. Sopocy’s 5th grade class kicked off the year with a hands-on science team-building activity focused on creating positive relationships and a strong sense of community.
Through collaboration and critical thinking, students worked together as problem solvers and supportive teammates to lay the foundation for a year of learning and growth!
Ms. Sopocy’s 5th grade class kicked off the year with a hands-on science team-building activity focused on creating positive relationships and a strong sense of community.
Through collaboration and critical thinking, students worked together as problem solvers and supportive teammates to lay the foundation for a year of learning and growth!


Teamwork from Day One!
Ms. Sopocy’s 5th grade class kicked off the year with a hands-on science team-building activity focused on creating positive relationships and a strong sense of community.
Through collaboration and critical thinking, students worked together as problem solvers and supportive teammates to lay the foundation for a year of learning and growth!


We had a great first week of school! Please pay attention to the upcoming dates on the Buzz as there is quite a bit happening in September. Next week we begin our NWEA testing. Have a great holiday weekend!
Swarm Together,
Mrs. Rayburn
Swarm Together,
Mrs. Rayburn




Welcome back to another school year! This morning, we had the pleasure of meeting our new music teacher and even got to join in on a fun body percussion song! We also had our first chat with Mrs. Rayburn, who shared important guidelines about no smartwatches, cell phones, or other electronic devices. #SwarmTogether




Welcome back to another school year! This morning, we had the pleasure of meeting our new music teacher and even got to join in on a fun body percussion song! We also had our first chat with Mrs. Rayburn, who shared important guidelines about no smartwatches, cell phones, or other electronic devices. #SwarmTogether




Thank you to Joe and Leslie at Ithaca Physical Therapy for the coffee and breakfast snacks! We are so lucky to have this amazing business welcome us back to school!

Check out North Elementary's new "drip!" Thank you to Aaron's Graphics for the amazing upgrade!



Our hallways were filled with many students and parents checking out their new classrooms! We loved seeing everyone last evening! Thank you so much for attending our Meet the Teacher Night! We had a 95% parent/student attendance--this is outstanding! Don't forget that school starts on Monday, August 25th at 7:50 AM. #SwarmTogether

We are excited to see you tonight at our North Elementary Open House from 6:00-8:00pm! Our teachers are ready to meet their students!
The 2025–2026 school year is here, and we couldn’t be more excited to showcase our incredible North Elementary staff!
This year, we are committed to creating a welcoming learning environment, building positive relationships, and working together through teamwork to help every Yellowjacket shine.
Here’s to a wonderful year of growth, connection, and success!

Join us for Meet the Teacher and Open House Night! Connect with teachers, explore your child's classroom, and get ready for an amazing year! Thursday, August 21st from 6-8 PM at North Elementary. We can't wait to welcome you and your student--see you there!

North Elementary welcomes Mr. Troy Pendell as our new RTC Coordinator! In his role, he will oversee our Responsible Thinking Program, helping students develop responsible behavior and strong decision-making skills. Please join us in welcoming him to our school community.

North Elementary is proud to announce the addition of Ms. Mary Sopocy as our new 5th grade teacher. A recent graduate of Saginaw Valley State University, Ms. Sopocy is entering her first year of teaching following her residency in 6th grade with us last spring. We are excited to see the positive impact she will have on our students. Please join us in welcoming her to our North staff!

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Gretchen Heegeman has been hired as the new K-6 music teacher at North and South Elementary. With 3 years of teaching experience at Mancelona schools, Ms. Heegeman brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for music education to our community. We look forward to seeing how she inspires and develops the musical talents of our students.

Exciting news! 🎉 Ms. Marcine Shaffer will be joining us as a grade-level para! With her experience as a one-on-one para, we're confident she'll bring incredible support and energy to our team. Please join us in welcoming her to this new role!

You can find your child's classroom teacher by logging into PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you need help logging into PowerSchool, please email helpdesk@ithacaschools.net We look forward to a great year ahead!

We have a new observation platform in our school woods for students to use during field trips! Generously funded by our PTO and built by Hugo and Kody Bootsma, the platform will be a perfect addition to our outdoor education experiences!



Shout out to our amazing maintenance and custodial staff! North Elementary is looking spectacular and ready for students!





Parents: Please log-in to PowerSchool and complete paperwork and forms for this school year. We will be releasing classroom assignments in the next few days. You will not be able to view your child's teacher until the 2025-26 forms are completed. If you need help logging into your account, please reach out to the technology department.
