Accessible Text-Only Version

Northport Notes

Volume 31, Issue 7
October 9, 2026

This page contains the text-only version of this issue of Northport Notes. It includes the same information as the visual newsletter in a format designed for improved readability and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Raptors Get Rapt Attention!

Skegemog Raptor Center visited our Wildcats today with their incredible birds. Students sat in awe as they watched an American Kestrel balance, a Red-Tailed Hawk soar, and an American Bald Eagle devour raw meat. Thank you to Karen Trotenberg and the Skegemog Raptor Center for making this happen!

Photo Descriptions

The Red-Tailed Hawk shows off his impressive wingspan.
Wildcats watch as Executive Director, James Manley, discusses hawk tail feathers.
Lenny & Lou get hands on with talons at the raptor exhibit.
Tera John holds an American Kestrel in front of our raptor bulletin board.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Oct. 10

11:00 AM – Boys Varsity Soccer v. Benzie @ SB
8:00–10:00 PM – High School Homecoming Dance @ SB

Monday, Oct. 12

12:15 PM – Grades 3–8 Trip to Leelanau Historical Society
4:15 PM – MS Soccer v. Leland @ SB
4:30 PM – MS Volleyball v. TC Bulldogs @ SB
5:30 PM – Board of Education Meeting
7:00 PM – Boys Varsity Soccer v. Leland @ SB

Tuesday, Oct. 13

4:00 PM – MS Cross Country @ Kingsley
5:30 PM – Elementary Cross Country @ Kingsley
5:30 PM – JV/V Volleyball v. St. Francis @ SB

Wednesday, Oct. 14

4:30 PM – MS Volleyball @ Leland

Thursday, Oct. 15

5:00 PM – Boys Varsity Soccer @ Buckley
5:30 PM – JV/V Volleyball @ Leland

Friday, Oct. 16

4:20 PM – MS Cross Country @ Veronica Valley
5:30 PM – Elementary Cross Country @ Veronica Valley

Upcoming Highlights

Friday, Oct. 23

Flu/COVID Immunization Clinic

Monday, Oct. 26

Picture Retake Day

Students of the Month

Brhianna Ugalde

I am thrilled to recognize Brhianna Ugalde as our October Elementary Student of the Month. Brhi embodies our Northport ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ values through her academic excellence, goal-oriented mindset, and outstanding character. She perseveres through every challenge, actively engages in classroom discussions, and takes great pride in producing high-quality work. Always respectful, responsible, and receptive to feedback, Brhi sets a wonderful example for our entire school community. Congratulations, Brhianna, and thank you for your exceptional effort!

Jace Kohler

Jace Kohler consistently demonstrates strong academic effort, responsibility, respect, and all of our Habits of Character. He is kind to his peers, respectful toward others, highly motivated and self-driven in his learning.

Jace is a deep thinker who takes the time to truly understand what he is learning. He asks thoughtful follow-up questions, carefully analyzes ideas, and takes pride in doing his best work. He is willing to step outside of his comfort zone, approach new challenges with an open mind, and demonstrates a strong growth mindset.

Jace’s maturity, curiosity, positive attitude, and commitment to learning make him an excellent example for other students. He consistently exhibits what it means to be a respectful, responsible, and engaged Wildcat.

Introducing Our New Wildcat Award!

The Northport Wildcat Award is all about celebrating the journey of progress and the power of continuous improvement. It highlights students who are actively moving forward by building better habits, putting in extra effort, and making noticeable strides in their daily school life. Whether it’s steadily raising grades, coming to school more consistently, handling challenges with greater resilience, or simply growing in confidence and positive attitude, this award honors any step in the right direction.

Weston Chippewa

Weston Chippewa is making meaningful growth this school year. He comes to school ready to learn and consistently puts forth effort, even when learning is challenging. When he makes a mistake, or does not succeed the first time, Weston works to learn from it and tries again. He is becoming more confident in his ability to work through challenges and take ownership of his learning. Weston is also a kind and supportive friend who contributes positively to the classroom and our school community. His growth, effort, and perseverance make him a wonderful example of a Northport Wildcat.

Justin Miller

Justin Miller has started this school year with a renewed sense of focus, organization, and enthusiasm. He is attentive in class, makes great use of his time, and brings infectious energy and creativity to 8th-grade CREW and English. Approaching projects with curiosity and a strong growth mindset, Justin consistently thinks outside the box. His initiative extends beyond the classroom, too—he recently volunteered at Leelanau Uncaged, spending hours drawing "Terrible Portraits" for festival-goers simply to contribute to the community. Justin’s growth, positive attitude, and willingness to go above and beyond make him a truly deserving recipient of the Wildcat Award.

2026 Wildcat Homecoming

The 2026 Wildcat Homecoming was a huge success! Saturday kicked off with our annual parade, winding its way through town from the high school to the soccer fields. This year’s theme brought favorite children’s books to life, with incredible floats created by every high school class, as well as entries from our middle and elementary school students. Congratulations to the Sophomores, who took home first place with their fantastic Fancy Nancy float!

The Varsity Boys Soccer team kept the energy high both along the parade route and on the pitch, securing a dominant 8–0 victory over Manistee. Just before kickoff, we presented our Homecoming Court and officially crowned Seniors Lenae Roman and Damian Ugalde as Homecoming Queen and King!

The celebration concluded with a fun PTO-sponsored middle school dance. High school students will have their turn to celebrate this Saturday, October 10, from 8:00–10:00 PM at Suttons Bay High School.

A huge thank you to all the teachers, staff, parents, and community members who dedicated their time and effort to making this year’s Homecoming unforgettable.

Photo Descriptions

6th graders Faith and Hope Shanannaquet, Laila Stoffel, and Sofia Espinoza mask up for a silly photo.
8th graders Charlie Hale, Marcus Myers, Tanner Brown, and Brishom Dignan show off for the camera.
Our varsity boys soccer team rode in style to the field on their float.

2026 Homecoming Court

Homecoming Court Representatives

Freshmen: Sandro Espinoza and Hazel Wetherbee
Sophomores: Lexi Diaz and Kenzie Scott
Juniors: Xyric Camino and Aliyah Mendez
Seniors: Jay Craker and Tahlia Roman

Homecoming King and Queen

Seniors Lenae Roman and Damian Ugalde became Homecoming royalty as Queen and King.

Photo Descriptions

Freshmen representatives Sandro Espinoza and Hazel Wetherbee ride in a red convertible during the Homecoming parade.
Sophomore representatives Lexi Diaz and Kenzie Scott ride in a purple convertible.
Junior representatives Xyric Camino and Aliyah Mendez ride in a dark convertible.
Senior representatives Jay Craker and Tahlia Roman ride in a light green convertible.
Homecoming Queen Lenae Roman and King Damian Ugalde stand together on the soccer field wearing crowns and royal capes.

Flu & COVID Immunization Clinic

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department will be coming to Northport Public School to provide flu and COVID vaccines to school staff, students, and families.

Friday, October 23, 2026

Time: 1:30–4:00 PM

Location: Northport Public School

Appointments are required. No walk-ins.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to schedule an appointment. If you need assistance, call 231-882-4409, extension 3.

Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To arrange advance consent for immunization without a parent present, please contact Bobbi at 231-920-2332 or bscott@bldhd.org.

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

Northport Public School

Wednesday, October 28: 6:00–8:00 PM
Thursday, October 29: 1:00–5:00 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM

Fall Conference Time! We look forward to connecting with you about your child's progress! Student-led conferences will return this spring.

Grades K–5: Please sign up for a scheduled time slot with each teacher you wish to meet.
Grades 6–12: No appointment needed! Teachers will be available for drop-in conferences in the small gym.

Reminder

Elementary students have three specials teachers: Jenny Evans (Art), Chuck Schuba (PE), and Hannah Smith (Music).

Specials teachers will be in the small gym along with all teachers for students in grades 6–12.

Wild Spartans Wildlife Webinar Series

Available on video!

Wild Spartans is a monthly wildlife and fisheries webinar series from Michigan State University Extension and 4-H for families interested in exploring science, research, careers, and conservation.

Webinars are recorded for future viewing at your convenience.

Watch the Wild Spartans webinar series.

Cross-Country Feats

Last week, our elementary Wildcats took on the 1-mile course at Woodland!

The boys blazed the trail, led by Ben Teahen Purdy’s top-ten medal performance, while Logan Stoffel showed tremendous toughness and determination to set a new personal best.

Our girls kept their impressive streak alive, bringing home more hardware and personal records. Ellie Hale and Thisbe Cavendish both earned medals with top-ten finishes among 5th-grade runners. Elin Bahle continued her personal-best streak, Destiny Ugalde pushed through side pains to finish strong, and Vesper Cavendish did awesome in her first race of the season!

Way to go, Wildcats!

Photo Descriptions

Destiny Ugalde races ahead of a competitor.
Ben Teahen Purdy pushes through to claim a spot in the top ten.
Logan Stoffel concentrates on the path ahead as he runs.
Elin Bahle, Vesper Cavendish, Destiny Ugalde, and Thisbe Cavendish run together on the cross-country course.
Elin Bahle smiles as she races toward the finish.

4-H Outdoor Overnight Camp!

At the 4-H Johnson Preserve

Spend a night outdoors with 4-H! Join us for tent camping, outdoor activities, food, and fall fun!

Dates: October 17–18
Ages: 10 and older
Meals: All meals provided
Cost: $30 per youth

Registration

Ready to camp? Contact Danny to register at schaubda@msu.edu.

After registering, participants will be asked to enroll in 4-H Online and join the 4-H Johnson Preserve Outdoor Camp – Fall club.

Space is limited — sign up soon!

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all, without discrimination based on religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, family status, or veteran status.

Picture Retake Day is Coming!

Monday, October 26, 2026

How It Works

Students are photographed on Picture Retake Day. Bring the original picture package if available.
You can still order pictures online at MyLifetouch. Create an account or log in using the Picture Day ID below.
Orders will be sent home with your student after Picture Retake Day.

Picture Day ID: EVTGQNFTT

Questions? Visit the Lifetouch Help Center and select K–12 School Photography for assistance.