08/21/2024

Dear Students, Families, and Staff, 

Welcome back to the start of an exciting new school year at Florence County Schools! I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating summer, and that you’re ready to embark on a fantastic year ahead.

As we kick off the new school year, I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our returning families and students, and to introduce some new faces who are joining our Bobcat team. This year, we are fortunate to have several new staff members who bring a wealth of experience, passion, and fresh perspectives to our district. They are eager to engage with our students and families, and I am confident that their contributions will enrich our community.  

Doug Burke - Bus Driver/Custodian, Amber Kolberg - Food Service Director, Kailie Celello - 5th Grade Teacher, Brandon Maki - 2nd Grade Teacher, Lisa Andreas - Special Education, Tracy Cassidy - HS Science, Kristen Burrell - MS/HS Math, and Henry Sullivan - Cross Country Coach

The start of the school year is always very busy and I have listed a few of the important upcoming events for you.

Upcoming Events:

1. Teacher Inservice/First Day Back for Staff - Monday, August 26th, 2024 at 7:45am is the start of the first inservice day for teachers and staff.  Teachers will attend inservice August 26th-August 30th. 

2. Grades 7-12 Parent/Student University – Join us on Wednesday, August 28th at 5:30pm at the MS/HS building.  MS/HS Principal, Brandon Jerue will address the student body, as well as a guest speaker.  The students will receive their schedules and be allowed to go to their locker to drop off supplies.

3. Elementary Open House – Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 29th, from 2:00-5:30pm for our Elementary Open House event. This will be an informal chance to connect with other families, meet your child's teacher, and drop off school supplies.

4. Fall Sports Kickoff/Scrimmages – Practices have already begun, and our Bobcats are gearing up for another thrilling year of competition! Please come out to support our teams whenever possible.  The football team will begin action on Friday, August 23 at Forest Park (Crystal Falls, MI) for a scrimmage at 9:00am.  The JV and Varsity volleyball teams will take the floor on Saturday, August 24th in Wabeno for a scrimmage at 9:00am.  The cross country team will have their first competition on September 5th at Lake Lundgren at 4:00pm.  And, the junior high girls basketball team will be on the court for their first game of the season on Monday, August 26th at home vs. Niagara at 5:30pm.  

5. First Day of School for all Students  – Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 is the first day for all students.  Doors open at 7:45am daily in both buildings.  Breakfast is served in both the MS HS, and the elementary school, from 7:45-8:05.  The first bell in the MS/HS rings at 8:08, with classes starting promptly at 8:12am.  Classes in the elementary school begin at 8:10am.

6. 1st Early Release Day for Teacher Inservice/Professional Development – The first early release day is Wednesday, September 25th, 2024.  Elementary students are released at 12:15pm and the MS/HS students are released at 12:30pm.  

7. School Picture Day - School picture day for all students is Thursday, October 10th, 2024.  Picture retake day/make-up day is Monday, November 18th, 2024.  More information for picture day will follow as we get closer to that date.

As we begin this new school year together, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and involvement. It is this partnership between families, staff, and the community that creates an environment where our students can thrive.

I am genuinely excited about the year ahead and the potential it holds. Let’s work together to make this a memorable and successful school year for all. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Here’s to a wonderful year filled with learning, growth, and achievement. Welcome back!

08/21/2024

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