The Husky Hub

Dear Parents and Community Members,

As we reach the halfway point of the school year, we’d like to remind everyone of the importance of regular school attendance.

Here are a few key reasons why attendance matters:

• Student Learning: Missing school leads to missing important instructional time, which can result in gaps in knowledge. Regular attendance helps students stay engaged and succeed academically.

Regular attendance not only supports the individual student but also the whole class. Teachers modify instruction or spend valuable time reteaching content for the absent students. This can ultimately impact the content covered if there is chronic absenteeism in classrooms or grade levels.

• Access to Resources and Support: The school offers essential resources like counseling, extracurricular activities, and meals. Absenteeism can prevent students from fully benefiting from these opportunities.

• State Requirements and Funding: Our district must meet state attendance and instructional hour standards. State law requires 180 days of school AND 1098 hours of instruction with 75% OF STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE on each of those days.

Schools receive 6 “Acts of God Days” each year. A waiver for up to 3 additional days may be applied once the first 6 days are used. We have already used 7 “Acts of God” (snow) days this year.

Two additional days have not met the 75% attendance requirement. Continued low attendance (especially on half days) may extend the school year and could result in financial penalties for the district. For example, one day of unmade-up instruction could result in a financial penalty totaling up to $26,000.

As a reminder, half days of school count towards our 180 day requirement. Valuable learning and community-building events happen on our half days of school.

• Future Opportunities: Frequent absences can impact academic records and future opportunities, including graduation, college admissions, and entering the workforce. Consistent attendance helps students build successful habits.

We appreciate your support in prioritizing school attendance. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Amiee Erfourth

Superintendent

Benzie County Central Schools

Husky families, staff, and community supporters,

Parents and community members can get involved by actively participating in various ways. They can attend community meetings, join committees, volunteer their time and skills, provide input and feedback, and support fundraising efforts. Additionally, staying informed through school newsletters, social media, and our district website can help everyone stay connected and engaged in the initiatives. If you have information or photos that you would like shared, please feel free to email me at crossmanc@benzieschools.net

We have a lot to celebrate this month. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to catch celebrations throughout the year. It is difficult to share every amazing thing our kids do, but we do our best to recognize as many as possible for their achievements.

The Oliver Art Center in Frankfort, Michigan is hosting a Regional Student Art Show through the end of the month. Many schools in Northwest Michigan participated, but Benzie Central students did very well. A HUGE congratulations goes out to the following Benzie Students for their exemplary artwork.

Conner Wenkel - 3rd Place Mixed Media

Emmett Zeller - 1st Place Ceramics

Elsa Carter - 2nd Place Painting

Olivia Francis - 2nd Place Drawing

Alta Alpers - 3rd Place Painting

Benzie Central proudly congratulates Benjamin DeRidder on his signing his National Letter of Intent to Cornerstone University where he will compete in both Cross Country as well as Track and Field.

Benjamin is an accomplished three sport athlete earning numerous All Region and All conference awards and a State Qualifier in Wrestling.

He is also one of the top students in his class carrying a 3.77 GPA. Benjamin will be a great representative of Benzie Central and we could not be more happy and proud of his commitment to another four years of Academics as well as Athletics.

Benzie Central proudly congratulates Owen Hester on the signing of his National Letter of Intent to Lawrence Technological University where he will continue both his Academic Studies with career goals to become a Mechanical Engineer, as well as continue his goal of competing in Soccer at the Collegiate level.

Owen is a four sport athlete who excels in the classroom as well, earning a 3.63 GPA. Benzie Central is proud to have Owen continue to represent us, his family and our community at the next level.

Benzie Central Junior, Mia Jones-Tabora spoke on working toward her Eagle Scout Project at last evening’s Board of Education meeting. Mia wants to create teaching kit booklets for our elementary students on the Aquatic Life of Insects and their importance to our Michigan Great Lakes Water Quality.

Some of Mr. Wassa’s 4th & 5th grade students at Betsie Valley Elementary competed yesterday at the National Writers Series Battle of the Books event. Our Betsie Valley Elementary team was called the “Spacetacular Squid Squad” and they won an award for the best Coat of Arms poster. Congratulations to Mr. Wassa and our amazing Betsie Valley Elementary team.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: (Dates contingent on weather closings)

• April 1 - School Resumes
• April 2- 10th and 11th Grade Parent Meeting
• April 4 - End of 3rd Marking Period
• April 9 - Seniors Visit Elementary Schools
• April 12 - Early Childhood Fair
• April 14 - Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 PM
• April 14 - Kindergarten Round-Up - Homestead Hills Elementary
• April 15 - Kindergarten Round-Up - Betsie Valley Elementary
• April 17 -Kindergarten Round-Up - Lake Ann Elementary
• April 18 - NO SCHOOL - Good Friday
• April 25 - Early Release - Professional Development
• April 30 - Special School Board Meeting - 7:30 AM
• May 1 - Spring Pops Concert - Spring Art Fair
• May 3 - Junior -Senior Prom
• May 12 - Regular Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 PM
• May 15 - Spring Band Concert
• May 21 - Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department - Immunization Clinic
• May 22 - Senior Night
• June 1 - Commencement - 3:00 PM
• June 16-19 - Husky Robotics / Northwestern Michigan College Summer VEX Robotics IQ Summer Camp

If you are not receiving weather cancellations, please contact your students main office and be sure your most recent contact information is on file. Closures and delays can also be found on our local news channels, WTCM, our district facebook page, as well as our website, www.benzieschools.net.

I continue to facilitate the celebration of our student and district successes, all while encouraging continued growth.

Be connected...Stay connected!

All the best,

Catina

____________________________________

Catina M. Crossman

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Board of Education Administrative Assistant

Talent Management Administrative Assistant

Director of Communications

School of Choice Coordinator

Pupil Accounting Specialist

Benzie Central Alumni Committee

crossmanc@benzieschools.net

P 231-882-9653 . Ext. 2001 .|. F 231-882-9121

Hello Husky families, staff, students, and community supporters,

Welcome April. I hope this message finds you well. Spring has sprung and with it comes the excitement of the last quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. As your dedicated Superintendent, I remain grateful for the opportunity to work in partnership and serve the students, staff, families, and community of Benzie County Central Schools.

April is state assessment month all across Michigan. These important assessments help our educators measure student progress, identify areas for improvement in teaching and curriculum, and ultimately help improve student achievement.

Outside the classroom walls, our students are readying their works of art for our District Wide Art Show, and our elementary students are practicing for their talent shows. Spring sports kicked of on Monday, March 10 for high school, and Tuesday, April 1 for Middle School.

Benzie County Central Schools welcomes Board of Education Trustee, Dave Egeler. Dave is passionate about public education and is eager to contribute to the ongoing success and strategic direction of Benzie County Central Schools.

Please remember that you can keep up with your student(s) academic status as well as attendance within our student information system, PowerSchool. If you do not yet have an account set up, we encourage you to do so. You can create an account by accessing the following link: https://powerschool.benzieschools.net/public/. Thank you, and remember the importance of attending classes every day from preschool to the 12th grade.

As always, I am available to you. I welcome the opportunity to meet, listen, and share ideas about ways to improve the whole child, whole family, and whole community experience for our students. Please feel free to contact me by phone at 231-882-9653, via email at erfourtha@benzieschools.net, or a visit to the Central Business Office by appointment.

Go Huskies,

Amiee Erfourth

Superintendent

Benzie County Central Schools

Benzie County Central Schools welcomes Board of Education Trustee, Dave Egeler.

Dave is passionate about public education and is eager to contribute to the ongoing success and strategic direction of Benzie County Central Schools.

He brings a unique combination of experiences that he believes will be of great value to the Board of Education. As an attorney, he possesses strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of laws, regulations, and ethical decision-making, all of which are essential when reviewing and implementing school policies.

Dave also was a permanent building substitute teacher within our district and that provided him firsthand insight into classroom dynamics, curriculum challenges, and student needs. This direct experience in education ensures that he remain connected to the realities faced by educators and students alike, allowing for informed and practical policy decisions.

PRESS RELEASE: Benzie Central's Elsa Carter is chosen as the 2025 Isle Royale National Park Artist-in-Residence for the Isle Royale Teen Artist Exploration Program

Each summer, the Isle Royale National Park has an Artist-in-Residence program to provide three artists a three-week immersion in Isle Royale's wilderness environment. This immersion provides time for the artist to connect to the many moods that only a north woods wilderness can provide. Selected artists must donate a piece of artwork representative of their stay on Isle Royale to the park within one year of their experience.

The Isle Royale Teen Artist Exploration is one of the only programs of this kind available to students throughout the United States and due to this rarity, it is highly sought after and VERY competitive. Benzie's Elsa Carter was chosen out of hundreds of applications. Elsa had to fill out a comprehensive application, get letters of recommendation from numerous teachers and community members, and submit all of the above with a portfolio of her best, most representative artwork that would exemplify her skills to be part of such an amazing, yet selective, once in a lifetime opportunity!

Elsa Carter is a Junior at Benzie County Central Schools in Benzonia, Michigan. She currently has 3.94 GPA, while being a 2-Sport Varsity Athlete, participating in Alpine Skiing and Track and Field. Elsa has always shined in the Art world, winning numerous awards including 2nd Place in Painting at the prestigious Oliver Art Center Regional Art Show and the Kendall College of Art and Design Award at the Juried Fine Art Show at the Crooked Tree Art Center Show.

Elsa will once again be demonstrating her amazing skills at the Benzie Central Spring Art Show and Pops Choir Concert on May 1st.

Congratulations Elsa!

Here is Benzie Central's updated U.S. News profile page, with details about our rankings:

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/michigan/districts/benzie-county-central-schools/benzie-central-sr-high-school-9730

The U.S. News and World Report published their 2024 Best Elementary Schools, and the news is good for Lake Ann Elementary School: Our school placed among the top 40% of elementary schools in the state of Michigan, making it a U.S. News Best Elementary School.

Here’s a look at what was published about our school, including its new ranking(s):

https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/michigan/school-217780.

Do you love interacting with people? Have you ever considered serving your local community in a meaningful way? Do you enjoy challenges and making a difference in the lives of children? If so, Benzie County Central Schools just might be what you have been looking for!

https://benzieschools.net/now-hiring-employment-listings/

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce are not-for-profit 501c6 organizations whose members are comprised of business owners, community leaders, and other community stakeholders. The Benzie Chamber of Commerce focuses on advocacy in the Benzie County area through the business lens and is actively advocating Housing Initiatives, Broadband Initiatives, Legislative Policy and so much more as it relates to our community. On a larger scale, as a member of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, the Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce is a partner in Legislative Advocacy for rural, Northern Michigan.

Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department

Community Connections is a free program that provides assistance connecting resources to adults, children, and families. Services are provided with supportive phone calls, office visits, and home visits by a community health worker, nurse, and/or social worker.

Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)

Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency is a proud supporter of Benzie County. Our programs are available to Benzie County residents in all of the towns and surrounding areas such as Benzonia, Frankfort, Beulah, Thompsonville, Honor, Elberta, Lake Ann, and Hardwood Acers.

Grow Benzie - Benzie County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSC)

The Benzie County Human Services Collaborative (HSC) (formally the Benzie County Human Services Collaborative Body HSCB) was established in 1989 to facilitate greater coordination among service organizations to support and serve low income families and children in Benzie County.

Benzie Senior Resources

At Benzie Senior Resources, we provide an extensive suite of programs and services, from affordable care in your home to activities that engage and nourish connections. Our Benzie County community is at the core of all we do. Helping Benzie Seniors navigate the aging process through education, enrichment, and a caring smile is why we exist. When it matters…We’re here. How can we help? Call (231) 525-0600

Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN)

In In 1983 the Benzie County worship communities joined together to serve Neighbors struggling with critical human needs. Since those humble beginnings Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN) has transformed from a charity providing basic needs to a community nurturing the spirit of those they serve.

Mrs. Mullen's Closet

Mrs. Mullen’s Closet for Benzie County was set up in memory of Dyanne Mullen, a principal at Hart Public Schools and part time resident at Crystal Mountain. Dyanne was instrumental in making sure all students in her building had necessary clothing all year. When Dyanne passed away in 2010, Mrs. Mullen’s Closet was started in her memory to continue to help students in Hart.

Baby Pantry- St. Philip's Episcopal Church

Lake Ann United Methodist Church Food Pantry

Open at the church in Lake Ann, next to Stone Oven (park in the back parking lot and use back door entrance) on:

Tuesday’s 9am - 12pm
Wednesday’s 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursday’s 9am - 12pm

Any questions can be directed to the LAUMC office at (231) 275 - 7236.

Benzie Bus

(231) 325-3000

Benzie Bus connects people of all ages and abilities to our community and promotes independence and prosperity through a safe and convenient public transit system.

Help.Org

Our Our mission is to provide support for people who are dealing with substance abuse and addiction. We do this through our comprehensive resources and guides, and connecting people with the right treatment programs.

mission is to provide support for people who are dealing with substance abuse and addiction. We do this through our comprehensive resources and guides, and connecting people with the right treatment programs.

If your community organization would like to be added to the Husky Hub, please contact Catina.

$150.00 Daily Rate

$175.00 Designated Building Subs

Apply today!

https://signup.willsub.com/index.asp?fuseaction=start.show_requirements&fbclid=IwAR2XEa0F7oqi8rUDW7mZn-_0sarQJHR-GpUyijWp7kZUvffvDms2mL1e1QM

The mission of the Benzie County Central School community is to provide a safe learning environment that motivates all students to reach their highest potential by providing the necessary skills to become life long learners and leaders in a changing society.

Email: erfourtha@benzieschools.net
Website: www.benzieschools.net
Location: 9300 Homestead Rd. Benzonia, MI. 49616
Phone: 231-882-9653

The Husky Hub is from the desk of Mrs. Catina Crossman.

Go Huskies!

Email: crossmanc@benzieschools.net
Website: www.benzieschools.net
Location: 9300 Homestead Road, Benzonia, MI, USA
Phone: 231-882-9653 Ext. 2001
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benzieschools