
Comet Weekly Update
Thursday, February 2nd

Thursday, September 28th
Recently at LPS
"We have a record number of Monarch butterflies in our class tank. Five have emerged, 3 more most likely today and then 5 more! It is amazing to watch."
"So many thanks to the Leland Booster Club, who paid for our monarchs to come from Monarch Watch."
- Mrs. Osorio
"The two Aidans- H and K, brought in tools to fix Stoney's toy. Allowing our students autonomy and freedom to create, build, and fix is another way to build excellent students and leaders." - Mrs. Suttmann
"We wrote a salsa recipe together, then made our classroom batch using fresh produce from the Farmer's market! The kids loved tasting it and said it was "satisfying" to watch me slice and dice the ingredients." -Mrs. Suttmann
"Leland Elementary Runners love Cross Country! Thank you Coach Kelenske and Ariana!" #💜💛🏃♀️🏃🏽☄️ #cometstrong @lpscross_and_trackandfield
We had a loud, proud, joyful afternoon of Spirit-Week-Games to round out a wonderful Homecoming Spirit Week. THANK YOU to the Student Council and all of the student leaders who put this together.
A BIG thank you to the Senior Class for throwing a GREAT Homecoming Dance.🤩 💜 (Not all Seniors pictured.)
Wednesday's half day assembly with "Coach Tree" Theresa Beeckman!
MS & HS giving each other permission to "take our armor off."
Even Mooch was intently listening to every word.
A big thank you to Coach Theresa Beeckman for spending the morning with MS & HS, then the afternoon with LPS staff!
Students and Staff had the opportunity to learn from Coach Tree, culture building activities and research surrounding what it is like to be a Gen Z student. Coach Tree covered topics such as how we help each other feel seen, trust one another, give each other permission to take our armor off, manage in person vs social media time, create better communities, and be a part of a better world. It's hard to summarize the impact of this joyful shared experience but we as Leland Comets are always overjoyed to grow together.
HS Art students take a field trip to Grand Rapids for Art Prize!
Leland Alum and MSU Sophomore, Kenzy Sluiter came to find Bodey Sell at last week’s MSU football game. Bodey (11) is LPS Special Ed Aide, Miss Jill’s grandson. Bodey has non-verbal autism. Kenzy cared for him over the summer. It’s evident how much Kenzy’s efforts meant to Bodey and his family.
This is a true measurement of parental and school success. May Leland produce many more students who will invest in themselves and make a difference for those facing so much challenge."
- Jill Kattelus, Special Ed Aide
Congratulations to Amabel Schwaiger, Mallory Lowe, Fiona Moord and Nola Fedderman!
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6th & 7th grade goes to Camp Henry! With (long time Elementary but new to Middle School) teacher and outdoor aficionado Mr. Seguin! Thank you to all of the people who made this trip possible for our Comets!
Important Information & Events
Important Dates
Thursday, September 28 - HS Art Students to Art Prize - Grand Rapids
Monday, October 2nd - Monthly PTO Meeting 6pm
Thursday, October 5th - PTO Parent Social 6pm
Thursday, October 19th - Saturday October 21st - Fall Play Little Shop of Horrors
Tuesday, November 7th - No School, Teacher PD
New Wednesday, November 8th - Choir Concert 3rd - 12th Grade
New Monday, November 13th - Monthly PTO Meeting 6pm
Wednesday, November 15th - 1/2 Day of School, Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, November 16th - 1/2 Day of School, Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, November 22nd - 1/2 Day Staff & Students
Thursday, November 23rd - No School (Thanksgiving)
Friday, November 24th - No School
Wednesday, December 6th - 1/2 Day/ Teacher PD
New Thursday December 7th - K-2 & Honors Choir Concert
Friday, December 22nd - Tuesday, January 2nd - No School Winter Break
The Leland Volleyball program will be running a 5-week training program for 3rd-6th graders at LPS!
The Leland Volleyball coaching staff and high school teams will provide coaching on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm in the Leland High School gym. The program will run September 28 - October 26. This year, the program will focus on more of a balance between modified game play and skill training. The program is free, and all athletes that participate in at least 4 sessions will receive a T-shirt and volleyball! Questions? Email Travis Baker at tbaker@lelandschool.com
Gauging all interest for bringing Poetry Out Loud back to Leland this year!
"We've had a three-year pandemic-induced hiatus, but I think it's time to bring back this amazing program and opportunity." - Mrs. Walters
What is Poetry Out Loud?
Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for high school students. By encouraging youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.
Each year, participating partners host their own competitions and select a student to represent their school at the state finals. The state champion advances to the national finals in Washington, D.C., and competes for a $20,000 college scholarship.
Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of Michigan Humanities, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Awards
Michigan’s state champion receives a $1,000 cash award and an opportunity to represent Michigan at the national competition. At the state level, the first runner-up will receive $750, the second runner-up will receive $500, and the third runner-up will receive $250.
Interested?
All 9th through 12th-grade students are eligible to participate. Contact Mrs. Walter before October 13, 2023, if you’re interested in competing. jwalter@lelandschool.com
“I love the fact that students are not just reading a poem or reading words, but they are actually sharing a part of their identity, sharing what’s important to them. The poems that I chose share a different facet of what I believe in, who I am.” — Sreepadaarchana Munjuluri, 2023 Poetry Out Loud National Champion and Indiana State Champion
*Menu Change* Today's lunch was Quesadillas. French Toast and Sausage will be moved to next Thursday, 10/5.
The lost and found in the elementary area is starting to pile up!
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION INVITES YOU TO THE FALL PARENT SOCIAL
WHO: Parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, staff, Board members
WHAT: Fall Parent Social, including complimentary light bites, homemade ginger ale, hard cider, and live entertainment
WHEN: Thursday, October 5th, from 6pm to 8pm
WHERE: Tandem Ciders tasting room located at 2055 N Setterbo Rd, Suttons Bay
WHY: To build connections amongst our LPS community
We know schedules are hectic, so no need to formally RSVP. Just join if you are able.
The Leland Bridge Connection Mentor Program connects caring adult volunteers from the community with students in our schools. These volunteers serve as lunch buddies, academic coaches, or career advisors as well as another positive adult role model in your child’s life. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or want more information about this K-12 program at LPS please contact Mary Fleishman at mary.fleishman@gmail.com or Matt Peschel at mpeschel@lelandschool.com.
LPS Student Carmella Valentine is a member of the NW Michigan Chapter of Open Spot Theater. The next session starts October 17th and is open for registration to new members!
The Benzie - Leelanau District Health Department will be holding an Immunization Clinic at Leland Public School on Monday, October 16, from 1-4pm.
Please click the link below to schedule.
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month! This serves as a time when we recognize the important contributions Hispanics and Latinx people have made to the world.
Northwest Education offers its schools the opportunity to connect with the following Ted Talk Playlist
- America Ferrera: Talk about her identity as a Latina in Hollywood
- José Andrés: How a team of chefs fed Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
- Luis H Zayas: The psychological impact of child separation at the US-Mexico border
- Erika Pinheiro: What's really happening at the US-Mexico border
- Juan Enriquez: A personal plea for humanity at the US-Mexico border
- María Teresa Kumar: How the new generation of Latinx voters could change US elections
EVERY FRIDAY IS Purple & Gold Day. Wear your Leland gear / any and all purple and gold in your closet to show your Leland spirit. 💜💛☄️
News From the Athletic Department
Thursday, September 28th
MS Soccer vs Suttons Bay - 4:30pm
JV Boys Soccer @ TC Bulldogs - 5:30pm
Varsity Girls Golf @ Bay Meadows Invite - TBA
Friday, September 29th
Varsity Boys Soccer @ MNMC - 5:00pm
Saturday, September 30th
Varsity Cross Country @ Shepard Invite - 12:30pm
News From The Comet Clinic
PARENTS: Please fill out and return the School Wellness Consent Form
You can find the Wellness Consent Form on the website linked below and/or pick up in the main office.
When should a child stay home from school?
Our goal is to keep kids in school as much as possible. However, children may be excluded if the illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in school activities or if there is the risk of spreading harmful disease to others.
Criteria include:
· Severely ill: A child that is lethargic (extremely tired) or less responsive, has difficulty breathing, or has a rapidly spreading rash.
· Fever: A child with a temperature of 100.4°F or greater AND behavior changes or other signs or symptoms (e.g., sore throat, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea). The child should not return until 24 hours of no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
· Diarrhea: A child has two loose or watery stools. The child should have no loose stools for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Exception: A healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious. Diarrhea may be caused by antibiotics or new foods a child has eaten. Please contact your healthcare provider for further guidance. For students with diarrhea caused by Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella or Shigella, reach out to the school nurse for disease specific exclusion periods.
· Vomiting: A child that has vomited two or more times unless a healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious. The child should have no vomiting episodes for 24 hours prior to returning.
· Abdominal pain: A child with abdominal pain that continues for more than two hours, or intermittent pain associated with fever or other symptoms.
· Rash: The child with a rash AND has a fever or a change in behavior. Exclude until the rash subsides or until a healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious. For students with a diagnosed rash, please consult with the school nurse for exclusion dates and required clearance criteria. Note: Rapidly spreading bruising or small blood spots under the skin need immediate medical attention.
· Sores: A child with weeping sores on an exposed area that cannot be covered with waterproof dressing.
· Certain communicable diseases: Children and staff diagnosed with certain communicable diseases, including COVID-19, may have to be excluded for a certain period. Please consult with the school nurse for disease specific exclusion dates.
Resources: MDHHS and AAP
News From the Counseling Team
Does your student need help in making informed education and career decisions? Help them by checking out the recently updated Pathfinder, Michigan’s online career exploration tool that allows users to explore in-demand careers and the degrees or credentials needed to pursue them.
If you’ve used Pathfinder before – found at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org – check out its recent enhancements with your student; including new filter features when exploring jobs, fields and schools and the ability to choose multiple paths and compare them with each other.
For brand new users, visit and have a tailored career exploration experience that will provide your student with a complete training path picture when a career goal is chosen.
Get started at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org!
College Representative's are Coming to Visit Soon!
October 9th University of Michigan 10:00
October 10th Grand Valley State University 11:15
October 10th Alma 12:05
October 26th Northern Michigan University 12:05
News From The Cafe
*Menu Change* Today's lunch was Quesadillas. French Toast and Sausage will be moved to next Thursday, 10/5.
News From The Library
Around the County
Dance Leelanau Fall registration is open!
Direct your little one's energy into the beauty and discipline of a technique-based dance education. They will learn foundations of dance, smooth coordination, musicality, terminology, and expression. This is a 9 week term ending with our annual Dance with Joy recital at the Bay Theater on December 9th!
Registration is open at www.dance-leelanau.com/registration-1
Pre-Ballet I
Ages 2.5-4
with Ms. Hillary
30 min · 9 Mondays 3:45-4:15 pm
October 2-December 4 (No class November 20)
$135 (includes costume fee)
Leland Public School Music Room
Pre-Ballet II
Ages 5-7
with Ms. Hillary
30 min · 9 Mondays 4:30-5 pm
October 2-December 4 (No class November 20)
$135 (includes costume fee)
Leland Public School Music Room
Beginning Ballet
Ages 8-10
with Ms. Caitlin
60 min · 9 Thursdays 3:45-4:45 pm
October 5-December 7 (No class November 23)
$160 (includes costume fee)
Leland Public School Music room
Beginning Modern/Jazz
Ages 8-13
with Ms. Caitlin
60 min · 9 Thursdays 5-6 pm
October 5-December 7 (No class November 23)
$160 (includes costume fee)
Leland Public School Music Room
Submit photos & information for the weekly update to epiro@lelandschool.com
Leland Public School
Website: https://www.lelandschool.com/
Location: 200 North Grand Avenue, Leland, MI, USA
Phone: 231-256-9857