Dear SPS Parents/Guardians,
I am excited to welcome each of our families to the 2023-24 school year at Saugatuck Public Schools. It promises to be another exceptional year filled with new learning opportunities, new challenges and new friendships.
SPS Welcomes Our New Education Professionals
Our outstanding faculty, staff and administration are at the core of our success as a learning organization. It is my pleasure to welcome the 2023-24 cohort of education professionals to the SPS team:
Alexa Buschong will be our new preschool teacher as we expand our preschool options to include a three year old and enrichment program this year. Alexa is a graduate of Hope College with degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Alexa gained experience as an Assistant Preschool Teacher at Zeeland Christian Schools.
James Reinke joins our transportation team as a bus driver with two years’ experience in Utah.
Josephine Riley will be our new speech pathologist. Josephine earned her M.A. in Speech Pathology from Central Michigan University and recently completed her internship with West Ottawa Public Schools.
MaryBeth Koberna brings a decade of knowledge and experience from Holland Public Schools to her position as a special education paraprofessional in our high school.
Cassandra Goerge will serve DES as our new social worker. Cassandra earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology at Alma College and her M.A. in Social Work at GVSU. Cassandra recently completed an internship with Grant Public Schools.
Anthony Grech will begin his tenure as our new athletic director. While certainly not new to SPS, Anthony will step into this new role while continuing his role as one of the best middle school social studies teachers in the state. Anthony earned his M.A. in Sport & Fitness Administration from Central Michigan University.
Back to School Events
A listing of fall events across the district is available on our website at saugatuckpublicschools.com. You can also access the district calendar on your smartphone with the SPS app. Here is the QR code to upload our app.
Some upcoming back to school events to put on your calendar include:
Thursday, August 17th DES Class Reveal Day
Thursday, August 17th Middle School & High School Orientation
Thursday, August 17th Sixth Grade Parent Orientation
Wednesday, August 23rd DES Dedication Ceremony and Open House
Tuesday, August 29th First Day of School
Tuesday, August 29th Kindergarten Bye-Bye Breakfast
Construction Update
Construction continues to progress on schedule and on budget this summer. The entire middle school has been refreshed with new carpet, new lighting, new paint, fire suppression, new countertops, new furniture and a new science lab. Returning middle school students will also notice that the “pit” has been filled in, providing additional small group learning spaces in the middle school.
Check out this drone footage of our new field turf and construction of the learning commons, special education classrooms, office and secure entrance, middle school art room, innovation lab, tech lab and new classrooms. This large phase of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of the 2023-24 school year. The final phase of construction will include the cafeteria, new strength and conditioning room, and locker rooms.
Important Back to School Information Links
Please click on the following links for other important back to school information:
No Cost Breakfast and Lunch
Transportation
Preschool Registration
It has been a beautiful West Michigan summer. I hope that each family has the opportunity to enjoy the remaining summer days and is looking forward to the upcoming school year as much as I am.