The Baraga Area School District would like to welcome new and returning students to the start of the 2020-2021 school year. We wish all students the very best with the start of this new and exciting school year.

The Baraga Area Schools will open for the 2020-2021 school year on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Junior/Senior High school students (grade 6-12) will report directly to their first period class on the first day of school. Their schedules will be available on PowerSchool or in the high school office. PLES students will report to their classrooms. Class lists will be posted next to the classroom doors and on the entry doors.

The beginning of the year forms are available on the Baraga Schools website (www.baragaschools.org) and on the schools’ Facebook page. These forms can be picked up from the office if you do not have the ability to print them. They can be returned in person or by email. For the elementary school, lori@baragaschools.org (K-5th) and middle/high school (6th-12th), tlaplante@baragaschools.org.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in grade K-5th will be required to wear facial covering in common areas (i.e.: bus, hallway and bathrooms). While students in grade 6th-12th will be required to wear facial covering in all common areas and classrooms. The 6th-12th classroom facial covering will be reviewed after two weeks by the Board of Education and Administration. The Western U.P. Health department has stated that the single layer gators are not acceptable face covering. Face coverings should be two layers for proper protection.

Students will not be able to enter the building until 7:50 a.m.

BARAGA HIGH SCHOOL

Classes begin at 8:25 a.m. and end at 3:23 p.m. Students are able to choose their locker online as long as the beginning of the year forms have been completed and returned. New students are asked to call the high school (353-6661) as soon as possible to schedule an enrollment appointment and to register.

Please contact Mr. Scott at (906) 353-6661 with any questions or concerns regarding the start of the school year.

PHILIP LATENDRESSE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL(P.L.E.S.)

Students in Kindergarten through 5th grades will attend school at the Philip LaTendresse Elementary School. P.L.E.S students will receive their core instruction from their classroom teachers. The school day begins at 8:25 a.m. and dismisses at 3:21 p.m. Additional support will be supplied to every classroom throughout the week. In addition to classroom teachers, P.L.E.S. has a special education teacher and a Title I teacher working collaboratively with classroom teachers to design and provide a variety of mathematics, reading and writing interventions to meet the individual needs of students. P.L.E.S. students will also attend Art, Music and Physical Education classes each week. 

All kindergarten students attend five days a week. Kindergarten parents will receive letters with an explanation of their child’s class assignment.

SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM

The Breakfast/Lunch program begins on Tuesday, Sept. 1. We are pleased to inform you that we will be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2020-2021 school year.

The great news is that all students enrolled at our school can receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge to your household each day. The USDA requires us to serve one reimbursable meal to students that qualify for free and reduced meals. In order to purchase an extra item or double lunches, these students will need to have money in their food service account. The money can be deposited in the office prior to school starting and at lunchtime.

A student with an unpaid lunch balance over $5.00 will not be allowed to charge or receive any additional items until the balance is paid in full.

STUDENT INSURANCE

Students are required to provide proof of insurance coverage before they can participate in any 6-12 sport activities.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus route times will remain the same as last year. If you have questions please feel free to contact Michele Velmer at 353-6664.

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

Each family will receive a quick guide to the Baraga Area Schools Student/Parent handbook. Complete handbooks can be found online at www.baragaschools.org or in the elementary and high school office. Please review with your children and keep as a reference throughout the year.

OPEN HOUSE AND ORIENTATION

Due to COVID-19 restrictions at this time there will not be an open house or 6th grade orientation.