Accessible Text-Only Version

Northport Notes

Volume 31, Issue 1
July 17, 2026

This page contains the text-only version of this issue of Northport Notes. It includes the same information as the visual newsletter in a format designed for improved readability and compatibility with assistive technologies.

NPS Students Participate in GTB Powwow

We couldn’t be prouder of our Wildcats who participated in the 33rd Annual Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Powwow during CherryFest.

The Powwow was presented by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, celebrating the culture, language, and spirit of Grand Traverse’s first people, Anishinaabek.
The summer heat didn’t discourage hundreds of onlookers, both Native and not, to join in on the 33rd Annual Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Powwow for Heritage Day.

NPS students Lynel Raphael and Carolyn Antoine are pictured showcasing traditional dance, drum, singing, and the crowning of Wiigwaasmin royalty. The crowning is a unique pageant created over a decade ago to uplift and support Native American youth living in the ways of their ancestors.

Wildcat 5th grader, Lynel Raphael, had a leading role in the powwow, passing down her 2025-2026 title of Little Miss Wiigwaasmin, translated to Little Cherry Princess, to the next title holder. At the powwow, Lynel performed traditional fancy shawl dances and gave back to the circle for all it has given her over the past year. Her title has taken her all over the country, and even into Canada as she represented herself, family, and tribe.
During her time as royalty, Lynel’s mission was to give back to kids in the area and inspire them to get outside and play. She collected more than 100 toys to encourage boys and girls to put away phones and screens, enjoy the great outdoors, and to get active. During the powwow, Lynel presented her gifts to the crowd.

We couldn’t be prouder to have so many Native students who use their talents to represent, honor, and teach others about the important traditions and history that shaped the region around us. Our school community is so lucky to be able to learn from andcelebrate Native American culture in this way.

Photo descriptions

Wildcat 5th grader Lynel Raphael performs a fancy shawl dance. Last year she was crowned Little Miss Wiigwaasmin which translates to Little Cherry Princess.
Lynel Raphael pauses for a picture in her traditional Native garb wearing her 2025-2026 Little Miss Wiigwaasmin crown.
Wildcat 7th grader Carolyn Antione participates in a traditional Native dance during the powwow.
Lynel participates in a traditional Native dance during the powwow.
Carolyn honors her culture and ancestors by wearing traditional Native dress during the powwow.

What’s Up, Wildcats?

Hello, everyone! One of my projects this summer is updating how all our wonderful families receive Northport Notes and utilizing a new layout to do so. Instead of receiving an email with a PDF attached, you will now get a secure link to the newsletter.

I want to thank you, in advance, for your open-mindedness as we make this transition. I am already having so much fun exploring all the new ways I can better showcase our NPS school community while efficiently getting you the information you need!

—Mrs. Elizabeth Conley

Download the NPS App

Download the NPS app using the direct app link: Download the NPS app.

Wildcat Airwaves

NPS Science Lab Adds Podcasting Equipment to Share Student-Led Research on Invasive Species

Thanks to a grant from the Leelanau Township Community Foundation, NPS science teacher Dr. Susan Sobehrad integrated podcasting equipment into her classroom instruction.

Before the end of the school year, students engaged in multimodal learning by researching topics, developing scripts, recording audio, and producing podcasts that connected classroom learning to authentic, real-world communication.

The equipment allows for the creation of high-quality audio recordings and provides students with opportunities to develop skills in research, communication, collaboration, and digital media production.

The project is expected to continue and expand during next school year, with additional students participating through regular classroom activities.

Listen to the first installment of Wildcat Airwaves below featuring six of our Wildcats who are heading into their junior year. The focus of these podcasts is invasive species in the Great Lakes.

Podcast Episodes

Episode 1: Invasive Species—Mussels and Lampreys
Researched, produced, and recorded by Nahwahquaw Laske and Isaac Petoskey.
Episode 2: Invasive Species—Round Goby
Researched, produced, and recorded by Riley Sahs and Jack Scripps.
Episode 3: Invasive Species—Carp
Researched, produced, and recorded by Elsie Purdy-Teahen and Ada Wetherbee.

Wildcat Watch

NPS Running Club

Calling all students in grades 3–12. NPS Running Club begins in August and meets two to three days each week. Students do not need to plan on running cross country to participate.

For more information or to register, contact Coach Fryer at jfryer@northportps.org.

Alumni Soccer Game

Northport, Suttons Bay, and St. Mary’s soccer alumni are invited to play against the 2026 boys team.

Date: August 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Northport Soccer Field

Email ed@sportvanallic.com with questions. Proceeds from concessions support the NPS Class of 2030 senior trip.

Leelanau Soccer Club Youth Outdoor Recreation

Registration is open for the autumn 2026 season. Children born from 2014 through 2023 are welcome. Games begin in mid-September and continue through late October.

Music in the Park

Have you seen our Wildcat Class of 2030 at Music in the Park yet? They have been selling refreshments as you relax and listen to live music in the marina every Friday this summer. All the money they raise will go towards their senior trip in a few years.

We are so proud of our freshman class for being so motivated to start working toward their goal YEARS in advance! If you see them, make sure to say hello and grab a drink or snack, all for a great cause.

Here is the Northport Performing Arts Center’s Music in the Park lineup for the rest of the summer:

July 17- Extra Crisp (Dance Band)
July 24- Igor and the Red Elvises
July 31- Ben Daniels Band (Rock/Dance)
August 7- Los Aztecas (Latino/Dance)
August 14- Neon Crows (Electric Country/Dance)
August 21- Broom Closet Boys (Music You Love)
August 28- Tundra Tones (Funk & Rock)

Photo descriptions

Students sell refreshments at Music in the Park along with NPS School Counselor, Erin Scholten. Mrs. Scholten is the 2030 class advisor.
The public can purchase drinks and candy. The students also have an extra jar for donations.
Look out for the Wildcat Wagon as the freshman class will be wheeling it around the park. Stop and say hi!