Accessible Text-Only Version

Northport Notes

Volume 31, Issue 3
September 11, 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.

And We’re Back!

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Sept. 12

9am V Volleyball @ Lake City
10am MS Cross Country Meet in Interlochen
11am V Boys Soccer @ Kingsley

Monday, Sept. 14

4:15 MS Soccer v. Buckley @ Suttons Bay
4:30 MS Volleyball @ St. Mary’s
5:30 V Boys Soccer v. Buckley @ Suttons Bay
5:30 Board of Education Meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 16

4:30 MS Soccer v. Benzie Central @ Suttons Bay
4:30 MS Volleyball @ Onekama
6:00 MS Football @ Bear Lake

Thursday, Sept. 17

5:30 JV/V Volleyball v. Onekama @ Suttons Bay

Friday, Sept. 18

4:30 MS Volleyball @ TC Christian
4:30 MS Soccer @ TC Christian

Saturday, Sept. 19

10:20am MS CC @ Glen Lake
11:15am Elem CC @ Glen Lake

Saturday, Oct. 3

9:30am Homecoming Parade
11am Homecoming Soccer Game v. Manistee @ NPS Soccer Field
6:00 MS Homecoming Dance

Saturday, Oct. 10

8:00 HS Homecoming dance

Photo descriptions

Northport Students get back into the school groove during their first week back.

Wildcats’ journalistic work featured in local paper

Even during summer break, our Wildcat students worked hard out in the world. That especially holds true for NPS 8th grader, Tanner Brown and 9th grader, Hazel Wetherbee. The two took the skills and talents they learned in the classroom to the professional stage.

Tanner and Hazel were chosen to participate in the Glen Arbor Sun’s newest program, “Meeting Young Journalists Where They Are.”

Throughout the summer and into this fall, Tanner and Hazel will produce short-form videos for the publication. The Sun will then publish their work on its social media platforms and website. The stories could also potentially air in local community theaters.

“In journalism, we often talk about rural ‘news deserts’ and how people living in communities without adequate access to local reporting and storytelling become less engaged in civic life and less trusting of institutions—from government, to schools, to hospitals,” says Jacob Wheeler, Glen Arbor Sun editor. “We worry that teenagers and young adults are also turning away from news and civic engagement. That’s why we’re trying to ‘meet young journalists where they are’ and appeal to their sense of storytelling, through mediums that speak to their generation.”

The idea behind the program is to hear from local youth about what issues and stories matter to them. Once the topics are chosen, the students have the autonomy to go out into the world and find those stories through interviews, video, photographs, and audio elements. The young journalists then put their stories together and submit them to mentors at The Sun.

Hazel and Tanner were both excited to share more about how their experience in their NPS Radio Collaboration Class empowered them to take their skills to the next level.

“When we went to radio class one day, Jacob Wheeler came in with a presentation. He told us about himself and goal for this project. Basically we have a zoom meeting every so often, and email back and forth as well. It has created a great safe space to shoot ideas and be supportive all the way through making them come to life,” said Hazel.

Tanner has completed two news stories so far about setup and safety at the Northport 4th of July Firework Show as well as a piece on wildfire smoke and air quality that plagued the county. He says the program has given him a newfound confidence as a journalist.

“What I like about it is it’s like an adventure, you never know what it's going to be like. It's making me really go outside my comfort zone to put myself out there to ask people if they would mind answering questions, and I'm not usually like that, so I think it's been good for me,” remarked Tanner.

To watch our Wildcats’ work, visit the Glen Arbor Sun.

Listen to our student-run radio station, WNPS.

Photo descriptions

Wildcat 9th grader Hazel Wetherbee and 8th grader Tanner Brown publish local stories for the Glen Arbor Sun.
Wildcat grad Mailee McQuown edits audio together as she practices producing in NPS’s Radio Collaboration Class.
NPS students record an interview segment about high school sports during Radio Collaboration.

September Parenting Communities

Free playgroups and events for Leelanau families with children from birth through age 6

Body Safety Story Time

Tuesday Sept. 22
10am
Glen Lake Community Church

Saturday, Sept 26
11am
Leland Township Library

Read-aloud & consent practice with Henry, the facility dog!

Intended for children age 2-6 and their caregivers

Families Together

A monthly gathering for Leelanau County families to connect, learn, and grow together. Dinner Provided!

When: 3rd Monday of the month, October-May, 5:15-7pm

Where: Keswick Church, Suttons Bay

Weekly Playgroups

Tuesday – Glen Lake Playgroup: 10-11 AM, Glen Lake Reformed Church (Sept 15, 22*, 29)
Wednesday – Northport Playgroup: 10-11 AM, Northport School Gym (Sept 16, 23, 30)
Thursday – Suttons Bay Playgroup: 10-11 AM, The PINK Room at Suttons Bay Public School (Sept 17, 24)
Friday – Cedar Playgroup: 10-11 AM, Bee Well, 9044 S Kasson St (Sept 11, 18)

Suttons Bay Playgroup

Join us at our new Thursday playgroup location!

The PINK Room at Suttons Bay Public School.

Park in the front circle and enter through the elementary office.
Bring your ID for your visitors pass.

For more information, visit Parenting Communities or call (231) 256-0227.

Welcome, New Wildcats!

Meet Mrs. Anna Reeve, our new Mental Health Specialist!

Mrs. Reeve is originally from Grand Rapids. She attended GVSU to study social work. She has provided clinical social work services to individuals and families for the past 15 years in medical and private practice settings.

"I've always felt honored to be a safe place for those I work with to learn more about themselves and solve problems that make our lives a bit lighter and peaceful," said Mrs. Reeve.

Outside of work, you can find Mrs. Reeve exploring beautiful Leelanau County with her family, cooking, hiking, and swimming.

Another new friendly face is Ms. Mikayla Roman, our new 3rd Grade Teacher!

Many of you may already know our new teacher. Ms. Roman was born and raised in Traverse City, but is no stranger to Northport.

“I have spent every summer in Northport and worked all over town, including The Willowbrook, Northport Creek Golf Course, and Shady Trails Camp, where I have been for the last 5 years.”

In her free time, Ms. Roman loves to exercise, and spend time around her people (and dogs!).

Help us give Mrs. Reeve & Ms. Roman a big Wildcat welcome!

Photo descriptions

Mrs. Anna Reeve, NPS’s new Mental Health Specialist, enjoys the beauty of Leelanau County.
Ms. Mikayla Roman, NPS’s new 3rd Grade Teacher, graduating with her Master’s Degree.

Volunteers Needed for Leelanau UnCaged

Saturday, Sept. 26

HELP OUR ART STUDENTS MAKE THE MAGIC HAPPEN!

For the 12th year of Leelanau UnCaged, Northport Public School’s National Art Honor Society students are bringing their creativity to the Children’s Tent!

No art experience necessary.

We provide the activities, supplies, and easy step-by-step instructions.

All you need to bring is a willingness to have fun and help kids create!

CHOOSE YOUR TIME

11:00–12:00 — Set-Up
12:00–2:00 — Activity Shift
2:00–4:00 — Activity Shift
4:00–5:00 — Clean-Up

Can only stay an hour? That's OK!

Want to help for the whole afternoon? Even better!

Your children can participate in the Children’s Tent activities while you volunteer, so you can enjoy UnCaged together.

READY TO JOIN THE FUN?

Email Jevans@nport.net

Photo descriptions

A Wildcat Grad paints a child’s face at UnCaged.
UnCaged attendees dance in celebration.
A former Wildcat student shows off his new button.

Study Abroad with Rotary

Applications are being accepted for students interested in studying abroad for the 2027-28 school year with Rotary Youth Exchange. Studying abroad is an excellent way to learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become a global citizen. Each year Rotary sponsors students, aged 15-18, from our local area to live, study, and build peace around the world!

An information session is planned for Sophomores and Juniors, Monday, Sept. 14th at 12:15 pm.

Contact Tom Trumbull, 419-467-1715 or tomtrumbull@icloud.com for questions.

Photo description

Wildcat Elsie Purdy Teahen with her Rotary Exchange Host Family in Hungary!

Best In State!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Ms. Jen Evans has been selected as the 2027 Michigan Art Education Association Secondary Art Education of the Year!

This is an extraordinary honor that recognizes 21 years of dedication, creativity, leadership, and service to students and our community.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to work in a school and community that have given me the freedom and support to create these opportunities for students,” said Evans.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of an educator who has made such a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Congratulations, Ms. Evans!

Photo description

Northport Art Teacher, Jen Evans

Picture Day is Coming!

Monday, September 28, 2026

How it Works

Pre-order today on mylifetouch.com. Create an account or login with your Picture Day ID: EVTNZTSZG
Students are photographed on Picture Day.
Orders will be sent home with your student after Picture Day.

Questions? Contact our Help Center at lifetouch.com/support-us. Select K-12 School Photography for assistance.