Copper Country Intermediate School District

10/19/2026

Early childhood support is a vital foundation built into the Copper Country ISD's Special Education initiative. The earliest years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, making early identification of speech, physical, or learning needs immensely impactful.

CCISD’s Early Childhood Special Education programs provide early evaluations, physical and occupational therapies, and speech development for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Identifying developmental delays early equips children with the tools they need before entering kindergarten, dramatically improving long-term academic and social success.

Maintaining our regional special education millage would help ensure our region's youngest learners continue to receive high-quality early intervention from day one.

10/17/2026

The Copper Country Intermediate School District (ISD) is proud to share that 2026 Hancock Central High School graduate and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Construction Technology program alumna, Alecia Aho, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Code Officials Conference of Michigan (COCM).

During her two years in the Copper Country ISD CTE Construction Technology program, including a CTE Work-Based Learning placement with Moyle Construction during her second year, Alecia demonstrated a strong work ethic and a clear dedication to the field. She is currently building upon that foundation by furthering her education at Michigan Technological University, where she plans to major in Construction Management.

The scholarship check was officially presented to Alecia by Todd LaRoux, Houghton County Building Official and current COCM board member. Also in attendance to recognize her achievement were Steve Aho, CTE Supervisor (and Alecia’s father), Corey Soumis, CTE Director, and Mike Randell, CTE Construction Technology Instructor for both the Houghton-Keweenaw and Baraga County programs.

Established in 1957 as the Building Officials Conference of Michigan (BOCM) and changing over to the COCM in 2004, the organization has a membership of over 230 building officials in the State of Michigan. The COCM Scholarship Program is designed to encourage and support students pursuing higher education in construction-related fields, architecture, engineering, and code enforcement.
Having a local student recognized by a statewide professional organization highlights the vital connection between CTE, higher education opportunities, and real-world industry.

Reflecting on Alecia’s CTE experience and her transition to Michigan Tech, Soumis said, “Having had my own daughters go through various CTE programs that helped positively shape their futures, I know Alecia’s parents, Steve and Elizabeth, are now having a similar experience. We are all proud of Alecia and her earning the COCM scholarship, and look forward to seeing her navigate her college, career, and life goals moving forward.”

We thank Mr. LaRoux and the COCM for recognizing and supporting Alecia as we all wish her continued success in her studies at Michigan Tech.

10/16/2026

As you prepare to vote on November 3rd, here's quick but essential reminder for Election Day: don't forget to flip your ballot page over!

It's a long ballot this year, and local school district and county proposals will likely be on the back side or at the very end of local ballots in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties. Whether you fill out an absentee ballot at home or vote in person at your local polling place, make sure to check both sides so your voice is counted on this important proposal and others!

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

Through 3rd grade, students learn to read. After 3rd grade, they read to learn. Every Day Counts!

Regular attendance in the early years opens doors to science, history, art, and beyond. Being here early sets the stage for a lifetime of learning!

10/13/2026

The Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative (LSSI) is celebrating a successful summer and launch for the 2026-27 school year highlighted by statewide recognition for its leadership in environmental education and a full schedule of community-based stewardship programs. 🎉

At a recent ceremony in Flint, the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) honored LSSI’s Erika Vye and Lloyd Wescoat with the Impact in Environmental Education Award. Vye serves as the School-Community Team Mentor and Professional Learning Coordinator for LSSI, while Wescoat is retired from the MTU Center for Science and Environmental Outreach. Given annually to two organizations statewide, the award recognizes programs that enhance the quality and availability of environmental and outdoor education, such as professional development series and new community initiatives.

“We are deeply grateful to the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education for this incredible honor,” said Vye. “This award reflects LSSI’s commitment to providing immersive, place-based outdoor education opportunities to area students. It is a privilege to connect our youth with the natural world, especially here in the Upper Peninsula. We share this recognition with the amazing educators and community partners who make this vital work possible every day.”

The award represents just one milestone in an eventful summer and fall dedicated to connecting K-12 educators, youth, and regional partners through place-based learning.

LSSI’s summer programming kicked off in mid-June with a Mason Bee house building station at the annual Kids on the Green event which engages families with hands-on science and engineering activities. This momentum continued into July with LSSI's annual Community-Led Conservation Summer Institute. Collaborating with the Keweenaw Heartlands project, this two-day institute brought together community partners, including The Nature Conservancy, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community's Natural Resources Department, the Keweenaw National Historical Park, the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, and Michigan Tech to explore how locally driven stewardship and values-based decision-making can protect regional lands and waters.

Taking outdoor learning directly onto the water, LSSI also partnered with Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Sea Grant, and the Inland Seas Education Association for a series of immersive events. These included Educational Professional Learning sails for K-12 educators and KBIC youth participating in the Superior Watershed Partnership’s Youth Conservation Corp, as well as dedicated place-based learning sails for more than 55 community partners at Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center. Participants navigated the Keweenaw Waterway aboard the Inland Seas schooner, stepping into the role of local K-12 students to engage in aquatic science and ecological monitoring.

The initiative even expanded its reach this summer, introducing place-based stewardship education to teachers in Escanaba. LSSI also supported the MI Fresh Fish Fest and Fry community events in both Houghton and Escanaba to educate the public about Michigan's fisheries and the impact of pollinators on the watershed.

This dedication to youth education and local ecosystems resulted in impressive achievements for local school districts. Building on years of LSSI stewardship, six area schools earned the prestigious Michigan Green Schools designation in Spring 2026 for their commitment to protecting the state's air, land, and water. Arvon Township School, Calumet High School, and Lake-Linden Hubbell School achieved Green School status. Chassell Township School and Jeffers High School both earned Emerald School status for documenting at least 15 environmental activities, while Houghton Elementary School achieved the highest tier as an Evergreen School with over 20 documented activities.

In September, LSSI collaborated with the Upper Peninsula MiFamily Engagement Center and the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association hosted author Aimee Bissonette for a Nature Journaling workshop for teachers and an LSSI community team/advisory board kick off event. Teachers learned strategies to use with students and also to provide to parents to get children involved in nature journaling as a teaching strategy.

LSSI will be hosting Wonders of the Watershed Summit on October 21st on the campus of Michigan Tech. This interactive event is designed for middle school students from across the Western Upper Peninsula. Students will participate in hands-on learning stations facilitated by community partners, covering topics such as ecosystem health, water quality, and the interconnections between the watershed, communities, and populations. The event aligns with Michigan Department of Education interdisciplinary standards, ensuring students are engaged in curriculum-based exploration. Wonders of the Watershed is funded by The Nature Conservancy (Michigan chapter), LSSI, and the Great Lakes Research Center at MTU.

LSSI extends its appreciation to its supporters, community partners, and local educators for making this summer a resounding success. To learn more about LSSI’s programs please visit www.lakesuperiorstewardship.org.

10/12/2026

The scent of apples floated through the hallways of the newly launched CLK Elementary Early Childhood Center. On a September day dedicated entirely to the magic of autumn, "little learners" took part in a messy, memorable, and delicious hands-on education. After a breakfast cooked and served by staff, tiny hands worked carefully to peel bright apples, brave taste-testers discovered the mysteries of fresh squash, and the classrooms buzzed with sensory activities that brought the changing seasons indoors.

That vibrant energy perfectly captures the spirit of the center since its grand opening in August. Serving 30 daycare children alongside 36 preschoolers in school-readiness classrooms, the collaborative hub between the Copper Country Intermediate School District (CCISD) and CLK Schools is filled with excitement.

But fall festivities came with an extra reason to celebrate: a transformational $25,000 grant from the Keweenaw Health Foundation.

Presented with foundation members, educators, and the children themselves, the funds are earmarked for turning the center's outdoor space into a safe, imaginative haven.

“We’re going to use it for fencing and for safety,” explained CLK Early Childhood Center Director Mandy Crouch, who hopes to gather public input on the upcoming playground design. “We’re going to create special play areas for the children that will be dedicated just for them.”

For the foundation, the investment goes far beyond playground equipment. “Healthy communities start with healthy children, so we really want to try and focus on that,” said Laurium Village Manager and Keweenaw Health Foundation Board Trustee Ian Lewis. “Trying to really make this area something special and something unique for the kids so that they can create core memories as they grow up.”

Ensuring those joyful core memories are accessible to every single child, regardless of their developmental needs, is the beating heart of the CCISD and CLK partnership. The center was intentionally designed to be a fully inclusive space. Here, seasoned educators, and specialized therapies are woven directly into the daily routine.

“This center also allows for our providers to come to one, centrally located place in order to provide services for children with disabilities,” said Jennifer Beaudette, CCISD Early Childhood Director. “It also gives the staff here a lot of coaching opportunities to enhance their skills with kids.”

This centralized, side-by-side support means that children with special needs receive expert care without having to leave their friends or interrupt their day of learning and play.

Sustaining this high level of accessible, expert support relies heavily on community backing. The upcoming Copper Country ISD Special Education Millage is a critical piece of that puzzle, ensuring that the specialized services, inclusive classrooms, and dedicated early childhood resources continue to remain available to every family across the Copper Country.

With fresh applesauce in their bellies, a beautiful new playground on the horizon, and a community rallying firmly behind them, the children at the CLK Early Childhood Center are proving that when we invest in inclusive early education, everyone thrives.

Keweenaw Health Foundation

10/12/2026

Our CTE Health Sciences team toured the Bayside Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L'Anse during our professional development day on Friday, October 9th. Instructional staff from the CTE Health Careers and CNA programs at both the Career Tech Center in Hancock for Houghton-Keweenaw County students and in partnership with KBOCC for Baraga County students received a lab tour at BCMH with former student and current Medical Lab Tech, Summer Rice. Summer starred in the 2026 Copper Country ISD CTE Health Careers - Baraga County program video. Thank you to both Bayside and BCMH for the tours - our students are fortunate to have their CTE clinical placements with each of you and your staff!

10/12/2026

October is Infant Safe Sleep Month in Michigan calling attention to how babies can sleep the safest. To keep babies 0-12 months of age safe while sleeping at night and during naps, we'll be sharing guidelines to help keep our youngest safe while at rest.

A firm, flat mattress in a clutter-free crib, bassinet or pack and play keeps baby safe during sleep. Nothing but baby for EVERY sleep.

10/07/2026

Did you know?

Early attendance and early literacy grow side by side! Every Day Counts at school - reading, learning, and building the foundation for a bright future.