Back to School Information
Dear Mountaineer families,
The school year is approaching quickly! School supply lists for grades EK-6 are now available for viewing and downloading on our School Supplies webpage.
Additional Back to School information can be found on our Back to School Hub webpage.
Please note upcoming school and district events, that can be found on our District Calendar:
North Elementary School Open House (EK-4)
Tuesday, August 19
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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5th-12 Grade Open House/Picture Day
Wednesday, August 20
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(NEW THIS YEAR: Suggested arrival times to aid in congestion:
5th: 8-9 AM, 6th: 9-10 AM, 7th: 10-11 AM, 8th: 11-12 PM, 9th- 12-1 PM; 10th: 1-2 PM, 11th: 2-3 PM, 12th: 3-4 PM)
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Meet the Mountaineers
Wednesday, August 20
5:30 PM (Free concessions begin at 5:00 PM courtesy of the Athletic Booster Club)
Mountaineer Stadium
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5th/6th Grade Orientation
Thursday, August 21
5:00-7:00 PM
Meet in auditorium
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First Day of School
Wednesday, August 27
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No School/Labor Day Weekend
Friday, August 29 and Monday, September 1
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North Elementary Picture Day
Wednesday, September 10
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Thank you and Go Mountaineers!
Get ready for Gus Macker 2025!
Dear Iron Mountain Families,
We’re excited to share that the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is coming to Iron Mountain – and we want YOU to be part of the action!
Register to Play: Whether you’re a serious baller or just in it for fun, the Gus Macker tournament is for all ages and skill levels. Get your team together and sign up today at gusmackerim.org. Don’t wait—registration closes soon!
Volunteer Opportunities:We’re also looking for energetic and community-minded volunteers to help make this event a success. From court monitors to scorekeepers and more, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering is a great way to support our community while enjoying the exciting atmosphere of tournament weekend.
Event Date: AUGUST 16 – 17 2025
\ Location: Iron Mountain, Michigan
Let’s show our Mountaineer pride by participating, volunteering, or just cheering from the sidelines. We hope to see many of our students and families representing Iron Mountain at this incredible community event!
Go Mountaineers!
Welcome, Principal Sara Pericolosi!
We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Sara Pericolosi as the new principal for grades 5 through 12 at Iron Mountain Public Schools! In this video, Mrs. Pericolosi shares a bit about her background and what she's most looking forward to this school year.
With a strong passion for student success and a commitment to building positive school culture, Mrs. Pericolosi is ready to lead, inspire, and connect with students, staff, and families.
Fall Sport Communications
Mountaineer athletes and families-
Do not put off your physical for one more day! Make your appointment today if you have not already!
In order to attend practice or tryouts beginning on Monday, August 11, 2025, you must have a physical on file.
The physical form, yearly concussion awareness form, and yearly handbook agreement form, can be found here or in the Iron Mountain Public Schools Superintendent's Office. Summer office hours are available on our website, www.imschools.org
We look forward to seeing you all at Meet the Mountaineers on Wednesday, August 20 at 5:30 PM. Concessions and refreshments will be provided by the Athletic Booster Club beginning at 5:00 PM. Thank you Booster Club for all you do to support our student-athletes! Consider joining their amazing team this school year. More information will be available at Meet the Mountaineers.
Thank you, and go Mountaineers!
Football equipment handout for grades 9-12
August 4, 6, 7
7:00AM-8:15 AM
(During Weightlifting)
Izzo Commons
JV and Varsity Two-A-Days
August 11
7:15 AM (Players and Coaches Meeting at 8am)-11:00 and
6:00-8:00 PM
Practice/Game Schedule will be handed out at practice on August 11th
August 12-15 (First two weeks)
9:00-11:00 AM
6:00-8:00 PM
Stadium
Bring your personal equipment and cleats
August 11-15, 9:00-11:00 AM, break, 1:00-3:00 PM
High School Gymnasium
Practice begins following week
First practice
August 11, 4:30-6:00 PM
St. Mary's Soccer Complex (Pine Mountain Rd.)
First practice
August 11, 3:00 PM
Eastside Tennis Courts
Open Gym/Tryouts
August 11-14 with Friday off, 2:00-4:00 PM
North Elementary School
Practice begins following week
Summer School/Credit Recovery Resumes
We’re excited to welcome our students back as Summer School resumes this week from Tuesday, July 8 through Thursday, July 10 at North Elementary School.
Students in EK through 6th grade will attend from 8:45 to 11:45 AM, and students in 9th through 12th grade credit recovery will attend from 8:30 to 11:30 AM.
It’s hard to believe, but we’re already entering the final stretch of our Summer School program! There are just three weeks left, with our last day scheduled for Wednesday, July 24.
We’ve had a wonderful time learning and growing together so far, and we look forward to making the most of these final few weeks. We can’t wait to see everyone back in the classroom this week!
Introducing Snuffy!
Meet the new face of Mountaineer pride—Snuffy is back and better than ever! We're thrilled to unveil our brand-new Snuffy mascot costume, bringing fresh energy, school spirit, and a whole lot of Mountaineer heart to every game, event, and celebration. With a bold new look that honors tradition while embracing the future, Snuffy is ready to rally Iron Mountain students, staff, and fans like never before. Get ready to cheer louder, smile bigger, and show your black and gold pride—because Snuffy has arrived!
Calling all Mountaineers!
Join Iron Mountain Public Schools in walking in the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Independence Day Parade and help us celebrate Christmas in July Mountaineer style! We’re inviting all students to walk with us and show off our Mountaineer pride.
Where to meet:
When to meet:
What to wear:
We’re especially excited to debut our brand new Snuffy mascot costume during the parade! Come be part of the big reveal and represent IMPS with pride!
Let’s make it a parade to remember. We can’t wait to see you there!
Snuffy comes to life, debut on July 4
The countdown begins... only 9 days until the BIG debut of our brand-new Snuffy mascot costume!
Snuffy will make his first official appearance in the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Independence Day Parade, and we can’t wait for the community to meet him! Get ready for smiles, spirit, and some serious Mountaineer pride as Snuffy steps onto the scene for the very first time!
Mark your calendars- July 4, 2025!
Collaboration with Stephenson Area Public Schools
Iron Mountain Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Sardina has accepted a temporary, dual-role assignment to serve as interim superintendent for Stephenson Area Public Schools. Mr. Sardina will continue to serve in his full capacity as superintendent of Iron Mountain Public Schools while providing support and leadership to the Stephenson school district during their transition in finding a permanent superintendent.
This opportunity arose when Stephenson Schools expressed interest in aligning their strategic direction and administrative practices more closely with the successful model developed under Mr. Sardina’s leadership at Iron Mountain. Iron Mountain Public Schools has earned a reputation for our strategic plan, academic and extra-curricular achievement, and student-focused growth- qualities that leadership within Stephenson Area Public Schools aims to build upon.
Superintendent Sardina’s commitment to our students, staff, and the progress of the Iron Mountain school district remains his top priority. This temporary appointment is made possible through careful planning and support from both school boards.
IMPS Board Secretary Darren Petschar, in support of the collaboration, shared, “Jerry has dedicated significant effort to supporting the success of the Iron Mountain School District. His leadership has contributed to the district’s financial stability, academic growth, and strength in extracurricular programs. He also played a key role in establishing a clear vision and five-year plan. As we begin our collaboration with the Stephenson School District, we look forward to continuing to build on that foundation and focus on what’s best for our students and communities.”
Mountaineer School Board President Shari Picucci-White is also in support. “Jerry’s collaborative leadership style has consistently empowered others, valued input and strengthened leadership teams, making it possible for him to delegate effectively while successfully overseeing multiple functions. He has also demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating complex challenges and adapting quickly to changing circumstances, an essential quality for managing dual responsibilities. We feel with his strong communication skills and ethical leadership he will be a valuable asset to both districts.”
Board member, Natalie Winkler, hopes to improve upon the culture in the Stephenson district. “SAPS has seen declining enrollment. When you can choose which school to attend, culture plays a major role in making that decision. I feel extremely confident that under Mr Sardina’s leadership, SAPS will foster a positive school culture and become the center of excellence I know it can be.”
Mr. Sardina will work closely with Stephenson's leadership team and school board on a part-time, interim basis while continuing to lead and be present for the Mountaineer community. This partnership is expected to be short-term and focused on helping Stephenson navigate key decisions and establish sustainable systems for long-term success.
Iron Mountain Public Schools will remain focused on continuing the positive momentum built in recent years, including academic achievement, facility improvements, and district-wide initiatives.