Family Access     Teacher Access     Food Service     Policies     Social Work

 

C.J. Sullivan Elementary

Staff & Faculty

 

Elementary Office Staff

Holly Lubzik, Elementary Secretary
906.524.6000 ext. 1
hlubzik@laschools.us

Hello there! My name is Holly and I am the K5 Secretary. I moved to L'Anse in May 2023 from Livonia, MI. I previously was the Academic Coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences at Madonna University. I moved to the L'Anse area to escape suburbia. It has been an adjustment, but I am so happy to be here.

In my spare time I enjoy drawing, painting, and digital art, swimming and rock hunting, camping, kayaking, hiking, spending time with my cat, and expanding on the 40 acres I am privileged to live on with so much wildlife.

 

Kristine Maki, Social Worker
(906)524-6000 ext. 399 (K-5)
kmaki@laschools.us

Hello, friends! I am the K-5 Social Worker and the WatchDOG (Dads of Great Students) Coordinator. My education background and license is in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Michigan State University and my B.S. is in Psychology and Native American Studies from Northern Michigan University. I have experience in Individual therapy, group therapy, anger management, home visiting, the 31N program (Mental Health Professional), and community health. I currently manage the Check in/Check out (Hornet Progress) Program which is coordinated through a student's SAT plan.

Not only our students in school, my focus is on the whole family--Whether it's mental health related or assisting with community resources. To better serve our families I have two office spaces--one in the elementary (morning) and one in the JR/SR office (afternoon).

Personally, I grew up in the area and have four children--three attend LAS and the fourth is in preschool. I love hiking, camping, reading, and enjoying all of our amazing area's activities! I look forward to working with everyone!

(906)524-6000 ext. 205 (K-5
kmaki@laschools.us

 

Melissa Scroggs, K-5 Principal & Food Service Director
(906) 524-6000 extension: 1
mscroggs@laschools.us

My name is Melissa Scroggs. I am the K-5 Elementary Principal and I previously taught Special Education for 20 years. I have two sons who graduated from L'Anse Area Schools.

 

Risa Williamson, K-6 Counselor & Foster Care Liaison

rwilliamson@laschools.us

Hello! My name is Risa Williamson. I am the Kindergarten-6th grade School Guidance Counselor at L'Anse Area Schools. I graduated from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a degree in Psychology. I worked in health care before pursuing my Masters Degree in Education Guidance Counseling K-12 from Northern Michigan University. I have worked as a Guidance Counselor since 2001 in the Baraga, L'Anse, and Hancock Districts.

During my day, I see individual students, groups of students, consult and plan with teachers, parents and administration, provide monthly classroom lessons, and help with test coordination. In my free time, I like to camp, do home improvements, golf, coach softball, hike & explore, and travel.

 
 

Faculty

Rachel Cox
Grade 3

rcox@laschools.us

My name is Rachel Cox. I started teaching third grade at L'Anse Area Schools in 2010. I graduated from Ferris State University in 2005. In my spare time I enjoy running, spending time with my friends and family, and enjoying the great outdoors.

 

Callie Cram
At Risk

ccram@laschools.us

I am a graduate of L'Anse High School and Central Michigan University.

I am the At Risk teacher. I live in L'Anse. I enjoy spending time with my daughters, my dogs, and a good book!

 

Janet Gerzetich
Title I

jgerzetich@laschools.us

I am a graduate of the L'Anse Area Schools and proud parent of three L'Anse Area Schools graduates as well. I began my teaching career in 1980 at the Laird School in Alston. I have taught at the kindergarten through fourth grade levels. I am currently the lower elementary Title I teacher.

 

David Hunter
Grade 4

dhunter@laschools.us

Hello, I’m very excited about joining the 4th-grade team and getting to know everyone.

I moved to Baraga County a little over a year ago from New Mexico. I couldn’t take the heat any longer and decided that I wanted to move someplace that was cooler, wetter, and greener. So, here I am! I enjoy making things with my hands and spending time walking in the woods with my dog. I also have a cat and chickens. I’m very grateful to have found another teaching position here at L’Anse Area Schools.

Don’t worry, I’m not new to education. I’ve been teaching elementary students for over 20 years, 12 years in 3rd-grade, so I have a good idea where we’re coming from, and I’ve taught 4th-grade for a few years. I like to think of myself as the captain of a ship sailing over a journey of learning. It takes all hands on deck to sail across the great wide 4th-grade ocean, so we will all be shipmates, and teachers, learning from one another. If anyone falls overboard, I’ll jump in to throw them a life-ring so we all safely reach our destination to 5th-grade together.

To help me do this I’d like to get to know your child better. Would you please jot down some of your hopes and dreams for your child this school year? Things you might share could be your child’s strengths, weaknesses, after-school activities, interests, hobbies, etc. The sky’s the limit, go ahead and brag about your child.

With gratitude,
Mr. Hunter

 

Tara Kurtycz
K-8 Physical Education

tkurtycz@laschools.us

My name is Tara Kurtycz. I graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2022 with a degree in English. I obtained my teaching certificate through the alternative certification route #T.E.A.C.H. in both K-12 Physical Education/Health and 6-12 English. I'm originally from the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, but I've lived in the U.P. since 2018 and now reside in L'Anse with my husband. I love all things related to athletics, and I'm excited to share that appreciation with the students at LAS. In my free time, I’m always looking for ways to enjoy being outside, reading, or spending time with family and friends.

 

Kristin Marczak
Grade 1

kmarczak@laschools.us

Hi! My name is Kristin Marczak. I began my teaching career here in L'Anse in the fall of 2007. I taught one year of kindergarten and have been in first grade since!

I attended Northern Michigan University where I received my Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education in December 2006 and received my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2019.

I currently live in L'Anse with my two children. In my free time I enjoy playing and watching sports, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Please feel free to contact me at kmarczak@laschools.us or contact our elementary office. Thank you!

 

Emily Maxson
Grade 2

emaxson@laschools.us

My name is Emily Maxson and I am a 2nd grade teacher. I began my teaching career at C.J. Sullivan Elementary School in 2010. I am originally from Kingsford, Michigan, where I graduated from high school in 2004. I hold a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education and also a Masters in Education with a focus on being a Reading Specialist, from Northern Michigan University. I LOVE technology, especially using it in my classroom to help students enjoy learning!

In my spare time I like to hunt, go berry picking and hang out with my husband, daughters, and huge golden retriever named Fluke. We are usually out at camp or on a road trip adventure.

 

Shelsey Mleko
Special Education

smleko@laschools.us

My name is Shelsey Mleko and I'm a special education teacher. I work with students from upper elementary through high school. I graduated from NMU with a B.S. in Emotional Impairment and a minor in Chemistry. I live in Negaunee with my family and our German Shepherd dog. I love gardening, reading, archery, boating, and fishing. I am originally from this area and I am happy to be working in the community!

 

Madelyn Ogea
Grade 5

mogea@laschools.us

Ms. Moughler is new to 5th grade - we are excited to have her join the LAS team!

Her bio is forthcoming...

 

Brooke Osterman
School Nurse & CTE Health Careers

bosterman@laschools.us

My name is Brooke Osterman and I am the K-12 school nurse, CTE Health Careers instructor, and HOSA advisor. I graduated from L’Anse High School in 2011. I went on to attend Northern Michigan University where I graduated in 2015 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After 5 1/2 years of working as a RN at UPHS-Marquette and BCMH, I decided to make the leap to the school setting. This position has given me the opportunity to practice both nursing and teaching, two things I really enjoy. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, watching football, baking, and spending time with my family. I live in Aura with my husband and our three girls.

 

Brian Perry
Grade 4

bperry@laschools.us

Brian Perry is a 4th grade teacher at C.J. Sullivan Elementary School. During switch time Mr. Perry teaches reading and writing. Mr. Perry graduated from Grand Valley State University Honors College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and an Elementary Education minor. He earned his Masters Degree in Education Administration at Northern Michigan University in May 2014. Mr. Perry taught 6th grade at Stangel Elementary in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, before coming to L'Anse. He lives in Crystal Falls with his son.

 

Aaron Poniatowski
K-12 Music & Yearbook

aponiatowski@laschools.us

Aaron Poniatowski started teaching at L'Anse in the fall of 2005. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Music Education (2005) and a Masters in Music Education (2012). Aaron's primary instrument is the trumpet, but does play all woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. She will be teaching K-5 General Music, Sixth grade beginning band, Junior High Band (grades 7 and 8), Senior High Band, and Yearbook. She is also the director of the Marching and Pep Band for the football and basketball games and the Senior Class Advisor. Aaron lives in L'Anse with her son James.

 

Jacqueline Rowlison
K-12 Art

jrowlison@laschools.us

My name is Jacqueline Rowlison and I am the new K-12 Art Teacher. I graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. I have a BFA in Art Education with a minor in Sculpture and Interior Design. I worked with an Interior Designer for a couple of years before finding a job in Education. I worked as an Elementary Art Teacher in Indiana for two years before taking a job at my old Middle/High School as their Art Teacher. I am so excited to start my 7th year of teaching here at L'Anse and to be able to be teaching K-12 students.

It has been my dream to live in the U.P. and enjoy all the activities it has to offer. In my free time I love to look for rocks, fish, hike and to make my own art.

 

Kayli Salmela
Substitute Teacher

ksalmela@laschools.us

Kayli Salmela has been a permanent substitute teacher at the L'Anse Area Schools since she moved to the area in the fall of 2021. She is originally from New Hampshire and Minnesota, but she spent time in the U.P. as a kid visiting friends and family and is excited to live here now. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota in 2021. In her free time she loves to learn about plants, go for walks, and travel to see her family in Minnesota or New Hampshire when she can.

 

Marsha Salo
Grade 5

msalo@laschools.us

Marsha Salo is a graduate of Houghton High School. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Northern Michigan University with and Elementary Education major and an English and Speech minor. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as a Reading Specialist. She has spent most of her career teaching in Wisconsin at various levels. She currently resides in Hancock, and is happy to be back in the U.P.

 

Anne Schumer
Grade 3

aschumer@laschools.us

Hi! I am Anne Schumer and I began teaching third grade at L'Anse Area Schools in the fall of 2010. Prior to that, I was the principal of Sacred Heart School in L'Anse for five years. My teaching experience includes working in Curtis and South Lyon, Michigan and Pine City, Minnesota. I have taught first, third, and fourth grade, Title I, and a combination class of fifth and sixth grade. I grew up near Skandia, south of Marquette and graduated from Gwinn High School. I received my degree in Elementary Education and my Masters degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Northern Michigan University. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and being outdoors in all seasons with my husband and my dog.

 

Jamie Senske
Kindergarten

jsenske@laschools.us

Hi! My name is Jamie Senske I have been teaching at L'Anse since 2018. I currently live in Ishpeming with my husband and two daughters. I am from Munising and graduated from NMU in 2013 with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education.

In my free time I love being at home and spending time with my family. My favorite time of year is summer where I love to be at the beach, enjoying the warm sunshine.

 

Michelle Seppanen
Kindergarten

mseppanen@laschools.us

Having grown up in Ontonagon, I was excited to become a teacher for L'Anse Area Schools in 1996! I had just graduated with honors with my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education having majored in math and minored in science. While I have spent time as a middle school teacher, most of my career has been spent teaching first-graders! I have since attained a Master of Arts in Education with my courses focusing on language arts. As my students may tell you, I love reading and cannot name just one favorite book! When I am not at school, I love to spend time with my husband, Tim, our daughter, Aurora, and our three spoiled dogs! We love to enjoy our beautiful Lake Superior and all that our area has to offer in the summer. In the winter, you might find us snowshoeing or watching the Huskies play hockey! Please feel free to call, email or stop by!

 

April Thor
Grade 1/2 Split

athor@laschools.us

Hi there! My name is April Thor, and I am very excited for my tenth year of teaching here at C.J. Sullivan. As one of your second grade teachers, I am looking forward to a wonderful year! I am a graduate of Baraga High School, and have since earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, with minors in Math and Language Arts, from Western Michigan University. I have three children, Tessa, Kyla and Tannon. Outside of school I love spending time adventuring with my family. Please feel free to contact me at any time via phone or email, as listed above.

 

Brittany Wadaga
Nurse

bwadaga@laschools.us

Hi! My name is Brittany Wadaga. I will be one of the school nurses along with teaching Biology and Health 7.
I am very excited to begin teaching and continuing my nursing career here at LAS. I also work prn as a Family Nurse Practitioner at BCMH.

I am originally from WI but have resided in the U.P. for the past 20 years. My education includes a BSN degree from Finlandia University in 2016 and MSN-FNP degree from the University of Michigan - Flint in 2018.

I live in Baraga with my husband, Kyle and our 3 daughters. Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do. I also enjoy watching football, baking, and traveling . I am looking forward to the upcoming school year!

 

Risa Williamson
K-6 Counselor & Foster Care Liaison

rwilliamson@laschools.us

Hello! My name is Risa Williamson. I am the Kindergarten-6th grade School Guidance Counselor at L'Anse Area Schools. I graduated from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a degree in Psychology. I worked in health care before pursuing my Masters Degree in Education Guidance Counseling K-12 from Northern Michigan University. I have worked as a Guidance Counselor since 2001 in the Baraga, L'Anse, and Hancock Districts.

During my day, I see individual students, groups of students, consult and plan with teachers, parents and administration, provide monthly classroom lessons, and help with test coordination. In my free time, I like to camp, do home improvements, golf, coach softball, hike & explore, and travel.

 

Ryan Witting
Special Education

rwitting@laschools.us

After graduating from Michigan Technological University in 2003 and teaching locally for one school year, Ryan Witting moved to Arizona to embark on a near two-decade career in education. While in Arizona, Ryan taught every grade level (kindergarten through 12th grade) in various subjects such as; English Language Arts, U.S. Government, Free Enterprise Economics, Remedial Reading, English as a 2nd Language, Middle School Math, Yearbook/Journalism, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, K-8 Music and Elementary Special Education. Ryan’s Yearbook/Journalism students received over 40 awards at both the state and national levels from The Arizona Interscholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and The National Scholastic Press Association. Ryan is a former Governing Board Member of The Arizona Interscholastic Press Association. Ryan is a former recipient of The Freeman Hover Award for Excellence in Journalism Education. Ryan is excited to be teaching at C.J. Sullivan Elementary School and he is thankful to be back home in The Copper Country near his family.

 
 

 

 
 
 

 
 

Posted March 11, 2024
BOE Educational Resource Committee Meeting
...

Posted March 8, 2024
Employee of the Month ~ February 2024
Congratulations!

DR. DAVID RUHMAN ...

Posted January 31, 2024
Employee of the Month ~ January 2024
Congratulations!

SHELSEY MLEKO ...

[ VIEW ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS ]

 

 

 

 

The L’Anse Area School is a drug/alcohol/tobacco-free campus
for everyone including students, faculty, parents, and community members.

Susan Tollefson
Superintendent
stollefson@laschools.us

L’Anse Area Schools Central Office
201 North 4th Street  •  L’Anse, Michigan 49946  •  906.524.6000
Tel

  

© 2024 L’Anse Area Schools. All rights reserved.

Website development: Opusweb