Welcome to Benzie County Central Schools

Effective for the 2026/27 School Year...

A NEW Michigan Law REQUIRES schools to limit student use of electronic devices during the school day. 

• All day, every day.  NO electronic device during instructional time. K-12.

• Electronic devices are allowed on buses.  Please be respectful of others.

• Middle School and High School students may use their cell phones during their scheduled lunch times. K-5 remain ELECTRONIC FREE.

• While at school, ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES must be in lockers and powered off during the instructional school day.

**Yes, devices are able to be used after school.

What is an electronic device?

An electronic device includes, but is not limited to: 

Cell Phones

Smartwatches

Tablets

Earpods/Airpods 

Gaming devices

 Any device that can communicate, record, transmit, or access media or the internet

If you don’t want your child’s device taken, please tell them to not have it out OR don’t have them bring it to school. 

It’s STATE LAW:  This is the law, and we are required to follow it.  

Please help us keep our focus on less distractions and more learning.  The expectations help create a safe, focused learning environment for all students. We thank you for helping to support a focused learning environment.  We value your partnership.   We understand that this change may require adjustments for both students and parents.  We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work together to create a successful school year. Please, if you have any questions, reach out the your school office.  They will be returning on August 17.  

Enjoy your remaining days of summer! 

Mrs. Catina Crossman

_________________________________________

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Board of Education Administrative Assistant

Director of Communications| Social Media | Talent Mngt. Asst.

Pupil Accounting Specialist

Schools of Choice Coordinator

High School Fall Sport Practices begin on Monday, August 10.

Please note times and locations.

Sports Physicals: For the 26-27 school year, an MHSAA pre-participation sports physical is required for all students who participate in sports.

A physical examination must be completed on or after April 15, 2026 to be considered a valid physical for 2026-27.

NO EXCEPTIONS!

Benzie County Central Schools is pleased to announce the addition of Hailey Ward to our Homestead Hills Elementary staff.

Hailey will be a One-on-One GSRP Aide in our Early Childhood Department.

Hailey has lived in Benzonia her whole life, attending Crystal Lake Elementary and graduating from Benzie Central High School; Class of 2024.

 Growing up in this community has meant so much to her, and she's always loved working with children.

 Over the years, Hailey has had the opportunity to work as a ski instructor for young children and spent time babysitting, and those experiences only strengthened her passion for teaching. 

Hailey loves creating a fun, safe, and encouraging environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported. 

She's truly excited for the opportunity to join the team, continue learning, and help wherever she can. 

She is grateful to be able to give back to the community that has always been home to her, and she looks forward to making a positive impact on the children she will be working with.

We are fortunate to have her join our team and Husky family.

Please help me in giving a very warm welcome to Miss Ward.

Mrs. Catina Crossman

_________________________________________

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Board of Education Administrative Assistant

Director of Communications| Social Media | Talent Mngt. Asst.

Pupil Accounting Specialist

Schools of Choice Coordinator

Benzie County Central Schools is pleased to announce the addition of Sarah Simon to our Lake Ann Elementary staff.

Sarah will be a Lead GSRP Teacher in our Early Childhood Department.

arah was born and raised in White Lake Michigan.   

She and her husband moved to Traverse City in 2021.

She attended Baker College and obtained her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. Sarah also went to Grand Valley to get her K-8th teaching certificate.

During her lifetime, she has worked with children from being a babysitter, nanny, day care provider, and lead GSRP teacher at Blair Elementary. She have been a GSRP teacher for 5 years with TCAPS. Sarah is a mom of 2 young kiddos, ages 5 months and a 2.5 year old. She also have a 4 year old golden retriever named Murphy. 

She loves working with young students and creating a home away from home environment.  Sarah has held home visits and conferences with families to build positive relationships.  She has  worked very closely with her assistant teachers.   She prides herself on providing early life skills through teaching and encouraging proper health, personal habits, potty training, understanding and patience with others, communication skills, and promoting good behaviors using the positive reinforcement method. 

We are fortunate to have her join our team and Husky family.

Please help me in giving a very warm welcome to Mrs. Simon.

Mrs. Catina Crossman

_________________________________________

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Board of Education Administrative Assistant

Director of Communications| Social Media | Talent Mngt. Asst.

Pupil Accounting Specialist

Schools of Choice Coordinator

Benzie County Central Schools is pleased to announce the addition of Jenny Weisman to our Benzie Central Middle School and High School.

Jenny will be leaving her role as high school paraprofessional as the Restorative and Reflection Room Coordinator and moving to the position of middle/high school Student Success Facilitator. 

Jenny believes that successful student support professionals must be understanding, open-minded, creative problem solvers, and willing to go the extra mile. Understanding and open-mindedness work together, and has allowed Jen to build trusting relationships and help to meet students at the level in which their needs are at.

 Jen understands that her creativity and commitment to extra effort have enabled her to reach the most challenging students by looking beyond standard supports and consistently showing up for the students at Benzie Central.

 Her goal within the next five years is to earn her standard teaching certificate in Special Education with a focus on cognitive and emotional impairment.  Jen finds this work deeply rewarding and learning what motivates each student via their strengths to support their growth helps students build confidence to pursue their goals. 

We are fortunate to have her join our team and Husky family in this newly created position.

Please help me in giving a very warm welcome to Ms. Weisman.

Mrs. Catina Crossman

_________________________________________

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Board of Education Administrative Assistant

Director of Communications| Social Media | Talent Mngt. Asst.

Pupil Accounting Specialist

Schools of Choice Coordinator