A Note From Superintendent Petz:

At Suttons Bay Public Schools, we believe that every student deserves a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. We are more than just a school—we are a school community that is dedicated to ensuring that each student has the resources, guidance, and support to succeed. As we continue to help our students grow their skills through high quality instruction in our classrooms, we remain committed to putting our students and families health, safety, and well being above any other priority_._ Here’s a look at some of our most recent initiatives:  

A Strong Support System for Every Student

We know that students learn best when they feel supported, which is why we’ve placed a dedicated school counselor at every level—elementary, middle, and high school. Our counselors help students navigate academic challenges, build stronger relationships, develop social-emotional skills, and learn problem solving skills. We also have a full-time school nurse on-site. Whether it’s daily health concerns, chronic conditions, or unexpected emergencies, our nurse ensures that students receive the care they need to stay healthy and ready to learn.

A Focused Learning Environment

At SBPS, we are committed to creating classrooms that encourage engagement and connection. That’s why we implemented the "Away for the Day" cell phone policy, reducing distractions and helping students stay present in their learning. By fostering face-to-face interactions and deeper classroom discussions, we are strengthening connections and preparing our students for success both inside and outside of the classroom.  Numerous studies indicate that limiting access to devices during the school day helps students reduce their anxiety and increase focus on their studies in the classroom, and our students often tell us that coming to school under our policy allows them to “take a break” from the digital world.

Safety and Security - Always a Top Priority

Nothing is more important than the safety of our students and staff. We have taken proactive steps to upgrade security across our entire campus, ensuring that SBPS remains a safe and welcoming place for all. Our safety enhancements include:

• Upgraded Camera and Door Access System – Strengthening campus security with advanced surveillance and controlled entry.
• Campus-Wide Blind Replacements – Enhancing security by improving classroom privacy and lockdown capabilities.
• Vape Detection Technology – Keeping our students healthy by identifying vaping activity on school grounds.
• Lockdown App on iPads in Every Classroom – Ensuring that safety measures can be activated quickly in an emergency.
• BTAM (Behavioral Threat Assessment Management) – Identifying and supporting students before a crisis happens.
• ZeroEyes Detection Software – Cutting-edge technology that alerts security if a firearm is detected by our camera system on campus.
• Enhanced Announcement System – Immediate lockdown capability from any phone or admin app.
• Security Assessment by Retired Secret Service & State Police Experts – Ensuring our school meets the highest safety standards.
• 24/7 Cyber Security Monitoring – Protecting sensitive data and student information.
• Updated Cyber Security & Emergency Plans – Strengthening our preparedness for digital and physical threats.
• AED & Narcan Deployment – Strategically placed lifesaving devices to respond to medical emergencies.

Suttons Bay Public Schools is consistently the place where students are known and cared for personally, where families feel connected, and where the community comes together to support learning. We are excited to welcome the next generation of Norsemen! Join us for our Kindergarten & Preschool Roundup on April 9, 2025 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Families will have the opportunity to meet our amazing teachers, explore classrooms, learn about our programs, and experience first-hand what makes Suttons Bay Public Schools so uniquely special. 

Upward, Casey Petz - Superintendent