Superintendent
Welcome to New Buffalo Area Schools! I am New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent, Adam Bowen. I have some deep roots in New Buffalo. I attended New Buffalo Area Schools my entire educational career and graduated from New Buffalo High School. Both my undergraduate (elementary education) and graduate studies (educational leadership) were done at Western Michigan University. I came to the district in 2006 to teach third grade. Prior to teaching at New Buffalo I was a special education teacher in South Bend, IN. Other positions I held during my time at New Buffalo were first grade, Title I Coordinator, and Elementary Principal. My experience at the district has prepared me to serve the community well as the superintendent.
My family and I enjoy all the wonderful things New Buffalo has to offer. All three of my children attend NBAS and are active in many of the community events. Frequently, you will see us out and about, participating in some of the local events in the community. We love the summertime in New Buffalo because it feels as if you are always on vacation here.
The district has approximately 540 students in grades PreK-12. Class sizes remain small to ensure we give each and every child the attention that they need. New Buffalo High School was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2019 while the Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020. In 2024 New Buffalo Area Schools was named the Most Innovative District of the Year in Michigan by MACUL. In 2026 the Middle and High School were named Michigan Green Schools - the one and only in the State!
Providing a safe learning environment is key. Each building in the district has a School Resource Officer. The use of PBIS and restorative practices is done district wide. Students have access to social workers along with guidance counselors as needed. We have a full-time academic coach at the high school level to assist students as needed. Students are 1-1 computing across the district: iPads (PK-8) and MacBooks (9-12). Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard along with document cameras and microphone sound systems.
We focus on engaging families and placing emphasis on building positive relationships with students and parents. Analyzing student growth and achievement, on both local and state academic assessments, is how we meet the needs of individual students. Together, staff members scrutinize assessment results to determine learning paths for each student. All buildings have, or will have, aligned ELA and math content with rigorous formative assessments. Teachers have ample access to professional development opportunities throughout the year and are able to receive support as needed from Berrien RESA. All staff are highly qualified for the areas that they teach.
There are many things about New Buffalo that make our district unique to others when it comes to educating your child. For example, we offer a full day academic pre-kindergarten classroom. STEAM education is taught to all students K-12. Media Centers have been upgraded, and a STEAM building created, to teach our children innovation, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Children are provided learning opportunities in the areas of art, music, dance, physical education, Spanish, makerspace, Computer Science, guidance, CTE, radio/communications, peer-to-peer, AP classes, and more! There are many extra-curricular activities that children can choose to be a part of. We highly recommend that children join an after-school club or sport to provide them with a well-rounded education. If a child meets qualifications, they may be provided additional support in Title I, Speech and Language, or Special Education. After school care, called BASE, is available to students in grades K-5 free of charge. The Bison Scholarship of $5,000.00 per year is available to those who attend school before 5th grade; after 5th grade the scholarship is prorated. We offer a daycare to children ages 2.5 - 4 years old. The biggest point of pride is that we care about our students and try to help them reach their goals/dreams with your assistance.
I look forward to a great, positive year with you and your student(s). Parents are first and foremost the most important aspect in student learning. A strong partnership between the school and home is paramount. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything. I can be reached at 269-469-6010, email abowen@nbas.org, or in person. Here’s to a great school year.
Go Bison!
Adam Bowen
Superintendent
New Buffalo Area Schools
Every student. Every day.