About South

History of MSS

The opening of L’Anse Creuse Middle School–South on September 3, 1975 marked the culmination of eight years of thoughtful planning by L’Anse Creuse parents and educators to bring the middle school philosophy to our district. Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas G. Scullen, a teaching staff of 36 welcomed 666 students on that first day, establishing a strong foundation focused on student growth, development, and academic success.

Since that time, the school has benefited from the leadership of several dedicated principals. Prior to current administrators Kevin Blum and Paul Clotworthy, the building was led by Dr. Richard Benedict, Dr. Thomas G. Scullen, John R. Armstrong, Arnold A. Kummerow, Ron Johnson, Patrick Mulcahy, Dr. Greg Dixon, and Paul Lasala.

Throughout its history, Middle School–South has grown into a school that serves not only students during the day but also the broader community during evenings and weekends. The building continues to be a hub for community engagement, activities, and partnerships.

Middle School–South is well respected by the Michigan Department of Education for its innovative approaches to education. One notable example is the co-teaching model launched in 1987, integrating general education and special education students and staff within shared classrooms. This model has drawn interest from educators across Michigan and the nation, resulting in numerous professional visitations to observe the program in action.

The school has also received significant recognition for educational excellence. During the 1997–98 school year, Middle School–South was honored as both a Michigan Exemplary School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Earlier, in 1995, the school became an accredited member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In 2025, Middle School–South entered a new chapter by rebranding around its core values using the RISE acronym: Respect, Integrity, Success, and Empathy. These values now guide daily operations, student expectations, staff interactions, and the overall school culture. The RISE framework reflects the school’s continued commitment to academic achievement, positive relationships, and a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Today, Middle School–South continues to build on its strong legacy by honoring its history while embracing innovation, community partnership, and a student-centered approach to learning.