Principal Purple's Office

Welcome to JKL Bahweting Anishnabe School! I’m Heather Purple, proud to serve as your principal. Our school is a special place—rooted in community, culture, and high expectations for every learner. I’m honored to partner with you to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and celebrated each day.

Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to JKL, please know you belong here. We do our best work when we work together. 💜🦅

Purple

Meet Principal Purple

Heather Purple brings over 25 years in education, including 20 years at JKL as a middle school science teacher (grades 6–8) and Middle School Lead Teacher for more than a decade. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from NMU, a Master’s in Adolescent Literacy and Technology from Walden University, and an Education Specialist degree from NMU.

Heather’s leadership is grounded in a whole-child approach, open and transparent communication, and strong, genuine relationships with students, staff, families, and community.

Outside of school, Heather enjoys time with her husband, two adult daughters, and cats Phyllis and Larry—plus board games, campfires, cooking, reading, and the occasional Bravo binge (no judgment!).

What I Believe

Every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and confident at school.

  • Strong schools are built on strong relationships.

  • The best solutions come from teamwork, communication, and partnership.

  • We can hold high expectations and keep a good sense of humor.

Celebrating the positives matters—because schools are full of wins worth sharing.

How to Connect

I have an open-door mindset and value communication with families. If something is on your mind - questions, concerns, celebrations, or ideas - I want to hear from you.

Best ways to reach me:

  • Email: hpurple@jklschool.org

  • Phone:906-635-5055 ext. 114

  • Office location: Main Office

If you’re not sure who to contact, starting with the front office is always a great first step

Celebrate with Us!

One of my favorite parts of this job is celebrating the positives - students being kind, staff going above and beyond, growth that shows up in big and small ways.

If you have something you’d like to share (a success, a shout-out, a gratitude moment), please send it my way. Those bright spots matter - and they help keep our school community strong.