Mental Health Tip of the Week!

• We often associate vulnerability with weakness; however, getting out of our comfort zone, asking for help, and taking responsibility for our mistakes is a necessary part of growing up. In many ways, it can help make our lives a lot easier.

  • Don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance! It is a human necessity to ask for help, and stopping yourself from showing emotions or being vulnerable has been shown to cause physical and mental damage to our bodies.

  • It doesn’t mean you have to disclose everything to everyone. Find yourself a support system; they need someone to talk to as well!

Minute Meeting Update

Minute Meetings for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors have been completed. If you did not meet with your counselor during these sessions, please come down to E House Office and make an appointment.

Traffic Updates Starting Monday

• Beginning this coming Monday October 12th, two simultaneous construction projects will impact traffic on both 3rd Avenue and Ripley. 

• DTE is starting a 4-5 week repair project of a line that runs down Ripley that will impact traffic on Ripley between Bingham and 5th.

• The City of Alpena is taking the opportunity created by the DTE project to resurface 3rd Avenue from Ripley to Garden St. 

Access to AHS using Garden will remain open from the Bagley (west) side of 3rd.  

Alpena High School has a goal to reduce Chronic Absenteeism over the course of the next couple of years. 

What does it mean to be “Chronically Absent?" 

A student is chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year. Even brief absences here and there can add up quickly. Research shows that students who are consistently chronically absent may suffer academically and are less likely to graduate with their same age peers. 

What should I expect when my student misses a significant amount of school? 

Many families will receive a letter after their child has missed 5 days of school so that students and their families are aware of the absences. The purpose of this letter is to inform families of the absences and inform them of supports that are available for students and families. When a student misses 10 or more days, families may receive a second letter. At this time, families, students, and AHS staff will work together to make an individual plan for supporting each student with their attendance. 

Some things to keep in mind: 

• Call the Attendance Office when your student is out and provide a reason for their absence. The number is 989-358-5200.

• Provide doctors notes when available. If your child sees a doctor for their illness, please ask for a note that can be turned in to the Attendance Office. These notes will be on file and connected to each individual absence. 

• If your child will be out for a long period of time, connect with their teachers to plan to make-up missing work and assessments. You can contact their teachers directly or you can have your student email their teachers through their student accounts. 

Resources:

Staff at AHS are here to help! We often work with students and families to address any barriers or issues that are preventing a student from coming to school. We can also support students in getting organized and caught up on work when they have been out. Contact the following staff for more information: 

Will Rings, At-Risk Liaison (E-103), can be reached at ringsw@alpenaschools.com or  989-358-5234

Allison DeRocher, Behavior Tech (E-103), can be reached at derochera@alpenaschools.com or 989-358-5359

Bryan Robarge, School Success (E-103), can be reached at robargeb@alpenaschools.com or 989-358-5299

Lindsay Sheppard, Dean of Students (E-111), can be reached at sheppardl@alpenaschools.com or 989-358-5307

Alpena Public Schools (APS) will continue to build pathways to great futures for our students and serve as an economic engine for the future of Northeast Michigan. Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities available to students at APS are growing thanks to $3,045,781 dollars in 61V CTE Expansion Grants awarded to the district!  

61V CTE Expansion Grants are considered restricted funds which means they are audited financial resources legally required by the Michigan Legislature for use in specific programs, activities, or populations that cannot be diverted for general operational expenses.  

The Section 61v Michigan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Expansion Grant helps Michigan school districts launch high-demand career pathways in high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand fields like IT, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and business.The investment and growth of pathways and expansion to junior high will have tremendous positive impact for our students, families and community.

New and expanded career pathways for APS students in grades 6-12 will include:    

• Engineering/Robotics/Advanced Manufacturing

• Construction 

• Computer Science and Networking

• Health Occupations

In addition to these new and expanded pathways, AHS will also offer a CTE Finance pathway. Students in the Finance, Business, and Marketing pathways will also now have the opportunity to enroll in the College Board’s newest offering, AP Business and Personal Finance. 

These programs will strengthen the career prospects of our students as they are added to the eleven current award winning Career and Technical Education options:

• Agriscience & Natural Resources 

• Automotive Technology 

• Business Management 

• Digital Media 

• Construction Technology 

• Health Care Occupations

• Marketing 

• Robotics & Engineering 

• Teacher Academy 

• Woodworking 

• Welding Technology 

"These new and expanded career pathways directly respond to our local workforce shortages and community needs," stated Dr. Jessica Gillard, APS CTE Director. "By aligning our curriculum with high-demand industries, we are giving our students a clear leg up toward high-wage, high-skill careers right here in Northeast Michigan." 

In total, Alpena Public Schools was awarded $3,045,781 across eight applications, making APS the single largest 61v grant recipient in the state for this funding round. Out of over $44 million distributed statewide across dozens of districts, APS secured the highest overall funding allocation to support its comprehensive K-12 career pathway initiative.

Happy College Month AHS! 

I had a wonderful time meeting so many students and parents at College Night! I hope all who attended were able to get more information on colleges, financial aid, scholarships, and more.

For our College Month celebration this week, we are featuring the community colleges in Michigan. Kirtland Community College will be here on Tuesday, October 13th at 10 AM in the Wildcat Den to talk more about their programs in cosmetology, surgical technican, cardiac sonography, welding, automotive, and more! On Wednesday, October 14th at 12:30 PM in the Wildcat Den, Northwestern Michigan College will be here to discuss their programs in dental assistant, radiology, aviation, maritime studies and more. Finally, on Friday, October 16th, AHS will be visiting ACC for their Open House. Any AHS student interested in signing up for any of these visits can do so at the informational table in the Wildcat Den!

Did you know that you may be eligible to attend community college tuition free? The Community College Guarantee is a program through the state of Michigan that allows every student of the class of 2027 to attend their local community college tuition free. As long as you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will receive the Community College Guarantee automatically at Alpena Community College, no income threshold required! Plus, those who are Pell-eligible (as determined by FAFSA) will receive a $1,000 bonus!

Not thinking of ACC? Students can receive a significant tuition discount with the Community College Guarantee if attending an out of district Michigan community college. If another community college happens to have your program, you can still benefit from the Community College Guarantee!

Need help getting started with your college applications or FAFSA? I'm here to help! Please contact Elizabeth Kieliszewski, College Adviser at kieliszewskiel@alpenaschools.com or (989) 358-5323. 

Upcoming College Month Events

• WEEK OF OCTOBER 12th: COMMUNITY COLLEGE WEEK

  • Admissions Presentations: Kirtland CC (10/13), Northwestern MI College (10/14)

  • ALPENA CC FIELD TRIP: OCTOBER 16th 

  • SPIRIT DAY (Oct. 16th): DRESS LIKE A LUMBERJACK DAY!

• WEEK OF OCTOBER 19th: COLLEGE ATHLETICS WEEK

  • Admissions Presentations: SVSU (10/21 PM), MSU (10/22)

  • SPIRIT DAY: DRESS AS YOUR FAVORITE COLLEGE SPORT (or wear the gear of your favorite college team)

• WEEK OF OCTOBER 26th: EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS

  • Admissions Presentations: Oakland U (10/26), Ferris (10/27 AM), Wayne (10/27 PM)

  • SPIRIT DAY: DRESS AS A CAREER YOU WISHED TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER.

UPCOMING ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE VISITS

Upcoming Events:

• 10/12/26 DPPD inservice for teachers -- No School for Students

• 10/15/26 Senior Sunset Backup weather date

• 10/16/26 Progress Reports Due

• 10/21/26 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6pm @ NOAA

  • Unity Day-- Wear Orange and promote kindness today and everyday

• 10/22/26 Picture Retake Day AHS/ACES

• 10/23/26 Blood Drive in Health Occupations  8am - 1pm

• 10/29/26 Early Release for Students -- Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences 3 - 6pm

• 10/30/26 No School For Students -- Morning Parent/Teacher Conferences 7:30 - 10:30am

• 11/3/26 Josten's Student Meetings in the Auditorium

  • Freshman Meeting starting at Homeroom 9:31am

  • Senior Meeting @ 12:39pm

• 11/5/26 ASVAB Testing

• 11/5/26 PIF - Choosing & Paying for College 6pm 

• 11/11/26 Jostens Graduation orders Due

• 11/17/26 Progress Reports Due

• 11/19/26 PIF - NCAA in the Wildcat Den 6pm

• 11/25/26 Thanksgiving Break Starts

• 12/14/26 District Health Dept Vision Screening

• 12/15/26 District Health Dept Vision Screening

• 3/9/27 Progress Reports Due

• 4/27/27 Progress Reports Due