EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
Confident: Self Aware- Able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses; Growth Mindset- Embrace their ability to grow through dedication and hard work; Grit- Willing to expend sustained effort to complete a task with excellence.
This week's Wildcat way is Gracelynn Olson! She has done a great job representing AHS and the Yearbook team by reaching out to the community to sell Yearbook sponsorships to local businesses. A local business owner even took the time to reach out to us and let us know how impressed she was by Gracelynn's confidence and professionalism when calling.
Counseling
ACC Dual Enrollment time is here! If you are considering taking a college class, you need to make an appointment with your counselor.
What is considered when a student wants to dual enroll - we look for a qualifying previous test scores either in SAT or PSAT, then we review gpa, previously classes taken, etc.
How do we choose classes - We discuss the students future goals and interests and then their day / time availability
Seniors: if you are applying to ACC for the fall of 2026, Mrs Schultz is hosting a college application workshop on Wed Oct 29th in the YVC room (inside the Wildcat Den). Last names A-L meet from 8:30-9:30 and last names M-Z meet from 9:30-10:30. Reach out to Mrs. Schultz schultzc@alpenaschools.com if you have any questions.
Help! I am struggling with my class. What do I do:
Student connects with the teacher - in person is best, then email. Be clear with what the problem is and listen to advice given.
Parent connects with the teacher - Conferences are this week! You can also call the teacher and / or email concerns.
Try tutoring - after school Monday and Wednesday there is a math teacher and an English teacher helping students with classes.
Individual Tutoring - Students can see or email their counselor for a list of student tutors.
Student / Counselor Appointment - Student makes a request to see their counselor to discuss
Progress Reports - did you get a call 6 weeks ago on your student's progress if he/she was struggling? The second round of Progress Report call is on the 17th. You may have gotten a positive call to celebrate. Remember, communication is key and reaching out is never a bother to our staff.
AHS Upcoming Events
Health Occupations students are hosting a BLOOD DRIVE on Oct. 29!
THANK YOU to all who registered to donate this coming Wednesday. Our schedule is FULL!!!
A few reminders to donors:
16 yr olds will NEED parental consent - bring your signed form.
Athletes - need a signed note from your coach for participation
Students will be excused from class during their scheduled donation time.
Get a good night's sleep on Tuesday.
Eat BREAKFAST on Wednesday morning - that's a must!
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Bring your photo ID with you on Wednesday.
*NOT A PUBLIC EVENT*
AHS Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 30th (Early Release Schedule)
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31st (No School For Students)
7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
AHS staff would like to see a record amount of parents this year. Conferences provide an opportunity to build the bridge with a school to home connection which enhances student success. Parents can see everything through StudentVue but nothing replaces a face-to-face contact; conferences are your time to make the personal connection, and AHS staff wants a full house! See you this week.
We also encourage you to review Academic Support Strategies for Parents document which offers great strategies to assist your student(s)
Round one of Progress Reports were September 29th- were you contacted? Did you have questions or concerns? The next round for 12 weeks is due out November 18th-- do you have any concerns? This is a great time to meet in person.
The conferences will be in Gym 2, and you may enter under the Wildcat in the Front Oval
Please take the parent survey as you enter or leave ~ it is quick and helps us to service you better knowing your needs
The survey is also found right below online
THIS IS YOUR LAST REMINDER. SENIOR PORTRAITS AND QUOTES ARE DUE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1st!! THIS IS A FIRM DEADLINE. LATE SUBMISSIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. PLEASE EMAIL ahsyearbook@alpenaschools.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Parents -- KAPUT needs you to make all events successful. Register here to help in anyway you can
Items To Review
Per District Policy there are to be No Halloween Costumes @ AHS for any reason.
You will be asked to change if you arrive in a costume of any sort ~ thank you for your understanding and make sure to be safe if you plan on participating on Halloween.
Critical Bus Information
Effective Monday 10/27/25 for Routes 14B in the Besser Area and 15A in the Ella White Area.
We are sorry to announce that due to a critical bus driver shortage we will be suspending two bus routes starting Monday October 27th 2025. We are not certain at this time how long the route suspension will last. We do have staff training to fill the open roles but the process takes time. We understand this has a negative impact on families affected by this route suspension. We had to make the difficult choice to suspend two city routes that serve areas closest to these schools. Families will have to arrange alternative transportation for their students. We apologize for the major disruption this causes.
For questions or concerns feel free to contact APS Communications Director Lee Fitzpatrick at fitzpatrickl@alpenaschools.com.
Athletics
Winter Sports Don't Miss Out
Upcoming Events:
10/30/25 1/2 Day for student PM Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/31/25 AM Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/3/25 National Society National Honor Society Induction 6pm AHS Auditorium
KAPUT Meeting 6pm in the Wildcat Den
11/5/25 Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office 10:00am - 3:00pm
Josten's Freshman Class Meeting 3rd hour
Josten's Senior Class Meeting 5th hour
11/6/25 ASVAB Testing
Parent Information Forum - Choosing and Paying For College 6pm AHS Auditorium
11/11/25 Veteran's Day
11/11/25 KAPUT Fall Activity Night
11/18/25 Progress Reports Go Home
11/19/25 NCAA Parent Information Forum 6pm in the Wildcat Den
11/26/25 No School Thanksgiving Break
11/27/25 No School Thanksgiving Break
11/28/25 No School Thanksgiving Break
12/1/25 KAPUT Meeting 6pm in the Wildcat Den
OK2SAY is the student safety program which allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment.
Student Climate Team will be trained to conduct peer mediation for students who are in conflict with one another. The goal of having peer mediation at AHS is to help create a more positive culture in our school where both sides win and one party doesn't feel as if they are being treated unfairly. Please see Mr. Robarge in Restorative Center (School Success) if you need help resolving an issue. Peer mediators don't take sides or place blame on anyone!
Have you ever wondered how our school lunch menus are created? Curious about what goes into deciding a snow day? Or perhaps you’ve been puzzled by terms like "collective bargaining agreement" or wondered why the district can’t purchase gifts for staff?
If so, we invite you to participate in our "ASK APS" initiative. This is your chance to ask the questions that matter to you. Each month, we’ll select questions that are intriguing, timely, or widely relevant to answer in the Superintendent's Update, Central Office communications, school newsletters, or even at Board meetings.
While we may not be able to address every question, we’re committed to answering as many as we can.
Please note: This form is not intended for questions specific to individual students or situations. For those, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher or principal.
Rest assured, your submissions are completely anonymous—no contact information is collected