Embedded Files
EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
This week's Wildcat Way is Josh Little! Josh sets a great example for others and is a positive presence in our classrooms and hallways. When there was a sub in PE, Josh even led the class in their daily warm ups.
The Wildcat Way...
The Wildcat Way...
Counseling
CHOOSING & PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Mrs. Miller is hosting a student/parent Informational Meeting on Thursday, November 6th. We will start in the Wildcat Den at 5:15-5:55 assisting students/parents with: college essays, common application completion, FAFSA, Parchment registration and scholarship search/completion. THEN, at 6:00 as we move to the auditorium, we will specifically discuss things to think about when choosing a college and resources to consider regarding paying for college. You are welcome to attend both events, or one or the other. This would be great for juniors, seniors, parents, first generation college students and 13th year Early College students.
SEE YOU THERE!
Are you planning on graduating early?
Have you met with your counselor to discuss this?
In order to be an early graduate, you must have successful completion of all graduation requirements by the end of first semester. You must also have completed the early grad form AND have met with your counselor BEFORE THANKSGIVING.
Make sure you ask yourself these questions: WHY do you want to graduate early? What will you do instead of come to high school? Are there classes or teachers you'd like to experience in your last semester of your high school career? Is dual enrollment at ACC an option for you? Let the district get you started down that path!
**See your counselor BEFORE THANKSGIVING if you are interested in having further discussion**
Fall/Winter Testing Out
If you wish to test out of a course please submit the Testing Out Request form to E-house office by Tuesday, November 25th. All tests will be administered December 3rd at 2:45pm at AHS. If you request to test out of a course you will receive confirmation and additional details via email. If you have after school activities scheduled for this time you will have to plan accordingly in advance. Please refer to the Testing Out Request form for additional information or you can contact Mr. Buchinger.
2025 Press Release_ Alpena High School & ACES (Fall).pdfThe Sunset Project
The Sunset Project
The Sunset Project returns this fall to visit our AHS Health classes on November 10th to share important mental health resources with students and reinforcing the importance of communicating with parents, guardians, and/or staff member any mental health concerns a student may be experiencing.
AHS Upcoming Events
KAPUT MEETING ~ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH
IN THE WILDCAT DEN @ 6 P.M.
Josten's GRADUATION MATERIAL Meeting
Wednesday, November 5th
AHS Auditorium @ 12:30 5th hour
Check into 5th hour and then report to the meeting
Graduation Order Deadline
Wednesday, November 12th
Online Order Link - https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1065136/Alpena-High-School/
Video Information and FAQ’s – https://jostens.co/AlpenaGradHowTo
Freshmen Parents
Wednesday, November 5th
AHS Auditorium @ 9:45am 3rd hour
Check into 3rd hour and then report to the meeting
Class Ring Order Deadline
Wednesday, November 12th
Online Order Link - https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1065136/Alpena-High-School/
Video Information and FAQ’s – https://jostens.co/AlpenaRingHowTo
Do you have a team? You have to register!
Let's see the creative uniforms and let's make this a great event.
There are other activities to take part in or just come to hang out and watch...
And we mention~ There will be tons of food as well.
We can use your help at the event-- Please volunteer if you are available.
Heath Occupations Students of America (HOSA) are hosting a food drive to help those in need in our community. Students and staff are encouraged to support their mission of being able to help 20 families.
See the flyer for details. All donations can be dropped of in B104 starting Monday, Nov. 3 through Friday, Nov. 14.
Items To Review
Successful Lockdown Drill
We recently completed our first announced lockdown drill of the year. This was an important opportunity for us to walk through our procedures and discuss how students and staff must be prepared to "think on their feet" in any situation.
Partner with Us: Please take this opportunity to talk with your student about the drill at home. We want everyone to feel prepared and empowered. If your student has any questions or concerns, please encourage them to speak directly with their teacher.
IMPORTANT: Secure Entry Procedures
Our new secure entry system is a key part of our safety plan, and we need 100% cooperation to make it effective. Please review these non-negotiable rules with your student:
DO NOT open any locked door for anyone, even if you know them. This is a critical safety rule.
Students must only enter through the Student Secure Entry in the Front Oval.
All visitors (including parents) must only enter through the Visitor Entrance in the Back Oval.
If someone is at the wrong door, students should not open it. They should simply tell the person to go to the correct student or visitor entrance.
Parent/Teacher Conferences Follow UP
Thank you to all those families that attended conferences. It was outstanding to hear the dialogue regarding student needs and what support can be provided at home and the connection necessary between home and school to have academic success for students.
If you did not attend, AHS would like you to complete the parent survey to help make us better. In committing to the APS Strategic Plan ~ Family & Community Partnership: Build and strengthen a trusting relationship with families and partners, is our priority .
If you missed conferences:
You can email your teacher(s)
You can call (989-358-5200) and leave a voicemail once transfered to the teacher's classroom. Just an FYI, classroom phones are set to "do not disturb" during the school day, but teachers are to check voicemail regularly.
You can make a personal appointment with any teacher, counselor, Dean, School Success, or principal to discuss student needs and supports.
An AHS Goal is to bridge the gap and create partnerships as outlined in the APS Strategic Plan.
Progress Report #2 is due to students on November 18th in their 2nd hours. Teachers will be calling home for failing grades, any drastic academic changes, and positive calls; remember, you are welcome to call too ~ you are never a bother. The AHS Staff has committed to the Progress Report process 2 times each semester.
Our blood drive was a huge success....thanks to you!!
Our blood drive was a huge success....thanks to you!!
On behalf of Health Occupations students and Versiti Blood Center, thank you for taking the time to donate blood at our recent drive. Because of your generosity, lives will be saved and hope will be restored to local patients in need.
Every donation makes a difference. Whether it's helping a child battling cancer, a trauma patient in the ER, or someone undergoing surgery, you’ve made a powerful impact. 24 units were collected and will be used over the next 5 weeks.
We’re so grateful for your support and willingness to give. You are truly a hero!
Looking forward to seeing you at our next drive!
Join in the fun
Join in the fun
One of the best ways to see if college is for you is to attend a campus tour. With the GEAR up program at AHS this opportunity is free and available for all students in 9-12th. Priority is given to seniors and all free/reduced lunch 9-11. If spots are available others can possibly be included. See Mrs. Taratuta for more information and permission slips are in Wildcat Den!
Jenny Taratuta
MI GEAR up Coordinator/ Career & College Readiness Advisor
taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
(989)358-5243
https://calendly.com/aps-mi-gearup-coordinator
A tutoring service available to all
A tutoring service available to all
Are you in need of academic support
Are you in need of academic support
Another aspect available from the GEAR UP program is a free tutoring service. Students log in with their APS email and it's available anytime!
Athletics
Upcoming Events:
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
11/10/25 Sunset Project presentations in Health Classes
11/11/25 Veteran's Day
11/11/25 KAPUT Fall Activity Night
11/12/25 Josten's Graduation Order Deadline
11/18/25 Progress Reports Go Home
11/19/25 NCAA Parent Information Forum 6pm in the Wildcat Den
11/25/25 Deadline to turn in Testing Out forms
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
12/3/25 Testing Out at 2:45pm -- location TBA
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
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