EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
Congratulations on being chosen Austin!
Austin West
Contributor- Citizenship, recognizing the importance of their role in our connected world; Involvement, willingness to actively engage to make a difference; Community Oriented, able to balance self-interest with the needs of society.
When Austin was submitted for Wildcat Way of the Week, it was for his constant pleasant attitude and engagement with students and staff on a daily basis. The teacher that recommended him stated that he is a difference-maker in class and brings such a great attitude that he is infectious to others around him. Mr. Pattison seconded this and truly enjoys visiting with Austin whenever he sees him in the halls. He sets himself apart as a nice young man who always says, "Have a nice day" and means it. I see Austin as Mrs. George and I greet students at the Main Office entrance in the morning and can't think of a day that he does not ask how we are doing and genuinely wants an answer. We appreciate students that bring a positive attitude to school and our classrooms because connecting and being genuine truly makes a difference. Austin, continue to spread the happiness in everyone that you engage with daily knowing that your kind words and attitude make a difference at AHS.
Counselor Corner:
Attention, Students! Are you stressed out by exams, holidays, family or life in general? Would you be interested in joining a "Stress-Busters" support group, offered by the Counseling Center in the New Year, to learn techniques with how to deal with stress and better cope with life challenges? Just email your counselor to indicate your interest....
Or, if you have a friend you are concerned about his/her/their safety, PLEASE reach out to a teacher, staff or counselor in our building! This time of the year can be difficult for anyone. It is a responsible decision to keep someone safe, and doing so may save a life!
SUICIDE HOTLINE: 1-800-273-8255 Someone is available 24 hrs/7 days to HELP.
This has been a difficult year for many people in our community. We want to remind you of a free community resource that we encourage everyone to use if they find themselves needing extra support. 2-1-1 is a public service number for all non-emergency needs. You can call it any time, any day and an agent will connect you with whatever it is you’re looking for – food, financial assistance, housing support, clothing, transportation… All you need to do is dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected.
Parent Information Forum
Alpena High School Commons 6:30 PM Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
Are you a student athlete? Are you planning / hoping to compete at the college level? If you answered yes to either of these questions you and your parent/guardian should attend the Parent Information Forum on Wednesday December 8 at 6:30 pm in Alpena High School commons. Mary Daoust, AHS counselor will be hosting the meeting regarding NCAA Eligibility Center registration. She will explain the process, eligibility requirements and answer your questions. NCAA registration is required for a student to participate in a Division 1 or 2 sport at the collegiate level. This event is open to all area schools.
For more information please contact Alpena High School Counselor Mary Daoust (358 5217) or daoustm@alpenaschools.com
It's a good time to talk to your students
With all the tragedy last week surrounding Oxford Community Schools, this is a good guide to help you in discussing this difficult topic with your family. Rest assured, APS has met and discussed all our safety protocols in all schools with all of our staff. It is a difficult time and very hard to try and understand when tragedy like this strikes. As a community, we can support one another in any way possible and have real conversations with our kids on the value of safety and reporting any signs that are alarming to trusted adults in our schools and family. I know students worry about narking and losing the trust of their friends, but as parents and school officials, we must put everyone's safety ahead of this worry and somehow get students to understand this as well.
Please don't hesitate to contact me, your student's principal, Dean, Officer David, the AHS Counseling Staff, School Success, or AHC Social Workers if you need any assistance.
Thank you in advance for your support.
AdviseMI Announcements
Scholarship of the Week- Home Depot Path to Pro, all seniors who are pursuing a trade program are eligible to apply, due Dec. 31st Apply Here
Questions about scholarships or financial aid? Reach out to me, 989-358-5243, deckerb@alpenaschools.com
After School Tutoring!
We will be offering tutoring assistance after school for all AHS students! This will be staffed by AHS teachers and assistance can be provided in any subject. Tutoring sessions will be held in the Media Center from 2:45 to 3:45pm every Monday and Thursday that students have a full-day. Specific information for each week will be posted in student announcements. Students do not need to sign up in advance and students are responsible for their own transportation. Please contact Mr. Pattison @ (pattisonj@alpenaschools.com) if you have any questions.
Do you like being civically involved, do you want more of a voice in what happens in our community, do you like getting involved in government and its opportunity to support real change? The program is targeting 10th and 11th graders, but we will look at 12th graders as well.
Please read the document and complete the survey at the bottom. I will be hosting a meeting with Liam Dreyer, Chief Executive Officer and Anne Gentry from the Alpena DDA during Advisory on Monday, December 13th for an opportunity to hear more and ask questions. Once you complete the survey, you will get a pass to attend the Advisory meeting (make sure you are checking your Google calendar). You should make sure to share that you will miss Advisory in advance with your Advisory teacher; your teacher will get the list.
This is a great opportunity for AHS students.
All Students-- this will be a great night to have fun. KAPUT wants to fill the house.
We are accepting any donations for the event. You can drop them off at the AHS Main Office by Friday.
KAPUT is still in need of chaperones for the event. If you are interested, you can connect with Co- Chairs, Stephanie Couture (989-464-7220) or Michelle Dhurvan (248-660-2287) to put your name down: michelle.taulbee521@gmail.com tscooch@hotmail.com aps.kaput@gmail.com or 'KAPUT AHS' group on BAND - The app for groups and communities! https://band.us/n/a5a86aw0Kdw8p
Early College Coordinator
Alpena, MI – Alpena Public Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Laurie Nugent to lead Alpena Early College. She will take over day-to-day operations of the program for the second semester of the school year. Laurie Nugent has a strong background in education and college access having worked at Hillman High School in both instruction and academic advising, as well as the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan working with scholarships.”I am excited to work with students on a daily basis to help them pursue their academic and career pathways”, said Nugent.
“We are glad to have her on board. Her experience with scheduling, testing, academic advising, teaching technology and her ability to connect with students and parents make her a great fit for this position”, said current Early College Coordinator, Lee Fitzpatrick. “I will continue to provide support and act as the program’s supervisor to help make this a successful transition for current and future early college students.”
Alpena Early College is a highly successful program in its 8th year. It is offered through Alpena Public Schools in partnership with Alpena Community College. The program helps students to make a successful transition from high school to college. It is open to all APS students who are required to complete a rigorous application process in 10th grade. They are mentored and taught college readiness skills and begin taking college courses during 11th and 12th grade. Students stay for a 13th year of high school where they attend college full-time at ACC with the goal of earning up to 60 college credits and can earn an associates degree.
The Signing Event is an opportunity for our AHS Athletes that have committed during the early signing period to be recognized and celebrate their achievements. If you have committed and not contacted Athletic Director, Mr. Studley, please do so before Wednesday. Those that have signed are welcome to invite their coaches, inspirational people along the way, and family to be at the celebration.
The media will be there to capture the event and prepare press releases.
Go Cats!!
AHS wants to congratulate 13th year Early College student, Gabbie Smith who signed with LSSU on Saturday at Northern Lights Arena with her former AHS High School coaches Mr. Limback and Mr. Givens. She is excited for the opportunity to continue a sport that she loves.
Monday, December 6th
Girls JV Basketball at 5:30pm vs. Oscoda HS - at Home
Girls Varsity Basketball at 7pm vs. Oscoda HS - at Home
Tuesday, December 7th
None
Wednesday, December 8th
Wrestling at 5pm at Whittemore-Prescott HS
Girls JV Basketball at 5:30pm at Ogemaw Heights HS
Girls Varsity Basketball at 7pm at Ogemaw Heights HS
Boys JV Basketball at 5:30pm vs. Ogemaw Heights HS - at Home
Boys Varsity Basketball at 7pm vs.Ogemaw Heights HS - at Home
Thursday, December 9th
None
Friday, December 10th
Boys Varsity Hockey at 10am - Gaylord Showcase
Competitive Cheer at 1pm - BlueJay Invitational
Saturday, December 11th
Wrestling at 9am at Oscoda HS
Boys Varsity Hockey - Gaylord Showcase
At Saturday's game, the hockey team pulled Officer David out to join them in their celebration after beating Gaylord two straight. Officer David has done a great job at building relationships with kids and continues to be an asset to our staff. Thanks "OD," as the students say. You are approachable and real with the students at AHS; we appreciate you and are glad to have you on staff.
Leadership Fundraiser--- Movie Matinee
1-2 hours: Home Alone 5-6 hours: Elf
The matinee will take place on December 21st (Tuesday) the last day before break.
Students will need to obtain a voucher from their 1st and 2nd-hour teachers for Home Alone or their 5th and 6th-hour teachers for Elf.
After students obtain a voucher with the proper signatures, they will be able to buy tickets in Room C 132 during their lunch hour for $3. Tickets will be on sale December 15th, 16th, 17th. Leadership students will create a document of students attending and share it with staff.
All the proceeds will benefit different charitable organizations around Alpena, such as The Sunrise Mission, Huron Humane Society, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Win a $50.00 Gift Card!
Each day starting Monday, December 6th until Monday December 20th we will be asking Financial Trivia Questions and each correct answer earns you an entry for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Stop By The Wildcat Branch each day to enter multiple times to win!
Upcoming Events:
12/8/21 PIF ~ NCAA Informational Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
12/9/21 Pizza Party for the winners of the Leadership Food Drive
12/9/21 AHS Winter Band Concert, 7pm Auditorium
12/10/21 KAPUT Activity Night
12/13/21 Government for Tomorrow-- Liam Dreyer and Anne Gentry meeting with students during Advisory
12/16/21 AHS Choir Christmas Program, 7pm Auditorium
12/20/21 Choir will be singing Holiday songs 1st and 2nd hours
12/21/21 Student Matinee for Leadership Fundraiser
1/4/22 ACES Application Deadline