EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
Contributor: Citizenship- Recognize the importance of their role in our connected world; Involvement- Willing to actively engage to make a positive difference; Community Oriented- Able to balance self-interest with the needs of society.
This week's Wildcat Way is Ray Johnson! Ray constantly has a smile on his face, and actively tries to influence school culture in a positive way. He is stoic in demeanor, but he is also one of the most approachable people in the building. Ray has been able to balance academics and extra curricular activities thus far his freshman year, and is a great example of a Wildcat!
This week's Wildcat Way is Ray Johnson!
Counseling
2nd Semester Student Schedules
Make sure to follow your SEMESTER 2 SCHEDULE on Synergy.
**Due to the 2 cold days, students have through Tuesday to request schedule changes**
If you have an open hour, report to the Counseling Center that hour.
If you have an error in the schedule, report to the Counseling Center that hour.
Any student requesting a schedule change should use the Class Change Request Form. Please note that schedules will only be change in extenuating circumstances. Please see the Class Change Request Form for additional information regarding schedule changes.
Course change requests will not be accepted after this Tuesday (1/28/25).
AHS Upcoming Events
Report Cards --> Semester 1
APS families, 1st Semester report cards have been uploaded into both ParentVUE and StudentVUE. Please review with your students! You can download a printable copy in the "Documents" section or view a digital report card in the "Report Card" section.
You may also request a paper copy in any house office and the Main Office
Winterfest is Almost Here ~ Get Ready
Winterfest representative forms are available in the Main Office! Have the opportunity to represent your class and showcase your AHS spirit in front of the community! There has never been a better opportunity to get involved and see what your class is capable of. We have extended the deadline to submit your forms to Wednesday, January 29th. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let Mr. Thatcher know at thatcherc@alpenaschools.com.
Assembly game sign-ups are available in the Wildcat Den! If you want to compete for points during the Winterfest Assembly, please sign up! We ask that you do not cross off any names; if there are any changes to the names, please let Mr. Thatcher know.
Spirit days are decided! During your second hours that week, you will receive tickets for dressing in theme. Put your tickets into the spirit bin for a chance to win some AHS prizes!
Monday, 2/3: Neon Day
Pull out your brightest colors and dress in your best neon!
Tuesday, 2/4: Frat Day
College gear and outfits everywhere! Dress in your Greek letters and represent your favorite college!
Wednesday, 2/5: Paparazzi vs. Celebrity Day
Half of you are famous, and half of you are the paparazzi hounding them. Keep in mind that AHS policy still dictates that you can’t take photos of students, so leave the actual photo-taking to Yearbook.
Thursday, 2/6: Hippie Day
Bring out the tie-dye and the peace signs! We’re heading back to the seventies.
Friday, 2/7: Class Color Day
Deck out in your class colors! Freshmen are orange, sophomores are yellow, juniors are blue, and seniors are red. Campus Closet sells class colors to any in need!
Winterfest & Academic Probation
Reminder to keep your grades up if you want to attend Winterfest activities! On Monday, February 3rd we will run reports and generate a list to determine eligibility to attend Winterfest. There may not be many grades in the grade book, so please remember to turn in assignments and keep your grades up at the start of the new semester!
Campus Closet will be open Tuesday, January 28th 6:30-7:30pm can this be posted to the socials?
Time is running out to order your yearbook! January 31st is the deadline to guarantee your copy of a yearbook and the last chance to order PERSONALIZATION!
LAST YEAR WE SOLD OUT COMPLETELY AND HAD NO EXTRA BOOKS TO SELL!!
There are still a few yearbooks available at a $5 discount!
Yearbook
Senior Salutes Due - February 1st
Purchase a dedicated space in the yearbook to celebrate your senior.
ALL Senior Salute designs will be created, paid for, and submitted through Jostens.
https://www.yearbooknerds.com/alpena-high-school
Prices after December 1st: Full page $400, Half page $250, Quarter page $150, Eighth page $100
If you have any questions or need help with any of the above: Please contact the yearbook staff via email or visit Ms. O’Neil in E206. ahsyearbook@alpenaschools.com
Testing
Juniors ~ Your English Teachers will discuss this incredible opportunity to have ExamExperts Prep for the upcoming SAT on April 9th; Mr. Bourdage will be in English classes next week to discuss the program and answer any questions. Message your senior friends that participated and hear about how helpful it was for their test prep. On average, every student that participated increased in someway from their 10th grade PSAT score(s).
Two Test Prep Sessions
February 24th & 25th ~ 7:30 - 9:00 (60 students) 10 - 11:30 (60 students)
March 3rd & 4th (same times)
Mrs. Nugent, Early College Director, worked to align EC students with sessions that would have the least conflict with College classes.
Mr. Bourdage will email you the session that will work; you can then commit to signing up for the program.
Register using the Google Form below. You will be notified as to your time slot.
Athletics
Items To Review
The next Gear Up trip is on January 30th and now includes new attractions. Get your permission slips in to Mrs. Taratuta by Monday, January 27th by NOON
Visit Scholarship - Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union to learn more and submit your application!
Stop by the Wildcat Branch or visit Membership Application to join today!
Upcoming Events:
2/1/25 Senior Salutes due to Yearbook
2/3/25 Academic Probation Progress Check for Winterfest
2/3/25 Winterfest Week
2/4/24 Secretary of State @ AHS 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
2/6/25 AHS FAFSA Lab time at Alpena Community College 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
2/7/25 Winterfest Assembly
2/8/25 Winterfest Dance
2/21/25 Jostens Class Ring Delivery During Lunches
2/24/25 Exam Experts Session #1
2/25/25 Exam Experts Session #2 & Progress Reports distributed
3/3/25 Exam Experts Session #3
3/4/25 Exam Experts Session #4
3/4/25 Secretary of State @ AHS 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
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 E110 (School Success) if you need help resolving an issue. Peer mediators don't take sides or place blame on anyone!