Embedded Files
EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
Continuous Learner: Ownership- aka personal responsibility to drive their own learning; Resilient- Approach problems with a growth mindset; Passionate- Pursue and expand areas of academic and personal interest.
This month's Wildcat Way is Katelyn Forshey! Katelyn is a commendable student who consistently demonstrates her ability to stay focused on any task, pours significant effort into every assignment, and shows impressive accountability for her own education.
The Wildcat Way...
The Wildcat Way...
AHS Upcoming Events
Join us for this amazing KAPUT sponsored event. There will be fun, games, food, food, and more food!
Counseling
Make sure to follow your SEMESTER 2 SCHEDULE on Synergy.
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 changed in extenuating circumstances. Please see the Class Change Request Form for additional information regarding schedule changes.
Classes continue to be balanced and will result in changes in SM 2 Schedules.
Course change requests will not be accepted after this Monday (1/26/26).
ACC Students
January 23, 2026 was the last day to drop an ACC class without penalty.
Support is available if you're struggling. Please see your counselor for more information.
Online Students at AHS
Online classes continue to be loaded. Students should check their school email often for login information for SM2 Online classes.
Report to G116 if you have an online class during class periods 2nd-5th. Mrs. Copping is available for support with content or platform troubleshooting.
SUPPORT is here
SUPPORT is here
Parents of seniors and Early College 13th year students - I am able to assist with FAFSA and other financial needs as you plan for those next steps. Please don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a time to meet!
Jenny Taratuta
MI GEAR up Coordinator/ Career & College Readiness Advisor
taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
(989)358-5243
Items To Review
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 by going to or calling the Main Office - 989-358-5200
StudentVue & ParentVue Support
AHS is committed to staying connected with your family. To ensure you can monitor your student's progress during Semester 2, please let us know if you are having issues accessing Synergy.
Having trouble logging in? Contact Mrs. Manning for immediate assistance:
Phone: 989-358-5200 (Switchboard)
Email: manningj@alpenaschools.com
Personal Devices
Personal Devices
At AHS, students are expected to use their school provided Chromebook during school hours. Personal computers are treated as personal devices (like phones or wireless headphones) and are not permitted to be used during class time. Students with broken Chromebooks should see Mr. Whitscell in the Wildcat Den for repairs. You will be given a loaner Chromebook while yours is being repaired. Requiring that students use a school issued Chromebook while logged in to their APS account helps us maintain a digitally safe and secure environment to the best of our ability and helps us uphold school and board policies related to technology use.
APS online Students
APS online Students
Beginning second semester, all students who are taking an online class for their 2nd through 5th hours will now report to room G116 for the online class. Students will not be allowed to work on their online classes in the halls, commons, or Wildcat Den. Students with 1st and 6th hour online courses are not expected to be in the building and can work from home. You need to check in as you arrive 2nd hour and checkout when you leave at the end of 5th hour. If you are needing to be at school, you must be in the Wildcat Den.
Winterfest & Academic Probation
Reminder to keep your grades and attendance up if you want to attend Winterfest activities!
Winterfest is on Saturday, February 21st
Students who are on academic probation or are chronically absent run the risk of not being able to attend Winterfest. On Monday, February 16th, we will run reports and generate a grades and attendance list to determine eligibility to attend Winterfest. Students who are on academic probation will not be able to attend Winterfest. Students who miss 10% of school days or more in second semester AND those days are unexcused, will not be permitted 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!
Students who have questions can reach out to Dean Sheppard at sheppardl@alpenaschools.com or stop by E103.
Safety is Always at the Forefront and You can Help!
As we work to build a safe and a positive culture at Alpena High School, we are reminded that it is a team effort. Times are changing and it requires us to adjust our safety procedures. It takes ALL of us to make sure those procedures work.
Students,
We need you to help maintain safe entrances throughout the building. This is an important reminder to NEVER let a non-student/staff member into the building. It can be tough to tell sometimes, but trust your judgement. If you see anyone at a door that does not look like they belong, someone attempting to enter, or something that just makes you uncomfortable, notify a staff member immediately. Do not let anyone into the building, no matter what. Staff should have access cards and anyone with good intentions will be more than happy to go to the Main Office to enter the building. Students who trust their own judgment to support safety at AHS are doing the right thing and embody the Wildcat Way!
Keep up the great work and GO CATS!!!!!
Parents,
We need your help in adhering to the safety procedures AHS has in place. If you need to visit the building for any reason, please enter through the Main Office vestibule located near the back oval. If you are dropping off a student after the start of the day, they should be taken to the Attendance Office as well to check in. When we, as parents practice safety, we are teaching our youth to do the same.
Thank you for your help.
Winter Parking Challenges
Winter Parking Challenges
We know it is difficult to find the parking lines in the winter, but we need to do our best. Our snow removal crews are working hard to clear spaces as best they can. Student parking has become a challenge this winter with students "making their own" parking spots and parking in unauthorized locations. Students who park in the front are only permitted to park in the designated student parking on Third Ave. Students must not block other vehicles and need to keep their vehicles as straight as possible. Students are also not permitted to park in the front row that faces the tennis courts. These spots are designated for pool patrons only. Students who do not follow parking rules are at risk for having their vehicles towed and/or losing their parking privileges at AHS. Mr. Irwin will make every effort to have the parking spaces plowed, so you can see them as you park.
APS Job Fair for Bus Drivers, Instructional Assistants, and Custodians on January 28th
Alpena Public Schools will hold a Job Fair for Instructional Assistants, Bus Drivers and Custodians on Wednesday, January 28th from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. at APS Central Office 2373 Gordon Road in the boardroom. We are hiring for full-time, part-time and substitute positions. Schedule an interview if you can’t attend by calling (989) 358-5030. Candidates can save time by completing an application in advance at alpenaschools.com under the employment button. For those looking for more flexible work options we have many substitute positions. We will hold interviews on the spot at this event with qualified candidates.
Athletics
PSAT/SAT Test Prep
Juniors!!! It is that time of year to start thinking about SAT/PSAT. Watch your emails and upcoming weekly updates for important Exam Prep information
Upcoming Events:
2/1/26 Senior Salutes Due to Yearbook
2/2/26 KAPUT Monthly Meeting @ 6:00pm
2/4/26 FASFA Lab @ Alpena Community College - 5:30 - 7:00pm
2/5/26 Early College Spring Informational Meeting for Sophomores & Families ACC Granum Theatre
2/9/26 KAPUT Event 3:00 -6:30pm Dodgeball, food, games, etc.
2/10/26 Secretary of State Mobile Unit here from 10:00am-2:00pm in the Wildcat Den
2/13/26 Half Day for Students
2/16/26 No School Presidents Day
2/16/26-2/20/26 Winterfest Week
2/19/26 Band Concert @ 7:00pm in the Auditorium
2/20/26 Winterfest Assembly
2/21/26 Winterfest Dance - 8:00-11:00pm
3/2/26 KAPUT Monthly Meeting @ 6:00pm
3/2/26 Exam Experts Session #1
3/3/26 Exam Experts Session #2
3/10/26 Secretary of State Mobile Unit here from 10:00am-2:00pm in the Wildcat Den
3/16/26 Exam Experts Session #3
3/17/26 Exam Experts Session #4
3/26/26 1/2 Day for students - Evening Conferences
3/27/26 No School for Students
3/30/26 - 4/6/26 Spring Break
4/7/26 Classes Resume
4/24/26 Versiti Blood in Occupation Health Program B106 8:30-1:00pm
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 the 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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