EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
Congrats on your selection...
Ms. Kara Gehrke!
Critical Thinker: Analytical- Able to perceive connections and divisions within a problem situation; Logical- Recognize and maintain a sense of coherence in problem solving contexts; Problem Solver- Implement strategies to successfully and efficiently create solutions.
I want to recognize Ms. Gehrke for her efforts in many areas; we are excited to have her on the AHS Staff. She took on a leadership role within the Math Department at AHS and has been doing a stellar job at seeing the big-picture ideas for making math a priority for our students at all levels. She collaborated with her team and launched a Remediation Math Course to help our struggling math students catch up and stay current at grade level with their peers. It is so difficult to come from behind once it starts, and math is an area that makes it more difficult to come from behind. Her idea will help selected students find the confidence to believe in themselves and be successful. A month ago, the Admin team approached Kara and Instructional Coach, Melissa Jarema about a PSAT/SAT Prep idea for our student body. They ran with the idea and helped brainstorm a great program that will impact all students and will include all core areas tested. It would have been easy to say, "We have too much going on already, we can't do one more thing!" but not Kara; she smiled, and said that they would do it. Congratulations on your selection, and we are proud to have you as the Wildcat Way for the month.
Mrs. Shumaker, thank you for all you do behind the scenes to make everything happen at AHS.
APS families, 1st Semester report cards will be available to parents and students on Friday, January 27th. Elementary report cards will be sent home in Friday Folders, and uploaded into both ParentVUE and StudentVUE. Report cards for students in grades 6-12 will be uploaded in ParentVUE and Student VUE.
COUNSELING CORNER
If you have never had an appointment with your counselor, think about making an appointment to come chat with one of us. We are able to help you out with many things other than grades and schedules. (Make Counselor Appointments HERE)
Even if you have seen your counselor before, remember we are always here for you.
BTW: There will be no more schedule changes for this semester.
Seniors: It is scholarship season. You should be looking at the scholarship sight under the Counseling Corner of our school website on a regular basis..... at least weekly. (APS Scholarship Website) Some of you also qualify for TIP (Tuition Incentive Program) due to formerly qualifying for Medicare. See your counselor or Mrs. Taratuta if you are not sure.
AHS 2023/24 Scheduling Parent Meeting
February 9th - 6pm AHS Auditorium
Counselors will review the scheduling process, graduation requirements and explain how schedules are entered into Synergy
They will also be available to answer questions
There will also be a live stream feed
This is intended for incoming freshmen and new students, but all parents that will have a student enrolled at AHS next school year are welcome to attend
On Thursday, February 9th, at 6pm there will be a 2023/24 Scheduling Parent Meeting held in the AHS Auditorium. Counselors will review the scheduling process, graduation requirements, and explain how schedules are entered into Synergy. They will also be available to answer questions This meeting will also be available via a live stream feed. This meeting is intended for incoming freshmen and new students, but all parents that will have a student enrolled at AHS next school year are welcome to attend.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS ~ DEADLINE APPROACHING
Each school year, the MIAAA awards thirteen (13) $1,000 scholarships honoring high school male and female student-athletes from each region. Only student-athletes graduating during the current school year will be eligible for the scholarships. Each high school may select one male and one female student-athlete to complete the application form. The school’s athletic director must be a member of the MIAAA (in good standing) to nominate student-athletes and to have them be considered for the scholarships.
Student-athletes must meet the following criteria to be nominated:
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale
One letter of support from a school staff member
Must have earned a varsity letter in at least two different sports during their high school career
Complete application with approval signatures from athletic director and principal
Application must be typed
This year's deadline for applications to be submitted is Wednesday February 1, 2023
The application form is attached and is also available on the MIAAA Website by clicking on the MIAAA Scholarship Application button at: MIAAA Scholarship.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Completed applications can be emailed directly to me at studleyj@alpenaschools.com
NEW IN ATHLETICS ~ GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THE EVENT
Wildcat Fans: We are going to add Digital Tickets as an option to buy tickets for all home athletic events. Below is the link to purchase tickets. We will be adding more games to purchase soon.
We will also be accepting cash at the door. However, if you buy online you may not have to wait in line. There is a $1.00 service fee for tickets purchases online.
Alpena High School Students will also be able to purchase their Student ALL SPORT pass on GoFAN as well.
Ticket Prices Online with GOFAN...
Adult Ticket $7.00
Student Ticket $5.00
Northern Lights Area Prices Online with GOFAN...
Adult Ticket $8.00
Student Ticket $6.00
**This includes the Northern Lights Arena Fee
First link is the digital guide to buying tickets.
https://get.gofan.co/digital-ticketing-guide
Link below to our homepage to buy tickets
Winterfest is quickly approaching! If you want to bring a guest that is not an AHS student, you must pick up a guest pass in the main office or in the Restorative Center (E103). They must get a signature from the principals of both schools and submit it to the office by the Thursday before the dance. This is the only way to bring a guest, so do not wait on getting the paperwork!
Speak to Mr. Thatcher in Leadership for more information.
Would you like a certain song to be played at the dance? Now’s your chance! Fill out suggestions in this Google form or drop off suggestions in the Song Request bin at lunch to have your songs possibly added to the playlist! There are no song requests during the dance, so get your ideas in early! Speak to Mr. Thatcher or any Leadership student for more information.
Did you attend every class and arrive on time last week? Enter the drawing found in the link in your Advisory Brightspace course. It will be available during Advisory on Monday! You could have the chance to win:
Campus Closet gift cards
A front row parking spot next to Mr. Bourdage
A free ticket to Winterfest
Free entry to one sporting event
Make sure that you register for each prize, you can register up to 4 times!
HOW TO EXCUSE YOUR STUDENT FOR A FULL DAY:
Enter their absence in Synergy, or call the attendance office.
HOW TO EXCUSE INDIVIDUAL HOURS OR A PARTIAL DAY:
The best option is to CALL. SYNERGY ONLY ACCEPTS A FULL DAY ABSENCE.
Your student will be issued a pass to leave via their email. It comes as a calendar invite with the dismissal time.
They can drive off campus, or be picked up in the back oval.
PARENTS: YOU DO NOT NEED TO COME INTO THE BUILDING. The phone call excuses your student, if they are late or leaving early.
IF YOUR STUDENT IS ARRIVING LATE:
CALL the attendance office
Students must check in the attendance before they go to class.
NOTE TO STUDENTS. THE EMAIL IS YOUR PASS TO LEAVE. Show the pass to your teacher to leave.
PARENTS PLEASE LEAVE a message if I don’t pick up. The calls will be answered in the order that they are received. ALL MESSAGES ARE HEARD and responded to.
Exploring Career Pathways with Mrs. Attwell
A new week means a new career trivia question is ready for you!
Two winners will be selected, one of them could be YOU!
This week's career focus is on the military.
Good luck!
KAPUT Meeting in two weeks ~ don't miss it; we need you! 6 pm AHS Wildcat Den (former Media Center)
Planning a winter activity for March 3rd ~ it will be epic
Committees are forming for After Prom Activity and Senior Celebration. Even if you are unable to attend, please feel free to connect with a board member or reach out to the KAPUT Facebook page.
Any questions, contact President, Stephanie Couture 989-464-7220 or tscooch@hotmail.com
Online Yearbook Orders are now closed
If you would like to pre-order a yearbook, the forms are available in E206
Yearbooks are $75
Yearbooks will be available to be purchased at the time of distribution
Name-stamping is no longer available
Wildcat Branch
Students - Did you know that if you are 14 years or older you can open an AAACU account and be eligible for a $100 new member reward!
What you need to open your account:
Photo ID - School or Drivers License
Your Social Security Number
Just stop by the Wildcat Branch in the Media Center to open your account today!
Meet The Staff of Alpena High Health Center
Monica Dziesinski, PAC completed her Master's degree from Central Michigan University in 2013 and has always held a professional interest in pediatrics.
Peggy Krajniak, LPC studied at Western Michigan University and earned a Master's degree in Community Agency and School Counseling.
Lisa Lenard, LPC earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. Lisa has many years of experience working with children and adolescents.
What Medical Services are Available?
Care for illness or injury, Well Child Check Ups, Vaccinations, Sports Physicals, Preventative Screenings, and Chronic Disease/Care Management
School Based Behavioral Health
School-based behavioral health therapists like Peggy and Lisa are available to assist children and teens to gain confidence and learn strategies to be more successful in and out of the classroom.
The Alpena High Health Center is a collaboration of Alpena Public Schools and Alcona Health Center, supported through funding from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This Children and Adolescent (only) Health Center program is aimed at supporting Alpena Public School students’ health with the availability of on site, medical and behavioral health services. With parental/guardian permission (medical consent form), our licensed behavioral health (behavioral health consent form) and medical professionals can provide healthcare that is conveniently located within Alpena High School. More Information can be found on our website located here.
Call us today to establish care! Phone: (989) 358-3935
Upcoming Events:
2/4/23 FAFSA and food- Cops and Doughnuts 7am-11am (donuts and coffee provided)
2/6/23 Winterfest Week
2/6/23 KAPUT Monthly Meeting @ 6:00 pm Wildcat Den (Media Center)
2/9/23 AHS Scheduling Presentation 6 - 7 pm in the AHS Auditorium
FAFSA Lab Time @6:00 pm - PBL Room
2/11/23 Winterfest Dance
2/13/23 Full Day PD - no school
2/16/23 Earrly College Pre-Application Meeting 7 pm in the Auditorium
3/10/23 Early College Application ~ hard deadline
After School Tutoring!
We are continuing to offer 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 Wildcat Den (former Media Center) from 2:45 to 3:45pm every Monday and Wednesday 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.
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.
PEER MEDIATION
AHS now has trained student peer mediators to help solve conflicts between students! If you are in conflict with another student, please see me in Room E110 or you can e-mail me at robargeb@alpenaschools.com Remember, peer mediators are trained not to take sides or place blame on anyone.