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EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
The Wildcat Way...
The Wildcat Way...
Congrats on your selection...
Chloe Lawrence!
Confident: Self Aware- Able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses; Growth Mindset- Embrace their ability to grow through dedication and hard work; Grit- Willing to expend sustained effort to complete a task with excellence.
Chloe is the epitome of happiness. She walks the halls with a contagious smile complimenting everyone she encounters. It is evident that she is a confident student, who owns her own style, and is happy to spread kindness.
Congratulations
on your selection!
Nathan Harmon Presentation
Brought to you in partnership with Up North Prevention
Nathan Harmon Presentation brought to you in partnership with Up North Prevention
APS is thankful to be partners with Up North Prevention this year. Chet Spencer, a Prevention Specialist, is working directly with our students doing proactive Restorative Sessions verses suspension. He is working with students through a vetted curriculum to help with vaping/drug cessation and to educate students with addictive tendencies. He has been an asset to our Administrative team in helping students make real positive changes to stay in school verse suspensions.
With that said, he and Donna Hardies, Prevention Specialist/Prevention Supervisor worked with AHS Assistant Principals, Dean, Behavior Tech, and counselors to bring in Nathan Harmon. On February 20th, AHS freshmen and sophomores will be provided an opportunity to see one of the leading inspirational speakers sought out by schools across the country. He will work with students addressing targeted topics from our Wayfinder Data and focused topics such as: student apathy, attendance issues, communication and human connections, attitude and character are everything, and overcoming circumstances. AHS is excited to see how he customized his presentation to meet our needs.
Later in the day, he will be doing two breakout sessions with smaller groups with the admin team and select staff. We are super excited to see how he will help address our culture shift in identifying areas that can really make a difference in the overall climate of the building. The message he brings will only help our school culture in a positive way.
Nathan has been one of the most sought out youth speakers in the last decade. His energy and ability to take you on a journey is remarkable. His powerful message focuses on the importance of our choices, mental health, substance/alcohol abuse, bullying, and valuing people, just to name a few. Nathan has empowered youth and adults of every age to show them that they have the ability and capability to persevere through any challenges that come their way!
Who is Nathan https://youtu.be/m6wmUlQG7CY
Webpage https://www.yourlifespeaks.org/
Assembly Schedule
8:20 - 9:30am Freshman Presentation (Auditorium)
9:50 - 11:00am Sophomore Presentation
12:15 - 1:15pm Small Group Leadership Talk ~ invitation or speak to your principal/dean if interested (Auditorium)
1:30 - 2:30pm Small Group At Risk Talk (invitation or speak to your principal/dean if interested) location TBA
COUNSELING CORNER:
SENIORS: We are in the heart of scholarship season. Make sure you are checking out our resources on our website: Scholarship Information
SCHEDULING: Counselors will continue coming into Advisory classes to answer questions as well as being present in the commons during all three lunches on the 14th and 16th. Please bring any questions you might have to us then. Don't let this opportunity to select your classes slip by. Leaving your educational path in the hands of someone else is not in your best interest. It is your future! Let us know what you want. Thanks for all the thought you are putting into your education.
School counselors play a significant role in the operation of Alpena High School (AHS), Thunder Bay Junior High School (TBJHS) and in the lives of the students and families from both schools. AHS has four counselors on the team: Lori Vought, Mary Daoust, Andrea Linton and Robyn Miller. TBJHS has two counselors: Jenny Seguin and Shannon Studley.
Counselors support students in their academic and personal growth. They are committed to student success and partner with teachers and other staff to make sure students have equal access to opportunities in the school and community. If individual students have challenges which affect their ability to do well in school, that student and their parents can seek out their counselor as a resource person who can help them identify solutions to their concerns, including possibly outside therapy, referral to a physician, meetings with teachers and support staff, and other appropriate interventions.
According to Robyn Miller, “The duties and activities which the counseling staff engage in on a weekly basis change from week to week and month to month.” At certain times of the year the counselors at AHS are very busy with scheduling at AHS, online classes as well as with dual-enrolled students. At other times, counselors are focused on scholarships and/or college applications. Near the end of a semester or school year, the emphasis is on grades. The counseling staff keeps track of graduation requirements to verify when a student can graduate. They assist students with future plans, including college, military options, and careers. Counselors participate in Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) and develop 504 plans for those students in need.
Counselors often work with students in a crisis like depression, anxiety, pregnancy, legal concerns, mental illness, physical illness and suicidal ideation. Other issues dealt with include dating troubles, relationships, friendships, family concerns, and rape.
Everyday is different in the counseling office. “We stay busy and never know what the day will bring,” says Lori Vought. “We have things scheduled daily; however, most days the schedule is derailed by something unexpected” adds Mary Daoust.
In the time, from December 6 through January 25, the counselors monitored and tallied the reasons students came in to see them. Since it was near the end of the semester, it is not surprising that close to 300 students were in the office to discuss schedule concerns, and 50 came in to take care of dual enrollment at ACC. “Grades and how to improve them” was the topic of interest for close to 100 students. Another 25 talked about attendance concerns, including truancy.
In that same time frame, students were also seen for more personal matters. Over 65 students wanted to talk about family issues and other relationship concerns, as well as an additional 10 who discussed dating specifically. 38 students talked about their personal struggles with anxiety and/or depression. Suicidal ideation, sometimes resulting in a trip to the ER, was the concern of 8 students.
There are meetings to attend, 56 in this time frame, as well as many phone calls to parents, 72, that take anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes each.
Andrea Linton, the newest member of the AHS Counseling Team summarized her first few months in the office with the following statement: “I knew the counselors were busy, but I had no idea it was this busy before I became a part of the team.”
Shannon Studley, counselor at TBJHS said, “It’s amazing at how much kids grow academically, physically, socially and emotionally throughout the junior high years. I love helping junior high students navigate the challenges they face. It is absolutely awesome to help students find their potential and to see them shine!” Her counterpart at TBJHS Jenny Seguin added, “I genuinely cherish the relationships that I am able to build with our students at TBJH. Watching them grow and being able to support them and their families during their middle school years is very rewarding.”
If you have questions or concerns about the guidance and counseling services, please feel free to contact the AHS Counseling Office at 358-5217 or the TBJHS Counseling Office 358 5400.
“We are thankful for all the important work done by the fantastic counseling teams at Thunder Bay and Alpena High”, said APS Communications Director Lee Fitzpatrick.
calling all AP students!
calling all AP students!
Late registration closes on Wednesday! Contact Mr. Studley for more information.
ASSESSMENT CORNER
Students are encouraged to attend the following Test Prep opportunities:
Saturday, April 1, 2023 at AHS Media Center from 8-11a.m.
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at AHS Media Center from 3-5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at AHS Media Center from 3-5 p.m.
Thank you to the Math and ELA Teams for putting together this opportunity to help AHS Students better prepare for Testing Day on April 12th. All your students will be getting information for test prep information on the College Board and Khan Academy in the math and English classes. Our Social Studies and Science Departments will be joining in to assist in preparing all students to be more familiar with test questions and the overall format of the test. This is a great chance to talk about the importance of working hard to do well on either the PSAT or SAT ~ talking at home will reinforce the value of doing well!
Students & Parents:
As we prepare for spring 2023 standardized assessments, please know that our staff and administration are supporting students with several opportunities to learn about each test and practice test-taking strategies for success including:
Test prep will occur in students' core classes before testing day.
Additional test prep opportunities are planned for Advisory.
Dates/times will be announced for grades 9-11 Evening Test Prep Sessions for English and Math.
Date/time will be announced for a grades 9-11 Saturday Test Prep Session.
2023 Overall Spring Testing Schedule:
All Freshmen and Sophomores will take the PSAT on Wednesday, April 12. Make up dates: April 25, PSAT 10 and April 26, PSAT 9.
All Juniors will take the SAT on Wednesday, April 12 and the ACT on Thursday, April 13. The M-STEP will be administered to all Juniors whose last name begins with A-L on Wednesday, April 19 and M-Z on Thursday, April 20.
Seniors do not report to school on Wednesday, April 12. This is a good day to visit colleges, fill out college applications, apply for scholarships or job shadow.
Stay tuned for more information
Dear Wildcat Families:
I want to thank each of you for your support of our Athletic Department. Without each of your support and dedication, our student athletes would not have the great experiences they do. As many of you know, I have been in end-stage renal failure for the last couple of years and have been on dialysis~ this has been a long journey and there seems to be an end in sight. I will be getting a kidney transplant on February 20, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic. I have had a hero step up and give me a second chance at life. I am looking forward to coming back to being the best Athletic Director, father and husband that I can be. I will be out of the office for an extended period time as I recover from this surgery. My last day in the office will be Wednesday, February 15, and will return in May. Ben Henry will be filling in as Athletic Director while I am out. Please give him the same support that you have given me. Abby Dorr will also be helping with the day-to-day operations.
I would like to wish all of our winter and spring sports a GOOD LUCK! I can't wait to get back to watching you all succeed on the court and in the classroom. Work hard, be a leader, and continue to build a CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURE.
Take care and see you soon!!
Jon Studley
District Athletic Director
THANK YOU MADISON ELLIS
4 Years of dedicated service as the AHS Wildcat. You brought out the best school spirit as the best Mascot at AHS!
RESTROOM UPGRADES BEGINNING NEXT WEEK
The restrooms in B-House will undergo construction beginning next week! Thank you to our maintenance crew for making this upgrade a priority. Beginning next week, students utilizing restrooms while in B-House will either use the restroom within their CTE class, if available, or they may utilize the restrooms located near the gym.
AHS celebrates good attendance!
AHS celebrates good attendance!
Our weekly prize winners were:
Front Row Parking - Natalie Koproski
Sports Pass - Reaghan Fitzpatrick
Campus Closet Gift Card - Braeden Mathis
Campus Closet Gift Card - Taylor Santamour
Winterfest Ticket - Michael Hynek
Our next drawing will take place on Tuesday, 2/14/23.
Shout outs!
Shout outs!
Do you know a staff member or student who deserves a little extra recognition? Fill out this form to give them a little love on our announcements!
Application and Teacher Recommendations are turned in to Ms. O'Neil in E206!
Please send in your Winterfest pictures to the yearbook! Use the Snap App or email them directly to ahsyearbook@alpenaschools.com
February 15th
February 15th
12:30-2
Wildcat Den
See Mrs Taratuta for more information
Live demonstrations, apprenticeship opportunities and much more!
FEBRUARY 17th
FEBRUARY 17th
12-1
Wildcat Den
Sign up with Mrs. Taratuta
Kirtland has phenomenal trades programs come check out what they offer!
ARE YOU DOING SCHOLARSHIPS
ARE YOU DOING SCHOLARSHIPS
Many are due March 1st including the bigger ones like CFNEM and ACC Foundation
Some require your FAFSA Student Aid Report to be completed- If you need help schedule an appointment with Mrs. Taratuta
Carson Najmowicz
Carson Najmowicz
Keller Skiba
Keller Skiba
Career We Go Trivia Winners
ARE YOU A CURRENT 9th GRADER?
If you answered YES then CTE has some exciting news to share with you. In recognition of National CTE Month we would like to invite you to explore what programs you have at your fingertips right here at Alpena High! Scheduling for next year is underway as well and we don't want for you to miss out on taking a CTE course.
Not sure what CTE is? No problem.
Check your email
Click on the link
Fill out the Google Form
(by Feb. 17)
Explore CTE
Win Amazon Money!!
WHY SHOULD I ENROLL IN CTE?
See Mrs. Attwell upstairs in The Wildcat Den
KAPUT ACTIVITY NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8TH
3 - 6:30PM
~ Dodgeball Tournament (William Bushey will be setting up brackets~ stay tuned for more information from him and his Bush Conference). Gift Cards for first-place team
~ Cornhole Tournament with Gift Cards for a prize
Any questions connect with Avery McConnell or Mr. Patterson in E-108
Alpena IceFest Ice Sculpture
Alpena IceFest Ice Sculpture
Congrats Avery Bates on having your sketch chosen to be turned into an ice sculpture! Stop down at Icefest and check out the cool sculptures on your way to Winterfest!
Fundraiser ~ Help if you can!
AHS PARENT ANNUAL NOTICES ~ PLEASE READ
Upcoming Events:
2/11/23 Winterfest Dance
2/13/23 Full Day PD - No School
2/14/23 Seniors -work on scholarships in Senior Lounge/ sweet giveaway as well
2/15/23 MI Works Sheetmetals Apprenticeship presentation 12:30-2:00 pm - Wildcat Den
2/16/23 Early College Pre-Application Meeting @ 7:00 pm in the Auditorium
2/17/23 Kirtland presentation on trade programs 12:00 - 1:00 pm in the Wildcat Den
2/20/23 Freshman & Sophomore Assembly with Nathan Harmon
2/21/23 Jostens Ring Meeting for Freshman during Advisory - 9:30 am in the Auditorium
2/28/23 Jostens Class Ring order pickup during all lunches
3/8/23 KAPUT Activity Night 3 - 6:30pm
3/10/23 Early College Application ~ hard deadline
3/15/23 PSAT/SAT Prep for 9-11 grades in Wildcat Den 3-5pm
4/1/23 (Saturday) PSAT/SAT Prep for 9-11 grades in Wildcat Den 8-11am
4/5/23 PSAT/SAT Prep for 9-11 grades in Wildcat Den 3-5pm
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.
HOW TO REPORT THREATS/CONCERNS
HOW TO REPORT THREATS/CONCERNS
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.
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