Embedded Files
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 Mason Edwards! Mason is an AHS student who exhibited characteristics of a positive contributor in our learning community. When an unfortunate conflict occurred, Mason stepped up to de-escalate a situation and restore calm in the building. He cares about the culture of our building and the wellbeing of our school community.
The Wildcat Way...
The Wildcat Way...
Counseling
Seniors: If you haven't completed your FAFSA yet, we are hosting a family FAFSA night on Wednesday, February 4th, from 5:30-7:00 at ACC @ the Besser Tech Center (BTC) room 115. Please bring your 2024 tax information and W2's. If you have any questions, please contact your counselor.
Please create your FAFSA Account
3 days prior to ACC Family FAFSA night.
Parents and students will need an account.
National School Counseling Week 2025 is Feb. 2-6!
Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the recognition of school counselors during the first full week of February each year highlights the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve success, in school and beyond.
Our AHS counselors are a highly qualified, student-centered group who work together to help all of the students at our school reach their potential - academically, socially, and emotionally. They work with our teachers, administrators and parents to focus on positive ways to enhance our students' school experience, and we appreciate them all!
Please join us in celebrating National School Counseling Week by taking a moment to thank your child's counselor!
AHS Upcoming Events
KAPUT Monthly Parent Meeting -- 6pm in the Wildcat Den.
-- Enter under the Wildcat in the Front Oval
-- The next event is a Dodgeball Student Activity Night on Monday, February 9th
Join us for this amazing KAPUT sponsored event. There will be fun, games, food, food, and more food!
February- Fafsa/Financial AId
February- Fafsa/Financial AId
Have you completed your FAFSA?
Do you need help? Make an appointment to see Mrs Taratuta. If you have it completed and need assistance reading the summary or what it means with your award letters I can help.
NEW OFFICE : Upstairs Wildcat Den
I can also meet at ACC if needed for Early College 13th year students.
MI GEAR up Coordinator/ Career & College Readiness Advisor
taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
(989)358-5243
See Mrs. Taratuta for DETAILS on these TRIPS!
See Mrs. Taratuta for DETAILS on these TRIPS!
May 15th, 2026
May 15th, 2026
More details to follow, but mark your calendars as we will be celebrating you and your next steps after AHS!
Winterfest & Academic Probation
Don't Miss out!!!! Winterfest is on Saturday, February 21st
This is a reminder that reports will be run on Monday, February 16th, to identify students who are failing classes and chronically absent. If you are on that list, you will not be able to attend Winterfest.
Failing grades = Academic Probation
Unexcused absences of 10% or more of days in session = Chronically absent
Students who have questions can reach out to Dean Sheppard at sheppardl@alpenaschools.com or stop by E103.
Winterfest 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, 2/16: No School - Presidents Day
Tuesday, 2/17: Construction Zone 👷- Put on your best construction garb and strut your stuff, paving your way to awesomeness.
Wednesday, 2/18: BBQ Dad vs Soccer Mom ⚽🍔
Who does it better? Can you beat dad’s burgers or mom’s ball cap messy bun?
Thursday, 2/18: 2016 Day 🫶
Bring it back in time…Woah, not too far! Be a little extra and slay in your sweet 2016 threads.
Friday, 2/19: Class Color Day 🟠🟡🔵🔴
Time to represent your class colors! Freshmen are orange, sophomores are yellow, juniors are blue, and seniors are red. Campus Closet sells class colors to anyone in need!
In celebration of CTE Month the CTE department wants you to get involved!
Introducing....
Knowledge Knockout - CTE Style
Play today for your chance to win a Campus Closet gift card!!
Click the link below.
PLAY KNOWLEDGE KNOCKOUT - CTE STYLE
New question each week of February!!
Items To Review
Students who took the ASVAB Exam
Scores are here and can be picked up in the E-House office from Mrs. Whiteman!
Conferences and progress report schedule:
Conferences: March 26, 2026 (Evening)
Progress Reports: February 9, 2026 (week #6)
March 23, 2026 (week #12)
May 11, 2026 (as needed)
Parents,
Tracking your student's grades regularly is a great way to keep on their progress and identify when they need support. It also gives you the opportunity to celebrate their successes. You have full access to your student's grades 24/7. Grade tracking is done periodically by teaching staff but usually during progress reporting times and when there is a sudden need. Teachers update grades often and conference with students but you are our best resource in supporting student grades and making sure they are turning assignments in.
Thank you for all you do for your child's education!
Having trouble logging in? Contact Mrs. Manning for immediate assistance:
Phone: 989-358-5200 (Switchboard)
Email: manningj@alpenaschools.com
Attention College Students
As you may have noticed this week, we are rolling out a new sign-in process to ensure we are tracking attendance and adhering to our closed campus policy. There will be some challenges as we work through the process. Please be patient. When you arrive at AHS from the college, please sign in at the attendance office and go to your class if you have one. If you have an online class, go to G116 with Mrs. Copping, unless it is 1st or 6th hour. If you are leaving AHS for a college class before the end of the day, please sign out so we know that you have left the building. Please remember that we are still a closed campus and leaving and returning for lunches is not permitted. You must only be leaving if there is a scheduled college class during that block of time. To ensure you are getting the most out of your in-person classes, it is also important to make sure you are arriving as close to the start of class as possible.
Masquers Auditions.pdf
Athletics
PSAT/SAT Test Prep
ATTENTION JUNIORS!!!!!!! EXAM EXPERTS are here to HELP!!!!!!!
AGAIN this year, we are able to offer exam prep to help you be more prepared to take your SAT in the spring. Learn valuable test taking skills and reduce that test anxiety by taking advantage of this opportunity. It is open to ALL 11 grade students who will be taking the SAT this year as part of a graduation requirement. Why should you worry about your SAT scores?
Stand out on college applications
Expand college choices
Increase access to college scholarships
Potentially skip remedial courses in college
Build confidence and self-discipline skills as you enter into adulthood
We are here to answer your questions. You can reach out to...
Romeo Bourdage - bourdager@alpenaschools.com
Jennifer Taratuta - taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
Johanna Dubie - dubiejo@alpenaschools.com
4 days with 2 time slots for sessions that work with your class schedules.
March 2nd & 3rd and 16th &17th
Session #1 7:30 - 9:00
Session #2 10:00 - 11:30
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 Blood Drive in Health Occupations Program B106 8:30-1:00pm (Students & Staff only)
4/24/26 Jostens Senior Delivery & Senior Meeting @ 12:30 pm in the Auditorium
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!
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.
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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