Culturally Minded: Globally Aware- Sensitive to the variety of cultural expressions; Compassionate- Able to empathize with the feelings and priorities of others; Embrace Diversity- Willing to welcome and respect all differences.

I was able to interact with Natalie involving an incident and found her to be very interested in seeing a change in the way people are treated at AHS.  She stated that all people should be able to attend without fear of being discriminated against because of their race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, etc.  She said all people should be able to attend school and feel safe.  She explained that her group of friends have talked about what they all could do together to make a difference, educate the student body, and provide resources to help change this behavior from happening at AHS.  She said that the "Normalized" mentality can change, and she wants to be a leader in seeing a better mindset take hold at AHS and the community of Alpena.  I was taken aback by her belief that change was possible and is able to happen; I was excited that students share the same belief that we do as school leaders.  Thanks Natalie for wanting to see AHS a better place for every student.

PLEASE REVIEW WITH YOUR PARENTS

• Remember that AHS is a closed campus-- you may not leave and return such as lunch, going home for lunch, or leaving to get a coffee.  If you have an online class in the middle of the school day, you may not leave campus.  If you are a dual enrolled/Early College student, you must check in and out with Mrs. Tessmer in Attendance and are expected to do this daily. This is not something that can be changed as many have asked.  AHS will remain a closed campus and all of students have to abide by it to make this work-- please do  not leave campus without checking out in Attendance!  

• In recent weeks, security and the offices have seen an increase in “Campus Deliveries” such as fast food, coffee, parents dropping off food at lunch.  It is detrimental to school safety as students are allowing delivery people into the building at random entry doors.  When school is in session, people should only enter at the Main Office entry and check in at the Main Office.  The Student Handbook clearly indicates that “Deliveries” during the day are not to happen. 

We have been understanding up to this point which has led to more complex issues with random people entering the building in unauthorized areas.  We cannot continue.  Please see me if you have any questions with "Deliveries."  

The straw that broke the camel’s back was a parent delivery during class time and meeting at a house entry door which is locked and should not be used other than exiting. 

WE HAVE TO BE BETTER AS WHOLE-- THE WILDCAT WAY

Student hallway language continues to be addressed. Students often don’t realize that their conversations are overheard by staff and visitors.  Visitors have noted  how offensive the language is, and does not portray the culture that we are building at AHS. All forms of inappropriate language are highly discouraged. Students must choose their words carefully and consciously. 

Language that is offensive based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation, etc. will lead to immediate disciplinary action.  “Sorry” is not going to cut it and there will be suspension(s) imposed.  It is expected that every person that attends AHS should be able to be present and feel safe on a daily basis and not be subject to this type of language.  

The positive culture that Wildcat Way exemplifies can’t exist unless we all address this behavior and make it stop.   

• Indirect will be a two-day suspension

• Directed will be determined by the situation and could lead to long-term and/or expulsion

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 Media Center from 2:45 to 3:45pm every Monday and Thursday 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.

Weekly Home and Away Athletic Events

Sunday, February 13th

None

Monday, February 14th

Noon

Tuesday, February 15th

Boys Freshman Basketball at 5:30pm vs. John Glenn HS at Home

Boys JV Basketball at 5:30pm vs. John Glenn HS at Home

Boys Varsity Basketball at 7pm vs. John Glenn HS at Home

Cheer at 6pm at Lincoln Catholic HS in Lansing

Wednesday, February 16th

Hockey at 5pm vs. Cadillac High School at Northern Lights Arena

Thursday, February 17th

None

Friday, February 18th

Boys Freshman Basketball at 5:30pm vs. Traverse City West HS at Home

Boys JV Basketball at 5:30pm vs. Traverse City West HS at Home

Boys Varsity Basketball at 7pm vs. Traverse City West HS at Home

Girls JV Basketball at 5:30pm at Traverse City West HS 

Girls Varsity Basketball at 7pm at Traverse City West HS

Saturday, February 19th

Cheer at 1pm - Districts at Fenton HS

Wrestling at TBD - Regionals at Midland 

Hockey at 3:00pm vs. Traverse City Central HS at Northern Lights Arena

Job Opportunities for Students

• The Alpena News is looking for students that may have an interest in Journalism to help cover local sports. You will have the opportunity to get published regularly while building your skills and resume. If interested email Mr. Fitzpatrick at fitzpatrickl@alpenaschools.com to schedule a brief interview and be connected with The Alpena News.

• Tech positions for summer-- if you are a student that is computer/technology driven and wish to work in that field, Alpena Public Schools is a great starting point to see if you have what it takes.  You can reach out the head of Technology via email mancinep@alpenaschools.com if you are interested in summer work.

Upcoming Events:

• 2/14/22 PD Day No School for Students

• 2/17/22 Early College Pre-Application Meeting 7pm Auditorium

• 2/18/22 Freshmen Class Meeting with Jostens (Class Rings)

• 2/24/22 Jostens will be here during all lunches to collect class ring orders

• 3/3/22 1/2 Day Students Teacher PD

• 3/24/22 1/2 Day Students; Parent Teacher Conferences

• 3/25/22 No School Spring Break