EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
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.
This week's Wildcat Way is Mariah Wagner! Mariah is consistently dependable. Even if she doesn't need the volunteer hours, she offers to help with various program needs. She works hard and is able to recognize when she is doing her best, even if it doesn't equate to a perfect grade. She is a caring individual and a true friend to those in her circle, and is a great example of a Wildcat!
Congratulations Mariah Wagner on your selection!
There will not be a Weekly Update until March 23rd when we return from Spring Break.
Thanks for understanding
Testing Updates
Attention Juniors.
Prepare for M-Step by completing the Online Tools Training
The Michigan Department of Education provides training for a number of testing tools HERE.
Counseling
All Students: Spring break is almost here! Take a good look at your grades and progress this week. Are you behind? Do you have grades lower than you would like? Are you on track with any online classes you may have? If you are needing/wanting to improve your grades Spring Break is the perfect time to do that. Check with your teachers this week to see what you can do over break to get back on track. Even if a student spends only an hour a day over break working on school work it will help get their grades up and back on track.
2025/26 Scheduling To Do's
The past two weeks, students have had opportunities to hear from Teachers from different departments about course offerings at AHS. Students have been given their scheduling sheets with the expectations that conversations are occurring at home as we get closer to the scheduling deadlines for Fall 2025-206.
For more information please visit the AHS Scheduling webpage. Parents, it is very important to review the Course Selection Guide and discuss with your students. There have been and will be a few more opportunities for students to ask our counselors scheduling questions (see dates below). Students with only an On-line English class should visit the Counseling Center.
Important Dates:
3/11-12: Counselors will be available in the Commons during all lunches to answer questions.
3/11-3/13: Students should be turning in their completed forms to their English Teacher. Make sure to input course requests in Synergy
3/14: Deadline for requesting classes in Synergy
Specific Class Directions
Students who select Dual Enrollment on their schedule for next year: You will need to request an appointment for after spring break with your counselor to select the specific class(es).
Students who select Online on their schedule for next year: Circle 'Virtual Learning' on your course request sheet and choose the same in synergy. On your sheet, write what class you are hoping to have online. You will then get information about an online form and due date for those before this year ends.
For many years we have awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving Senior for the A.C.E. Award (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence). This scholarship is NOT on the Community Foundation’s website, so I am sharing the information here in hopes that you can promote this important Scholarship. It rewards a student who has overcome great obstacles (death of a parent, child abuse, health issues, substance abuse, poverty, etc.) and is still graduating on time. The deadline for applications is March 28th. Tony Suszek- Exchange Club of Alpena (Chairman – A.C.E. Award Committee) Mrs. Smith in the Wildcat Den is also a point of contact for the scholarship opportunity.
AHS Upcoming Events
KAPUT Monthly Meeting
Meeting Changed due to District Basketball
Tuesday, March 11th in the Wildcat Den @ 6pm
The meeting will focus on spring activities for
After Prom: Snack Donations, Prize Donations, Volunteer/Chaperones
Senior Sunrise: Non-Perishable items, Breakfast items, Beverage donations, Volunteers to set up, serve, and cleanup,
Senior Experience ~ we need parent support to make this all happen: Prizes and donations and Volunteers
Please attend and/or email ideas to Terry Manning stlsmanning@gmail.com
Parent/Teacher Conferences -- Thursday, March 13th - 3:00-6:00pm
Thursday - Half day for students --> See the schedule below
Friday - No School for students and Professional Development for Staff
We are excited to welcome all parents to visit with our teaching staff, counselors, administration, School Success, and Dean. I hope that you all take full advantage of this opportunity to meet face-to-face with staff. The teachers will be in the Gym 1 & 2. We will have information at the greeting table for parents.
We will NOT be printing schedules.
Please review ParentVUE to access your student schedule. Our team will be located at the entrance at the Wildcat in front of the Auditorium when you arrive if you need anything or have questions.
Congratulations to AHS Masquers on their first production this season...it is sure to be great
Athletics
Items To Review
Parents ~ Spring Break Discussion
Parents – With Spring Break just around the corner, now is a great time to have an open conversation with your student(s) about the potential challenges and decisions they may face. While they may be excited for a week of fun, it's important to remember that Spring Break can sometimes come with its own set of risks.
Students often return from trips with a variety of challenges, including but not limited to social media posts, inappropriate T-shirts, or encounters with situations they may not have anticipated. Be proactive by advising your students on these issues and encouraging responsible decision-making before they head off.
Here are some specific topics to cover:
Social Media Awareness: Talk about the potential long-term impact of what they post online, especially when it comes to photos or videos. Remind them that once something is posted, it's often hard to erase completely. Social media can be a great way to stay connected, but it can also create lasting consequences if it’s used recklessly.
Underage Drinking: Caution your students about the dangers of underage drinking. Even if they’re in a place where it might be more common, remind them that consuming alcohol can cloud judgment, leading to risky behavior, legal trouble, or worse.
Legal Issues in Foreign Countries: If traveling internationally, emphasize the importance of respecting local laws and customs. Different countries have different rules, and what might be acceptable at home can lead to serious consequences abroad.
Peer Pressure: Spring Break can bring students face-to-face with peer pressure. Help your student develop the confidence to make their own decisions, whether it's turning down an invitation to do something they’re uncomfortable with or sticking to boundaries they’ve set.
Health & Safety: Remind your student to always stay with a group, have a plan for emergencies, and keep in touch with family members. Accidents can happen anywhere, and it’s important to be prepared.
Students may feel the desire to let loose and have fun, but these moments can sometimes lead to poor decisions that can have a lasting impact on their reputation, safety, or future. Your involvement in their decision-making process could be the difference between a fun, safe Spring Break and a situation they may regret. Encourage open communication and ensure they know they can come to you for advice or help if needed.
Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable Spring Break!
Upcoming Events:
3/11/25 KAPUT Meeting in the Wildcat Den at 6pm
3/13/25 1/2 Day For Students - AM Students/PM Evening Conferences
3/14/24 No School for Students
3/17/25 - 3/21/25 No School - Spring Break
3/26/25 Josten's Senior Delivery
3/28/25 Masquer's Student Mantinee
7:30pm Masquer's Evening Production
3/29/25 Masquer's Mantinee 2pm
7:30pm Masquer's Evening Production
3/30/25 Masquer's Mantinee 2pm
4/7/25 KAPUT Meeting 6pm Wildcat Den
4/9/25 SAT Testing ~ Only Juniors Attend School
4/10/25 PSAT Testing 9 & 10th/ Juniors take the ACT Workkeys Test
4/16/25 M-Step Testing Juniors A-L
4/17/25 M-Step Testing Junior M-Z
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 E110 (School Success) if you need help resolving an issue. Peer mediators don't take sides or place blame on anyone!