Week of ...
May 21, 2023
EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
The Wildcat Way...
Congratulation on your selection Mr. Mitchell
Collaborative: Team Player- Willing to fulfill a variety of roles in group settings; Communicator- Able to effectively share, receive and interpret information; Flexible- Willing to adjust, adapt and compromise to address varying circumstances.
Mr. Mitchell stepped in to help when the admin team at AHS was short-staffed. He supported students, learned new computer systems, and was willing to help in any way that was needed. Mr. Mitchell held kids accountable while showing compassion and respect. He also communicated with parents and facilitated conversations with students to resolve conflict. Thank you Mr. Mitchell for being part of our team and bringing so many positive characteristics to the table.
Congratulations on your selections...
Counselor Corner: Some end-of-the-year reminders:
If you have failed any core classes, see the Summer Rebound program below.
Check in with your teachers if you are concerned about your grades..... there may still be time to pass!
Stressed about finals?? Now is a good time to review your notes, stay after for tutoring (Monday and Thursday after school in the library) if needed, and get plenty of rest and nutritious food!
May can feel like a whirlwind....don't forget to make time for you! Getting out on your bike, taking a walk, playing with your dog in the back yard can be great stress relievers!
Now that the weather is nice, be extra cautious with your driving. Stay off your phone while driving!
Start planning on things to do this summer without technology..... give your brains a break from the screens!
finals are right around the corner!
Click to view the schedule for Final Exams. Don't wait until the last minute, start communicating with your teachers if you have questions!
SENIOR EXAMS ARE THIS WEEK!
Thanks to the members of the Sunset Project, who came in to speak to our Health classes last week. Speakers Maddi Boyd, Kevin O'Brien, and Amy Swinson spoke about the importance of monitoring and maintaining one's personal mental health. They also spoke about their family member and friend, Sawyer Boyd, AHS class of '16 graduate who passed away from suicide, and the many fond memories they share about Sawyer. Maddi, Kevin, and Amy reminded students how important it is to do regular check ups on yourself, friends and family members about mental health. Anyone who has a mental health concern for their self, friend, or family member can call the new suicide hotline number at 988. For non-emergency situations, remember that counselors at school are available in E House, and Alcona Health Center therapists are available by appointment in D House Wildcat Clinic.
Class of 2023 Commencement Speakers
Congratulations to all the courageous students that interviewed taking the time and effort to apply to be the graduation speaker for the 2023 AHS Commencement Ceremony. The speeches were all outstanding.
Speakers this year will be:
Female Representative: Rebekah Carlson
Male Representative: William Bushey
Congratulations on this huge honor, we are very proud of you!
Senior Sunrise Event is TUESDAY ~ WEATHER PENDING
Senior parents please help as the event is all donation dependent to feed the kids.
I will email/social media on Monday to confirm the day.
The students should arrive by 5:45am at the break wall.
Do NOT BE LATE
Dress appropriately, it was cold both mornings that I checked for the sunrise and how to position on the break wall for the photo.
Picture(s) and the drone will start at approximately 6:10am
Do NOT BE LATE
Thank you to Paul LaBrecque for using your boat for the photographer.
Thank you Amy Brownridge for being the photographer
Thank you Steve Genschaw for doing the drone photography.
Thank you to the Alpena Yacht Club for a space to use for breakfast afterward.
Thank you Senior parents that are leading this event: Crystal Bebout, Annie Schultz, Jerry Broad, Christina Klimczak, Stephanie Couture, and any others that I may have left off.
It will be AWESOME!
Seniors & Parents
Jenny Taratuta
Advise MI- APS College Adviser
taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
(989)358-5243
https://calendly.com/aps-mcan-adviser/30min
"You don't have to know everything about the mountain in front of you to take the next step" Louie Giglio
Elementary Graduation Walk Through
Arrive 15 minutes early. I will be in the parking lot and will gather everyone.
Remember your Caps and Gowns:))) It will only take 15 minutes to do and there may be teachers and principals you want pictures with after or beforehand. I will gladly do that for you all.
I would like a group picture as well at each site.
Tuesday, May 30: Hink 10am, All Saints noon, & Lincoln 1pm
Wednesday, May 31: Sanborn 10am, Immanual Lutheran noon, & Besser 1pm
Thursday, June 1: Ella White 10am & Wilson 1pm
SENIOR GRADUATION PARADE
~ Friday, June 2nd from 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Route: AHS Parking lot ~ down Third St. to Campbell (right) up 2nd Ave to Ripley back to Third St and ending in the AHS Parking Lot
Start in the AHS Student Parking Lot; you should be early to decorate vehicles
All decorations must be in Graduation Theme
Parent/adult driver
Trucks-- you may be in the back but may not exceed 15mph
Bring candy to throw
Seniors ~ the KAPUT Senior Celebration will begin following the parade at AHS until 2:30am.
KAPUT ACTIVITY
June 2, 2023
CLASS OF 2023
Senior parents, watch for an upcoming email with KAPUT needs for the event: donations, chaperoning, etc. If you have questions, you can reach out to Stephanie Couture at tschooch@hotmail.com 989-464-7220
AHS - Home of the Wildcats
Alpena High School had a new sign installed at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Bagley Street to welcome students, staff, community and visitors. The sign replaces the electronic scrolling sign which was no longer operating. The district decided not to go with another scrolling sign due to safety concerns. At a busy intersection that has students crossing as well as many young drivers, the option of a new scrolling sign was seen as a potential distraction for drivers. We are thankful for the sponsoring support provided by Northland Area Federal Credit Union, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, and HPC Credit Union. We are also grateful to Omega Electric and Sign Company which donated the installation of the new sign and the removal of the previous one.
Athletic Corner
Track Regionals ~ Congratulations to Julian Steven who punched his ticket for States by qualifying Saturday in Midland in the 200m with a Personal Best of 22.29! Go Cats and let's bring home the Gold at States Julian.
AHS Visual Artists featured at Thunder Bay Art Gallery!
Visit the Thunder Bay Art Gallery on W. Chisholm and check out the amazing work from AHS artists. This exhibition runs through the end of May and features the work of the following AHS visual artists: Hannah Tracey, Scarlette MacArthur, Cassandra VanHorn, Megan Dubie, Piper Felax, Thaddeus Tadian, Justine Bartreau, Anton Bytner, Caleb Beegen, Lauren Collegnon, Pranali Chhapamohan, Marleigh Hann, Hailey Martell, Malorie Wirgau, Grace Pratt, Mason Villarreal, Aubrey Irwin, Elisabeth Lawson and Cecelia Magdaleno.
Upcoming Events:
5/22/23 Rotary Luncheon for the Top 10% students @ the APlex
5/23/23 5:35am Senior Sunrise at the Breakwall; breakfast to follow the photo
5/24/23 Student Council Induction Ceremony, AHS Auditorium 6pm
5/24 & 25 Senior Exams
5/25/23 Choir Concert @ 7:00 pm ~ Auditorium
5/26/23 Seniors Last Day
APS Decision Day *snacks and photo opportunities @ 9:30/ Assembly during Advisory
5/29/23 Memorial Day - No School
5/30/23 Senior Elementary Walk Through
5/31/23 Senior Elementary Walk Through
ACES Graduation @ 6:00 pm
6/1/23 Senior Elementary Walk Through
6/1/23 Dual Enrollment Orientation Meeting for AHS students ~ 9:30-10am (Advisory) Auditorium
6/2/23 Senior Experience Day & Senior Celebration; Senior Graduation Parade 6:30pm - 7:30pm
6/4/23 Class of 2023 Graduation @ 1:30 pm ~ Park Family Field @ Wildcat Stadium
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.
