AHS students,

As we move forward from last week’s incidents, the AHS Administrative team wants to share a few items with you.

The incidents last week were a result of attacks and retaliation through social media.  Initially these posts were directed at one individual, but quickly escalated as students took sides and began attacking others. As the day progressed, individuals continued to focus on this social media issue, many of whom were not involved in the initial incident.  We are addressing them and will move forward in a positive and productive manner.  

Moving forward, we must work together to ensure Alpena High School has a welcoming and positive environment for every student and staff member.  Every day well over 1200 people pass through the doors of Alpena High School.  In a very real sense, we are a small city; however, that does not describe who we are, we are more than a group of individuals - we are a community.  We are a community of individuals with unique beliefs, values, opinions and identities; however, when we are here, there is one thing that unites us:  We are all Wildcats.  We must understand that we do not have to agree with the differences between us.  We must respect each other as unique human beings and respect the right of every single student to learn in a safe and harassment free environment.  As a community of over 1200 individuals, we have to be able to coexist and come together as Wildcats, our common identity. 

As mentioned previously, we must maintain a safe, efficient and educational school environment.  Every student has the right to come to Alpena High School and learn in an environment free of disruptions and fear.  This responsibility is on every single one of us, and we must understand that our words and actions can have a significant impact on the environment and climate of the school.  This is especially true when it comes to our use of cell phones and social media.  It is important to note, as the Alpena High Student Handbook states, the possession and use of a cell phone in the building is a privilege.   As we have witnessed, students using cell phones during the school day inappropriately can have a negative impact on the environment of the school.  The Student Handbook clearly states: ”Students are not permitted to use a personal camera or take pictures of other students or staff while on the school campus or engaged in school activities elsewhere without specific permission from an administrator, teacher, coach, or advisor.”  To summarize, students may not take pictures of others without specific permission, and more importantly, may not post these pictures on social media.  Please respect your fellow Wildcats’ rights to privacy regarding photographs and video.  

Another topic that we must address is that of intent.  Our intentions define our actions. This includes the words we use, the way we behave, and how we dress. We are grateful for everyone, including students and parents, that engaged in open and respectful communication regarding intent.  It is one thing to support a fellow student, but when the actions of students cause a disruption to the school environment, we must look into the intent of those actions.  Supporting a student by banding together and wearing flags and other memorabilia creates a perception of intimidation regardless of intent.  Our perceptions are our reality, and in this event, students who were not part of either party perceived these actions as a threat against them.  It is also important to note, that regardless of our intent, our choices and actions have repercussions, and we are responsible for those repercussions.

The Administrative team welcomes conversations with individuals or small groups and wants everyone to feel safe and secure at school. This week Mr. Bourdage, as well as other staff members, will be available in the gym during lunch hours. Our hope is that we can engage in open and honest conversation in an effort to continue building a positive school culture.  If you would like to positively engage in this conversation please attend during your lunch hour. As always, individual counselors are available for students who require additional support.   

The events of last week have shown that we have room to grow as a community.  No one is perfect and no single group is perfect.  We are committed to working with and hearing our students, so we can continue to improve our school culture and climate.  We want every one of our students to be able to thrive as a Wildcat, which is a collective effort.  Please address your concerns with Mr. Bourdage, Mr. Buchinger and/or Mr. Pattison, so we can hear you and work with you.  In years past, we have come together as a Wildcat community, and we believe we can do so again.  We will continue to break down these barriers to our community and build upon our core belief that Alpena High School is a place where all Wildcats can thrive and excel.

Important Announcements for This Week

• Flags will not be allowed to be worn in the building as shared last Thursday-- we will ask students to put them away and move about their day.

• Friday will be a Green and White day!  Please dress to show your Wildcat Pride!

• There will be a moment of silence at school on Monday as well as the home football game on Friday to honor the 13 fallen soldiers in Afghanistan and in remembrance of those lost in the 9/11 attack. 

Athletics:

Monday, Sep 13, 2021

Girls JV Volleyball   Tri- Alcona & Tawas 5:00pm Home-AHS

Girls Var Volleyball Tri- Alcona & Tawas 5:00pm Home-AHS

Girls Freshmen      Tawas 5:00pm TBJH

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Boys Varsity Tennis Harbor Springs 4:00pm Away

Boys JV Soccer Petoskey 5:00pm Home

Boys Var Soccer Petoskey 5:00pm Home

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Girls Golf Ogemaw Heights 9:00am Away

Girls JV Volleyball Traverse City West 5:00pm Away

Girls Var Volleyball Traverse City West 5:00pm Away

Girls Fr. Volleyball Traverse City West 5:00pm Away

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Boys Varsity Tennis Traverse City West 4:00pm Home

Boys JV Soccer Gaylord High School 5:00pm Home

Boys Var Soccer Gaylord High School 6:45pm Home

Boys JV Football Cadillac High School 6:00pm Away

Friday, September 17, 2021

Cross Country MSU-Spartan Invite Away

Boys Var Football Cadillac High School 7:00pm Home

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Girls Fr. Volleyball Bay City Central 8:00am Away

Girls JV Volleyball Boyne City Invite 9:00am Away

Upcoming Events:

• September 17th  Constitution Day

• Friday will be Green and White Day