EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
Congratulations on your selection...
Mason Donajkowski
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.
Mason exhibited kindness and care when welcoming a new teacher to our staff. He not only adds to a positive classroom environment but went out of his way to make sure that a teacher felt welcomed and respected. Thank you for helping make our school community a welcoming atmosphere!
Counselor Corner
Seniors can start working on their Free Application for Federal State Aid (FAFSA) for the 2023-24 school year after October 1. Need some assistance? We will be holding a FAFSA Completion Lab to help you submit your FAFSA on Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m. in the Media Center. Bring with you the following: your student, your student's Chromebook, Social Security numbers for student and parent, student's driver's license or state ID, 2021 Federal 1040 Tax Form, 2021 W-2 forms for Student and Parent, 2021 record of untaxed income, separate email addresses for student and parent, text enabled cell phone, and FAFSA ID number if you already have one. See you on 10/13!
Attention, Sophomores and Juniors!
Are you a "somewhat" advanced student who would like to get some good practice for the SAT? One positive step that you can take is to sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT, which will be offered at Alpena High School on Wed., Oct. 12, 2022. (See attached link in Assessment Corner below to register.) This is the qualifying test in order to become a National Merit Scholar. In addition, the College Board will provide you with a detailed answer key so that you can pinpoint areas in which you should study for the SAT. (Go to khanacademy.org if you would like to study; however you should also recognize that each of your classes, particularly AP and core classes, are preparing you for the SAT.) College-bound sophomores and juniors should strongly consider taking this exam and also going to the www.collegeboard.org website in order to learn more about the SAT and the Big Futures program, which allows you to compare colleges and learn more about scholarship and career programs. In addition, signing up for the Big Futures program will allow you to enter into a national scholarship competition simply for participating.
Assessment Corner
Deadline to register for PSAT/NMSQT is Now October 1, 2022. Register with your school email at the link Here. This is for 10th and 11th graders. 43 Spots left
Deadline to register for AP EXAM is November 4 , 2022 cost is $100. Please use this form and turn into F house office with payment. Form Here.
The Climate Team shared its mission with parents and students during the Open House. The mission is:
Building a unified and welcoming environment where all voices are heard in the APS district.
Click here for more information about our team.
Pictured are members: Avery Dubey, Aubrey Ford, & Abigail Rabbideau
~ Homecoming Updates ~
Get Ready, One Week to Go for the 2022 Homecoming Week
This year the hall cleanup and class floats will be judged and used for points. The parade will be on Friday, September 30th at 4:45 pm. We will send each class sponsor their classes place in the parade. If you have any questions concerning the parade, please email Avery Herman.
Guest passes must be picked up in the Main Office or in the Restorative Center (E103). They must get a signature from the principals of both schools and submit it to the office by the Thursday before the dance.
Make sure you're eligible for attending the dance and get your homework done! An eligibility check will be completed Friday. Any student failing 3 or more classes will be UNABLE to attend the dance per the Academic Probation section in the Student Handbook.
Homecoming song requests must be submitted using this Google form or drop off suggestions in the Song Request bin at lunch by September 22.
Kick-off Homecoming with a Kickoff Bash
Join us after the September 23rd game at the south end of the football field in the stadium parking lot. The Alpena Fire Department will provide a bonfire to celebrate a victory, time to hang out with friends, and bring in homecoming week with a bang.
Special thanks go to Northland Area Federal Credit Union for providing hot dogs, pop, and chips for all students. Thank you Michigan Brown Trout Festival for the use of their bleachers around the fire, and thank you to Mr. Matt Poli for providing music on the stadium sound system. More surprises will be announced at the event, we hope to see you there!
First AHS Powderpuff Homecoming Kickoff to Homecoming
Junior & Senior Girls
Coaches should be Varsity Football Players
You can register in the Main Office
Game will be Monday, September 26th @ 7pm @ Park Family Field at Wildcat Stadium ~ let's fill the stands
~ Thank You ~
Northland Area Federal Credit Union & Meijer for providing the TAILGATE Party
Chromebook Maintenance
If you do not have a working Chromebook, please see Mrs. Samp asap. If you have an Acer loaner Chromebook from last school year, go to Mrs. Samp to pick up your repaired device. The Acer loaners were locked Friday, September 16th.
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes are Wednesday, Oct 12 and includes APS Online students. You should arrive for 8am at the Main Office.
-- Student body, you will get the electronic proof and will need to report to G116 before lunch to do retakes. Any questions, you may contact info@lakeshoreschoolphotography.com
Be sure to introduce yourself to our foreign exchange students when you see them around AHS!
College Adviser ~ Why Apply Day
Alpena High School and ACES Academy encouraged students, families, staff and the community to participate in Why Apply Day this past Friday, September 16th. They wore gear from their college or career and talked to young people about what they did after high school to reach their career goals. The goal is to encourage students to pursue education and training opportunities after high school like professional certifications, associate degrees, trade schools, bachelor's degrees or further education depending on their chosen career pathway. This was a great opportunity to help our kids to understand the importance of taking their next steps toward a career after high school graduation. Our College Advisor will lead the push for our seniors to seek more information about what is available after high school. If you have any questions, reach out to Jenny Taratuta at taratutaj@alpenaschools.com.
School Success Spotlight, Mr. Robarge (Room E110)
Our homecoming dance is rapidly sneaking up on us! Guys, are you in need of khaki pants, dress shirts or sport coats? Girls, are you looking for dresses or other clothing? There is a wide variety of these items in the "Clothing Closet" within the School Success room (which is right across from the Counseling Office). Stop in and check it out when you can...it's all free! While I am on the subject of clothing, I've had several students sent to my room to get clothing that was more "School appropriate" than what they were currently wearing.
A good rule of thumb to consider is, "If I wore this to a job, would it be appropriate?"
Something to think about!!
Are You Interested in being The Wildcat Masot?
Free and Reduced Lunch ~ Apply if you have not already done so!
APS families, Free and Reduced meal paperwork must be completed soon for students to avoid losing this benefit. Proper nutrition is vital for academic and behavioral success at school. Families that received a letter stating they get free and reduced lunch do not need to act, otherwise families at Hinks, Sanborn, Lincoln and ACES should complete a household information report. Families at Alpena High, Thunder Bay, Ella White, Wilson and Besser should complete the free and reduced lunch application. Documents will be emailed to you or can be completed at alpenaschools.com at the food services information tab. If you have questions, contact APS Food Services Director Nic Wiser at 989 358 5021.
HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION REPORT.pdf for Hinks, Sanborn, Lincoln and ACES
Free and Reduced-price application updated.pdf for AHS, TBJHS, Ella White, Wilson and Besser
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.pdf
APS Charge Policy for School Meals .pdf
HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS.pdf
Student Parking ~ No Parking in the Gravel Overflow Lot
Students have been warned and may be towed at their own expense beginning next week.
I want to personally thank the students that were parking in overflow in the first week and worked to relocate to the paved portion of the parking lot.
Students do you know about the Wildcat Branch?
We are a credit union located in the library/media center that is open and available for students and staff to use! The best part you don't have to be an AAACU member to access your account. We work with other local credit union that allow us to assist you with withdrawing and depositing money.
Stop by and ask us about our $100 new account reward and the other cash rewards we offer!
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.
Upcoming Events:
9/17/22 Constitution Day ~ will do an activity on Friday
9/19/22 1/2 day for students am only; DPPD for staff in the afternoon
9/23/22 Homecoming Kickoff Bash after the football game ~ Bonfire sponsored by Northland Federal Area Credit Union
9/26/22 Homecoming Week ~ Powderpuff Football Game 7pm ~ Park Family Field Wildcat Stadium
9/30/22 Homecoming Parade
10/1/22 Homecoming Dance
10/4/22 College Night 6:00-7:30pm in the AHS Gym
10/11/22 PD Day ~ no students pm
10/12/22 Picture Retake Day
10/13/22 FAFSA Lab 6-8pm in the Media Center
10/13/22 Early College Parent/Student Meeting 7:00-8:30pm
10/19/22 Unity Day ~ Rachel's Challenge 9-12 presentation~ Community Event at 6pm to rollout Rachel's Challenge at AHS Auditorium