EMPOWERING 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES
This week's Wildcat Way is the voice of Alpena High School's daily announcements, Anna Sheridan! At the start of the year, school staff were assigned to read the morning announcements in an effort to streamline the routine. Anna demonstrated confidence when she advocated for herself and made convincing arguments for a student voice on our morning announcements. She is a contributor to our school community by reading the announcements daily and is a continuous learner by making a commitment to attend classes every day. Great work Anna!
Counseling
Juniors & Seniors:
Don’t miss our annual AHS College & Career Fair on Monday Oct 5th, 5:30-7:00pm! We will have representatives from a wide variety of colleges and universities from throughout the state of Michigan, as well as representatives from different branches of the military—including a representative from West Point! We’ll also have representatives from the Michigan State Police, a local Massage Therapy School, and other community organizations.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about:
🎓 Colleges and universities
🎖️ Military opportunities, including West Point
👮 Michigan State Police careers
💰 Financial aid and scholarships
💼 Career and training opportunities
📚 Community resources and other options after high school
You don’t want to miss this event! Come explore your options, ask questions, and start planning for your future!
Parents: There is a bonus Financial Readiness Presentation in the Wildcat Den at 4:30 p.m. After the presentation, you can head over to the gymnasium with your child for College & Career Night.
⚠️⚠️ Seniors ⚠️⚠️
This is the week to meet with your counselor! Make an appointment through Mrs. Ayers using this form to make sure your Senior Year is set up for success!
⚠️⚠️Lunch Scheduling Change! ⚠️⚠️
A necessary lunch scheduling change was made that will be starting this week. The lunch for students in Mr. Grulke/Mrs. Spain's AMP Up and Mr. Loyer's Construction Technology will now be 3rd lunch. The lunch for students in Mrs. Smith and Ms. Scott's 4th hour will now be first lunch.
AHS Upcoming Events
HOMECOMING IS HERE
Spirit Days are almost upon us! Starting the 21st of September
AHS has a week full of activities and themes
Monday: PJ Day (wear pajamas)
Tuesday: Adam Sandler Day (Google Adam Sandler and dress like that)
Wednesday: Surfers vs. Bikers Day (pick a side!)
Thursday: Wig Out Day (wear a wig)
Friday: Class Color Day (freshmen are orange, sophomores are yellow, juniors are blue, seniors are red)
Hallway Decorating will take place right after school in the commons on Thursday of that week. Be ready to decorate and make your halls look great! Windows can be painted only once they are taped off.
The Homecoming Parade starts at 5:00 on Friday, September 25th, starting in the Ella White parking lot. Students, join up with your classmates and represent AHS pride! The parade ends in the back oval right as celebrating for the football game against Flint Powers starts up. Please attend, participate, and cheer on AHS on the best day of the year!
More information will continue coming out as we get closer, so please keep an eye on the announcements for more!
HOMECOMING DANCE GUEST FORM
Forms are due Wednesday, September 23rd, at 8:00 am.
They MUST be signed by both parents and the guest's principal.
Forms are available in the Wildcat Den, outside the Main Office and with Mrs. Whiteman in E 115.
Sign up for assembly games now! The sign-up sheets are in the Wildcat Den by Mr. Whitcell's office. These games will be factored into the overall scores for the Spirit Jug. If your class doesn't get enough participants, you forfeit those points!
If you missed the Volleyball game-- you can still get to the football game
Powderpuff Volleyball to lead off HOMECOMING KICKOFF
Third Annual Volleyball Starts on Sunday, September 20th at 4pm in the AHS Gym
Junior & Senior Boys
Coached by the Varsity Girl's Volleyball Players
You can register in the Wildcat Den
Fifth Annual AHS Powderpuff Football following Volleyball at 6:30pm @ Wildcat Stadium at Park Family Field
Junior & Senior Girls
Coached by Varsity Football Players
You can register in the Wildcat Den
Let's fill the stands ~ everyone is welcome
Game time will depend upon the completion of the Volleyball Game
Approximately 6:30pm
STAR Assessment -- ATTENTION ONLINE STUDENTS
APS Online Star Testing will take place this week for APS Online hourly and Full-time APS Online students (SEE THE LETTER BELOW). Your information will be coming from Mr. Studley via email, and Mr. Studley and Mr. Bourdage will be in the Online Room hourly during online classtime to help initiate the Star testing in person for hourly online students.
Were you absent in English and math for Star Testing?
You will be pulled out of Homeroom this week to take either Star Assessment. If you are not, please email or see Mr. Bourdage.
Dear APS Online Students and Families,
I want to take a moment to let everyone know about the STAR Reading and Math assessments happening this upcoming week, on Wednesday September 23, 2026, starting at 8 AM. These assessments are a valuable opportunity for us to understand your current knowledge and to tailor our support for your learning journey.
Key Details
Date: Wednesday September 23, 2026, starting at 8 AM.
Eligibility: Testing is for full-time APS Online students enrolled in four or more classes. If you are also attending in-person AHS classes, please reach out to me. You can choose to take the test from home or school.
Preparation Tips
Join the Meet: Please use this direct link to join: meet.google.com/ora-neiy-yiw This link is also available in your Google Calendar.
Camera On: If you are able, I am requesting you keep your camera on for testing. This helps us accurately assess your knowledge and ensure you are using your own knowledge to answer questions.
Get Ready: To ensure a smooth testing experience, please:
Find a quiet spot with a strong internet connection.
Make sure your device is fully charged.
Have paper and a pencil ready for the Math portion.
Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy meal beforehand.
Arrive on time and do your best - you've got this! For more information about the STAR assessments, feel free to visit this resource.
Thank you for your cooperation and support!
Sincerely,
Jon Studley
APS Online Director
Items To Review
Student ID cards will be given to students during Homeroom. If you did not get your ID-- Please speak to your Homeroom Teacher and then see Mrs. Maker or Mrs. Stevens in the Attendance Office. You must have your ID for the dance on Saturday.
Meet our AMA Staff
Use PhotoShare to Submit your SUMMER TIME Photos. Please TAG THE PHOTOS and INCLUDE information when possible.
DID YOU BUY YOUR YEARBOOK YET??
Did you know JOSTENS offers a PAYMENT PLAN to order your book?
Masquers Club Needs You!
Senior Information
Advise Michigan
Happy Homecoming Week AHS!
While it’s hard to believe that October is just around the corner, next week we will begin Michigan College Month. During College Month, we encourage all students and parents to explore the possibilities for the future, and consider what college might look like for them. To celebrate College Month and increase awareness of different post-secondary education options, AHS will be hosting plenty of special events, such as college representative visits, college spirit days, application workshops, and more, over the next month and beyond! Please be on the lookout during the next weekly, morning announcements, and social media to learn more!
As part of Michigan College Month, many Michigan colleges and universities waive their application fees. If you see a college or university you are interested in, please consider applying during the month of October!
Stressed at the prospect of applying to college? Consider applying through the Common Application or MI College Match!
What is the Common Application? Instead of applying for colleges individually, the Common Application allows students to apply to up to 20 colleges and universities on a single application.
Not sure what colleges to apply to? The Common Application also includes helpful information, such as college size and location, standardized test requirements, academic programs, student life opportunities, financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines, to help you narrow your search. Visit https://www.commonapp.org/ to create your account today!
What is MI College Match? Instead of traditionally applying to college, MCAN and partnering Michigan colleges and universities have simplified the process by proactively offering direct admission to students based on academic record and program fit. No application, essays, or recommendation letters are required! All you have to do is upload your transcript, and complete a Match profile that outlines your interests.
Additionally, students who complete and submit their profiles by Sept. 21 will be entered for a chance to receive a $5,000 scholarship award through the program. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your college options and potentially earn additional support for your education!
Students are still able to complete a profile after Sept. 21, and institutions will send out admissions offers on a regular basis. In order to qualify for the $5,000 scholarship, students must submit their profile by Sept. 21. Visit https://www.micollegematch.com/ today!
Interested in receiving help related to college and careers?
Contact your AdviseMI College Adviser today!
Elizabeth Kieliszewski
Located in the Wildcat Den (walk-ins available!)
kieliszewskiel@alpenaschools.com
Call: (989) 358-5323
Athletics
Testing Information
Upcoming Events:
9/20/26 Homecoming Kickoff -- Volleyball & Powderpuff Football Times TBA
9/21/26 Homecoming Week Starts
9/25/26 Homecoming Assembly and Hall of Fame 2026
9/28/26 Alpena Early College 13th Year and You - ACC Granum Theater 5:30 pm
9/28/26 Alpena Early College Fall Informational Meeting - ACC Granum Theater 7:00pm
9/29/26 First of many PBIS -- Lunch with the Principal
10/5/26 AHS College Night 5:30 - 7pm
KAPUT Monthly Meeting 6 - 7pm in the Main Office Conference Room -- Please enter in the Back Oval; park in the Green House Parkinng Lot
10/7/26 Senior Sunset More information to come
10/12/26 DPPD inservice for teachers -- No School for Students
10/15/26 Senior Sunset Backup weather date
10/22/26 Picture Retake Day AHS/ACES
10/23/26 Blood Drive in Health Occupations 8am - 1pm
10/29/26 Early Release for Students -- Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences 3 - 6pm
10/30/26 No School For Students -- Morning Parent/Teacher Conferences 7:30 - 10:30am
11/3/26 Josten's Student Meetings in the Auditorium
Freshman Meeting starting at Homeroom 9:31am
Senior Meeting @ 12:39pm
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 Restorative Center (School Success) if you need help resolving an issue. Peer mediators don't take sides or place blame on anyone!