Alpena Public Schools

December 8th, 2025

Ask APS: Update on State Health Education Guidelines

We recently received inquiries through "Ask APS" regarding the "Proposed Health Education Standards Guidelines" drafted by the state, specifically concerning topics of gender identity and sexual behavior. It is important to clarify that Michigan is a "local control" state, meaning that state standards are guidelines, not mandates. At Alpena Public Schools, we have the discretion to determine our own curriculum and how these standards are implemented to best support our students. We do not automatically adopt every state suggestion; instead, we utilize a thoughtful process that relies on local decision-making to select curriculum that meets the needs of our specific community.

Regarding the specific concerns raised about gender identity and sexual orientation, the state guidelines categorize these topics specifically under "Section 3: Sex Education," rather than general Health. This distinction is critical because, under Michigan law, any Sex Education curriculum must be reviewed by a Sex Education Advisory Board (SEAB). At APS, we act intentionally to ensure this board represents the families we serve today. Apart from the state-required clergy position and a student representative, each member of our board is a parent of a current APS student. This ensures that the families currently walking our halls have the leading voice in reviewing materials and making recommendations to the School Board.

Finally, we want to reassure all families that you retain powerful rights regarding your child’s participation in these specific lessons. By law, you must receive prior notification of sex education classes, you have the right to review the curriculum and materials in advance, and you may opt your child out of sex education instruction without penalty or loss of academic credit. You do not need to withdraw your student from Alpena Public Schools to ensure their education aligns with your family values; we are committed to transparency and respecting your right to choose what is best for your child.

Thunder Bay Junior High Drop-Off Safety

Thunder Bay families received a Drop-Off Line Update from Principal Lee this week. We are seeing some unsafe decisions from drivers in the mornings, most likely made in an attempt to save time. When vehicles drop students off in undesignated areas or bypass the line, it inadvertently blocks traffic on Third Avenue and creates confusion that slows down the entire process for everyone. Sticking to the designated drop-off pattern is the most effective way to ensure all students arrive safely and on time.

The safety of our students and staff depends on drivers following the directions of our staff members, who are braving the cold each morning to assist your children. To keep the line moving efficiently, please remember to pull all the way forward along the sidewalk before letting students out and avoid parking in the drop-off lane, even for a moment. By following these established procedures and treating our staff with courtesy, we can ensure a smoother, safer morning arrival for the entire Junior High community.

Reimagine our Future: Together

Through years of careful financial stewardship, Alpena Public Schools has maintained a stable foundation that allows us to plan for our future proactively. We are currently in a unique position to look at our district not through the lens of crisis, but through the lens of opportunity. We face the unique challenge of operating across 604 square miles with a $2.5 million annual transportation budget. Additionally, we have identified incredible potential in our existing spaces, such as Alpena High School, a building that once hosted over 2,000 students, now sees around 1,000 today. Our goal is to brainstorm ways to better align our infrastructure with our current student population so that we can direct maximum resources into the classroom experience rather than overhead.

We are currently in the "Exploration Phase" of this process with our partners at Kingscott Associates. You may have seen maps or scenarios circulating; please know that these are conversation starters, not final decisions. We are brainstorming how we might create exciting new educational models, such as specialized magnet schools or dedicated early childhood centers. We are exploring creative trade-offs, such as how we balance travel times with ensuring every student has access to robust STEM and CTE programs, and we cannot navigate these ideas without your insight. I invite you to view the presentation materials and participate in our feedback survey, which can be found directly on our website at www.alpenaschools.com. Please join us in this dialogue to help design a future that is innovative, efficient, and centered on student success.

Winter Break is Near!

It is hard to believe, but Winter Break is already upon us. As we approach this season of rest and connection, I hope you and your family find time to enjoy the holidays together. Our schools are currently bustling with energy, and I invite you to attend the many upcoming concerts and events. It is a perfect opportunity to witness the incredible talent of our students and experience the special community spirit that defines Alpena Public Schools this time of year.