There's serious money on the line
Filing a FAFSA is the single most important thing you can do to get money for college. It's the gateway to more than $150 billion in college grants, work-study funds, and federal student loans, as well as certain state-based aid.
https://studentaid.gov/
Contact Mrs. Taratuta if you need assistance completing the FAFSA in order to get money to pay for education and training after high school 989 358 5243 or taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
Filing a FAFSA is the single most important thing you can do to get money for college. It's the gateway to more than $150 billion in college grants, work-study funds, and federal student loans, as well as certain state-based aid.
https://studentaid.gov/
Contact Mrs. Taratuta if you need assistance completing the FAFSA in order to get money to pay for education and training after high school 989 358 5243 or taratutaj@alpenaschools.com

We are happy to be a partner with University of Michigan- Dearborn on the MI Gear Up Program!
Our Gear Up coordinator is Jenny Taratuta taratutaj@alpenaschools.com or 989 358 5243.
The MI GEAR UP Program works with high schools throughout the state to offer students the academic skills, information and encouragement they need to not only graduate from high school, but to apply, attend and gain the skills necessary to earn a college or university degree.
MI GEAR UP prepares students for postsecondary success by offering a variety of services throughout the student’s educational career and progression in the program — from their 9th grade to their first year of college.
Our Gear Up coordinator is Jenny Taratuta taratutaj@alpenaschools.com or 989 358 5243.
The MI GEAR UP Program works with high schools throughout the state to offer students the academic skills, information and encouragement they need to not only graduate from high school, but to apply, attend and gain the skills necessary to earn a college or university degree.
MI GEAR UP prepares students for postsecondary success by offering a variety of services throughout the student’s educational career and progression in the program — from their 9th grade to their first year of college.

Community Foundation Scholarships Deadline March 1st!
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtljaAEEl2FxX_tWDw8R4TuKz5j9agm_/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtljaAEEl2FxX_tWDw8R4TuKz5j9agm_/view?usp=sharing

Alpena Area Brick Build
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/11h5bn3BRlIapZTonxH2Cy4antB_F3V6N/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/11h5bn3BRlIapZTonxH2Cy4antB_F3V6N/view?usp=sharing

PDF Form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-eLDhh9_5_CaCa5n-ztyZug6otHBWGod/view?usp=sharing
Dear APS Parents and Guardians:
If you have not already completed the attached form for the current school year, please complete the form online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/ or print, complete and return it to your student’s school. If you need a printed copy to complete feel free to request one from your child’s school.
Responses are down significantly from previous years, while our student need is increasing dramatically. At the current response rates there will be significant funding loss for student supports and the potential for families to lose eligibility for free/reduced lunch.
The Education Benefits Form collects information needed to make sure your child’s school receives state and federal money for education programs. Without this information, APS could lose vital support and services for our students. These programs include, but are not limited to:
• Teaching staff (ex. reading tutors, math tutors, academic & behavior aids)
• Teaching supplies
• Counselors and social workers
• School nurses
• Training for staff
• Parent and community engagement supplies and events
• Chromebooks and iPads
Why does APS need my info?
Data on the Education Benefits Form determines the eligibility of a student. The total number of eligible students is used to determine how much money will be provided to your school. The more forms collected the better.
What do I need to do? Please complete the attached form on paper and return it to your child’s school or online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/.
Will this form be secure? Yes
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-eLDhh9_5_CaCa5n-ztyZug6otHBWGod/view?usp=sharing
Dear APS Parents and Guardians:
If you have not already completed the attached form for the current school year, please complete the form online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/ or print, complete and return it to your student’s school. If you need a printed copy to complete feel free to request one from your child’s school.
Responses are down significantly from previous years, while our student need is increasing dramatically. At the current response rates there will be significant funding loss for student supports and the potential for families to lose eligibility for free/reduced lunch.
The Education Benefits Form collects information needed to make sure your child’s school receives state and federal money for education programs. Without this information, APS could lose vital support and services for our students. These programs include, but are not limited to:
• Teaching staff (ex. reading tutors, math tutors, academic & behavior aids)
• Teaching supplies
• Counselors and social workers
• School nurses
• Training for staff
• Parent and community engagement supplies and events
• Chromebooks and iPads
Why does APS need my info?
Data on the Education Benefits Form determines the eligibility of a student. The total number of eligible students is used to determine how much money will be provided to your school. The more forms collected the better.
What do I need to do? Please complete the attached form on paper and return it to your child’s school or online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/.
Will this form be secure? Yes

Current 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Parents: Mark your calendars for our 2026-2027 Scheduling Meeting!
February 18
TBJH Cafeteria
Current 6th & 7th Grade Students - 5:30pm
Current 5th Grade Students - 6:30pm
Students are welcome to attend with their parents.
February 18
TBJH Cafeteria
Current 6th & 7th Grade Students - 5:30pm
Current 5th Grade Students - 6:30pm
Students are welcome to attend with their parents.

There will be no special meeting following the APS board workshop on 2/16/26. Bid consideration will be handled at the regular APS monthly board on 2/23/26.

PDF Form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-eLDhh9_5_CaCa5n-ztyZug6otHBWGod/view?usp=sharing
Dear APS Parents and Guardians:
If you have not already completed the attached form for the current school year, please complete the form online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/ or print, complete and return it to your student’s school. If you need a printed copy to complete feel free to request one from your child’s school.
Responses are down significantly from previous years, while our student need is increasing dramatically. At the current response rates there will be significant funding loss for student supports and the potential for families to lose eligibility for free/reduced lunch.
The Education Benefits Form collects information needed to make sure your child’s school receives state and federal money for education programs. Without this information, APS could lose vital support and services for our students. These programs include, but are not limited to:
• Teaching staff (ex. reading tutors, math tutors, academic & behavior aids)
• Teaching supplies
• Counselors and social workers
• School nurses
• Training for staff
• Parent and community engagement supplies and events
• Chromebooks and iPads
Why does APS need my info?
Data on the Education Benefits Form determines the eligibility of a student. The total number of eligible students is used to determine how much money will be provided to your school. The more forms collected the better.
What do I need to do? Please complete the attached form on paper and return it to your child’s school or online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/.
Will this form be secure? Yes
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-eLDhh9_5_CaCa5n-ztyZug6otHBWGod/view?usp=sharing
Dear APS Parents and Guardians:
If you have not already completed the attached form for the current school year, please complete the form online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/ or print, complete and return it to your student’s school. If you need a printed copy to complete feel free to request one from your child’s school.
Responses are down significantly from previous years, while our student need is increasing dramatically. At the current response rates there will be significant funding loss for student supports and the potential for families to lose eligibility for free/reduced lunch.
The Education Benefits Form collects information needed to make sure your child’s school receives state and federal money for education programs. Without this information, APS could lose vital support and services for our students. These programs include, but are not limited to:
• Teaching staff (ex. reading tutors, math tutors, academic & behavior aids)
• Teaching supplies
• Counselors and social workers
• School nurses
• Training for staff
• Parent and community engagement supplies and events
• Chromebooks and iPads
Why does APS need my info?
Data on the Education Benefits Form determines the eligibility of a student. The total number of eligible students is used to determine how much money will be provided to your school. The more forms collected the better.
What do I need to do? Please complete the attached form on paper and return it to your child’s school or online at https://alpena.familyportal.cloud/.
Will this form be secure? Yes

BOARD OF EDUCATION Special Meeting Immediately following the Workshop
Monday, February 16th, 2026 7:30 p.m. APS Board Room 2373 Gordon Rd. Alpena MI
The board will hold a special meeting following the workshop to review/vote on several bids.
Monday, February 16th, 2026 7:30 p.m. APS Board Room 2373 Gordon Rd. Alpena MI
The board will hold a special meeting following the workshop to review/vote on several bids.

Community Foundation Scholarships Deadline March 1st!
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtljaAEEl2FxX_tWDw8R4TuKz5j9agm_/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtljaAEEl2FxX_tWDw8R4TuKz5j9agm_/view?usp=sharing

Huron Shores Baseball Registration
PDF Version of the Flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHlqHDheMlfSVu75uOdBOsiXFPS-y-_w/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the Flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHlqHDheMlfSVu75uOdBOsiXFPS-y-_w/view?usp=sharing

Schedule reminder!
1/2 Day for students today
No School on Monday February 16th 2026
Enjoy the long weekend!

Volunteers are needed for Wildcat Run Club to take place this year. Deadline for sign up is 2/28/26!
For more information on the program or about volunteering contact rununited@gmail.com
For more information on the program or about volunteering contact rununited@gmail.com

Friday February 13th
½ Day for Students due to state mandated staff training
½ Day for Students due to state mandated staff training

February 2026 APS Board Workshop 2/16/26 5:30 PM
Streaming link on YouTube@alpenapublicschoolsmichigan
https://youtube.com/live/n0qWHw-BiW0?feature=share
Streaming link on YouTube@alpenapublicschoolsmichigan
https://youtube.com/live/n0qWHw-BiW0?feature=share

Community Foundation Scholarships Deadline March 1st!
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtljaAEEl2FxX_tWDw8R4TuKz5j9agm_/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtljaAEEl2FxX_tWDw8R4TuKz5j9agm_/view?usp=sharing

Alpena Area Brick Build
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/11h5bn3BRlIapZTonxH2Cy4antB_F3V6N/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/11h5bn3BRlIapZTonxH2Cy4antB_F3V6N/view?usp=sharing

Friday February 13th
½ Day for Students due to state mandated staff training
½ Day for Students due to state mandated staff training

Supporting Teens in Building a Life Free From Substance Abuse
PDF Version https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MKMILmzVicoJnVlyK_BNHntpwgOeuga9/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MKMILmzVicoJnVlyK_BNHntpwgOeuga9/view?usp=sharing

We are happy to be a partner with University of Michigan- Dearborn on the MI Gear Up Program!
Our Gear Up coordinator is Jenny Taratuta taratutaj@alpenaschools.com or 989 358 5243.
The MI GEAR UP Program works with high schools throughout the state to offer students the academic skills, information and encouragement they need to not only graduate from high school, but to apply, attend and gain the skills necessary to earn a college or university degree.
MI GEAR UP prepares students for postsecondary success by offering a variety of services throughout the student’s educational career and progression in the program — from their 9th grade to their first year of college.
Our Gear Up coordinator is Jenny Taratuta taratutaj@alpenaschools.com or 989 358 5243.
The MI GEAR UP Program works with high schools throughout the state to offer students the academic skills, information and encouragement they need to not only graduate from high school, but to apply, attend and gain the skills necessary to earn a college or university degree.
MI GEAR UP prepares students for postsecondary success by offering a variety of services throughout the student’s educational career and progression in the program — from their 9th grade to their first year of college.

