Happy Spring Break March 30th-April 3rd

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

Schedule Reminders!
Thursday 3/26 ½ day for students
Friday 3/27 no school for students
Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday PM
Thunder Bay Junior High 10:26 Half-day dismissal
Alpena High/ACES 10:36 Half-day dismissal
Lincoln, Ella White, Besser 11:45 Half-day dismissal
Hinks, Sanborn, Wilson 12:06 Half-day dismissal
Spring Break March 30th-April 6th students return April 7th!
Thursday 3/26 ½ day for students
Friday 3/27 no school for students
Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday PM
Thunder Bay Junior High 10:26 Half-day dismissal
Alpena High/ACES 10:36 Half-day dismissal
Lincoln, Ella White, Besser 11:45 Half-day dismissal
Hinks, Sanborn, Wilson 12:06 Half-day dismissal
Spring Break March 30th-April 6th students return April 7th!

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.

Congratulations to our AHS Student of the Week, Connor Olsen!

Schedule Reminders!
Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday PM
Thursday 3/26 is a ½ day for students
Friday 3/27 there is no school for students
Thunder Bay Junior High 10:26 Half-day dismissal
Alpena High/ACES 10:36 Half-day dismissal
Lincoln, Ella White, Besser 11:45 Half-day dismissal
Hinks, Sanborn, Wilson 12:06 Half-day dismissal
Spring Break March 30th-April 6th students return April 7th!
Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday PM
Thursday 3/26 is a ½ day for students
Friday 3/27 there is no school for students
Thunder Bay Junior High 10:26 Half-day dismissal
Alpena High/ACES 10:36 Half-day dismissal
Lincoln, Ella White, Besser 11:45 Half-day dismissal
Hinks, Sanborn, Wilson 12:06 Half-day dismissal
Spring Break March 30th-April 6th students return April 7th!

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.

APS Job Fair on 3/20/26 is Canceled- New Date TBD

Girls Outdoor Summer Science Program
PDF Version of the Flier
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H1BI0vel55riwun-NCKTZ0VEkfsQY1wD/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the Flier
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H1BI0vel55riwun-NCKTZ0VEkfsQY1wD/view?usp=sharing

Alpena Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, March 18th 2026

APS will be closed Tuesday 3/17/26 due to the Ice Storm

APS will be closed on Monday 3/16/26 Due hazardous winter weather

The Mahaz Family Spartan Scholarship
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gEz7xVmq718f7n9Dcfdm_SYfYhezPE5H/view?usp=sharing
Open to APS Students earning their diploma in the Spring of 2026 who will attend Michigan State University in Fall 2026. Preference will be given to students that plan to study accounting, finance, supply chain management, business management or STEM fields (Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics).
Award- $2500 toward tuition at Michigan State University
For more information contact Lee Fitzpatrick fitzpatrickl@alpenaschools.com or (989) 358 5043 and reference the Mahaz Family Spartan Scholarship.
Submit the following items to apply:
· AHS/ACES Transcript
· Proof of Acceptance to Michigan State University for Fall 2026
· A personal statement describing your career goals and any barriers you have already or will have to overcome to reach them.
Email all 3 items above to fitzpatrickl@alpenaschools.com or send to 2373 Gordon Rd Alpena MI 49707 attention Lee Fitzpatrick
The DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION is MAY 29th!!!
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gEz7xVmq718f7n9Dcfdm_SYfYhezPE5H/view?usp=sharing
Open to APS Students earning their diploma in the Spring of 2026 who will attend Michigan State University in Fall 2026. Preference will be given to students that plan to study accounting, finance, supply chain management, business management or STEM fields (Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics).
Award- $2500 toward tuition at Michigan State University
For more information contact Lee Fitzpatrick fitzpatrickl@alpenaschools.com or (989) 358 5043 and reference the Mahaz Family Spartan Scholarship.
Submit the following items to apply:
· AHS/ACES Transcript
· Proof of Acceptance to Michigan State University for Fall 2026
· A personal statement describing your career goals and any barriers you have already or will have to overcome to reach them.
Email all 3 items above to fitzpatrickl@alpenaschools.com or send to 2373 Gordon Rd Alpena MI 49707 attention Lee Fitzpatrick
The DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION is MAY 29th!!!

Free online tutoring services available from upchieve.org to Alpena High School through our partnership with MI GEAR UPl
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ic9X5eWvaGz3j9ibImzRzp0TEwqPu9gH/view?usp=sharing
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ic9X5eWvaGz3j9ibImzRzp0TEwqPu9gH/view?usp=sharing

RESCHEDULED to 3/20/26
Alpena Public Schools will hold a Job Fair for Instructional Assistants, and Bus Drivers on Friday, March 13th from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at APS Central Office 2373 Gordon Road in the boardroom. We are hiring for full-time, part-time and substitute positions. Schedule an interview if you can’t attend by calling (989) 358-5030. Candidates can save time by completing an application in advance at alpenaschools.com under the employment button. For those looking for more flexible work options we have many substitute positions. We will hold on the spot interviews at this event with qualified candidates. We offer paid training for bus drivers.

APS is closed on Friday March 13, 2026 due to hazardous driving conditions affecting the morning and afternoon commutes.

Upcoming college visits with MI Gear UP
PDF version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MA5OkOrzVoku8MVQEPl8sBqs8Lyn3t0d/view?usp=sharing
Jenny Taratuta
MI GEAR up Coordinator/ Career & College Readiness Advisor
taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
(989)358-5243
https://calendly.com/aps-mi-gearup-coordinator
PDF version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MA5OkOrzVoku8MVQEPl8sBqs8Lyn3t0d/view?usp=sharing
Jenny Taratuta
MI GEAR up Coordinator/ Career & College Readiness Advisor
taratutaj@alpenaschools.com
(989)358-5243
https://calendly.com/aps-mi-gearup-coordinator

Shop Campus Closet
Check out the products at https://www.facebook.com/AlpenaCampusCloset/
or shop at the Online store https://alpenaschools.moduurn.com/home
Check out the products at https://www.facebook.com/AlpenaCampusCloset/
or shop at the Online store https://alpenaschools.moduurn.com/home

College Application Week and Fee Waivers PDF Version of the Flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NgK9aGYfQmBl4ekSsYZc7I1lJPYkMZsA/view?usp=sharing
TODAY is perfect day to submit your entry to win gift cards
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj6LlMFQPkwLc1AkGR1BMHAQI9K4gs3dx5akEy2w_yiyJ91g/viewform
Also finish up those FAFSA or scholarship applications :-)
It will feel great to get those items off your list before spring break!
Need help- book an appointment! https://calendly.com/aps-mi-gearup-coordinator
Lastly, this week is open applications for colleges.
TODAY is perfect day to submit your entry to win gift cards
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj6LlMFQPkwLc1AkGR1BMHAQI9K4gs3dx5akEy2w_yiyJ91g/viewform
Also finish up those FAFSA or scholarship applications :-)
It will feel great to get those items off your list before spring break!
Need help- book an appointment! https://calendly.com/aps-mi-gearup-coordinator
Lastly, this week is open applications for colleges.

