THE WILDCAT Student News-SAT Scores Actually Matter
Whether or not students decide to go to college, a good SAT score will open more possibilities.
https://hauffb.wixsite.com/thewildcat/post/sat-scores-actually-matter
Whether or not students decide to go to college, a good SAT score will open more possibilities.
https://hauffb.wixsite.com/thewildcat/post/sat-scores-actually-matter

Alpena High School Career and Technical Education- Business Management and Digital Media
Alpena DECA successfully competed at the State Career Development Conference.
Lexi Gemble - Madison Snyder - Brielle O’Conner competed against 70 other students and earned medals in their individual role play events.
DECA is a Marketing and Business organization that focuses on preparing our students to be high performing leaders. Great job to those who qualified to compete at the State level, and to those who medaled.
Alpena DECA successfully competed at the State Career Development Conference.
Lexi Gemble - Madison Snyder - Brielle O’Conner competed against 70 other students and earned medals in their individual role play events.
DECA is a Marketing and Business organization that focuses on preparing our students to be high performing leaders. Great job to those who qualified to compete at the State level, and to those who medaled.




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 will be closed Wednesday March 11th 2026 due to hazardous road conditions caused by the ice storm.

College Application Week and Fee Waivers PDF Version of the Flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NgK9aGYfQmBl4ekSsYZc7I1lJPYkMZsA/view?usp=sharing

APS Athletics is returning to Final Forms which allows you to complete and sign athletic participation forms for your students. You may review your data at any time to verify it is current. You will be required to sign your forms once per year and after any update. Click on the Parent Playbook Link if you need help getting started. We are asking the parents/guardians of all students planning to play sports to create accounts in Final Forms and register your student(s).https://alpena-mi.finalforms.com/
PDF Final Forms Instructions
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SFrxMge7PezNkCNj9-TM6u3m8Iu89SBR/view?usp=sharing
You can access these links as well as facility use forms at Wildcat Athletics page on https://www.alpenaschools.com/o/aps/page/wildcat-athletics
PDF Final Forms Instructions
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SFrxMge7PezNkCNj9-TM6u3m8Iu89SBR/view?usp=sharing
You can access these links as well as facility use forms at Wildcat Athletics page on https://www.alpenaschools.com/o/aps/page/wildcat-athletics

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!!!

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

Alpena FFA Excels at 98th Michigan FFA State Convention
Members of the Alpena FFA Chapter traveled to Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan for the 98th Michigan FFA State Convention held from March 4th to March 6th. Twenty-one members from the Alpena FFA chapter attended the convention this year receiving many individual and chapter awards. Individual Awards including the following:
● Abbey Glover received the Michigan FFA Alumni Scholarship to attend the Washington Leadership Conference in June
● Seniors Kaelyn Roznowski & Brook Schoeder received Gold State Academic Excellence Awards
● Sophie Ferris-Wooster, Abbey Glover, & Emma Soltysiak received the Michigan FFA Outstanding Junior Awards
● Sophie Ferris-Wooster received a Silver Proficiency Award in the area of Equine Placement
● Emma Soltysiak received a Silver Proficiency Award in the area of Agricultural Sales Placement
● Seniors Brynn Kasubowski & Kaelyn Roznowski earned their Michigan FFA State Degrees
● Wynn Hartley competed in Greenhand Public Speaking and placed 12th with a Bronze rating
● Members Wyatt Dziesinski, Evan Kasubowski, Alexis Wojda, Natalie Dohm, Vanessa Tolan, Isabella Kaitting, and Garrett Chabot competed in the Greenhand Conduct of Meetings contest and placed 8th with a silver rating
Alpena FFA chapter also received the Superior Chapter award and a Gold National Chapter Award. These awards recognize the Alpena FFA as being an outstanding chapter in the state of Michigan and nationally for their chapter, individual, and community activities held throughout the year. Alpena FFA also won the state-wide Michigan Farm Bureau’s Speak Ag Michigan contest. In this contest members used social media to inform the community about Michigan agriculture. Members from the chapter also participated in the statewide community service project by donating can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Members Brynn Kasubowski, Kaelyn Roznowski, and Brook Schroeder served as chapter delegates and voted for the Michigan FFA state officers. Delegates also had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol. Alpena FFA member Alison Borowski represented Alpena FFA by running for a Michigan FFA State office during the convention as well. Members also represented the chapter in the Michigan FFA Choir and Band. Kirra Prevost, Emily Mousseau, and Isabella Smith participated in the State Choir. Abigail Dziesinski, Hannah Offerman, and Kris DeSender participated in the State Band.
Members of the Alpena FFA Chapter traveled to Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan for the 98th Michigan FFA State Convention held from March 4th to March 6th. Twenty-one members from the Alpena FFA chapter attended the convention this year receiving many individual and chapter awards. Individual Awards including the following:
● Abbey Glover received the Michigan FFA Alumni Scholarship to attend the Washington Leadership Conference in June
● Seniors Kaelyn Roznowski & Brook Schoeder received Gold State Academic Excellence Awards
● Sophie Ferris-Wooster, Abbey Glover, & Emma Soltysiak received the Michigan FFA Outstanding Junior Awards
● Sophie Ferris-Wooster received a Silver Proficiency Award in the area of Equine Placement
● Emma Soltysiak received a Silver Proficiency Award in the area of Agricultural Sales Placement
● Seniors Brynn Kasubowski & Kaelyn Roznowski earned their Michigan FFA State Degrees
● Wynn Hartley competed in Greenhand Public Speaking and placed 12th with a Bronze rating
● Members Wyatt Dziesinski, Evan Kasubowski, Alexis Wojda, Natalie Dohm, Vanessa Tolan, Isabella Kaitting, and Garrett Chabot competed in the Greenhand Conduct of Meetings contest and placed 8th with a silver rating
Alpena FFA chapter also received the Superior Chapter award and a Gold National Chapter Award. These awards recognize the Alpena FFA as being an outstanding chapter in the state of Michigan and nationally for their chapter, individual, and community activities held throughout the year. Alpena FFA also won the state-wide Michigan Farm Bureau’s Speak Ag Michigan contest. In this contest members used social media to inform the community about Michigan agriculture. Members from the chapter also participated in the statewide community service project by donating can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Members Brynn Kasubowski, Kaelyn Roznowski, and Brook Schroeder served as chapter delegates and voted for the Michigan FFA state officers. Delegates also had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol. Alpena FFA member Alison Borowski represented Alpena FFA by running for a Michigan FFA State office during the convention as well. Members also represented the chapter in the Michigan FFA Choir and Band. Kirra Prevost, Emily Mousseau, and Isabella Smith participated in the State Choir. Abigail Dziesinski, Hannah Offerman, and Kris DeSender participated in the State Band.

Testing Information PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cD6VncThvduItf2tLUyUMiGHqvnTZqsb/view?usp=sharing

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

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

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.

Alpena High School Career and technical Education Fundraiser PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ec9oGGDrv6lqRZOo_yIHbSNKzZER0fHm/view?usp=sharing

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

ParentVUE Grade and Attendance Notifications (Smartphone APP available!)
You can set up your account in ParentVUE to get notified if grades fall below a certain percentage or when the student has been late or missed a class.
For login information contact your child's school
1. Parents need to go into "My Account", check the box for the features they want to activate, such as grades or attendance.
2. click Update Account.
3. This will then bring up another screen for them to choose the options of what day of the week, what percentage to send the notice, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6PtMACYAHQ
You can set up your account in ParentVUE to get notified if grades fall below a certain percentage or when the student has been late or missed a class.
For login information contact your child's school
1. Parents need to go into "My Account", check the box for the features they want to activate, such as grades or attendance.
2. click Update Account.
3. This will then bring up another screen for them to choose the options of what day of the week, what percentage to send the notice, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6PtMACYAHQ

PDF Version of the flier
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jihkmWyR1ZxnJ5reulgrAw7xTKFiv462/view?usp=sharing
APS Athletics presents a new athletic app that provides a single, unified digital platform to strengthen communication, enhance safety, improve engagement, and streamline access to athletic information for students, families, staff, and the broader school community—across all sports, and all seasons. This project aligns with the stated goals of the APS Strategic Plan Pillar IV as it helps to support our partnership with our families as well as utilizes and enhances our districts' community partnerships.
The athletic department will fund it moving forward with a $15 fee per athlete each year. The smartphone app is available for free download by searching “Alpena Wildcats” at the Apple Store or Google Play and is customizable for the user’s preferences.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jihkmWyR1ZxnJ5reulgrAw7xTKFiv462/view?usp=sharing
APS Athletics presents a new athletic app that provides a single, unified digital platform to strengthen communication, enhance safety, improve engagement, and streamline access to athletic information for students, families, staff, and the broader school community—across all sports, and all seasons. This project aligns with the stated goals of the APS Strategic Plan Pillar IV as it helps to support our partnership with our families as well as utilizes and enhances our districts' community partnerships.
The athletic department will fund it moving forward with a $15 fee per athlete each year. The smartphone app is available for free download by searching “Alpena Wildcats” at the Apple Store or Google Play and is customizable for the user’s preferences.

Plus 1 means an additional credential/degree/training beyond a high school diploma to prepare for success in the workforce!
65% of jobs require a credential or degree after high school. What education or training will you add to your AHS diploma to brighten your future economic prospects?
65% of jobs require a credential or degree after high school. What education or training will you add to your AHS diploma to brighten your future economic prospects?

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

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

