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
If you have any questions please contact APS Food Services Director Rachel James (989) 358-5021 or jamesr@alpenaschools.com
What is Pathfinder and how do I use it?
Pathfinder uses current labor market, wage and institutional data and metrics to help you create an individualized career roadmap. This free tool provides information to students, their parents, and guidance staff to make informed choices about educational and career options.
https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/
Pathfinder uses current labor market, wage and institutional data and metrics to help you create an individualized career roadmap. This free tool provides information to students, their parents, and guidance staff to make informed choices about educational and career options.
https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/
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.
We thank these local businesses and individuals that provided funding for the costs of developing the app:
Zac Rousseau - R&R dock service
Northern Lights Area
Freese Hydraulics
Sam Rumbles- State farm Insurance
Skiba Vision Center
Alpena Ace Hardware
Alpena GMC
Tom Heise- HTSS
Jordan Susewitz- Suseworks Media
Cadarette Collision
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.
We thank these local businesses and individuals that provided funding for the costs of developing the app:
Zac Rousseau - R&R dock service
Northern Lights Area
Freese Hydraulics
Sam Rumbles- State farm Insurance
Skiba Vision Center
Alpena Ace Hardware
Alpena GMC
Tom Heise- HTSS
Jordan Susewitz- Suseworks Media
Cadarette Collision
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.
Alpena Public Schools will hold a Job Fair for Instructional Assistants, Bus Drivers and Custodians on Wednesday, January 28th from 1 P.M. to 4 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 interviews on the spot at this event with qualified candidates.
Because medical costs can be expensive, Alpena Public Schools does provide families the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance on their student through Student Assurance Services.
This supplemental policy would assist with your out-of-pocket medical expenses (i.e. deductible) should your student sustain an accidental injury while coverage is in effect. Also, if you do not have any insurance on your student, this would be primary for accidental injuries. There is a variety of coverage options and premiums are a one-time payment for the school year.
If you have any questions about this coverage, please contact Student Assurance Services at (800) 328-2739.
Click here for forms, video and information
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Yva1b9FSedb9Oq73pj0ipImvWEt1RwhT?usp=drive_link
This supplemental policy would assist with your out-of-pocket medical expenses (i.e. deductible) should your student sustain an accidental injury while coverage is in effect. Also, if you do not have any insurance on your student, this would be primary for accidental injuries. There is a variety of coverage options and premiums are a one-time payment for the school year.
If you have any questions about this coverage, please contact Student Assurance Services at (800) 328-2739.
Click here for forms, video and information
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Yva1b9FSedb9Oq73pj0ipImvWEt1RwhT?usp=drive_link
PDF Version of the flier https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNqusChM5wNg_m7sw2TCIY8NfinVl5M3/view?usp=sharing
APS is closed Friday 1/23/26 due to extreme cold temperatures in our area
School Health Information and Resource Links
Find answers to your school health questions by clicking on the links below. This information is provided by Alpena Public Schools and is meant to be a resource. It is not intended to replace the need for your health care provider's attention. If you need assistance contact APS District Nurse Lisa Thayer (989) 358-5946 or thayerl@alpenaschools.com
https://www.alpenaschools.com/parents-students/school-health-info/
Find answers to your school health questions by clicking on the links below. This information is provided by Alpena Public Schools and is meant to be a resource. It is not intended to replace the need for your health care provider's attention. If you need assistance contact APS District Nurse Lisa Thayer (989) 358-5946 or thayerl@alpenaschools.com
https://www.alpenaschools.com/parents-students/school-health-info/
Alpena Public Schools will hold a Job Fair for Instructional Assistants, Bus Drivers and Custodians on Wednesday, January 28th from 1 P.M. to 4 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 interviews on the spot at this event with qualified candidates.
Alpena Public Schools will hold a Job Fair for Instructional Assistants, Bus Drivers and Custodians on Wednesday, January 28th from 1 P.M. to 4 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 interviews on the spot at this event with qualified candidates.
Alpena Public Schools will hold a Job Fair for Instructional Assistants, Bus Drivers and Custodians on Wednesday, January 28th from 1 P.M. to 4 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 interviews on the spot at this event with qualified candidates.
Join us Friday night for Wildcat Hall of Fame Inductions and Youth Night at the AHS Basketball Game vs Gaylord
Inductions will be done at half time of the varsity game
Varsity 7 PM
Junior Varsity 5:30 PM
Kids under 10 are free! First 100 kids 10 and under receive a coupon for a FREE Culver’s ice cream! Be sure to arrive in time to help form the “kid tunnel” for our Varsity team to run through and hear Ella White’s youth choir sing our National Anthem. Varsity halftime pays tribute to our Hall of Fame inductees! Come out and support all the community members participating!
Schedule Reminder!
Thursday 1/15 and Friday 1/16
½ Day for Students End of Semester 1
Lincoln, Ella White, Besser 11:45 Half-day dismissal
Hinks, Sanborn, Wilson 12:06 Half-day dismissal
Thunder Bay Junior High 10:26 Half-day dismissal
Alpena High/ACES 10:36 Half-day dismissal
Thursday 1/15 and Friday 1/16
½ Day for Students End of Semester 1
Lincoln, Ella White, Besser 11:45 Half-day dismissal
Hinks, Sanborn, Wilson 12:06 Half-day dismissal
Thunder Bay Junior High 10:26 Half-day dismissal
Alpena High/ACES 10:36 Half-day dismissal
APS Board Workshop 1/12/26
All board meetings are streamed at youtube@alpenapublicschoolsmichigan
Streaming Link for 1/12/26
https://youtube.com/live/2bRSWa9xyhU?feature=share
All board meetings are streamed at youtube@alpenapublicschoolsmichigan
Streaming Link for 1/12/26
https://youtube.com/live/2bRSWa9xyhU?feature=share
APS is closed Monday January 5th 2026 due to hazardous road conditions.
Alpena Public Schools Board Awards Superintendent Highest Possible Rating in Annual Evaluation
The Alpena Public Schools (APS) Board of Education has announced that Superintendent Dr. David Rabbideau received a rating of "Effective"—the highest designation possible—following his 2025 annual performance review.
During the regular board meeting, six of the seven trustees participated in the comprehensive evaluation process, which assesses the Superintendent’s performance across 34 specific criteria. These criteria are categorized into five key domains of Professional Practice: Governance & Board Relations, Community Relations, Staff Relations, Budget & Finance, and Instructional Leadership.
The evaluation utilized a rigorous rubric developed by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), adhering to the requirements of the State of Michigan’s Revised School Code. The rubric classifies performance into three levels: Needing Support, Developing, and Effective.
To demonstrate his impact, Superintendent Rabbideau maintained a digital portfolio providing evidence of performance in every area assessed. This portfolio was reviewed by the Board during three informal evaluation sessions throughout the year. Additionally, Dr. Rabbideau completed a self-evaluation before the final board assessment.
The Board noted that while a rating of "Effective" indicates a superintendent is "doing the job well," achieving this rating across the board is a significant accomplishment. The Board is pleased to report that Superintendent Rabbideau’s performance during 2025 was rated Effective.
“The Board of Education appreciates Dr. Rabbideau's dedication and leadership, especially in the area of strategic planning," said Dr. Eric Lawson, President of the Board of Education. "The Board looks forward to continued collaboration as he leads the district into the future and we work towards making Alpena Public Schools the best we can be."
The Alpena Public Schools (APS) Board of Education has announced that Superintendent Dr. David Rabbideau received a rating of "Effective"—the highest designation possible—following his 2025 annual performance review.
During the regular board meeting, six of the seven trustees participated in the comprehensive evaluation process, which assesses the Superintendent’s performance across 34 specific criteria. These criteria are categorized into five key domains of Professional Practice: Governance & Board Relations, Community Relations, Staff Relations, Budget & Finance, and Instructional Leadership.
The evaluation utilized a rigorous rubric developed by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), adhering to the requirements of the State of Michigan’s Revised School Code. The rubric classifies performance into three levels: Needing Support, Developing, and Effective.
To demonstrate his impact, Superintendent Rabbideau maintained a digital portfolio providing evidence of performance in every area assessed. This portfolio was reviewed by the Board during three informal evaluation sessions throughout the year. Additionally, Dr. Rabbideau completed a self-evaluation before the final board assessment.
The Board noted that while a rating of "Effective" indicates a superintendent is "doing the job well," achieving this rating across the board is a significant accomplishment. The Board is pleased to report that Superintendent Rabbideau’s performance during 2025 was rated Effective.
“The Board of Education appreciates Dr. Rabbideau's dedication and leadership, especially in the area of strategic planning," said Dr. Eric Lawson, President of the Board of Education. "The Board looks forward to continued collaboration as he leads the district into the future and we work towards making Alpena Public Schools the best we can be."
Join the TBJH Parent Council and help make Thunder Bay a great experience for your student! https://www.facebook.com/TBJH-PAC-104502098742039/
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
TBBA Boys 7/8 Basketball
PDF version of the flier
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mqjswb_h02cMaM14VnKERZYyjAdArXMs/view?usp=sharing
PDF version of the flier
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mqjswb_h02cMaM14VnKERZYyjAdArXMs/view?usp=sharing
APS Limited Public Forum Policy
The District-approved social media platforms/sites are considered limited public forums. As such, the District will monitor posted comments to verify they are on-topic, consistent with the posted rules for use of the forum, and in compliance with the platform/site's applicable terms of service.
The District reserves the right to remove comments that are racist, sexist, abusive, profane, violent, obscene, spam, contain falsehoods, or are wildly off-topic, or that libel, incite, threaten or make ad hominem attacks on students, employees, guests or other individuals. We also do not permit messages selling products or promoting commercial or other ventures.
District-approved social media sites shall not contain content that is obscene; is vulgar and lewd such that it undermines the school's basic educational mission; is libelous or defamatory; constitutes hate speech; promotes illegal drug use; is aimed at inciting an individual to engage in unlawful acts or to cause a substantial disruption or material interference with District operations; or interferes with the rights of others.
Students, parents, and members of the general public who access District-approved social media platforms are similarly expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and civil manner.
The District-approved social media platforms/sites are considered limited public forums. As such, the District will monitor posted comments to verify they are on-topic, consistent with the posted rules for use of the forum, and in compliance with the platform/site's applicable terms of service.
The District reserves the right to remove comments that are racist, sexist, abusive, profane, violent, obscene, spam, contain falsehoods, or are wildly off-topic, or that libel, incite, threaten or make ad hominem attacks on students, employees, guests or other individuals. We also do not permit messages selling products or promoting commercial or other ventures.
District-approved social media sites shall not contain content that is obscene; is vulgar and lewd such that it undermines the school's basic educational mission; is libelous or defamatory; constitutes hate speech; promotes illegal drug use; is aimed at inciting an individual to engage in unlawful acts or to cause a substantial disruption or material interference with District operations; or interferes with the rights of others.
Students, parents, and members of the general public who access District-approved social media platforms are similarly expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and civil manner.
