Alma Public Schools

Alma Public Schools knows helping students develop empathy and learn how to process their emotions in positive, healthy ways is crucial. That’s why APS has Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes for K-5th grade students.

Led by Kristie Hancock, students learn how to manage big feelings and tackle challenges with confidence through engaging games and activities. Younger students’ lessons center around identifying feelings and developing coping skills, while older students learn about conflict resolution and self-reflection.

“SEL gives students the tools to handle emotions, build strong friendships and grow confidence—skills that support success both inside and outside the classroom,” said Hancock. “Students put SEL skills into practice all day long – in the classroom, at recess, at home and with friends – to solve problems, build relationships and make positive choices.”

At APS, we know students' attendance matters! We want to make sure students feel connected!

Due to the Extreme Cold Warning forecast for tomorrow morning, Alma Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026. Childcare at Luce will also be closed. Please stay warm and safe.

Alma Public Schools will be closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026. Luce Road Childcare will be open to pre-registered children.

Dear Alma Public Schools Families and Community,

Alma Public Schools is writing to provide a factual update regarding the situation involving Alma High School earlier today.

On Sunday evening, a voicemail message containing a bomb threat was left on the Alma High School voicemail system. The message was discovered this morning, and district administrators notified the Alma Police Department immediately. The robotic call was later determined to have originated from an out-of-state phone number. Similar messages were reported at several schools across the state, including in Gogebic, Lake, Saginaw, and St. Clair counties. Michigan State Police are aware of these incidents and are working in coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

Out of an abundance of caution, all Alma High School students and staff were diverted to the Donald L. Pavlik Middle School gymnasium while law enforcement conducted a thorough investigation. At all times, students and staff were safe and supervised. The Alma Police Department was on site throughout the response and conducted a full investigation, including a building sweep with a bomb-detection dog.

After completing their investigation, law enforcement determined there was no indication of an active threat, and the building was opened for normal use. To support the well-being of students and staff following the disruption, Alma High School students were dismissed for the remainder of the day. Classes will resume as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Throughout the incident, the district communicated directly with families, providing timely updates as information became available. This message serves as a public summary following those communications.

Please know that Alma Public Schools takes every report of this nature seriously. We work closely with local and state law enforcement whenever concerns arise and will continue to do so to ensure the safety of our students and staff. You may notice an increased police presence at school as part of our ongoing commitment to reassurance and safety.

Thank you for your cooperation and partnership as we work together to maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all.

Sincerely,
Stacey L-Criner
Superintendent
Alma Public Schools