That's what we asked Mrs. Wickes' 3rd graders here at Alma's Hillcrest Elementary. Visit Mrs. Wickes' class and learn why APS is such a special place to go to school! Don't forget to "like" this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss great Panther content!
https://youtu.be/j-1h3d6uHH0?si=1kDpNz-FNt5d7wiA
In May 2025, voters approved a $29,945,000 bond to fund district improvements here at Alma Public Schools. This funding is crucial in keeping our schools up-to-date and secure for years to come. One of the many renovations underway here at APS involves significant updates to the playgrounds at our Hillcrest and Pine Avenue elementary schools. 🐾
Today, we welcomed a visitor from Sinclair Recreation to talk to members of our Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Student Council. These students (one from each Hillcrest classroom and two from each Pine Avenue classroom) were selected by their peers to represent our elementary schools -- and they did a fantastic job. The council discussed and voted on playground renovations; they chose equipment styles and color schemes. Together, these students reflected on the reality that they were not only selecting elements of their own playground, but designing a recreational space that Alma elementary students will enjoy for up to 30 years! 🐾
Renovations are scheduled to begin this summer and will be completed by the 2026-27 schoolyear. We are so excited to see our students' vision become our schools' new playgrounds! 🐾
🐾Wonder how APS stacks up against other area schools? Let’s talk test scores…🐾
⭐On the 2025 M-Step tests, APS 5th-grade students scored the highest in the RESD in all tests: Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science, and higher than the state average in three of the four.
⭐On the 2025 PSAT tests, our 8th grade average was higher than the state average in Reading, Science and Social Studies.
⭐The 3rd-grade scores for APS students were higher than the RESD average on both the Math and ELA M-Step tests in 2025.
⭐On average, our ELA M-Step proficiency improved 5% in 2025 compared to the 2024 scores.
⭐On the NWEA Winter 2026 ELA test, seven of the nine grades that took the NWEA (K-8) scored higher than the norm, which is the most we have ever had.
⭐In the four core subject areas on the State Assessments; Math, ELA, Socials, and Science, APS students have scored consistently higher than schools that have similar socioeconomic status for the last 5 years.
📖✏️📝🖍️
APS is the place to be – and we’re just getting better! This year’s School of Choice window is right around the corner. See what Alma has to offer for your student...
https://www.almaschools.net/
⭐Trinity Palmer - 2nd place in Pathophysiology Test
⭐Addy Adams - 3rd place in Nursing Assisting Test
⭐Keirstyn & Kai - 3rd place in CPR/1st Aid Test
⭐Brooklyn & Hannah - 1st place in Health Career Display
⭐Emma & Lexi - 2nd place in Health Career Display
⭐Shelby & Khloe - 1st place in Health Disease Display
⭐Kaitlyn & Maya - 2nd place in Health Disease Display
⭐Alex Haswell - 1st place in Resume & Interview Skills
⭐Aaliyah Velazco - 3rd place in Resume & Interview Skills
Congrats to all of our fantastic Health Science students!🐾👏🩺
Students can explore hands-on career pathways at TWO campus locations this summer: June 8-11. Check out the programs available at each site and register today!
📍 GI-TEC Mt. Pleasant Campus
1155 S. Elizabeth St., Mt. Pleasant
Programs Offered:
• Automotive
• Culinary Arts
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Media
• Health Science Careers
• Machine Trades / Mechanical Drafting
• Marketing
• Small Engines
Register here for Mt Pleasant campus:
https://forms.gle/Y3WBUmjbFoP99MhD9
📍 GI-TEC Alma Campus
1500 Pine Ave., Alma
Programs Offered:
• Agriscience
• Automotive
• Criminal Justice / Firefighting
• Health Science Careers
• Pre-Engineering
• Welding
Register here for Alma campus:
https://forms.gle/ZQJT4fPDESrjDKTn7
Spots fill quickly—secure yours today! ✅
We're having a great morning cheering on our Panthers and other area Health Science students at the Rx Health Science Alliance Conference! We have students presenting and putting their knowledge and skills to the test! We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!🐾🩺
*Please see our website for posting or contact Yvonne Neyer at yneyer@almaschools.net with any questions.*
No school today for Kindergarten and GSRP students ONLY. No Childcare. The Luce Road building does not have water.
Here's where these funds go specifically:
⭐Field trips (transportation and admission)
⭐ PBIS incentives and student rewards
⭐Teacher appreciation (including gift cards for classroom supplies and team support)
⭐Classroom supplies and enrichment materials
⭐Family events like Donuts with Grownups and the school Carnival
⭐Student Council support
⭐Book Fair assistance (free books and supplies for students)
⭐Reading Month and other literacy initiatives
So, how can YOU get involved with this great fundraiser? Here are a few ways:
⭐REGISTER students (FREE):
Registration is quick and free, and students earn a wristband just for signing up.
👉 https://www.getmovinfundhub.com, School identifier: 5c741755e6ca4
⭐SHARE Fundraising Pages:
Once registered, families can easily share their student’s Fund Hub page with family and friends to collect donations.
⭐VOLUNTEER for the Event:
We need volunteers throughout the day to help ensure the event runs smoothly.
👉 https://x.gldn.io/e/MjEW5TlsA1b
Follow along for more info and updates. The Fun Run is right around the corner -- we can't wait! 🐾🧡🖤
When: April 8, 2026
Time: 4:30-7:00
Where: Luce Road ECLC
No need to pre-register, this is a drop in event!
Be sure to bring all necessary documents! If you have any questions call Mary Pratt at 989-463-1012 or Kimberly Hamad 989-466-7593
