🐾We would like to extend a warm Panther welcome to our new CTE/GI-TEC Construction Trades teacher Mitchell Acker!🐾Mr. Acker has extensive experience in the construction industry, and we are excited to have him here at APS! Now let's learn a little bit more about Mr. Acker in his own words:
"I have been involved with the construction industry since 2000. Specifically framing and design in the Grand Rapids area, building around 35 homes per year. After earning my teaching degree from Central Michigan University in early 2013, I moved to North Carolina where my wife was working at the time and I began teaching elementary school In Greenville, NC. We soon found out how much we were missing our families and moved back to Michigan in 2016. As a former student in the carpenter shop at Central Michigan University, I was hired full time to assist the Architectural Trades department at CMU. After a two year apprenticeship I received Journeyman status and was promoted to a Journeyman Carpenter Position. I have spent the last eleven years with CMU until a colleague presented the APS posting for a building trades instructor!!!
I look forward to helping students gain more knowledge of both residential and commercial construction industries. I have many construction resources from relationships I have built over the years and I crave the opportunity to connect Gratiot County students with these resources.
Outside of work, I enjoy adventures with my wife and two children. Specifically lots of family fishing and bike riding. We love taking family trips up north to Indian River where we enjoy kayaking, fishing, boating, bike rides and beach time!"
🐾Welcome to APS, Mr. Acker!🐾
It may be summer vacation, but our Panthers keep putting in the work! 💪☀️Summer StrongHER Training is off to a great start! We were excited to welcome a record number of 35 APS 8th-12th grade girls! Here are some photos from week 1. Keep up the great work, Panthers! 🐾
🌟Want more info on StrongHER and other PE and Strength training programs here at APS? Follow APS PE & Strength on Facebook!🌟
🌟🐾Check out our APS YouTube channel for more CTE Summer Camp content! Follow the link below to watch two photo slideshows and check in again soon for more awesome APS camp videos!🐾🌟
⭐Camps at APS playlist link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TZMTJ6OLmWbYLVWK3t6r2NHtkdrrMwn
☀️🐾We had another awesome day of CTE Summer Camp here at APS! Our wonderful teaching staff have made this camp a real success, and we are very proud to offer invaluable hands-on learning experiences for students at the middle school level. It is amazing to see what these students have already learned in just 2 days! So excited for the rest of the week!☀️🐾
🌟🎶Let's hear from APS band director Tim Newman!
"Zachary Thelen, a 2026 Alma High School senior, will be marching with the prestigious Michigan State University Drumline this coming fall. The MSU Drumline is one of the premier collegiate drumlines in the country and performs as part of the Spartan Marching Band and also performs as an individual unit. The MSU drumline, under the direction of John Webber, is made up of students from across the country. Zach completed a rigorous, highly competitive audition process to become a member of the tenor drum section. Earning a spot on the MSU Drumline is a comparable accomplishment to a student-athlete earning a spot on a Division 1 athletic team."
"To prepare for the audition, Zach took private lessons from a past section leader of the MSU drumline, attended regular drumline sessions in East Lansing, participated in the MSU Drumline Summer Camp the past several years, and of course rigorously practiced. Zach competed in two rounds of auditions this past spring leading to his being selected for the open spot in the tenor drum section. When asked what this accomplishment means to him, Zach replied 'Through discipline and sacrifice, I was able to work my way to success, and while it demanded most of my personal time and energy, I don't regret how I prioritized my practice. It's a dream come true, and I can't wait for the fall season to start!' Zach will practice with the drumline throughout the summer before becoming a full time MSU student, majoring in political science this fall. "
Congratulations, Zach! 🐾
🐾Great work this year, Panthers! Now onto high school!🐾
Attendance matters! These students in Mr. Huff’s 3rd hour class received certificates for maintaining over 90% attendance or improving their attendance in the third trimester of the 2025-26 school year! Great job staying committed & putting in the work, Panthers! 🐾
🌟You still have time to submit an application to send your student to Alma Public Schools this fall! We are accepting applications for K-9th graders. Submit your form by 3 pm. TODAY! Come find out why our students LOVE being Alma Panthers!🌟
🐾Follow this link to access the APS School of Choice application form:
https://na4.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhAKBwJAHcYben3sd56pAsgn2pkOZGyxH6FHPP5H6cQ3ELk5Z5UQmeSBPTS3ra24W6I*
BIG things are happening at Alma Public Schools, from building renovations to keep our schools up-to-date and secure, to incredible hands-on learning opportunities and great athletics programs. Discover what Alma Public Schools can do for your student. 🐾
🌟Follow this link to access the School of Choice application form: https://www.almaschools.net/page/school-of-choice-for-26-27-school-year
Enjoy these awesome photos from our AHS seniors' last week of school! Thanks to Alma High School Art teacher and Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Chris Brown for capturing these special moments with his students! 🐾
⭐Senior Art student graduates who took 5 or more classes during their high school career🎨⭐Senior graduate mural painters 🎨⭐Senior Basketball graduates🏀
Congratulations again to our graduating class of 2026! 🎓🧡🖤
Here at Alma Public Schools, our dedicated and talented teaching staff make learning engaging and challenges fun. Our students are encouraged to work hard, and they do. It really pays off, and our test scores prove it. This graphic highlights just a few of our students' recent academic accomplishments. Panthers excel in the classroom.🐾🍎📚✏️
🌟The School of Choice Window is open until June 2 at 3 p.m. We have slots available for K-9th grade. See why APS is the right choice for your student: https://www.almaschools.net/page/school-of-choice-for-26-27-school-year
