Congratulations to the Alma High School Boys Track & Field team! These athletes were honored for the 2nd consecutive year at the MITCA Clinic with the Academic All-State award for having the highest team GPA (3.9575!) in the state for Division 2. We are so proud of our hardworking Panther student athletes!
Did you know the Alma High School pool is open to community members? Swimming is a great way to have fun and get exercise, especially when the winter weather limits outdoor activities!
The pool is currently open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. APS offers a variety of unique experiences for community members to enjoy the pool, including opportunities for seniors through the SilverSneakers Fitness Program and for youth through the club swim team. The Aquatic Center has water aerobics classes every weekday (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am – 11 am and Wednesday and Friday from 9 am – 10 am) and swim lessons in the summer.
The APS Aquatic Center makes exercise/recreational swimming and lessons accessible to the community by keeping costs as low as possible. Daily entrance cost is $3 or $2 if you are over the age of 60. For community members who plan to visit the pool regularly, there are a variety of membership plans to choose from (linked here: https://almaschools.revtrak.net/rw-aquatics/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPvHZpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSFchXtxk492F-PyVDioh3M-HkA8pFQ-YLNCOpdC_Hh0ioFFRP2zGxCDkw_aem_GYNiCZn1e7br-MkYxlGELg or accessible through the Alma Public Schools Aquatic Center Facebook page).
For more information about the pool, including schedule changes and updates, make sure to follow Alma Public Schools Aquatic Center on Facebook!
The newspaper has been up and running for five years, some years “employing” as many as 25-30 middle school students. These dedicated young journalists write, report, edit and proofread. Some create digital art and animations and take photographs. The website management team is tasked with taking all the content and compiling it on the site. Each edition of the paper includes fun extras like fun facts, a pun and a weekly poll!
Let’s hear from awesome APS teacher Beth Masters who makes it happen!
“Involvement in a student led organization such as our digital paper has more benefits than I can possibly list. It is a creative outlet for students to refine and to express their talents. It gives them a sense of belonging. It creates a lasting bond with some of their peers. It gives them an opportunity to lead, organize and manage a project. It gives them an audience for their talents to be celebrated. It's a fun group of great kids, and I'm honored that I get to be part of it.”
Check out the latest edition of The Panther Press!
https://sites.google.com/almapanthers.net/the-panther-press/newspaper
Want to learn more about the opportunities Alma High School’s CTE program has to offer? Stop by the Alma Campus GI-TEC Open House on February 12 from 5-7 p.m.! Take a tour, see live demonstrations and interactive displays, meet instructors and more!
CTE Coordinator Alicia Crowe gives us a glimpse of what to expect:
- Check out our Anatomage Table (a 3D anatomy experience) in Health Science Careers or even try your hand at giving an injection! CPR manikins will be on display for you to try.
- See if you can identify the tools used for auto repairs and see what it takes to run an auto shop. Experience the underside of a vehicle up close. You may even see some specialty vehicles or meet a student that has worked on your vehicle!
- Do you know the difference between MIG, TIG and Stick welding? Our students can surely show you and explain what each weld is used for. Check out our water jet cutting table, our virtual welder and see the amazing projects that our students have completed.
- Have you ever seen a robot draw a smiley face or stack Lincoln logs? Do you know what a sea perch is? Come and see how our students program robots and try your hand at navigating a sea perch in the water!
- Do you love animals? Come and snuggle a bunny or watch the live cam in our barn to see our new baby lamb, Wooly Nelson! Our Ag students will also be testing your food knowledge – with samples!
- Learn about crime scene investigation and defensive tactics in our Criminal Justice class. Students have some other fun surprises waiting for you as well!
- Our firefighting students will be ready and waiting to show you all about their equipment, explain the elements of the class and explore the ins and outs of the firetruck!
- We will also be showcasing our new Construction Trades program that will be coming to the Alma Campus in the fall of 2026!
Do any of these opportunities sound exciting to your student? Stop by the Alma Campus GI-TEC Open House!
Today’s final highlight focuses on how supported students feel at school. Student voice plays an important role in strengthening relationships and ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Thank you for following along with our survey highlights.
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.”
Today we’re highlighting the “Healthy” section of our student survey, which reflects students’ well-being and readiness to learn. This data helps guide how we support students both academically and emotionally. Tomorrow’s post will highlight our final section.
Today’s focus is student engagement—how connected and involved students feel in their learning and school community. We’re encouraged by the feedback and will continue building meaningful learning experiences. Check back tomorrow for our next section.
Please see the attached flyer for important details, including age ranges and registration information.
Be sure to check it out if your child is interested in playing this season!
Today we’re spotlighting how challenged our students feel in their learning. This feedback helps us reflect on academic expectations and opportunities to push students while supporting their growth. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s highlight!
