*** Of course, this event will take a lot of work! Our PTO would greatly appreciate your support. There are a couple ways you can get involved and help make a positive impact for our students. The PTO is still looking for volunteers for the 6 pm – 8 pm Carnival shift. Here is a link to volunteer: https://x.gldn.io/e/ttPEngCRt1b. You can also help out by making a donation. Here is a link to the PTO Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1JEUXBC5ODIT4?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwY2xjawQlZllleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBzRGhqWVVxcFdPY2ExT2x2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqeqMpC8RV0Slo1f6ToUS9oRcke1lqts-v012Cp5rPJhoyvveB2E_FxJQuXl_aem_s-dTiWWEDXry7zTSEvH2sw. ***
We hope you might consider making a contribution or volunteering your time. Thank you!
Link:https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDNFx8lTI/wMZxh56iTZ-ARYZx2zieFA/edit?utm_content=DAHDNFx8lTI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Also, don't forget to fill out the MiStudent Voice Parent Survey.
Link: https://kentisd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHhVYvohGGD4Q6O?D_Code=29010&ParentGuardianSurvey
Below you’ll see some of our Trimester 2 attendance data as we reflect and work toward even stronger attendance in Trimester 3. Thank you for partnering with us to support student success!
Once again, APS will be participating in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey for all parents and staff, and for students in grades 5-12th only.
The MI Student Voice Perception Survey helps schools better understand students’ experiences in school. The survey asks students and parents about their sense of engagement, belonging, and social-emotional learning so their voices can help guide school and district improvement efforts. This feedback provides a broader picture of school quality and helps inform decisions about instruction, supports, and school environments beyond academic test scores.
The Parent Survey will be open from Monday, March 9th, through 4 pm on Friday, March 20th.
APS Flyer-https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KT0pLAIBBmEK7aizYHK63e0bOCliK0r0/view?usp=sharing
Link to Parent Survey-https://kentisd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHhVYvohGGD4Q6O?D_Code=29010&ParentGuardianSurvey
Here are some a quick updates on our APS Aquatic Center facility:
- We are currently offering school-sponsored swim lessons for 2nd through 5th graders from 12:45 pm to 2:40 pm Monday through Thursday.
- The high school swim season has wrapped up so we are happy to provide additional swim time for community members. The Aquatic Center hours through April will be 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3 pm to 4:30 pm.
- Finally, our water aerobics classes have switched from 9 am to 10 am Monday through Friday.
Please follow this link to complete the APS Pool Survey Interest form if you have not already. Your input is important and will help us improve upon our Aquatic Center facility and opportunities!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfX0MozSj1NOHXRBIlMHpHgyOiUwIO0PrarUqKgmVC2HNSIIA/viewform?usp=header
Thanks to the PTO, elementary students have been able to go on great trips to Forest Hill Nature Center, Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum, Impressions 5 and even baseball games! The PTO also runs an annual Scholastic Book Fair, where up to 50% or the proceeds go back to the school’s library and media center. The schools are awarded “Scholastic Dollars” they can use to purchase classroom supplies too – whatever they need, from books to furniture! And once a month, the PTO brings in volunteers from Art Reach to teach students about a famous work of art! Along with all these amazing opportunities, the PTO hosts additional special events for students and their families like the upcoming carnival at Donald L. Pavlik Middle School (March 25 from 5 pm – 7 pm)!
Most of the funds for all these opportunities come from one big fundraiser – the spring Fun Run – which will take place this year on May 1. Here is a link to learn more about the AEPTO, including how you can get involved and help make a positive impact here at APS! https://www.almaelementarypto.org/
Maintaining an open and positive dialogue about school can be the difference between your student attending school consistently or missing important learning opportunities.
Checking in matters. Attendance matters.
We have been pleased to see interest in the Alma Public Schools Aquatic Center lately, and we want to ensure it is accessible and engaging to the community. Please take a moment to fill out the APS Pool Interest Survey. The survey will be open until March 2. Your feedback is important and appreciated.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfX0MozSj1NOHXRBIlMHpHgyOiUwIO0PrarUqKgmVC2HNSIIA/viewform?usp=header
Registration is now OPEN for half day care this FRIDAY, February 27th. If you need care for your preschool through 5th grader please fill this form out. Fill ONE form for EACH child that will need care. Snack will be provided. If you have any questions please email Kimberly at almachildcare@almaschools.net
Half-Day Care Link: https://forms.gle/a8G1iAFchFXoo2hL7
https://app.smore.com/n/9qpjn1-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
This week we shared some photos of our awesome students volunteering their time to helping others! It has been great reflecting on the amazing ways our students make a difference in their school and their community – and it’s been even better getting to share these stories and pictures with all of you! Here are a few more to wrap up a great week...
Q: Where is the School-Based Health Center located?
A: Alma’s Donald L. Pavlik Middle School (1700 N. Pine Avenue Alma, MI 48801)
Q: What is a School-Based Health Center?
A: A school-based health center promotes the health of children, adolescents and their families by providing convenient local access to primary care, preventative care and early intervention health services in underserved communities. It is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, schools and local healthcare providers.
Q: What type of care does this facility provide?
A: Our services include (but are not limited to) primary health care, acute health care (such as influenza testing, strep testing, colds, etc.), first aid, well child exams, sports physicals, immunization, labs, preventative care, risk behavior assessment and behavioral health counseling.
Q: Does the child need parental consent to see the provider?
A: A consent form must be signed and returned to the School Based Health Center before a child can receive treatment. Even though this consent is signed, you will also receive a phone call before your child is seen to confirm that you are aware they are requesting an appointment and that you consent to the visit. We encourage all parents or guardians to accompany their child to the visit when possible, however, we understand that work restrictions, transportation and other factors may prevent parents or guardians from attending in person. In that event, a phone call will be made after the visit to discuss the appointment.
Under Michigan law, minors do have the right to receive certain services (such as behavioral health counseling) without the consent or notification of their parent or guardian, however minors always have the option to involve their parent or guardian in their care and are encouraged to do so.
Q: How are services paid for at the clinic?
A: We accept and bill insurance, but no fees are required during the time of service at the health center. Co-pays and deductibles will be billed, but no child is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Our staff can also assist with enrolling your child in insurance and qualifying for financial assistance.
Q: What if my student needs transportation to the middle school for visits?
A: If the parent or guardian is unable to accompany the child to the visit and the visit takes place during the school day, the school can provide transportation to and from the middle school.
Q: How is this being communicated to parents?
A: MyMichigan Health and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have been working with Alma public schools and school board on this project for more than a year. During that time, we have held two parent meetings, attended five public open houses at the schools and have made presentations to the school board. We also sent a letter home to all parents of students who are eligible to receive care.
Random Acts of Kindness week continues! We are proud of our kind and caring students here at APS, so this week we are sharing some of the ways they give back to their community and lead with compassion. Today’s post features the Alma High School Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball teams visiting Arbor Grove Assisted Living Center. We are proud to have these students represent APS!
Throughout the month of February, the class is doing an activity called “Show the Love” for all classrooms from our youngest Panther cubs to 5th grade.
Goal: Fill our halls with hearts and positivity!
How it works:
• Each day in February, classrooms choose a staff member, student or another classroom to recognize.
• Students brainstorm the reason, and the teacher writes it on a paper heart.
• A student (secretly – and sweetly!) tapes the heart to the recipient’s door.
End-of-month recognition:
At the end of February, one classroom per grade level will be recognized for truly exemplifying “Show the Love.”
