🐾 School’s out. Fun is ON!
Alma Public Schools is closed November 3, 2026. Panther Cub NO SCHOOL CARE is available for PreK–5th grade—Limited spots!

🎨 Games, creative play, and hands-on fun!
🍎 Breakfast, lunch, and snack included!

Full Day: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM • $50
School Day: 7:30 AM–3:30 PM • $40

📞 Contact the Luce Road office to reserve your spot! or Complete the Google form:
https://forms.gle/cdq6xG8Aq9VDz9Kk8
4 days ago, Ernest Conerly
The annual Panther Paws race is this Wednesday! K-1 will run 1/2 mile and all other graders will run 1 mile. The event is free and open to all Alma students K-5.
4 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
panther race
🧡🖤 Thank you, Hillcrest families! 🖤🧡

We appreciate everyone who took the time to connect with us during fall parent-teacher conferences, whether in person or by phone! Your partnership and support make a difference in the success of our young Panthers.🐾🧡
5 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
thank you

Halloween Parade will be October 30th at 2:15 pm! If any changes need to be made due to city maintenance work or weather, we will update.

5 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
halloween parade
🐾 Every Day Counts at APS! 🧡🖤
At Alma Public Schools, we are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and ready to learn.
7 days ago, John Helinski
Attendance
Halloween Costume Guidelines!
9 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
Halloween guidelines
🐾 Big things are happening at Luce Rd Early Childhood Center! 🧡🖤

Our Panther Cub Programs continue to grow, providing more opportunities for our youngest learners and families! From preschool and childcare to before/after school care and summer programs, we are proud to offer a variety of options that support learning, playing, and growing together while meeting the needs of our community.

Check out all the great things happening with our Panther Cubs!
14 days ago, John Helinski
Programs
Numbers

🧡🖤 Relationships Matter at APS! When students feel connected, supported, and valued at school, they are more likely to show up every day! Together, we can build strong relationships and help our students Strive for Fewer Than 5!

14 days ago, John Helinski
Attendance

No school on October 19th (Monday)!

15 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
no school
Please check out our Lost and Found (located in 3rd grade hallway) when you come for Parent Teacher Conferences!
15 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
lost and found
Halloween Parade will be October 30th at 2:15 pm!
15 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
halloween parade

🐾 School’s out. Fun is ON!
Alma Public Schools is closed October 19, 2026. Panther Cub NO SCHOOL CARE is available for PreK–5th grade—50 spots!

🎨 Games, creative play, and hands-on fun!
🍎 Breakfast, lunch, and snack included!

Full Day: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM • $50
School Day: 7:30 AM–3:30 PM • $40

📞 Contact the Luce Road office to reserve your spot! or Complete the Google form - https://forms.gle/iCbMQGLPYZrWqeRU8

17 days ago, Ernest Conerly
Happy Monday! Check out our weekly Hillcrest Newsletter.

https://app.smore.com/n/fva27
18 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
weekly update
💃🕺 We’re dancing into the weekend here at Hillcrest! 🐾🎶

Our teachers and staff know how to bring the fun and keep the Panther spirit going! ❤️🖤

Wishing all of our Hillcrest families a wonderful weekend! 🐾✨
21 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
Mrs. Benjamin and Mrs. K
🌟 **September Students of the Month!** 🌟

We are so proud to celebrate our September Students of the Month! These students have been recognized for demonstrating our **ROARS expectations**—Respect Others, Act Responsibly, and Be Safe—while also showing kindness, effort, and a positive attitude each day. 🐾

Congratulations to all of our September Students of the Month! We are proud of the way you are helping make Hillcrest Elementary a great place to learn and grow. 💙

**Keep roaring, Panthers!** 🐾👏

Third grade: Kadyn Washington, Hazel Brooks-Gillies, Reese Smith, Isabel Castillo, Braelyn Tice.
Second grade: Ivy Moffett, Bonnie Tiernan, Kali Quiroz, Lauren Wickes, Mikaya Boykins, Noah Herrick
First grade: Zion Gutierrez, Deklan Tice, Owen Frisbie, Ezra Ockert, Elliott Sommerville, Emilia Rowe (not pictured)
25 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
third grade
second grade
first grade
Check out our weekly Hillcrest Update!

https://app.smore.com/n/9x471
25 days ago, Mrs. Huntoon
weekly update
Attendance Matters at APS! 🧡🖤
We are off to a strong start! During the first 20 days of school, the percentage of APS students considered chronically absent decreased from 23.66% last year to 17.93% this year—a decrease of nearly 6 percentage points!
Even more encouraging, when we compare the same groups of students from last year to this year, chronic absenteeism decreased from 24.12% to 17.73%, with 10 of the 12!
28 days ago, John Helinski
1
Our latest weekly newsletter is here! Be sure to take a few minutes to check out the important dates, upcoming events, and reminders for Hillcrest Elementary.

Thank you for staying connected and helping us make sure our families are up to date! 🐾

https://app.smore.com/n/0f534
about 1 month ago, Mrs. Huntoon
update image

📢 NOW ENROLLING AT ALMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS! 🧡🖤

Give your child the best start with Panther Cubs and GSRP at the Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center! Whether you're looking for nurturing childcare, a play-based toddler preschool experience, or a FREE 4-year-old preschool program, we have options for your family.

🐾 Panther Cubs Childcare - 2 Spots Available
• Ages 18½ months – 30 months
• Year-round care
• Safe, nurturing, play-based environment: including music, library and PE

🐾 Panther Cubs Childcare - 2 Spots Available
• Ages 2½ months – 31/2 years
• Year-round care
• Safe, nurturing, play-based environment: including music, library and PE


🎨 Panther Cubs Toddler Pre-School Experience - 2 Spots Available
• 3-year-old- 4year preschool
• HighScope® Curriculum
• All-day themed, play-based learning : including music, library and PE
• Before and after care available

🎓 GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) - 10 Spots Available
• FREE preschool for eligible 4-year-olds
• High-quality early learning: including music, library and PE
• Transportation, before/after care, and Friday learning options available

Every child deserves a place to learn, play, grow, and succeed, and we'd love to welcome your family to ours!

📞 Questions or ready to enroll?
Call 989-466-7593
📧 almachildcare@almaschools.net

📍 Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center
Enrollment is happening now—spaces are limited, so don't wait! 🧡🐾

about 1 month ago, Ernest Conerly
toddler
childcare
gsrp
Sickness season is here! 🤧 Remember, the School-Based Health Clinic at DLPMS is available to help support our students and families.

Healthy students = more days at school and more opportunities to learn! 🍎📚

Every day matters!
about 1 month ago, John Helinski
1