This week’s feature shares simple ways families can support learning all summer long and prevent the “summer slide,” including details about our K–5 Summer School program.
https://app.smore.com/n/85hv7-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
https://app.smore.com/n/85hv7-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
Panthers show up well-rested and ready to learn!
🐾Attendance matters!🐾
🐾Our next Staff Spotlight goes to Bryant Greiner! We are fortunate to have this dedicated and caring teacher on our team. Let's hear a little bit about Mr. Greiner in his own words...🐾
⭐Grade/Subject: 3rd grade teacher, and this is my 4th year at Alma Public Schools.
⭐Favorite part of teaching at APS: My favorite thing about working at Alma Public Schools is the tight-knit, warm environment that's so thoughtfully fostered here. I enjoy getting to work with dedicated professionals that help me become a better teacher each day and building a community of learners. I also love being the student council advisor at Hillcrest Elementary and being an assistant coach for Football and middle school Basketball this past year.
⭐Hobbies & Interests: Outside of school my hobbies are spending family time with my wife and son, attending MSU Football & Hockey games and playing in an Adult Hockey League.
⭐Grade/Subject: 3rd grade teacher, and this is my 4th year at Alma Public Schools.
⭐Favorite part of teaching at APS: My favorite thing about working at Alma Public Schools is the tight-knit, warm environment that's so thoughtfully fostered here. I enjoy getting to work with dedicated professionals that help me become a better teacher each day and building a community of learners. I also love being the student council advisor at Hillcrest Elementary and being an assistant coach for Football and middle school Basketball this past year.
⭐Hobbies & Interests: Outside of school my hobbies are spending family time with my wife and son, attending MSU Football & Hockey games and playing in an Adult Hockey League.
On Thursday, APS hosted 50+ Michigan educators and a film crew to showcase our growth through the 23h math grant! Over the last two years, we’ve worked hard to elevate our instruction and help students see themselves as true mathematicians. We are so proud to be part of this work to improve math education!
🐾We know Alma Public Schools is an awesome place to learn and grow. Our caring teaching staff go above and beyond to make every student feel safe and supported in the classroom. We could tell you countless reasons why we believe APS is the place to be -- or you could see for yourself. Hear from some of our 4th grade Panthers as they share what they love about APS!🐾
https://youtu.be/pKgN6JvLF9g
APS teachers had their last Professional Development session and were able to recap our learning this year, celebrate our growth, and begin planning for next year. This time is so valuable for our continuous improvement and student success!
☀️ SUMMER CHILD CARE ENROLLMENT AT LUCE ROAD IS OPEN! ☀️
Looking for safe, fun, and flexible summer care for your child? We’ve got you covered!
🌟 Open to ALL children ages 18 months – 12 years
🕕 Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🍎 Meals Included
🎨 Fun & Engaging Planned Activities All Summer Long
👨👩👧👦 Family Discounts Available for Families with 2 or More Children
📅 Flexible Scheduling – Parents can schedule the times needed for their student(s)!
Give your child a summer filled with fun, friends, and exciting activities in a safe and caring environment.
📢 Open to the community – your child does NOT have to currently attend Alma Public Schools to join our summer care program!
📞 Spots are limited – enroll today!
To start the enrollment fill out one form for each student here --> https://forms.gle/vXJKq9FMcCfnPA8T7
Looking for safe, fun, and flexible summer care for your child? We’ve got you covered!
🌟 Open to ALL children ages 18 months – 12 years
🕕 Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🍎 Meals Included
🎨 Fun & Engaging Planned Activities All Summer Long
👨👩👧👦 Family Discounts Available for Families with 2 or More Children
📅 Flexible Scheduling – Parents can schedule the times needed for their student(s)!
Give your child a summer filled with fun, friends, and exciting activities in a safe and caring environment.
📢 Open to the community – your child does NOT have to currently attend Alma Public Schools to join our summer care program!
📞 Spots are limited – enroll today!
To start the enrollment fill out one form for each student here --> https://forms.gle/vXJKq9FMcCfnPA8T7
First-grade students celebrated National Sidewalk Chalk Day by creating bright and joyful sidewalk art across campus. Our second graders enjoyed a hands‑on learning adventure during their field trip to Impressions 5 Science Center. It was a wonderful week of creativity, exploration, and Panther pride. https://app.smore.com/n/3v5hw6-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
Attendance matters. 🐾
🐾We are currently accepting School of Choice applications. Here are some key details you should know if you are interested in sending your child to APS through the School of Choice program:
⭐The application window opens May 4, 2026 and will close on June 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
⭐If needed, a random selection process will be conducted on June 3, 2026.
⭐Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
⭐Letters of acceptance, denials and waitlists will be mailed within 15 days of the deadline.
⭐First day of school: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⭐Students accepted through Schools of Choice must be fully enrolled and in attendance by the end of the first week of school Friday, August 28, 2026. Failure to meet this requirement may result in forfeiture of placement.
🐾For the APS School of Choice application, Gratiot/Isabella Counties Schools of Choice brochure and additional info, follow this link:
https://www.almaschools.net/page/school-of-choice-for-26-27-school-year
May 13th is a Late Start day! Luce Road will be offering late start childcare! Please fill out one form for each student needing care.
Fill out the form here --> https://forms.gle/FGXahXX24kF8Ydvx5
Fill out the form here --> https://forms.gle/FGXahXX24kF8Ydvx5
🐾Our Elementary PTO Fun Run event may be over (thank you to everyone who donated and participated in this awesome fundraiser!) but we are still collecting donations, and we are SO close to reaching our goal! Let's make it happen, Panther community!🐾
Fundraising ends at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. The minimum donation amount is $10. Every dollar goes toward funding wonderful experiences for our elementary school students! We appreciate your support so much!
Follow this link to make a contribution: https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/community-share-webpage/6835a37d505840.95093951
Fundraising ends at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. The minimum donation amount is $10. Every dollar goes toward funding wonderful experiences for our elementary school students! We appreciate your support so much!
Follow this link to make a contribution: https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/community-share-webpage/6835a37d505840.95093951
Our school is buzzing with learning, growth, and connection, and this week’s newsletter features the moments that make our community shine. Take a quick look inside to see upcoming events, classroom celebrations, and ways to stay involved. Thank you for collaborating with us to make Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Elementary Schools such a special place for kids.
https://app.smore.com/n/sj0x6-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
https://app.smore.com/n/sj0x6-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
🐾Every day matters here at APS!🐾
Congratulations to Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club Golden Apple winner Ashley Pickelmann, a Paraprofessional at Hillcrest Elementary! We are so lucky to have Ashley here at APS! 🍎
🐾The Elementary PTO Fun Run is TOMORROW! 🐾 The PTO funds so many great opportunities for our students. We are very fortunate to have these dedicated individuals here in the Panther community, working to ensure our students have unique and fun experiences in and out of the classroom. The Fun Run is the PTO's one big fundraiser, and they put so much work into making it happen. Learn more about what our awesome PTO does, and make sure to support this special event! It's sure to be a great time! 🧡🖤
https://www.almaelementarypto.org/
https://www.almaelementarypto.org/
We were honored to welcome representatives from the Michigan Department of Education(MDE) to APS today! During their visit, they observed math lessons and had the opportunity to see firsthand the engaging learning experiences taking place in our classrooms. As a participant in a state math grant, this visit provided a chance to showcase how our students and teachers are benefiting from these resources and the impactful work happening across our district.
APS really is the place to be! Check out these fast facts about our top-notch buildings and grounds! 🐾🌟
Our Panthers had an exciting week of learning and connection! First graders enjoyed hands‑on ELA lessons, and second graders explored creative STEM challenges. We loved seeing so many families at Parent Teacher Connection Night, where 28 community partners joined us to support students and families—be sure to check out the photos in this newsletter. Looking ahead, our AEPTO Fun Run is coming up soon, and this important fundraiser helps support field trips, classroom resources, and enrichment for all students. https://app.smore.com/n/cr03z-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
Reminder: Our Alma Elementary annual Fun Run event is coming up fast! Mark your calendar for May 1! Your student and their class can help raise funds for their school and earn amazing prizes too!
Register students (FREE):
Registration is quick and free and students earn a wristband just for signing up.
👉 https://www.getmovinfundhub.com, School identifier: 5c741755e6ca4
🐾Earn AWESOME Prizes🐾
All students who register receive a wristband!
⭐Level Prizes
• $20 – Yellow
• $30 – Pink
• $45 – Green
• $60 – Red
• $75 – Blue
• $100 – Purple
⭐Classroom Incentive:
The class that raises the most will win a pizza or ice cream party
⭐Grade-Level Incentive:
The grade that raises the most will earn extra recess + popsicles
⭐Raffle Prizes Include: (*For every $25 raised over $100, students will receive a raffle ticket to be entered into one of the following prize draws.*)
• Impression 5 tickets
• Mid Michigan Children’s Museum passes
• Detroit Tigers tickets (with parking!)
• Whitecaps tickets (with parking!)
• NCG Cinema movie passes
• Launch Family Entertainment passes
• Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum passes
Looking for another great way to get involved?
We need volunteers throughout the day to help ensure the event runs smoothly.
👉 https://x.gldn.io/e/MjEW5TlsA1b
Register students (FREE):
Registration is quick and free and students earn a wristband just for signing up.
👉 https://www.getmovinfundhub.com, School identifier: 5c741755e6ca4
🐾Earn AWESOME Prizes🐾
All students who register receive a wristband!
⭐Level Prizes
• $20 – Yellow
• $30 – Pink
• $45 – Green
• $60 – Red
• $75 – Blue
• $100 – Purple
⭐Classroom Incentive:
The class that raises the most will win a pizza or ice cream party
⭐Grade-Level Incentive:
The grade that raises the most will earn extra recess + popsicles
⭐Raffle Prizes Include: (*For every $25 raised over $100, students will receive a raffle ticket to be entered into one of the following prize draws.*)
• Impression 5 tickets
• Mid Michigan Children’s Museum passes
• Detroit Tigers tickets (with parking!)
• Whitecaps tickets (with parking!)
• NCG Cinema movie passes
• Launch Family Entertainment passes
• Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum passes
Looking for another great way to get involved?
We need volunteers throughout the day to help ensure the event runs smoothly.
👉 https://x.gldn.io/e/MjEW5TlsA1b
