In May 2025, voters approved a $29,945,000 bond to fund district improvements here at Alma Public Schools. This funding is crucial in keeping our schools up-to-date and secure for years to come. One of the many renovations underway here at APS involves significant updates to the playgrounds at our Hillcrest and Pine Avenue elementary schools. 🐾

Today, we welcomed a visitor from Sinclair Recreation to talk to members of our Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Student Council. These students (one from each Hillcrest classroom and two from each Pine Avenue classroom) were selected by their peers to represent our elementary schools -- and they did a fantastic job. The council discussed and voted on playground renovations; they chose equipment styles and color schemes. Together, these students reflected on the reality that they were not only selecting elements of their own playground, but designing a recreational space that Alma elementary students will enjoy for up to 30 years! 🐾


Renovations are scheduled to begin this summer and will be completed by the 2026-27 schoolyear. We are so excited to see our students' vision become our schools' new playgrounds! 🐾

27 days ago, Alma Public Schools
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting
Playground meeting

🐾Wonder how APS stacks up against other area schools? Let’s talk test scores…🐾

⭐On the 2025 M-Step tests, APS 5th-grade students scored the highest in the RESD in all tests: Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science, and higher than the state average in three of the four.

⭐On the 2025 PSAT tests, our 8th grade average was higher than the state average in Reading, Science and Social Studies.

⭐The 3rd-grade scores for APS students were higher than the RESD average on both the Math and ELA M-Step tests in 2025.

⭐On average, our ELA M-Step proficiency improved 5% in 2025 compared to the 2024 scores.

⭐On the NWEA Winter 2026 ELA test, seven of the nine grades that took the NWEA (K-8) scored higher than the norm, which is the most we have ever had.

⭐In the four core subject areas on the State Assessments; Math, ELA, Socials, and Science, APS students have scored consistently higher than schools that have similar socioeconomic status for the last 5 years.

📖✏️📝🖍️

APS is the place to be – and we’re just getting better! This year’s School of Choice window is right around the corner. See what Alma has to offer for your student...
https://www.almaschools.net/

29 days ago, Alma Public Schools
Alma Elementary presents... Parent/Teacher Connection Night ART SHOW! Stop by to see your child's art on display! 🎨🖌️🖍️
29 days ago, Alma Public Schools
Elementary Art Show
Alma Elementary presents... Parent/Teacher Connection Night ART SHOW! Stop by to see your child's art on display! 🎨🖌️🖍️
29 days ago, Alma Public Schools
Elementary Art Show
Parent/Teacher Connection Night is coming up! Mark your calendar for April 23. Make sure to stop by the Elementary Art Show during the event to see your child's artwork on display! 🎨🖌️🖍️
30 days ago, Alma Public Schools
Elem. Art Show flyer
Today was a great day of learning and reflection for our staff! This morning, Building Implementation Teams (BIT) met with our Corwin presenters to plan and provide feedback, and in the afternoon, our teachers were able to continue their learning and work together with their teams!
about 1 month ago, John Helinski
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Our school focused on courage this week in SEL, encouraging students to try new things and face challenges with confidence. In first grade, students learned a new 2D shapes game that strengthened their math skills through play. They also explored shadows and light in science, using flashlights to investigate how shadows form and change. It’s been a week full of bravery, curiosity, and hands‑on learning.
https://app.smore.com/n/jdpuh-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
about 1 month ago, Kathy Konowalow
At APS, we know attendance matters. We encourage students to keep showing up and staying engaged by celebrating every day they join us in the classroom. Celebrate the achievements -- big or small!
about 1 month ago, Alma Public Schools
Attendance post about celebrating consistency
Our Elementary Math Team has been working all year to help with successful implementation of our new math curriculum, Bridges. They have been vital to the process of adopting a new curriculum!
about 1 month ago, John Helinski
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Our Alma Elementary PTO is hard at work preparing for their big fundraiser, the annual Fun Run scheduled for May 1! This event is our PTO's only fundraiser. Nearly 100% of the proceeds go directly back into the school.


Here's where these funds go specifically:
⭐Field trips (transportation and admission)
⭐ PBIS incentives and student rewards
⭐Teacher appreciation (including gift cards for classroom supplies and team support)
⭐Classroom supplies and enrichment materials
⭐Family events like Donuts with Grownups and the school Carnival
⭐Student Council support
⭐Book Fair assistance (free books and supplies for students)
⭐Reading Month and other literacy initiatives


So, how can YOU get involved with this great fundraiser? Here are a few ways:
⭐REGISTER students (FREE):
Registration is quick and free, and students earn a wristband just for signing up.
👉 https://www.getmovinfundhub.com, School identifier: 5c741755e6ca4
⭐SHARE Fundraising Pages:
Once registered, families can easily share their student’s Fund Hub page with family and friends to collect donations.
⭐VOLUNTEER for the Event:
We need volunteers throughout the day to help ensure the event runs smoothly.
👉 https://x.gldn.io/e/MjEW5TlsA1b

Follow along for more info and updates. The Fun Run is right around the corner -- we can't wait! 🐾🧡🖤
about 1 month ago, Alma Public Schools
PTO Fun Run Registration
Tomorrow is Preschool and Kindergarten Enrollment night!

When: April 8, 2026
Time: 4:30-7:00
Where: Luce Road ECLC

No need to pre-register, this is a drop in event!

Be sure to bring all necessary documents! If you have any questions call Mary Pratt at 989-463-1012 or Kimberly Hamad 989-466-7593
about 1 month ago, Ernest Conerly
enrollment
This Friday is an early release. If you need care for your student(s) please fill out one from for each child needing care.

Click here for the form --> https://forms.gle/GHW8D3RwBXYxKxU9A
about 1 month ago, Ernest Conerly
Attending school every day is the goal, but we know unexpected illness can keep students away from the classroom. Practice healthy habits to prevent sickness. But if your child does get sick and cannot attend school, have a plan! Your child's teacher(s) and other dedicated school staff are here to help.
about 1 month ago, Alma Public Schools
Attendance graphic about staying healthy and attending school
Today was the LAST day of Spring Break Camp! We had so much fun! Today was Color Wars day!

We made bracelets with colored beads, painted, finished building our robot Legos. In the afternoon we made oobleck, and other colored experiments and finished the day's activities with tie dying cinch sacs!
about 1 month ago, Ernest Conerly
car driving
Lego car
bracelets
bracelet making
painting
science
oobleck
tie dye
tie dye
tie dye

Happy final days of Reading Month, Panthers! We hope you are having a great break -- and that you might enjoy a good book or 2 during your time off! 📖📚

about 1 month ago, Alma Public Schools
Reading
Reading
Reading
Day One of Spring Break Camp was Explorer Day!

The kids worked as teams to use compasses and maps, they learned what items would sink or float, made binoculars, explorer hats, and maps! Next week kicks off with S'Mores Day! It's sure to be sweet!
about 2 months ago, Ernest Conerly
sink or float
maps
directions
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explorers
binoculars
hats
spring break camp pictures
more hats
binoculars
Spring Break is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together before we return for a busy and exciting April. We hope the week ahead brings your family joy, relaxation, and a chance to reset for the learning still to come. Our school community is also celebrating the incredible success of last night’s AEPTO Family Carnival, where more than 375 families joined us for an evening of fun and connection. The Alma Elementary PTO continues to make a tremendous impact by supporting field trips, classroom resources, PBIS incentives, STEM experiences, and family engagement events across Luce, Pine, and Hillcrest. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and the joy they bring to our school community.https://app.smore.com/n/m1tjn-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
about 2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Hillcrest readers participated in a school-wide vocabulary parade today to celebrate March is Reading Month! Each student chose a vocabulary word to display and how they wanted to represent that word. We all enjoyed learning some new words! Ask your student what word stuck out to them today.
about 2 months ago, John Helinski
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Our students had an exciting week filled with teamwork, hands‑on learning, and festive St. Patrick’s Day fun—from building circuits together to welcoming special guest readers. We love seeing their curiosity and cooperation shine in so many different ways. Don’t forget to join us for the Alma PTO Carnival on Wednesday, March 25 from 5–7 PM for an evening of games, prizes, and family fun. https://app.smore.com/n/8bqpej-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
about 2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Our students had an exciting week filled with teamwork, hands‑on learning, and festive St. Patrick’s Day fun—from building circuits together to welcoming special guest readers. We love seeing their curiosity and cooperation shine in so many different ways. Don’t forget to join us for the Alma PTO Carnival on Wednesday, March 25 from 5–7 PM for an evening of games, prizes, and family fun. https://app.smore.com/n/8bqpej-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
about 2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow