Did you know Alma’s Donald L. Pavlik Middle School has a weekly student-run newspaper called The Panther Press? Led by English and Social Studies teacher Beth Masters, students learn how to create their own publication!

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
about 2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
2 middle school newspaper students pose in front of The Panther Press logo on screen
4 middle school students sit at their desks, working on the school newspaper
Some middle school newspaper students pose for a group picture with their teacher
2 smiling students work on newspaper project in classroom
4 students work on middle school newspaper in classroom

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!

2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
GI-TEC flyer for open house event on Feb. 12 from 5-7 at Alma High School

Please see the Principals update (https://app.smore.com/n/607qn). We have had a busy month of January. Students are done with winter benchmark assessments. We opened a new childcare room to welcome 18 month old- 30 months future Alma Panthers to Luce Road.

2 months ago, Ernest Conerly
We’re excited to share that our new Childcare Room at Luce Road is officially open for children 18–30 months old with our lead teachers Miss Brea and Miss Arden! 🎉

This space was thoughtfully designed with our youngest learners in mind — offering a safe, nurturing environment where toddlers can explore, play, and grow. From age-appropriate learning centers and sensory activities to cozy quiet areas and plenty of room to move, we’ve created a classroom that supports early development, independence, and social skills.

We’re so proud to welcome our little learners into this new space and can’t wait to watch them thrive! If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out — we’d love to connect with you.

To register fill out the link: https://forms.gle/AZarBcuVMrobU5ps9
2 months ago, Ernest Conerly
koala
tunnel
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schedule
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Missed school days add up. Don't let your student fall behind. Every day matters!
2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
Attendance graphic breaking down how much time is lost when students miss school days

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.”

2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
Students work together to build a structure with colorful panels.
A student holds a paper with a smiling person on it saying "I can." Above it are the words "growth mindset."
A student holds a paper with a round pink smiley face character that says "love"
Four students do an SEL activity together
Student holds colorful paper that says "grit"
🌸 Spring Break Camp Interest Check! 🌸
Luce Road is looking to see if there’s interest in offering a Spring Break Camp this year!
If your child may attend, please let us know by filling out the interest form
This helps us plan staffing and activities — details will be shared if we move forward!

Follow this link: https://forms.gle/PZGTH67MaATHsBnB8
2 months ago, Ernest Conerly
spring break camp
This week's APS Staff Spotlight is Dolores Winn! She has taught at Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center since 2023. We are proud to call her a Panther!
2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
Dolores Winn poses with a stuffed turtle in an APS Staff Spotlight post
January is School Board Appreciation Month! APS would like to recognize the dedicated and caring members of our School Board. This month and every month, thank you!
2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
Graphic that expresses APS's appreciation for their School Board members.

At APS, we know students' attendance matters! We want to make sure students feel connected!

2 months ago, John Helinski
1
Congratulations to APS's Chris Brown, this week's Michigan One Community Credit Union Salute to Education Teacher of the Week!
2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
Hello, APS parents, staff & community members! My name is Alivia Giles, and I am the school's new Communications and Marketing Coordinator. I am a graduate of Alma College (BA in English) and Northwestern University (MS in Journalism). I am looking forward to sharing all the awesome things going on at APS!
2 months ago, Alma Public Schools
Alivia (new Communications and Marketing Coordinator at APS) smiles as she holds an orange kitten in her Facebook introduction post.
At APS, we know students' attendance matters! Small daily actions add up to BIG achievements!
3 months ago, John Helinski
1
Luce Road families,

Join Us tonight for Parent Teacher Connection night. We have hot chocolate, cookies and stories! The teachers are excited to spend time with you and your student this evening! The whole family is welcome!
3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
Parent-Teacher Connection Nights
Luce Road will be offering Child Care for kids preschool through 5th grade on February 9th! If you are interested please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/ty8CmxjaPkxJndns7

Fill out one form for each child you wish to attend. If you have any questions reach out to Kimberly Hamad at almachildcare@almaschools.net
3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
Feb 9th childcare

Good Afternoon Luce Road Families,

Please see the Panther Cub Press (https://app.smore.com/n/vb4em) for Week 20! It was a great first week back. Please see important parent notes and information for the upcoming week! We also ask that you take the survey embedded in the newsletter on ECPBIS! Some big changes are coming to Childcare.

3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
Today is the last day to sign up for Early Release Child Care at Luce Road.

Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/4XxxcEiR4g9YoRDU8
3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
early release
As we welcome everyone back in 2026, we want to ensure our school community stays safe and healthy. This is a helpful reminder about when a student is too sick to attend school.
3 months ago, John Helinski
1
Apologies! The previous link for the Early Release Child Care did not work. Here is the corrected one!

https://forms.gle/Nh4KenUmPaJ1PbHh9
3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
half day
Friday January 9th is an Early Release day! Need child care for your preschool through 5th grade student? Luce Road offers it!

Students will be transported from their home school to Luce Road.

New to the program?
Reach out to almachildcare@almaschools.net to get the forms required.

Fill out a form for EACH student https://forms.gle/MM46pTS6PMGQETFD8t you need to have signed up:
3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
Early Release Care