Please join us this evening at Pine Avenue Elementary School for an exciting Family Engagement Night filled with learning, laughter, and community connection. The evening kicks off at 5:00 PM with engaging sessions focused on reading and mathematics, offering families practical ways to support learning at home. From 5:30 to 6:30 PM, don’t miss the exciting Mad Science STEM Assembly—an hour of high-energy, hands-on science fun for all ages. We will be raffling off six Family Fun Baskets packed with surprises. At 6:30 PM, we will host another reading and mathematics session. Every child will receive a free book and math activities to take home. It’s a night designed to celebrate curiosity, build connections, and send families home with tools and memories that matter. We can’t wait to see you there!
about 2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Family Engagement

Registration is now OPEN for Late Start Childcare for students in preschool through fifth grade. Please fill out one form for each student you will need to attend care. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/jNgUdcEp3nAUU6vKA

Late Start Care: 7:00-11:30 - $20
Before Care: 6:00-7:00 - $15

Transportation to student's home school from Luce Road will be provided.

about 2 months ago, Ernest Conerly
LateStart Care for November 5th
We’re excited to share how our new Bridges math program and Bookworms literacy curriculum are preparing students for a future shaped by global connections and AI, with teachers using rubrics to guide instruction and provide targeted support. Join us for Coffee with the Principal on October 31 from 1–2 pm to meet our Math and Literacy Coaches and learn more. Don’t miss our PTO Meeting on October 20 at 6:30 pm, Family Engagement Night on October 22 from 5:00–7:00 pm, and Halloween school parades during the day on October 31.

https://secure.smore.com/n/fk0tv-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
about 2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow

We’re excited to share how our new Bridges math program and Bookworms literacy curriculum are preparing students for a future shaped by global connections and AI, with teachers using rubrics to guide instruction and provide targeted support. Join us for Coffee with the Principal on October 31 from 1–2 pm to meet our Math and Literacy Coaches and learn more. Don’t miss our PTO Meeting on October 20 at 6:30 pm, Family Engagement Night on October 22 from 5:00–7:00 pm, and Halloween school parades during the day on October 31.

https://secure.smore.com/n/fk0tv-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

about 2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
We're building momentum and celebrating connection! First grade kicked off Donuts with Grown-Ups with smiles and sprinkles—thank you to all who joined us. Next up: Second and Third Grade families are invited to join us on Tuesday, October 15, from 7:00–7:455 AM. Start your morning with a sweet treat and a warm hello!

In classrooms, we're spotlighting Responsibility through our Character Strong lessons. Students are learning that being responsible means doing what's right—even when it's hard. Ask your child how they've shown Responsibility this week!

Let's keep growing together—one donut, one lesson, one moment at a time.
https://secure.smore.com/n/8jx1v-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Hillcrest and Pine Avenue are proud to spotlight students who go above and beyond—whether it’s showing kindness, working hard, or leading by example. Check out this week’s honorees and what makes them shine!
https://secure.smore.com/n/d9fr1-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
We’re looking forward to cheering on our Panthers this Friday! With the beautiful weather we are having, it’s sure to be an amazing night. Come out and show your Panther Pride!

As a reminder, please review and follow the policies regarding student attendance at the event. Our goal is to ensure everyone enjoys a fun and safe time at both the parade and the game.
2 months ago, John Helinski
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At APS, we believe that every student matters and every day matters!

Our School Board Policy 5301 requires us to notify families if a student is absent more than 10% of school days. Attendance is first checked after the first 20 days of school, and then again at the end of each trimester.

This year, after the first 20 days, we saw a small increase in the percentage of students who have missed more than 10% of days (22.9% in 2024 compared to 23.5% this year).

We are committed to working alongside families to support positive daily attendance, because being at school every day helps students learn, grow, and succeed!

2 months ago, John Helinski
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This week’s Panther Pride Newsletter is bursting with excitement and connection! From Parent-Teacher Conferences that strengthen our home-school partnership, to the joy of Donuts with Grown-Ups, and the energy of Homecoming celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Dive in for important updates, upcoming events, and ways to stay engaged with our vibrant school community. Let’s keep the Panther spirit strong! Panther Pride Newsletter

https://secure.smore.com/n/czrsg-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

Panther Pride Newsletter

2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Mark your calendars! September 29-October 3 is Homecoming Spirit Week.
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Elementary Homecoming Spirit Week
Join Us for the Pine Avenue PTO Meeting – Tomorrow at 6:30 PM
We’re excited to welcome families to our PTO Meeting on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 PM at Pine Avenue Elementary. This is a great chance to connect, share ideas, and help shape the school experience for all our students.
Whether you're a returning member or new to PTO, your voice and energy make a difference. We’ll be discussing upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our classrooms and staff.
Let’s work together to build a strong, supportive school community. We hope to see you there!


3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
PTO
We invite all families to attend the Annual Title I Meeting at Pine Avenue Elementary on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how Title I supports our students, strengthens instruction, and builds partnerships between home and school.
We’ll share updates on academic programs, family engagement opportunities, and how Title I funding is used to enhance learning. Your voice matters, and we look forward to collaborating with you to ensure every child thrives.
We hope to see you there!
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Annual Title I Meeting
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Last week, Alma Public Schools had the honor of hosting the observation portion of a Growing Learning Lab Facilitators through the Gratiot-Isabella RESD. More than 40 teachers, coaches, and consultants from across the state visited five of our classrooms to observe Number Corner lessons in action. Several of our teachers also shared their expertise during a panel discussion, answering questions and sharing insights. We’re proud to showcase the incredible teaching and learning happening every day at APS!
3 months ago, John Helinski
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Our Panthers had a great learning week! Stay connected with everything happening at Hillcrest and Pine Avenue! Our Parent Newsletter is your weekly window into classroom highlights, upcoming events, student celebrations, and important updates from both buildings.
Panther Pride Newsletter

3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow

Tonight is our Community Tailgate! 🎉 Join us for food, fun, and school spirit starting at 5:30 pm at the Don Miller Field! We can’t wait to see you there!

3 months ago, Nikky Holton
Photo
Coffee with the Principal is today at Pine Avenue.
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Brown Yellow Retro Coffee Promotion Flyer (1)
Teachers across the district had Professional Learning today on Visible Learning with a focus on students driving their own learning. This theme will continue throughout the year.
3 months ago, John Helinski
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Hillcrest and Pine Avenue students will have a late start day tomorrow.
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Late Start Day
Each week, we share important updates, upcoming events, and highlights from around the school—all in one easy-to-read newsletter. You’ll find tips for supporting your child’s learning, reminders about school procedures, and celebrations of student success.
It’s a great way to stay informed, stay involved, and stay inspired. We’re proud of the partnership we share with our families, and this newsletter is one more way we keep that connection strong.
https://secure.smore.com/n/6huxf5-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow