Spring 2018 Panther Country News

PANTHER JANUARY

COUNTRY NEWS2017
APS in our commitment to States, participation in various
Donalynn Ingersoll making sure every child who educational research groups,
crosses the threshold into our and speaking on the national
From the Superintendent... educational care receives the circuit about the failure of
best we have to offer. In an the American Public Schools,
We are proud to share the “It takes a village to raise school more regularly, stay in effort to intentionally design Jamie was transformed from
many faces of Alma Public a child” is a popular proverb school longer, and enroll in community engagement, I critic to advocate. His book
Schools in this issue of Panther with a clear and true message. higher level programs. Strong would like to invite you to not only shares the reason
Country News. From the The whole community has an parent-family-community be a part of a Community for this transformation, but
“unsung heroes of safety” essential role to play in the partnerships result in higher Book Study hosted by APS. makes a great case for why our
Crossing Guards, to the growth of its young people. educational aspirations and The book we will be reading schools must have community
“rudders steering the fleet” Over my many years in more motivated students. This and discussing is Schools support to prepare all children
Administrators; from the education, I have found this holds true for students at both Cannot Do It Alone, by Jamie to succeed. If you would
“smile at the classroom door proverb to be true time and the elementary and secondary Vollmer. Jamie is a lawyer and be interested in joining our
every day” Teachers to the “I time again. Schools need levels (An NEA Policy Brief, businessman who was once discussion, please call 989-
whipped up something that community support to prepare Center for Great Public an active and vocal critic of 466-7511 and leave your
tastes fantastic for you today” all children for success. Schools, 2008). the American Public School name and phone number
Food Service providers; from Parent, family and community Family and community System. Over the course with Wendy Guyette. We
the “always answering the involvement in education engagement is a vital part of of twenty years of travel to will call you when your book
phone with a cheerful hello” correlates with higher a truly successful school. But schools across the United arrives, and get you a schedule
Administrative Assistants to the academic performance and it rarely just happens -- it must of our meeting times (the
“what can I do to help you?” school improvement. When be intentionally designed. I intent will be to schedule two
Custodians, we are all part schools, parents, families and couldn’t be prouder of the meetings between February
of what makes Alma Public communities work together to team that is APS. And I am and June, but we can be open
Schools a great place to learn support learning, students tend excited to ask you to join to additional opportunities for
and grow. to earn higher grades, attend discussion if the group desires).
Bringing community together
for collective conversations
about the success of our young
people sounds like a great
way to spend a few hours. I
hope you agree! If you have
questions, or would like to talk
about this opportunity, please
feel free to reach me at the
phone number above.

Alma Public Schools Bond Work Begins

Exciting days are ahead for the community of Alma, as our school begins the process of security, safety, facility and technology updates. The Bond that was supported
by our community in August will allow Alma Public Schools to complete this work in two phases, with Phase I work beginning in the Spring of 2017, and Phase II
work beginning in the Spring of 2018. Below is a quick reference guide for the scope and timing of the work that is being completed. This Spring, stop by and check
out all the work being done!

Phase I (to begin Spring 2017) Donald L. Pavlik Middle School at Hillcrest • Transportation Center • Renovate auditorium foyer
High School • Bell and clock system • Whiteboards • New Buses Donald L. Pavlik Middle School
• Concession and restroom • Phone system • Projectors at Pine Avenue • Lighting • Exterior remodeling
facility, sound and lighting • Exterior lighting • Roof replacement at Hillcrest • Heating • Eave trough upgrade
at Football Field • Gym lighting and Pine • Phone system • Upgrade Greenhouse
• Bell and clock system • Classroom Projectors • Boiler replacement at • Space renovations Elementary Buildings
• Phone system • Security cameras Hillcrest and Pine • New bus lift • Unit vents
• Exterior lighting Elementary Buildings • Weather canopy at Hillcrest Phase II (to begin Spring 2018) • Gym lighting
• Gym ceiling and lighting • Bell and clock system • Playground fencing at High School • Carpeting
• Boiler replacement • Phone system Hillcrest • Plumbing renovations • Main entry remodeling
• Auditorium stage curtain • Exterior lighting • Security cameras • Refinish Gym floor at Pine Avenue
and floor, projectors • Playground equipment • Directional signage • Upgrade Media Center • Ceiling work at Pine Avenue
• Whiteboards at Luce Road • Key card access at recess • Create Commons area in • Transportation Center
• Security cameras • Playground drainage doors Section E • Pavement

www.almaschools.net | January 2017 PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS 1

Alma FFA Wins State Level
Pop Tab Challenge

Once Again the Alma FFA the Alma high school.
will be conducting a Pop Tab “I guess you can say
Drive at Alma High School! our pop tab drive was
Students will be able to bring a success. It led to
pop tabs to their first hour us being the number
teacher at the start of the new one contributor of
semester. First hour classes pop tabs in the state”
will compete to see who can said Olivia Gager,
collect the most tabs and a Chapter President.
chance to win donuts for their “FFA has something
class. for everyone but this
activity holds a special
Last year the Alma FFA place in my heart as it
chapter won the Michigan
FFA pop tab challenge in helps students learn to
think about someone
Lansing Michigan. The else’s needs.” Ronald
Michigan FFA pop tab
challenge is a competition McDonald charities
provide assistance
that approximately 100 FFA for families who have Pictured: (Left) Kaylynn Brecht and (Right)
programs from across the
state of Michigan are invited children who are Cassidy Degroft with the Plague for the Pop
to participate in to benefit hospitalized and may Tab Challenge

local Ronald McDonald need accommodations year round. If any community
House charities. The Alma FFA to stay with those
children long-term. The pop member has pop tabs that they
chapter collected 190lbs of tab challenge is an annual would like to donate to the
pop tabs to benefit the Ronald
McDonald House charities by event and the Alma FFA chapter they may do so at the
Alma High School Staff conducting a pop tab drive at chapter collects pop tabs Alma high school.

Student Council at AHS and sometimes even surprised,
Written by Izzy Poquiz, pep assembly, I thought their it just warms my heart. They
Student Council committee did a really good Ezra Faust and Sydney Hanson Senior Class participating in the deserve so much and the little
job.” emcee the Homecoming Assembly. Homecoming Assembly. I can do for them makes me so
AHS’s Student Council has As for smaller projects, Student Council happy!”
been hard at work this first Student Council recently put members attend Student Council President,
semester, from large projects on a school-wide Thanksgiving a Leadership Mara Benitez, is proud
to small, the organization has activity for the school. Training in of the accomplishments
had a huge impact on the Each student was given the Frankenmuth. and commitment of the
student body. Through monthly opportunity to write what they organization so far. “Trying
meetings and countless work are thankful for on strips of to please everyone and work
sessions, Student Council paper that were made into a with both the members’ busy
members have been able to chain and displayed at AHS. schedules and my own can
accomplish many projects The activity was a huge hit be challenging, but I’m very
both as individuals and in with an incredible amount of excited about upcoming
committees. participation. plans.”
One of the biggest projects The Student Council As winter break quickly
tasked to Student Council is also takes pride in showing approaches, the council has
homecoming week. Many appreciation to Alma’s staff many more holiday festivities
aspects go into planning the and teachers. Each month in store. Before school gets
events such as the powderpuff the Teacher Appreciation out, AHS can look forward to
game, pep assembly, and committee delivers gift baskets a classic holiday spirit week
hallway decorating, just to to a certain department. Junior featuring our favorite dress up
name a few. Mrs. Parsons, CJ Cleveland enjoys giving days and service projects.
the student council advisor, is back to the staff through the
impressed with the successes committee. “[The teachers]
of the week. “Homecoming are so genuinely appreciative
went very well. Especially the

Quiz Bowl

The 2016-2017 Quiz Bowl team has competed in three tournaments this year: Quiz Central,
QuizBusters and the TVC. The Varsity team’s current record is 7-11, while the JV team’s record is
5-7. Both teams played well at the TVC Tournament held at the Gratiot Isabella RESD on October
18 and November 1. The JV team tied for fourth with their 5-7 record. The JV players included
Whitney Steele, Caroline Hynes, Victoria Krick, Emilia Hackman, Tess Von Wallmenich and Ben
Bos. The Varsity team placed sixth overall with a 6-8 record. The Varsity players included Cameron
Duenas, Gabe Zerbe, Katherine Dvorak, Sarah Olen, Izzy Poquiz and Atulya Dora-Laskey. The last
tournament of the year for the Varsity will be in February to compete against area schools.

2 PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS www.almaschools.net | January 2017

DLPMS Panther Pride

What does it mean to be a DLPMS PANTHER?
• A panther is kind
• A panther helps others in need
• A panther strives to be extraordinary
• A panther shows school spirit
When our middle school students are caught being a PANTHER
they earn a paw that goes into our showcases for all to see.
Each Marking Period we will take all the students who have been
caught being a PANTHER and put their names in a drawing for
our Panther Pride prize package. Thanks to Mancino’s Pizza,
Screen & Stitch, and NCG movie theater for donating our prizes!

Donald L. Pavlik Middle School Staff

Veterans Day Assembly

The first Marking Period Panther Pride drawing winners are Hannah On Friday November 4th, included presentations by: staff and students who are
Tennant and Corey Yates. Donald L. Pavlik Middle Alma VFW, Veterans Parade, Veterans.
School hosted our bi-annual AHS choir, DLPMS band, A huge thank you goes
Veteran’s Day Assembly. DLPMS Student Council, out to all who participated in
Students invited Veterans from Colonel Rodolfo Diaz-Pons, hosting this excellent event!
the community to join staff and Ms. Erin Self, and Mrs. Justine Thank you Veterans for your
students in honoring all who Fox, and a slideshow with dedication and sacrifice for
have served. The assembly family members of DLPMS our country.

On November 30th, each be reported via, text, email, Prevent Bullying
DLPMS student had the phone, online, or using the
opportunity to attend the OK2SAY app. There is also a
Michigan Attorney General’s new app to help students to
office OK2SAY presentation. rethink their mobile device Did you know that bullying often peaks in middle school? Help your tween be part of the solution
The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade behavior. The app is called with these strategies.
presentation included ReThink. It is FREE for any KNOW THE FORMS. Point out that bullying is more than physical. Your child might recognize
information about how the android or apple device! It bullying when she sees a classmate give someone a mean shove during recess. But it’s also
program works, and what is a keyboard that identifies bullying when kids spread rumors, exclude people, or text hurtful comments.
types of incidents should be inappropriate, hurtful TAKE ACTION. Bystanders are the first line of defense in overcoming bullying. Maybe your tween
reported. Students received messages and will prompt overhears a bully say he’s going to steal someone’s backpack. Or she might see a bullying victim
detailed explanations about the sender to rethink their hurting herself in the restroom. If that happens, she should immediately tell a teacher or another
bullying, cyberbullying, message before sending it. adult. Encourage her to be kind to kids who don’t have many friends, inviting them to sit with her
suicide, sexting, sexual abuse, Just remember… what you say on the bus, for example.
online predators, and how to about others, says more about GET ON THE SAME PAGE. If your middle schooler is bullying, discuss why his or her actions are
protect themselves online. YOU than the person you are harmful and wrong. Also, set consequences. If he or she posts mean social media messages, for
You can find more information talking about. instance, you might want to take away the student’s cell phone.
about the OK2SAY program If you think your child is bullying or is a victim of bullying, take it seriously. Ask for help!
at http://www.michigan.gov/
ok2say/. Source: Middle Years, December 2016.

The presentation carried a Do you want to know what is happening at DLPMS? Read our daily announcements by visiting
very powerful message. The http://www.almaschools.net/schools/alma-middle-school/daily-bulletin--newsletter/. You can
presenter provided many vivid also follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
examples about how powerful
words can be; both kind words https://twitter.com/dlpmspanther https://www.facebook.com/dlpms/
and hurtful words. Help can

www.almaschools.net | January 2017 PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS 3

Technology in the
Classroom at Pine
Avenue Elementary

Pine Avenue Elementary Staff Integrating technology in the classroom is not a new concept in
education. However, the extent to which technology integration
Thank you to the APS Crossing Guards for their commitment has been achieved varies greatly in American schools. Alma
to assisting students safely to and from school each day. Public Schools has made technology integration a priority, and
the results are evident at Pine Avenue Elementary. Students at
Crossing Guards : Michael Smalley and Randy Edwards Pine Avenue use technology, primarily Chromebooks and iPads,
on a daily basis. There is nearly a 1:1 ratio of students to devices
12 at Pine Avenue; there are enough devices for 93% of students to
be using one at any given time. Here are a few of the ways this
3 technology is integrated in Pine Avenue classrooms.

Crossing Guards : Scootpad or Khan Academy
1. Pamela Duncan
2. Roger Numerich All teachers at Pine Avenue use an online individualized, adaptive program, such as Scootpad
3. Johnny Ramirez or Khan Academy, to provide supplemental instruction for students. These programs allow teachers
4 PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS to provide direction by assigning particular skills to students. For example, if students are studying
a math unit about fractions but need additional practice with a particular concept, their teacher
can assign additional practice on Scootpad or Khan Academy, and those programs will generate
the practice. The programs will also keep track of student performance on the concept and send
reports to the teacher regarding student progress.
Another way that these programs are used at Pine Avenue is by allowing students to work
independently and learn at their own pace. Scootpad and Khan Academy both provide instructional
videos and hints to introduce new concepts to students. If students have additional questions, they
may ask their teacher for more instruction. They can then practice the concept, and when the
adaptive program determines that the student is ready, he or she may take a mastery assessment
about that concept. If the student masters the concept, he or she moves on to the next one. This
allows for individualized pacing. This is only one component of the math program at Pine Avenue;
teachers also provide direct instruction for either the fourth or fifth grade curriculum.

Google Suite for
Education

Many classrooms at Pine Avenue use Google
Suite for Education. This includes Gmail, Google
Classroom, Google Docs, and several other programs.
Google Docs is probably the most frequently used; it
is a word processing program with many additional
features. It saves as the author types, preventing
saving problems. It also allows students to collaborate on a document from different locations.
Google Classroom allows teachers to create assignments for students and send them to students
via Gmail. Students can also log in to their Google Classroom to get the assignment. One benefit of
using Google Classroom is students who are absent can still receive and complete the assignment
from home if they have internet access.

Digital Day

Digital Day is not an online program; it is the name that two
teachers at Pine Avenue have given to a particular type of
learning activity. When Mr. Jon Case and Mr. Mark Kemler have
a Digital Day, they provide a list of required activities and the
daily schedule, and students determine independently when
they will complete each activity. This helps students develop
time management skills, something they will need for success
in life. Because much of the day is spent using previously
mentioned online programs (in addition to several others), Mr.
Case and Mr. Kemler have titled this activity Digital Day.
These are a few of the ways technology is integrated into the
classroom at Pine Avenue Elementary. There are several other
ways that teachers integrate digital learning; this is a limited list.
However, these are perhaps the most frequently used programs.
They have diversified classrooms and opened up possibilities for our students and teachers to learn
in new ways.

www.almaschools.net | January 2017

RIT Band Math

Hillcrest Elementary has a new opportunity for students this
year called RIT Band Math. Each morning, from 8:20 to 8:55,
students travel through the halls to see their RIT Band teacher
who has designed lessons especially for their level of math
readiness. Some groups are receiving instruction in areas that
need to be caught up, some are getting a pre-teaching experience
on topics that will soon be covered in core instruction, and some
are learning concepts that are above grade level.
This 35 minutes per day allows teachers to present skills to
students that are in addition to the core math instruction they
receive in their regular classrooms. For the first session, with
a focus on Number and Operations, 72% of students showed
growth in up to 8 new skill areas.

Hillcrest Elementary Staff

Family Science Night

The groups for the RIT Band are determined by the students’ Hillcrest Elementary held and dissecting owl pellets. at our Family Science Night.
NWEA math scores within 4 main topic areas. From there, each our annual Family Science Students were able to use their Thank you to the Alma
group works on a specific set of skills that are at their level. Every Night on October 25, 2016. engineering skills to build a Elementary PTO for helping
6 weeks, students switch groups and the specific skills they are This is the third year we working catapult out of craft to fund our event. Finally,
working on. have offered this event to sticks. They also built a safety thank you to the Hillcrest Staff
The current session is focused on Operations and Algebraic our students and families. net for an egg drop experiment. members for their generosity in
Thinking, which includes solving word problems and fluency in We were very excited to host Our Family Science Night supplying many of the needed
basic facts. For basic facts practice, a web-based program called over 140 Hillcrest students was a huge success! Thank supplies for the activities and
XtraMath is being used, and students are welcome to work on who attended Science Night you to the Alma College for volunteering their time
this from home. This can be found under Fun and Useful Links with their families. Joining our Chemistry Club, Potter Park to excite our students in the
on the Hillcrest website. Science Night as presenters Zoo Outreach Program, and world of science.
Students seem to enjoy this new experience. Elliot Adam, a were the Alma College local Boy Scouts for presenting
third grader said, “I like it! I like switching and having different Chemistry Club, Potter Park
teachers. It helps you learn and prepare. One thing I’ve learned Zoo Outreach Program,
is numerator and denominator!” and Local Boy Scouts. The
Pine Avenue students are also experiencing this opportunity, Chemistry Club put on three
and are calling it Panther Period. Natalie Adams, fifth grader, presentations for our students,
said, “It’s interesting because you can learn from different capturing their attention
teachers. I like having 2 math classes a day. Sometimes when we with several experiments
are learning math in our regular class I say, ‘Oh, I remember this and reactions. Potter Park
from my other class.’ One thing I learned was how to divide with Zoo docents brought several
a 2-digit divisor.” animals, such as a snake,
Feedback has been positive from teachers as well as parents. chinchilla, armadillo, and a
Ultimately, this program will provide students with the additional beautiful owl. We learned
time they need to grasp the essentials, and help increase student a lot about the animals and
achievement! were able to touch some of
them, too. Local Boy Scouts
ran a station with various
experiments, teaching us more
about science.
Students and their families
were also very engaged in
many other science activities
hosted by our Hillcrest Staff
members. Students were
actively involved in activities
such as penny cleaning
with household substances,
experimenting with oobleck
and slime, fossil formations,
sink or float experiments,

www.almaschools.net | January 2017 PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS 5

Technology at APS

Luce Road Staff The district is getting closer login to specific sites all at
every day to reaching the once. Over 1,300 devices
Rewiring the Brain Technology Committee’s goal connect to our WIFI on a
of having a “classroom set” normal school day, passing
neuroplasticity of the brain.The to picture cards and/or letters of devices available to “any over 400Gigs of data.
Luce Road staff has dedicated as “namers” and “sounders,” teacher at any time”. The goal is Along with updated WIFI
half an hour each morning, definitions that help decipher to provide enough appropriate the district has also added a
referred to as Brain Time, to not only the difference between devices so that a teacher can significant number of new
working on these skills. During a noun card and the sound it truly integrate technology into computing devices including
this time teachers are working makes, but also the name of a their daily lesson plans, and over 150 Chromebooks and 90
with students on sitting FIRM letter along with the sound it not be held back by a lack of iPads. Thanks to funding from
As you walk down Luce (Focused Attention, Intensity makes. Students are working physical devices. In some of the recently passed bond, the
Road hallways in the morning and Emotion, Repetition, with blocks to have a visual of our buildings, our “device to district is also in the planning
you’ll hear classrooms Mental Effort) to stimulate the which sounds they hear that student ratio” is almost 93%, stages to update / upgrade
working on building their brain as they go through Rapid are alike and different and are meaning that at any given the existing phone system,
brain highways. This summer Automatic Naming cards, tapping out the sounds they time, we could have 93% of security camera system, and
all Alma Public Schools which are noun picture cards, hear in each word as they hear the students in that building data projectors at Pine Avenue
elementary teachers,were vowel cards, consonants it. “Rewiring the Brain” is a on a computing device of Elementary and Donald L.
trained in “Unlocking the cards and even word cards. very powerful way for teachers some sort. The ability for Pavlik Middle School.
Reading Code-Rewiring the This helps increase the speed to put the power of learning teachers to have immediate
Brain to Accelerate Learning”, of the neurologic synapse in the hands of the students in and almost unlimited access
providing them with a wealth system. You may also hear our classrooms! We are in the to classroom sets of mobile
devices is changing the
way that daily lessons are
delivered, and allows each
student to progress throughout
the day at their own pace and
actively engages the student in
their own progress.

The district recently As more required student
refreshed its entire WIFI testing (at the state level) is
infrastructure, including delivered “on line” only, the
170 Access Points that were district requirement for a
installed in every K-12 robust, reliable, and scalable
of knowledge about the teachers and students referring profession of building brains! classroom. This updated WIFI network is increasing
WIFI infrastructure has had every year. With the refresh of
GSRP Preschool Program immediate returns at both the the WIFI infrastructure, and the
district and classroom level. addition of more WIFI capable
Older equipment that was devices, the district is setting
Our GSRP preschool program they enjoyed a hayride out to struggling on the previous up a great foundation for all
is off to a great start! They the apple orchard to pick an WIFI system has jumped back of our students. They will be
have been busy learning daily apple, and see all the animals. to life, and may be useful technology literate, familiar
routines and how to play with They also participated in for longer than anticipated. with a number of different
others. They took a field trip Science Alive where they Teachers have noticed a devices and technologies, and
to the Anderson and Girl’s enjoyed learning about and significant improvement in be successful and engaged in
Orchard in Stanton to see how handling five different animals. WIFI connection speeds when their own learning.
cider is made. While there,
they have entire classrooms
Luce Road’s Annual Fall Festival
It was another successful brought fourteen stations with Haiti Fundraiser
Fall Festival at Luce Road on health, nutrition, and fitness “although some of our students
October 27th, despite winter possible. Students listened to information for students to In early October, Hurricane are too young to understand
trying to rush us with a little a special storytime with Emma explore and also gave each Matthew ravaged Haiti, a the true devastation of
bit of snow the day before. Ericksen from the Riverdale family an insulated grocery country still recovering from Hurricane Matthew, this is
This event was made possible Library. Fresh Pict, a band of tote. Mr. and Mrs. Beattie the devastation of a 2010 a great opportunity to talk
by the PTO and the fundraisers musicians from around the brought their beautiful alpaca, earthquake. Luce Road’s about helping others in a time
that they organize to provide state led by Patrick DeWitt, Bella, to visit everyone. Each Heidi Barnaby was inspired of need.” With the help of
these wonderful experiences brought the halls to life with student received a pumpkin to help those affected by this fellow Luce Road kindergarten
to our students. Thanks to the sounds of Celtic folk music. to take home, donated by terrible natural disaster. On a teacher, Matthew Stevenson,
the tireless planning and Frank DeFever generously Brookens Farm and delivered flyer sent home to Luce Road, who returned this summer
scheduling of our own Michele provided hayrides on his by Michael Davis and Jenny Hillcrest, and Pine Avenue from a volunteer mission trip
Ringle, this year’s festival was own tractor and trailer filled Schutt. Many middle school families, Mrs. Barnaby wrote to Haiti, boxes were placed at
better than ever. With three with festive hay bales. Pam student volunteers came to each of the buildings to collect
shorter sessions throughout Brown, funded by the Food help with stations, accompany supplies to send to those in
the day, families and students & Fitness for Families grant, students, paint faces, and help need. The collected supplies
had ample opportunities to out in the classrooms, thanks were sent to Hope for Haiti, an
participate in all events as to the organization of Deb organization whose mission is
lines were shorter and parking Goffnett. Numerous retired to improve the quality of life
was more plentiful. teachers also volunteered so of the people of Haiti, with a
There were many people that teachers could be with particular focus on children.
from the community who their students and enjoy the Thank you to all the families
volunteered their time and festival. A big thank you is who contributed. For more
effort to make this event owed to all of those who made opportunities to help, please
this such a memorable event. visit www.HopeforHaiti.com.

6 PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS www.almaschools.net | January 2017

AHS Food Service Staff DLPMS Food Service Staff

Central Office/Business Office Staff Healthy foods and beverages even Michelle Obama!). but because foods that are
are the building blocks for We believe it is important nutritious are not always our
This is the APS Team that assures everything runs smoothly children’s bodies and brains. that all students start their day children’s first choice, her job
each day. We are thankful for their problem-solving skills in Because your child is likely to alert and ready to learn. Our can be very, very difficult!
eat both breakfast and lunch School Board supports us in She is committed to finding
payroll, human resources, technology and accounting. while at school, Alma Public this belief by supporting the foods that meet the standards,
Schools follows the Michigan “Universal Breakfast” program but that are also tasty enough
AHS Custodial Staff Nutrition Standards, as well for all Preschool through 8th for children to eat! She hit a
as the USDA Federal and State grade students. homerun with the powdered
regulations. If children are not You may be thinking : sugar donuts! A careful look at
getting the nutrients they need, “But how can a powdered the nutrition label will reveal
they have a hard time staying sugar donut fit into a healthy how she worked this magic,
on task and staying alert, breakfast plan?” Very good and once you take a bite,
which may lead to difficulties question! Our food service you will never believe this is
with learning. director has to balance and a whole wheat, low fat food
report on the nutritional value choice! We are able to offer
Alma Public Schools is of all meals served in our this item as a choice on our
proud to have been one of schools. She works very hard breakfast menu once a month,
the first districts in the state to assure all foods that are and while a little messy, it is a
of Michigan to pilot the GO! served meet the guidelines, big hit with the Preschool-8th
Nutrition Standards for Schools grade population!
in 2010. In 2010, we were
one of 4 schools in the state
to be awarded the “Schools How many of us have heard the phrase “I’m hungry” from their child when they get home from
Implementing Nutrition school. I know that I have, and being the mother of 2 growing boys it can be difficult finding
Standards” grant. Since then, foods that they enjoy, that are nutritious, and that will hold them off until dinner. I usually try to
many of our buildings have include choices with high protein, and yogurt smoothies are great for this. Smoothies seem to be
a growing trend and they are quite simple to make, so I’ve included a recipe for you!

been silver or bronze award 1 cup frozen blueberries 1 cup frozen strawberries
winners for promoting healthy 1⁄2 cup pineapple juice 1⁄2 cup orange juice
life choices, and have been 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt 2 TBS Honey (optional)

recognized by the State of DIRECTIONS
Michigan and the USDA (and 1. Put berries, juices, yogurt (& honey, if using) in a blender & process until smooth.
2. Pour into 2 tall glasses & ENJOY!

DLPMS Custodial Staff An exciting part-time job is Transportation Staff Endorsements required to drive
available right in your backyard a school bus. You will start by
APS Maintenance Staff — as a school bus driver! Of • It keeps you active and riding with a seasoned driver
all the part-time employment involved in your community until you are comfortable and
The APS Maintenance/Custodial staff is a group of employees available, a school bus driver • You will be part of the Alma ready to begin your own route.
who recognize that success in the classroom starts with a well is a great option. This job has it Public Schools Team!
maintained and cleaned school. They work long days to assure all: If you love being with kids, Alma Public School
our parking lots are clear, our hallways are cleaned, and our • Deeply rewarding experiences and want to be paid to do employs three types of Bus
with students every day what you probably did for free Drivers: Route Drivers,
classrooms are ready to welcome students each school day. • Competitive pay and limited as a parent (if you’ve raised Substitute Drivers, and Trip
benefits are available children, you know all about Drivers. We also have Bus
www.almaschools.net | January 2017 • Free Training and Licensing – being a personal chauffeur!), Paraprofessional positions.
We do almost all of it for you and you are interested in part Bus Paraprofessionals ride on
(you are responsible for the time employment, we would our in-town routes to assist
cost of the background check love to chat with you about the driver with Preschool-5th
only) employment with Alma Public grade students.
• No prior education beyond Schools!
High School needed Our APS Certified Trainer Are you thinking driving a
will provide the support you bus might be an interesting
need to prepare for and obtain option for you? If you are,
the CDL Class B with P-S please give us a call or stop by
to complete an application.

PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS 7

PRIDE!IMPORTANT SCHOOL DATES

January 20th.........................................½ Day for Students Panther Country News is a publication of
February 17th........................................½ Day for Students Alma Public Schools
March 10th ...........................................½ Day for Students September 2016
March 17th ...........................................½ Day for Students
March 31st – April 7th .................................... Spring Break VOL. 3 No. 1 • Published 3 Times per Year
April 14th ........................................................No School
May 25th .............................................½ Day for Students Alma Public Schools NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
May 26th ........................................................No School 1500 N. Pine Ave., U.S. POSTAGE
May 29th ........................................................No School Alma, MI 48801 PAID
June 13th ............................................. Last Day of School
ALMA, MICHIGAN
HALF-DAY DISMISSAL TIMES PERMIT #144

Luce Road ECLC...............................................11:10 a.m.
Hillcrest Elementary..........................................11:15 a.m.
Pine Avenue Elementary.....................................11:20 a.m.
Donald L. Pavlik Middle School............................11:30 a.m.
Alma High School .............................................11:20 a.m.

Board of Education Our features on those who come alongside our APS employees to help
assure Alma Public Schools is a great place to learn and grow would
Left to Right: Mark Smoker, Eric Janko (new boardmenber - January 2017), not be complete without a sincere thank you to all the District Support
Mike Bishop, Justin Barnaby, Kathy Grace (term ending December 2016), Organizations, Boosters, Volunteers, and many many others.

Dave Justin, Kendra Overla, Art McClintic THANK YOU to:
• Alma Board of Education
Alma Public Schools Administration • Foster Grandparents of Gratiot and Isabella Counties
• Alma Elementary PTO
8 PANTHER COUNTRY NEWS • PALS
• Alma City Police Department School Liaison Officer
• Reading Buddies
• Christmas Assistance - our treasured donor and all those who shop
• Music Boosters
• Sports Boosters
• Athletic Hall of Fame
• Parent Volunteers
• Crossing Guards

www.almaschools.net | January 2017