Alanson Public Schools
Community Newsletter Dear Alanson Community, I am grateful and honored to be serving as your Superintendent/K-12 Principal for Alanson Public Schools (APS). The quality of education happens when students, parents, staff and the community work together to create positive learning environments. We take great pride in our achievements and are incredibly passionate for the opportunities we are able to provide to each and every student, many thanks to you, our community, for the continued support. It’s important that our community knows who I am and why I love public education. First and foremost, I am a wife and a mother to two young children. My husband and I reside in Petoskey and are actively involved in sports, dance and community activities. I have 18+ years in public education and 12 of those have been here at APS as a teacher, principal and now superintendent! At APS, we are committed to the success of each and every student that attends our school; which includes preschool, head start, special education, elementary, middle school and high school. We are fortunate to have a strong teaching and support staff who spend their time, talent and resources for our kids to have an excellent educational experience. Yours In Education,
Rachelle Cook Superintendent K-12 Principal rcook@alansonvikings.net
winter 2019/2020
2019/2020: It’s A year for the BOOKS! The Alanson Vikings Reader Club kicked off its inaugural year, with 120 of our students receiving free, age-appropriate books. The goal was to raise enough money to fund students with a book for 9 months, at a $9 donation for each student and that goal was surpassed. Many community members, businesses, friends and families near and far donated just over $1,500. Over 1,000 new books are going home in the hands of students during the 2019-2020 school year. To learn more about the Viking Readers Program or to make a donation to continue this for years to come, please contact Alanson Public Schools at rcook@alansonvikings.net.
LIbrary refresh Literacy is so important for children & adults. It not only uses the imagination, it also opens minds to history, cultures, concepts and personal growth. We are pleased to share that our Media Center is being reopened after many years of rest. Fresh new furniture, books and a new Media Center Specialist are in place. A huge thank you to the Biardi Foundation for grant money to complete this project. Library time will be worked in for students at the beginning of 2020.
Welcome to the viking family We are pleased to welcome three new teachers to our team this fall.
Dakota Ferguson
High School Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and Algebra 3 Why do you teach? “I choose to teach simply for the kids. As a student, my teachers would always say the kids are what make their job so enjoyable and now that I am in the same position as them, I completely agree. I knew when I didn’t hate waking up in the morning every single day and dreaded going to work -- that I found my passion. My personal favorite subject is just algebra, because it can help you understand the world and see it in such a different way.” What has been your favorite thing about APS so far? “The staff has been absolutely wonderful on all levels, and not a single teacher will turn you away if you need help, it is truly like a family here.” What are you most looking forward to at APS? “Seeing these kids grow into young adults, and aspire to be whatever they set out to be.”
Kylie Hicks
K - 9th Grade Physical Education, 6 - 8th Grade Health Why do you teach? “I choose to teach because of the kids. This probably sounds cliche but it is true. I love bringing in new ideas and seeing how the students respond and to see them enjoy moving!” What has been your favorite thing about APS so far? “APS has a lot of great qualities. I think my favorite part is the staff, even on the bad days there is somebody there to give me a vote of confidence.” What are you most looking forward to at APS? “I am looking forward to being able to continue to bring in new ideas and games for the students to learn! My favorite part is being able to see all of these different grades. As a new teacher, I am happy that I get to know almost all of the students.”
Kevin Varnhagen
9th - 11th Grade Social Studies, Civics, Economics, US History, World History, Current Events and 6th - 8th Michigan History Why do you teach? “I choose to teach because I enjoy opening doors to students with the gift of knowledge. It gives me a lot of joy to see a student’s face when they get the ‘ah ha’ look and figure something out for the first time.” What has been your favorite thing about APS so far? “My favorite part of APS is the close-knit community. We all look out for one-another and help each other when needed.” What are you most looking forward to at APS? “I am looking forward to seeing APS grow in a positive way. I’ve seen students, staff and the community grow and come together multiple times in my short time here and I enjoy looking back to see the positive changes and advancements.”
Alanson Elementary robotics Mrs. Cantrell offered two sections of after school coding and robotics club this year, a beginner group for grades 2-4 and an intermediate group for grades 5-7! 32 students participate in these six-week programs, meeting weekly. Members of these cool, elite clubs used LEGO WeDo 2.0 kits, Coding on the Osmo, programmed Dash and Dot (Robots), learning the basics of coding with fun programs such as Scratch and Tynker, used LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kits, and programmed Cue (Robot). These unique experiences prepare students for future career opportunities. Over the next 10 years it is estimated that there will be 1.4 million jobs in computer sciences and only around 400,000 graduates qualified to do them. Jobs not directly linked to computer sciences - such as banking, medicine and journalism - will also be affected by the need for at least an understanding of programming and coding. “I really like robotics. I want to do it every year!” - Gabby, 3rd Grade “The WeDo kits are cool! I can make actual working projects.” - Henry, 2nd Grade
FREE lunch for all students and new food service program Our community, parents, school staff, and teachers all know the importance of good nutrition to a student’s education. We have always made it a priority to provide healthy, delicious meals for our students. The new breakfast and lunch menus have received great reviews from students and parents alike. We provide a healthy and delicious early breakfast, late breakfast, and lunch for all of our students - all FREE this year. We have partnered with Pellston Public Schools to provide the best meals and since we started, we have tripled our breakfast counts and doubled our lunch counts. “We are glad there is second breakfast! The food has met my expectations this year!” - Jasmine (Junior Class) Everyday, students have a fresh salad bar to choose from with a variety of vegetables, fruit and more. Other updates include equipment upgrades of a new stove and double oven, both which needed to be updated. Our Food Service Program is headed up by Sherry Sedore. We are pleased to welcome her and her team to our Viking Family.
The Class of 2020 Alanson is graduating another very talented class this spring! Though they have a wide variety of different interests and goals after high school, they have become a small family here. Here is a snapshot of the current graduating class’ goals and aspirations: Ashley Howard: Ashley plans to attend Lake Superior State University to study primary education. Lance Stonhouse: Lance plans to attend the United States Naval Academy to study astronautical engineering and become a fighter pilot for the United States Navy Amelia Perez: Amelia plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to study nursing. Greg Erwin: Greg plans to attend North Central Michigan College then transfer to Lake Superior State University to study electrical engineering. Michael Kline: Michael has enlisted in the United States Army as a wheeled engine mechanic. Nathan Keller: Nathan plans to enter the United State Airforce in addition to continuing his passion of playing the guitar. Alexis Sumner: Alexis plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to study psychology and then continue her education towards a Ph.D. Alexandria Boorsma: Alexandria plans to begin her education undecided at North Central Michigan College and then transfer to Lake Superior State University. Andrew Wolford: Andrew plans to enter the United States Marine Corps as a scout sniper. Isaac Kroll: Isaac plans to attend the University of Michigan and explore his options. Mason Drake: Mason plans to join the workforce in 2020. Michael Frankeberger: Michael plans to join the workforce in 2020.
7400 North Street Alanson, MI 49706
To Current Resident 7400 North Street Alanson, MI 49706
Viking Athletics We are proud to offer a variety of athletic programs. Our Freshman/JV/Varsity Sports that are offered include: Basketball
Volleyball
Baseball/Softball Golf Track Cross Country Football For more information on our athletic program, please contact our Athletic Director, Glen Pemberton, at gpemberton@alansonvikings.net.
Varsity Basketball - Home 12/16/19 vs. Harbor Light 12/19/19 vs. Harbor Light 1/7/20 vs. Mackinaw City 1/10/20 vs. NMCA 1/17/20 vs.Vanderbilt 1/20/20 vs. Detour 1/21/20 vs. Maplewood 1/28/20 vs. Boyne Falls 1/28/20 vs. Boyne Falls 1/30/20 vs. Ellsworth
5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 6:00 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30
PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
(Girls) (Boys) (Boys) (Boys/Girls) (Boys/Girls) (Boys) (Boys/Girls) (Boys) (Girls) (Girls)
View our full schedule at alansonvikings.net.
SAve The Date!
Wednesday, April 22 Friday, May 29 Kindergarten Round-Up 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Dinner served! Future kindergartners are encouraged to come, meet the teacher, see the classroom and meet their classmates!
Graduation at 6 pm in the High School Gymnasium. Congrats to the class of 2020! *This newsletter is an informational piece for our community. It is not intended for recruitment.
The Alanson School Board consists of seven elected members that serve four year terms without monetary compensation. Four of the members are graduates of APS and three members still have students in the school. As a team, they work together for the success of all the students and staff. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm in the school library. Anyone is welcome to attend.