WHY ALANSON? By Molly Jones, Journalism Advisor, and the APS High School Journalism Class

As a newcomer teacher to Alanson Public Schools and a K-12 building that shares its space with Char-Em’s Special Programs, I am learning to appreciate this micro-community that offers a unique educational experience. When asked “Why Alanson?” There is a knowing nod, a smile, and quite often a personal, heartwarming story. We are indeed a small school with a big heart. In addition to being small, Alanson is known for its welcoming spirit and its family-like atmosphere. Most days you hear a lot of laughter and even some crying in the halls of a community school building such as ours. The teachers, staff, students, other professional Char-Em staff, board members, and parents alike are ever present. People of all ages and abilities interact with one another on the playground, at lunch or in the hallways, in our building level committees, book discussions, assemblies, and staff meetings. At a K-12 community school, we are also resourceful with one another, sharing materials, insight, and strategies that may work with a particular student to meet social-emotional needs or build academic success. I love it when I receive an email asking for this or gifting that… or hear tale of a cool field trip or experiential learning opportunity that is occurring somewhere at some grade level. In addition to embracing the PBIS Framework (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), Alanson Schools takes relationship building seriously.

Teaching Journalism at Alanson High School has opened the door to engaging interactions with community members, as well. It is evident that our students feel empowered and more connected to the community as a result of so many of these personal interactions. When Alanson’s School Board President Becky Babcock visited our journalism class to congratulate them on the Community Hall of Fame Publication, many students were inquisitive of the school board’s priorities. They spoke frankly about what they appreciate about Alanson Public Schools, and the improvements that they would like to see. This conversation was the inspiration for this article, as student’s heartfelt opinions should be heard.

Senior Niyanja Swadling shared that she moved from school to school over the years. After returning from studying abroad in Germany, she moved in with her grandmother who lives in the Alanson School District. She is happy to return to Alanson after initially leaving it in the second grade. “The reason why Alanson works for me is because Alanson Schools is welcoming. You’re friends with the teachers here and get to know them personally,” she said. Swadling believes that the staff and students really want to help you for the sake of your own personal success.

Senior Michael Hendrickson echoes similar sentiments. “I’ve stayed because of the meaningful connections I have here. Despite it being taxing on my parents, they prioritized my happiness and me being with friends over saving on gas and money,” he said.

Senior Christina Midyett shares that she, too, values the small class sizes and personal relationships she has established here. “Alanson is much more fitting for my learning style because teachers are more helpful and personal,” Midyett said.

Ella Pressler, a senior, came from a bigger school in the 5th grade. She also cites better relationships with people in this community as a top priority. “I’m glad I came here because it gave me more connections with people.” she said. Pressler thinks that when conflict has occurred at Alanson, it gets dealt with and is addressed. She also feels like Alanson is a better option for her with extra-curricular activities and education. She is involved in Safe, Agriscience—a CTE program that is based here, and plays multiple sports.

Junior McKenzie Clark feels at home here, too. She is also finding her voice and much success. “It is a healthy community here and the students get more one-on-one help,” shared Clark.

You may notice that the commonality in all of this is our smallness. The smallness may just be the secret sauce. The secret may be out… We’re finding out that big is not what our students want. With smallness comes individual instruction and independence. Senior Olivia Hofbauer transferred here and likes Alanson because there are less people and she can be more independent. She also has a great relationship with the staff. “I like how I have the flexibility of classes to best meet my needs. I also like that the teachers understand how I learn best, and allow me to learn alone so that I can understand the concepts at hand,” Hofbauer said.

Senior Sara Wochoski has attended Alanson Public Schools since kindergarten, and her parents chose the school because of the small class sizes. “Because of small classes I have been able to become friends with everyone in my class and get help when I need it,” Wochoski said. “The teachers have friendly relationships with their students and make them feel comfortable and welcomed.”

Junior Troy Johnson is appreciative of the educational experience and the friendships he has made here in Alanson, but like Sara, he believes that the school would be improved with more extra curricular opportunities and a few more students. It feels limiting, at times, for these students, and they look forward to broadening their horizons at college someday.

When I see a high schooler connect with a sibling or cousin on the playground, in the hallway or at an assembly, I cannot help but smile at the community connection of a K-12 building. And from what I am reading and the students are saying, the small school may be better able to have their finger on the pulse. We all want to sustain Alanson Public Schools and see it grow, yet so many of our students remind us of just how precious it is… small.