ALANSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Fall 2023
CREATING A CULTURE OF POSITIVITY This summer, members of the Alanson Public School Board, Superintendent, Teachers, and Alanson Booster Club members gathered to create a culture of positivity in our school bathrooms. The hope is that students and staff look at these pockets of joy if they are having a tough day or need a little uplifting! This would not have been possible without the support from Harbor Brenn Insurance agencies and W.W. Fairbairn & Sons. Harbor Brenn gave a monetary donation for paint, stencils, and other supplies needed. W.W. Fairbairn & Sons donated paint trays, cups, brushes, rollers, tape, and other needed supplies. It truly takes a village. We are so happy to have this space beautified for our students and community!
EGG-CITING NEWS FROM THE ALANSON AGRICULTURAL CLASS Each senior in the Alanson Public Schools CTE Agriscience class is required to have an S.A.E. (Supervised Agricultural Experience). This year, seniors Mason Weidenhamer and Tavien Lucier present - M & T Fresh. Housed right outside the Agriscience Room are nine hens for this business endeavor. “Our chickens are Black Australorps and we received them last April.We have found that our chickens do not like broccoli! We get our food scraps from the cafeteria,” Mason and Tavien note. Part of the learning experience is to have a business plan. Mason and Tavien took a loan from Ms. Magill’s class of $100. They have to pay the loan back, and have made a total profit of $35 so far this year. “We received monetary & time donations from W.W. Fairbarin & Sons, the Food Corps organizations,Water Front Property Management, Ricky Weidenhamer, Home Depot, Mr. Friedriechsen, and various canisters in local businesses,” the duo shares. What have they learned so far? “They take a lot of time and effort.We have nine hens.We hatched 20. The chickens were donated by Mrs Southwell. So far, they have produced 15 dozen eggs.” Mason and Tavien have enjoyed the experience so far and look forward to providing eggs for our community.
BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS EXPANDING SERVICES One hour. Once a week. Two lives changed forever. Role models come in all shapes, ages and awesomeness! YOU could be the perfect match for a child. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (Bigs) is working to expand its services to provide trained volunteer mentors to children in the Alanson area and they need our help. Currently, Bigs’ serves approximately 95 children in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties, but the need is so much greater. For the agency to expand its services, it requires Volunteer Mentors and Funding. Please consider volunteering, donating AND advocating for our children by supporting Bigs’ efforts to raise funding and awareness. Contact Jennifer Krarup at Jennifer.krarup@bigsupnorth.com for more information.
WELCOME TO THE VIKING FAMILY!
We are grateful to welcome four new teachers to the Viking Family for the 2023-2024 school year. Amelia Krell | Middle School Special Education Teacher “I have worked with children for many years and have always enjoyed helping them learn new skills,” Miss Krell notes. “My favorite thing about APS so far is the staff! Everyone has been so kind and helpful to me.” One interesting fact about yourself that you’d like others to know? “My favorite hobby is hunting!”
Gina Bennett | Elementary 4th Grade Teacher “I teach because it is a new adventure that happens everyday,” Miss Bennett notes. “My favorite thing about APS is the welcoming of families and how we are teaching for goals with our students and building classroom community.” One interesting fact about yourself that you’d like others to know? “I have a welding certificate!”
Morgan Fulton | Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher “I teach because it’s so rewarding to see my students learn and grow everyday,” Mrs. Fulton notes. “I love that being a teacher means I can have a positive impact on all of the students that I teach. My favorite thing about APS so far is that the moment you walk into this school, you are welcomed and accepted.You are loved like family.” One interesting fact about yourself that you’d like others to know? “I Love Christmas time and Hallmark movies!” Julie Feldcamp| Elementary 1st Grade Teacher “I teach because I love working with children and young adults helping them learn,” Mrs. Feldcamp notes. “My favorite thing about APS is the small classes and community feel.” One interesting fact about yourself that you’d like others to know? “I lived in Japan for almost 4 years teaching and the Dominican Republic for 2 months working with orphaned children in a rural city.”
NEW VIKING MERCH!
Our new school store is stocked with merchandise and ready for purchase! Stock up for the holiday and winter sports season. Scan the QR Code, shop, and the order will be shipped to your home or local pick-up by a local printing company, Five Star Printing Plus. All proceeds directly benefit our students, staff, and teachers! We thank you for the support.
SCAN TO SHOP
fivestarscreenprintingplus.com/alanson-school/
APS SCHOOL BOND & SINKING FUND PROPOSAL - MAY 2024 THE NEED OF THIS BOND • Increase safety structures of building by removing deteriorating canopies over elementary wing • Replace steel doors on the elementary and middle school wing • Flooring replacements include: Carpet in Elementary/Middle School Classrooms, Library, and High School Corridor • Locker room renovations • Restroom upgrades, including partitions • Bus garage improvements to include heat to help with the longevity of our busses in the winter months.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION The Bond will bring in approximately $2.2 million dollars which will be repaid over the next 10 years. Current taxpayers pay about $9.67 per month on a $100,000 home. The tax rate is expected to increase by an additional estimated amount of $5.92 as a result of the bond proposal. SINKING FUND - $148,808 FOR AN ADDITIONAL 5 YEARS Serves as a “rainy day” fund when unexpected repairs are needed and cannot be used on normal maintenance of the building. Used to upgrade security measures and state-of-the-art technology. This is a renewal of what we already have in place. There is not an increase for taxpayers. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION To review the bond and sinking fund proposal, please visit our District website alansonvikings.net. If you have further questions, contact Rachelle Cook, Superintendent at (231) 548-2261 or at rcook@alansonvikings.net.
NEW TRAIL BRIDGE
VIKING FEST
We would like to give a huge thank you to Michigan Lake Products, Paul Swadling, Tyler Becker, Mike Becker, and Jim Cantrell for their hard work installing a new bridge on our trails! APS trails are open to the public outside of school hours and on the weekends, so get out there and explore!
The Alanson Viking Fest, a kid-friendly community carnival, returned this year to Alanson Public Schools. Parents, community members, and APS staff worked together to plan the event that allowed kids, young and old, to enjoy time with family and community in a carnival themed setting. Face painting, bounce houses, crafts, games, and food were enjoyed by all who attended. “My favorite part was the cake walk and winning prizes! The bouncy houses were fun. I got to eat all my cotton candy and I got to see my friends!” Zoey D. Money raised through this event supports Alanson Booster Club, middle school field trips, and sports.
ALANSON BOOSTER CLUB
VIKING ATHLETICS
The Alanson Booster Club It’s hard to believe that it’s already (ABC) is a parent and teacher time for the winter sports season. This year we will have Girls JV & Varsity run organization dedicated to support teachers and students, Basketball, Boys JV & Varsity Basketball, kindergarten through and youth basketball. We hope to 12th grade. ABC supports have a great season. We hope to see yearly fundraisers, Teacher you at the games. Appreciation Week, sports team needs, assemblies, and family events. Meetings are held monthly and any parent/teacher is welcome to attend. For more information on our athletic program, please contact Please email alansonboosterclub@alansonvikings.net if Athletic Director, Nikki Leech, at nleech@alansonvikings.net. interested in joining meetings. View our athletic schedule at alansonvikings.com. ABC strives to enhance and enrich the lives of the students and teachers at Alanson Public Schools.
SAVE THE DATE
Christmas Concert High School Gymnasium Wednesday, December 13 at 6 pm
Safe, Respectful, Achievers! APS Homecoming High School Gymnasium Friday, February 2nd
Dress in your holiday flare and enjoy musical entertainment by our Elementary Students. *This newsletter is an informational piece only and not intended for recruitment.
Each month, we hold a Viking of the Month Assembly. Students are selected two ways a ticket from their class bucket or selected by their teacher. Students are rewarded with an extra recess, treat or open gym time.
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