ALANSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
New ADA-compliant playground: A safe and inclusive space for everyone
Alanson Public Schools (APS) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand-new, community-focused playground - a vibrant space designed for both fun and accessibility. This playground replaces the previous structure, which had long served our community but had become outdated, worn, and in need of significant repairs. It was clear that to continue offering a safe and engaging space for our students and community members, an upgrade was essential.
This new playground goes far beyond aesthetics. It was designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, can participate in play. Featuring ADA-compliant ramps, accessible swings, and equipment that supports children of varying physical capabilities, the playground is now a welcoming environment for everyone. Not only do our students enjoy this dynamic new space, but the playground has become a cherished gathering spot for families and community members after school hours. We are incredibly proud of this transformation, which reflects our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for all.
New gym ready for action
After obtaining unanimous board approval in spring 2023, construction of the new gym floor began on June 3, 2024. Alanson Public Schools enlisted the services of Floor Care Concepts to complete the project. This was not a typical resurfacing; it involved a complete tear-up and redo of the floor. The project also included new trim all the way around, new crash pads, and a wider selection of floor colors. It took some time for the Board of Education to decide on the preferred designs, but they ultimately reached an agreement. This was a costly upgrade, but it was much needed for our Viking Athletes and physical education classes. The floor and all finishing touches were completed just before our 2024-25 Open House.
Volleyball coach and physical education teacher Kylie Hicks said: “The new gym floor has been an awesome upgrade to our school! The volleyball girls have taken a lot of pride
in playing on this new court. All students have been very respectful and share the same excitement that we do. There will be lots of memories made playing on the new floor!”
We are very proud and excited to see all our sports teams hit the new gym floor this 2024-25 school year!
KARRIE ABBITT, HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER
Why do you teach? I became a teacher because I want to help my students achieve their goals and dreams. Teaching is a responsibility that I hold dear to my heart and I love guiding my students to become ambitious, lifelong learners. What subject(s) do you teach at APS? I teach high school mathematics: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Personal Finance, and Math Interventions
What are you most optimistic about, starting your career at APS? I am very excited to be here at Alanson School. It’s been a lot of fun meeting all my students and their families. The staff here at APS has been so welcoming and helpful. I am looking forward to serving this school and being a part of the APS community. What is one interesting fact about yourself that you’d like others to know? I was a civil engineer before I was called to teaching. I have worked in Illinois and Michigan building roads and bridges.
ANNA ANTAL, MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER
Why do you teach? To make connections with students and teach them that when life throws you hard times, you can persevere and get through them, whether that is in math or everyday life. Life is all about learning through hard times and I hope to teach my students that!
What subject(s) do you teach at APS? Middle school math.
What are you most optimistic about, starting your career at APS? Getting to know my students and teaching so many different ages!
What is one interesting fact about yourself you’d like others to know? I grew up spending my summers and winters in northern Michigan and always knew we wanted to make it our permanent home. We are so glad to finally be here!
TYLER BENSON, HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
Why do you teach? I believe that all my students have a song to sing, and my passion is to help them find their voice, find their song and give their greater gifts in service to the world.
What subject(s) do you teach at APS? High School Social Studies and Leadership.
What are you most optimistic about, starting your career at APS? Making strong and meaningful relationships with my students as well as my co-workers. I’m excited to be a part of a team again and a part of the Viking family!
What is one interesting fact about yourself that you’d like others to know? I am a published author of 10 children’s books based on my adventures in the United States Coast Guard.
DOROTHY FIFER, MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Why do you teach? I love being a part of students’ growth, academically and personally. I truly love coming to work every day and tell my students how happy I am to be here. I stayed home with my children for one year and I made sure I was still teaching my children during that time. I missed being in a classroom, being part of a school community and am so happy to be back in the game!
What subject(s) do you teach at APS? Middle school special education
What are you most optimistic about, starting your career at APS? I have already loved the community. The other teachers, parents, and culture that is created here are so welcoming.
What is one interesting fact about yourself you’d like others to know? I went to school and grew up in Petoskey!
SAMMI LORUSSO, FIRST GRADE TEACHER
Why do you teach? I want to help grow children into becoming good citizens and develop a love for learning. What subject(s) do you teach at APS? I teach first grade at APS. First grade is my favorite grade!
What are you most optimistic about, starting your career at APS? What I am most optimistic about starting my career at APS is how much growth I will see in myself. There are some amazing educators in this building and I cannot wait to collaborate and learn from them.
What is one interesting fact about yourself that you’d like others to know? This is my fifth year teaching! I grew up in Petoskey and graduated in 2016 from Petoskey High School. I was also enrolled in the Early College Program and so I graduated with my Associate’s Degree from NCMC in 2017 and went on to pursue my elementary education degree from CMU. I started my teaching career in Sault Ste. Marie, MI teaching first grade for three years. After being homesick, I moved back and taught third grade at East Jordan Elementary. And now I am here at APS back in first grade and I am so excited for this year!
New book vending machine unveiled!
Alanson Public School is thrilled to announce the addition of a new book vending machine, made possible through the Michigan S.T.O.P program.
S.T.O.P (State Trooper Outreach Partnership) focuses on mentorship and outreach to foster a stronger community. Dedicated efforts from a teacher in grant writing and community engagement brought the vending machine to fruition. Students in grades K-12 can earn a book each month by demonstrating qualities of Safe, Respectful, and Achiever. This initiative not only promotes literacy but also encourages positive behavior, creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for all.
FoodCorps’ cooking challenges create tasty competition among students
Cooking challenges started in the 2023-24 school year after Ms. Bennett (4th grade teacher) came to Ms. Cassidy Hough, FoodCorps rep, and said that she wanted to teach her students how to cook. FoodCorps’ goal is to help kids “experience the joy and power of food.” In order to do that, FoodCorps is constantly working to get kids to try new foods. There were a lot of picky eaters in Ms. Bennett’s class last year, and they found that they were not very interested in eating the things that Cassidy brought them. So instead, they tried a different approach, and found that kids are much more likely to try a bite of something if they make it themselves. That got most kids on board, but there were still a few kids who needed an incentive. So, they decided to design a competitive cooking challenge.
They put kids in teams at the beginning of the year, and every month those teams would have to work together to cook the best variation of whatever dish they were making. Ms. Bennett and Cassidy would walk them through each step and they would follow along with their teams. With every dish made, there was an opportunity for customization.
At the end, Cassidy sampled everyone’s dish and declared a winner for that month. However, Cassidy would only try a bite of the team’s dish if every member of their team also tried a bite. This proved to be a great way to incentivize students to try new foods, as they did not want to let their team down.
At the end of every competition Cassidy would announce the winners of “best dish,” as well as the winners of “best restaurant”which was given to the team that worked best together and presented their dish in the most professional and creative way. This was where teamwork and creativity were awarded.
This year, the cooking challenges have started again with the new 4th grade class. FoodCorps underwent some large budget cuts, so Cassidy was unsure if she would be able to fund the cooking challenges for another year, but Ms. Bennett stepped up and fundraised so that her class would be able to learn to cook the same way as last year’s students. We have just completed this year’s first cooking challenge, where we had students create their own quesadilla recipe!
Congratulations to the 4th grade winning students: Virginia McGarey, Dominic Sidell and Hunter Volz!
A heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to Petoskey OfficeMax
Thanks to OfficeMax in Petoskey’s generous grant of over $2,000, our dedicated staff at Alanson Public Schools had the opportunity to stock up on essential supplies. With these resources, our teachers can continue to support and inspire our students, ensuring they remain focused and equipped for success. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution to our school community.
G rant awarded for hoop house project
Alanson Public Schools received a $42,000 grant from the Eaton Regional Education Service Agency, which includes $17,000 specifically for our new hoop house! This project will enhance our horticulture program and provide valuable hands-on experience for students.
Horticulture teacher Donna Magill has also applied for a $6,500 grant from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation to complete the heating system. We are grateful for Mrs. Magill’s commitment to the program and her
dedication to our Alanson students.
A big thank you to Matt Chamberlain from Chamberlain Painting and Building for leveling the area for the hoop house and teaching our students essential skills. We also appreciate students Alex Sumner, Nikita Swadling, Daniel Osier, and Owen Pressler for volunteering to assist the Nifty Hoops team with construction. Mrs. Magill is also seeking additional funding to relocate plumbing and electrical systems.
Our Horticulture students will gain practical experience in greenhouse management while supplying the cafeteria with fresh vegetables throughout the year. This will enhance meal quality and promote healthy eating among our students.
Sidewalk messages of kindness greet students, staff
The Alanson Booster Club (ABC) gathered the night before school began for the 2024-25 school year. They chalked the walks to greet students and staff, reminding them how each person is important, to be kind to one another, and that great learning awaits thru the doors! ABC is a group of parent and staff volunteers that put together fun events for all who attend APS, as well as supporting field trips, teacher appreciation week, and more. Any parent or teacher/staff member is welcome to join. Follow the boosters on Facebook (Alanson Booster Club), or attend a meeting the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the school’s library.
*This newsletter is an informational piece only and not intended for recruitment.
7400 North Street Alanson, MI 49706
To Current Resident
7400 North Street
Alanson, MI 49706