October 2024 APS Superintendent Update
October 7, 2024
Strategic Plan: Academics & Programs
On October 25th, students will have a half-day of school. In the afternoon, our teachers and administrators will participate in Professional Development (PD). But what exactly is PD? In education, PD refers to the specialized training that helps our staff enhance their skills and teaching methods. Our goal is to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of instruction.
What’s happening during PD on October 25th?
6-12 Math Teachers will receive training on our new math curriculum.
Other 6-12 staff will focus on assessment strategies and best practices.
K-5 Teachers will spend three hours on Teacher Clarity, focusing on learning targets in Benchmark Advance. They’ll also receive updated Teacher Clarity books, funded through our Title II federal funds.
What is Title II?
Public schools receive a mix of local, state, and federal funding. "Title" funds are federal, and Title II funds specifically aim to improve the quality of educators and school leaders. The purpose of Title II is to:
Increase student achievement in line with state standards,
Enhance the effectiveness of teachers, principals, and school leaders,
Boost the number of highly effective educators, and
Provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers and leaders.
This year, Alpena Public Schools (APS) received $126,186 in Title II funds to support professional development initiatives.
Social Media Headaches: The Importance of Family and Community Partnerships
Last Friday, spread by students and adults, wild and unfounded rumors of a safety concern at the Junior High spread like wildfire across social media and our community. This wave of misinformation caused significant stress for our students and staff.
I’m asking everyone—adults and students alike—before you share anything about the safety of our schools you come across on social media, take a moment. Please, please, please contact the authorities or the school first. When you share without verifying, you become part of the problem, not the solution. Let’s work together to keep our community informed, not fearful.
