January 7, 2025
Welcome Back!
Happy 2025! I hope everyone is well-rested and ready to finish the first semester strong! Yes, it is hard to believe, but we are rapidly approaching the halfway point of the school year!
NWEA Testing
NWEA Winter testing begins this week for our elementary school students. These assessments help us track student progress in math and reading.
Our teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators analyze the data in several ways:
Individual student level: To tailor instruction to meet specific needs.
Grade level, building, and district levels: To identify trends and areas for improvement.
We use this information to adjust and improve instruction, make curriculum updates, and plan for necessary changes in instruction, curriculum, and resources for the next school year.
2025-26 School Calendar (Click for downloadable PDF)
We are pleased to share the 2025-26 School Calendar with you. You can view the calendar here or on our website at www.alpenaschools.com. You can also read below about how our calendars are created in partnership with our Alpena Education Association HERE.
I may as well get this out there now, so you have time to prepare. Next year’s Winter break will be 10 business days (two weeks), but the following year, 2026-27 Winter break will be 7 business days (one and a half weeks). These changes occur because of the shifting days of the week upon which a holiday falls.
Strategic Plan Summit in February
This February marks one year since we began reviewing our Strategic Plan. Last year, a diverse group of 54 people—students, parents, staff, community members, and board members—came together to discuss the district’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
At the end of February, we will come back together to share our progress and, most importantly, to gather your input on our next steps.
We want you to be part of this important summit. Your voice and perspective are essential as we shape the future of our district. Stay tuned for more details and an invitation to join us!
