March 27, 2024
Alcona Middle/High School Families,
As we head into spring, here are some important updates for families:
Schedule requests: All 9th-11th grade students have completed their schedule requests for the 24/25 school year. These sheets should be discussed with parents/guardians, signed, and returned ASAP. Students who are registering for a college class will have additional paperwork to return. 8th graders will be bringing home schedule requests soon!
Early College Program: The application period for 10th grade students to join the Alcona Early College Program is open until April 8. This program allows students to take college classes for free during their 5th year with a potential to earn an associates degree. Applications can be found here.
State Testing: State testing season is upon us! All students in grades 6th-11th will be taking one or more state mandated tests in April. Here is the general schedule for testing:
Grade | Thursday, April 11 | Tuesday, April 16 | Thursday, April 18 |
6 | M-STEP | M-STEP | None |
7 | M-STEP | M-STEP | None |
8 | PSAT 8 | M-STEP | None |
9 | PSAT 9 | None | None |
10 | PSAT 10 | None | None |
11 | Workkeys | SAT | M-STEP |
Most testing will take place in the morning. Students with accommodations will test over multiple days. As most of the tests are now completely digital, it is very important that students bring a fully charged Chromebook to school on the day of testing. Failure to do so will cause a delay in testing that will result in lost classroom time for the student. It is also essential that students attend school on the days that they are scheduled to test. Students should get plenty of sleep the night before testing. Michigan’s Education Assessment System: What it is, What it Means, and What it Offers has an overview of all of the state required assessments and links to preparation sites that students can use before testing. State Superintendent Spring 2024 State Testing Letter also has information about testing.
MIPHY Survey: Alcona Middle/High School will be administering the Michigan Profile for Health Youth Survey to 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students during the week of May 6, 2024. This research survey, supported by the Michigan Department of Education, will ask students about healthy behaviors and attitudes related to nutrition, physical activity, injuries, tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use. The survey is completely anonymous and voluntary. For more information including directions on how to opt out of the survey for your child, please view the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth Parental Notification Form.
Book Recommendation: Struggling to understand why your teen or pre-teen is acting the way they are? Check out The Emotional Lives of Teenagers to learn more about your child’s “intense and often fraught emotional lives--and how to support them through this critical developmental stage.”
Important Upcoming Dates:
April 6 - FFA Maple Syrup Celebration Day (9-2)
April 8 - Early College Applications due
April 10 - ½ day for students
April 24 - OK2Say Presentation
May 6 - MIPHY survey for 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students
May 8 - ½ day for students
May 8 - Senior Awards Night (7-8:30)
May 24 - Graduation (7-8)
May 27 - No school -Memorial Day
Important Links:
Breakfast/Lunch Menu
23/24 Bell Schedule
23/24 Student and Family Handbook
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Christie Thomas
Middle/High School Principal
thomasc@alconaschools.net
(989) 736-8534