September 24, 2022

Middle and High School Parents:

We are a month into the 22/23 school year and there have been many great things happening! Students are working hard, helping others, and learning! Here are a few important updates:

New Cell Phone Policy - Students are doing a wonderful job with the new cell phone policy. There have been very few instances of students needing redirection or discipline over not following the policy. Students have even commented that they appreciate not being able to access their phones so much! An especially marked difference has been seen in the middle school lunchroom where students are interacting with each other more. For more information, please read the 22/23 Cell Phone/Device Policy.

New Attendance/Grading Policy - Attendance is one of the most important factors to student achievement. Please read the updated Attendance/Grading Policy for more information about the policies for attendance including its potential impact on receiving credit for classes. Student absences must be reported to the office within 24 hours.

Houses - Houses are in full swing! Each student has been assigned to a house and has worked with their houses to design their house flag using their house colors and symbol. We will have our first official “Block Party” next Friday to introduce all houses and award points for the spirit week competition, attendance, grades, and behavior. Students of the week will also be recognized at the assembly.

Suite360 - The middle/high school will be using the MI Cares Suite360 program for social emotional learning this year. Suite360 is funded and endorsed by the State of Michigan. Families can even sign up for an account to see what their student is learning about and continue the conversation! For more information about MI Cares Suite360, please visit https://michiganvirtual.org/sel/michigan-cares/ To sign up for a family account, go to Family Suite360 Sign-up.

Suite360 Beginning of the Year Assessment - In an effort to guide support to match student needs and to track learning over the year, we will be giving students the Suite360 Beginning of the Year Assessment in the next few weeks. The questions on the assessment can be previewed here. If you would like your student to opt out of the assessment, please send an email to thomasc@alconaschools.net by 9/30/22.

Picture Retakes - December 7 from 8:15-9:30 in the high school lobby (All students should get their photo taken for the yearbook!)

Tutoring - After school tutoring is available to all ms/hs students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 5:15. Students will meet in Mr. Erickson’s room on Tuesdays and Ms. Nelson’s room on Thursdays.

ParentVue - ParentVUE allows parents and guardians access to their child’s assignments, grades, attendance, teacher emails, and more. If you don’t have access to your ParentVUE account, please email Jessica Yokom (yokomj@alconaschools.net)or call the office (989)736-8534. There is also a ParentVUE app for smartphones. Apple:https://apple.co/3k2jCka Google: https://bit.ly/2I8lpan

Classroom Libraries
Please read the Parent/Guardian Classroom Library letter about the classroom libraries found in the middle/high school. If you have any questions, please reach out!

Important Documents and Links
Bell Schedule
District Calendar
Behavioral Health Referral
Curriculum Guide
Student-Parent Handbook (For the highlights, take a look at the Student Handbook Quick Guide)
Student Concern Referral

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Christie Thomas
Middle/High School Principal
Alcona Community Schools
thomasc@alconaschools.net
(989) 736-8534

District Update - October of 2022

MS/HS Updates