AMA-ESD staff Erin Schmanski, School Psychologist, and Morgan Meyer, Teacher Consultant, have recently completed intensive training to become certified Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) instructors. They are excited to provide evidence-based training focusing on safe de-escalation techniques and non-restrictive intervention strategies to our districts. #beAMAzing

5 days ago, Morgan Meyer
Erin Schmanski and Morgan Meyer have recently completed training to become certified CPI instructors.
AM ESD’s special education department held their monthly staff meeting at Alpena Community College this morning. Professional staff led their colleagues through training on the REED evaluation process. #beAMAzing
6 days ago, Ashley Peterson
Staff facing screen during staff meeting
Jean Kowalski and Lauren VanAlmen from the MiFamily Engagement Centers attended the Iosco Family Fun Fair this weekend, where they shared family resources with over 900 families. They also led an activity in which participants described items by touch, using adjectives to explore objects inside a box and learn about adjectives and nouns.
6 days ago, Jean Kowalski
Jean Kowalski and Lauren Vanalmen had the pleasure of participating in the Iosco Family Fun Fair this weekend.
AMA ESD Coaches Eryn Graham and Tina DenBleyker, alongside Math Consultant Mary Christensen-Cooper of Empowered Learners, continue to support special education teachers across Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta, and Hillman through ongoing, collaborative learning. In this session, teachers engaged in learning that bridges AVMR 1 and AVMR 2 by focusing on place value and identifying key student “look fors” that signal important developmental shifts between the two assessments.

At our Quarterly Special Education Networking Sessions, educators come together to deepen their understanding of AVMR 1 and AVMR 2 aligned instruction. These sessions, paired with our evening Learning Labs, are strengthening instructional practices grounded in AVMR developmental progressions. Through thoughtful reflection on student data, teachers are building a stronger understanding of where students are and how to respond with targeted, effective instruction.
9 days ago, Eryn Graham
Teachers consulting their manual to check for deeper understanding as they practice a student activity.
Teachers discuss student look fors as they practice a place value activity with bundles of popsicle sticks
A teacher practices the place value assessment using bundles of popsicle sticks
Teachers practice a place value activity with bundles of popsicle sticks
Teachers practice a place value activity with bundles of popsicle sticks
A teachers laughs as her group members practice the place value activity

❗ Think you don’t qualify for free preschool? Think again.

Michigan has expanded preschool access, and income is no longer a barrier for GSRP.

✔️ All families can apply
✔️ Programs are still no-cost
✔️ Priority may be given based on need, but everyone is eligible

📞 Call 989-278-5990 to get started
📍 Check our flyers for dates, locations, and events

You might qualify even if you didn’t before!

#BeAMAzing #PreKforAll #GSRP #HeadStart #NEMCSA

11 days ago, Danielle Hansen
AMA Area Preschool Enrollment” featuring photos of preschool children in a classroom. It announces free, state- and federally-funded preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds in the AMA area. Families are encouraged to schedule an application appointment by calling Alicia Eades at 989-278-5990. Programs are offered through local schools and NEMCSA Head Start at multiple community locations. A QR code provides more information about programs and required documents.
Preschool Registration” listing multiple 2026 registration dates, times, and locations across the AMA region, including Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta, Hillman, Herron, Sanborn, and Sunset. Programs are for children age 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026. Families can schedule an appointment by calling 989-278-5990. QR codes link to additional information and interest forms.
Join us for a free professional development session on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the HOPE Framework with trained facilitator Hilary Marine. Learn practical strategies to apply HOPE in personal, professional, and organizational settings while connecting with peers across the community. Questions: kowalskij@amaesd.org or vanalmenl@nemifrc.org
12 days ago, Jean Kowalski
Join us for a free professional development session on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the HOPE Framework with trained facilitator Hilary Marine. Learn practical strategies to apply HOPE in personal, professional, and organizational settings while connecting with peers across the community. Questions: kowalskij@amaesd.org or vanalmenl@nemifrc.org
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing
12 days ago, Jessica Pilarski
Hoggard and Smith

🎉 PreK for All is here in Michigan!

That means all families can now apply for no-cost preschool— regardless of income.

If your child will be 4 by September 1, this is your opportunity to get started.

📞 Call 989-278-5990 to schedule
📎 See our flyers for registration dates and locations

Please share to help spread the word!

#BeAMAzing #PreKforAll #Preschool #AMAESD #NEMCSA #GSRP

16 days ago, Danielle Hansen
Flyer titled “Preschool Registration” listing multiple 2026 registration dates, times, and locations across the AMA region, including Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta, Hillman, Herron, Sanborn, and Sunset. Programs are for children age 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026. Families can schedule an appointment by calling 989-278-5990. QR codes link to additional information and interest forms.
📝 What happens at a preschool registration appointment?

We help families complete the application, review required documents, and answer questions about program options and classroom locations. It takes about 20-30 minutes. The process is friendly and supportive — we’re here to help.

See the attached flyer for dates and locations, and call 989-278-5990 to schedule.
18 days ago, Danielle Hansen
Flyer titled “Preschool Registration” listing multiple 2026 registration dates, times, and locations across the AMA region, including Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta, Hillman, Herron, Sanborn, and Sunset. Programs are for children age 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026. Families can schedule an appointment by calling 989-278-5990. QR codes link to additional information and interest forms.
⏰ Preschool registration appointments are happening now across our region!

If your child will be 3 or 4 by September 1, now is the time to apply. Multiple locations and appointment dates are available.

📎 See the attached flyer for details
📞 Call 989-278-5990 to schedule

We’re happy to walk families through every step.

Please share to help us reach families across our region!
#beAMAzing #prek4all #GSRP #NEMCSA #HeadStart
24 days ago, Danielle Hansen
Flyer titled “AMA Area Preschool Enrollment” featuring photos of preschool children in a classroom. It announces free, state- and federally-funded preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds in the AMA area. Families are encouraged to schedule an application appointment by calling Alicia Eades at 989-278-5990. Programs are offered through local schools and NEMCSA Head Start at multiple community locations. A QR code provides more information about programs and required documents.
Flyer titled “Preschool Registration” listing multiple 2026 registration dates, times, and locations across the AMA region, including Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta, Hillman, Herron, Sanborn, and Sunset. Programs are for children age 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026. Families can schedule an appointment by calling 989-278-5990. QR codes link to additional information and interest forms.
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing
29 days ago, Jessica Pilarski
Hansen

🌟 Did you know preschool helps children build the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond?

Our AMA area preschool programs support:
🧠 Early learning and language
👫 Social and emotional growth
🎒 School readiness skills
🎨 Learning through play

Programs are state- and federally-funded and offered at no cost to families.

Check the flyer for upcoming registration dates or call 989-278-5990 to make an appointment.

Please share to help us reach local families!

#beAMAzing #prek4all #GSRP #NEMCSA #HeadStart

about 1 month ago, Danielle Hansen
Flyer titled “Preschool Registration” listing multiple 2026 registration dates, times, and locations across the AMA region, including Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta, Hillman, Herron, Sanborn, and Sunset. Programs are for children age 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026. Families can schedule an appointment by calling 989-278-5990. QR codes link to additional information and interest forms.
Flyer titled “AMA Area Preschool Enrollment” featuring photos of preschool children in a classroom. It announces free, state- and federally-funded preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds in the AMA area. Families are encouraged to schedule an application appointment by calling Alicia Eades at 989-278-5990. Programs are offered through local schools and NEMCSA Head Start at multiple community locations. A QR code provides more information about programs and required documents.
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing
about 1 month ago, Jessica Pilarski
harmon
A big thank you to our 31n therapists and contracted presenter who braved the ice and snow to complete the final week of their International Association for Sandtray Therapy certification! AMA ESD is proud to support this training through 31n grant funds, equipping therapists with another powerful tool to help children express feelings, build confidence, and work through challenges using the natural language of play. #beAMAzing
about 1 month ago, Meaghan Gauthier
Training participants standing in snow bank.
Training participants standing by sandtray supplies.
Join us for a free professional development session on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the HOPE Framework with trained facilitator Hilary Marine. Learn practical strategies to apply HOPE in personal, professional, and organizational settings while connecting with peers across the community. Questions: kowalskij@amaesd.org or vanalmenl@nemifrc.org

Date: June 30th, 2026
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: BJ's Catering and Event Center
990 North Center Avenue Gaylord, MI 49735
about 1 month ago, Jean Kowalski
MiFamily Engagement Center invites you to attend Spreading HOPE.

Preschool registration will still take place today, March 11, 2026, at the AMA Educational Service District. We look forward to seeing you!

about 2 months ago, Meaghan Gauthier
Preschool registration with various dates. March 11, 2026 will take place as scheduled.
Tot Spot scheduled for today (March 11th) at Hillman Elementary School is cancelled due to school closures.
about 2 months ago, Jessica Pilarski

UPDATE: Cancelled for March 11th due to school closures.

The Early On team is back in Hillman this week to host Tot SPOT playgroup! We would love to see you and your littles (ages 0-5) for open play, a fun craft, snacks, and a fun story time!

about 2 months ago, Kaitlin Gadille
Tot spot in Hillman this week!

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

about 2 months ago, Jessica Pilarski
SSW team

📣 Preschool Registration will still take place today, March 11, 2026. We look forward to seeing you!

about 2 months ago, Danielle Hansen
Preschool registration at the AMA ESD will still take place today, March 11, 2026. We look forward to seeing you!