In a delightful blend of education and community engagement, Jean Kowalski, Family Engagement Coordinator for Region 3, recently spent a vibrant afternoon at Knaebe's Apple Farm alongside homeschool parents from the COP Great Start Collaborative. This gathering not only celebrated the beauty of autumn but also fostered connections among families dedicated to innovative learning.
Knaebe's Apple Farm provided a perfect backdrop for a day filled with laughter, learning, and connection. The farm, known for its amazing orchards and family-friendly activities, offered a unique opportunity for homeschool parents to gather, share experiences, and learn about the apple orchard and its products.
During the visit, attendees participated in apple picking, where children eagerly selected their favorite fruits, learning about the growing process and the importance of agriculture. The experience served as a practical lesson in science and nutrition, reinforcing the value of hands-on learning. Families also enjoyed a wagon ride and explored the farm's various attractions, creating cherished memories that extend beyond the classroom.
Events like this are vital for building relationships among families. They provide a space for parents to share resources, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes together. #beAMAzing
Today, Early Learning Instructional Coaches, Eryn Graham and Tina DenBleyker, teamed up with Special Education Teachers from Alcona, Atlanta, Alpena, and Hillman for the AVMR (Add+VantageMR) Quarterly Networking Meeting, facilitated by instructor Mary Christensen-Cooper. Together, the team reviewed student assessments, applied theoretical learning to practice coding students' mathematical constructs, discussed how to incorporate AVMR into IEP goals and objectives, and collaborated on instructional planning. It was a day of meaningful dialogue and collective growth, all in the service of supporting student success in mathematics! #beAMAzing
Join us for TOT SPOT at Hillman Elementary. Wednesday, October 9th at 10-11:30 am Please check in at the Elementary School Office with identification. TOT SPOT is a playgroup for children 0-5 years old. We look forward to seeing you there.
Did you know that learning to eat is the first step in learning to speak? Kim Wesaw (Speech Therapist) and Dr. Jamie McClintic (Occupational Therapist) have been working together for the past 21 years helping young children in our service area achieve these two critical milestones. If you have questions, you can visit them at any of our local Tot Spot Play groups!
Join us for TotSpot in Alpena tomorrow, October 2nd.
We look forward to seeing you at this playgroup for children 0-5.
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
AMAESD is hosting a Developmental Assessment Clinic (DAC).
If you have a child 0-3 and are concerned about their development in any area, please call to schedule an appointment for November 7th.
Call Jessica Bauer, AMAESD Early On Coordinator at (989) 354-3101 ext. 222
Join us tomorrow for TotSpot in Alpena. We hope to see you at this play group for children ages 0-5.
AMA ESD and Great Start Collaborative are hosting an in-person Youth Mental Health First Aid training on October 11th. This additional opportunity came about through the Northeast MiThrive workgroup survey of the region and is being offered in response to Alpena area agency interest. Adults working with or caring for youth are encouraged to attend this no cost opportunity, to increase availability and quality of mental health support in our communities. See flyer for details!
#Partners in Prevention
#MiTrhive
#beAMAzing
Literacy Coaches from AMA and Alpena Public Schools are participating in the MAISA Virtual Coaches Kickoff this week. The focus of these days is on the K-3 Essential Instructional Practices and the Essential Coaching Practices developed in partnership with researchers and MAISA's Early Literacy Taskforce. #beAMAzing #michiganliteracy
Suicide Awareness Month is a dedicated time to promote mental health and prevent suicide by increasing awareness and providing support. During this month, the Hillman Students Leading Students (SLS) actively promoted mental health by organizing a spirit week and setting up a table during the lunch periods. They distributed pens, stickers, bracelets, and chapstick to raise awareness. Our AMA ESD 31n Therapist, Kass Showalter, was an active supporter of this cause. The students are working hard to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness here at Hillman Jr/Sr High. #beAMAzing
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
Pied Piper Esports team was featured in the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) headlines. Check out the article, "Embody Inclusivity & Innovation: Pied Piper School’s Esports Story " using the link below:
https://massp.com/news/embody-inclusivity-innovation-pied-piper-schools-esports-story
AHS Special Education Teacher Consultant and AMA ESD staff formally thanked ACES Principal and AHS Athletic Director, Jon Studley, this morning for recognizing the importance of having a single space dedicated to Special Education. He graciously suggested that the Athletic Office move to another location in the high school to allow the AMA ESD staff to all be centered in one office suite. This change has created a central location for collaboration and ease of use for SE students and staff. We are so excited by the new space and opportunities! Thank you so much, Jon!! #beAMAzing
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
Special Education administrators from AMA ESD attended their state conference, MAASE Summer Institute Monday-Wednesday this week. The institute provides professional learning opportunities via a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and attorney panels on topics related to special education and methods to improve practices for all students. Pictured from left to right: Lauren Grulke, Mary Zann, Ashley Peterson, and Jessica Pilarski. #beAMAzing
A group of instructional coaches from Alpena Public Schools and Alcona Community Schools joined our AMAESD Director of Instruction, ELA Specialist, PreK Early Childhood Specialist, Special Education Teacher Consultant,and our two new Early Learning Coaches for 4 great days of learning focused on Math and Literacy. It was an honor to have one of our AMA coaching stories told, and future work focused on school readiness for coaching, highlighted during the Literacy days as well. We are ramped up and excited for a new school year supporting teachers across the AMAESD! #beAMAzing!
We're incredibly proud of our Special Education Supervisor, Ashley Peterson, who had the honor of presenting at MAASE today! Ashley presented to supervisors from across the state, shining a light on the progress we've made for students with disabilities and the work still ahead.
