Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

On October 12, 60 participants—including School Success Team members, healthcare professionals, social workers, educators, and other community partners—came together for a free professional development session sponsored by MiFamily Region 3. Led by trained facilitator Hilary Marine, the session explored Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the HOPE Framework. Participants learned practical ways to apply HOPE in their personal lives, professional work, and organizations while building connections across the community.

Here is a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Literacy Essentials and how they connect to family engagement.

Join us for our TOT SPOT on Tuesday, October 13th.
We will be at Hillman Elementary School from 10-11:30.
This is a free playgroup for all children ages 0-5.
Please check in at the office upon arrival.

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

@beAMAzing

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

Jean and Lauren had a great time presenting and attending the 2026 Michigan Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference this week!

Their session, From Welcome to Impact, focused on designing high-quality family engagement experiences that help families feel welcomed, connected, and involved. It was wonderful to share ideas and learn from others doing this work across Michigan.

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

36 years of combined experience in education and proud to serve Atlanta Community Schools! We are excited to be part of the pack this year! #beAMAzing

Going into year 5 with AMA ESD! This year, you can find me at Alpena High School! 🐾 Proud to support our Wildcats and looking forward to another great school year filled with growth, connection, and plenty of memorable moments along the way! #Wildcatpride #beAMAzing

With a combined 78 years of experience in education, this crew is ready to support the students and staff of Alcona Community Schools. We’re excited for the new school year and can’t wait to celebrate many student successes! #beAMAzing

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Spreading HOPE Workshop in Alpena! This engaging event will provide valuable insights into adverse and positive childhood experiences, introduce the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework, and offer practical strategies for supporting children and families in our community.

Workshop Highlights:

Overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
Introduction to the HOPE Framework
State and local data points
Hands-on activities and interactive discussions
Practical applications for personal, professional, and organizational growth
Opportunities to connect with community partners
Date: October 12th, 2026 Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Location: JJ’s Event Center, 411 N 2nd St., Alpena, MI 49707

Free Continuing Education Credits Available:

Nursing Contact Hours
Social Work CEUs
SCECHS
MiRegistry Professional Development Hours
Community Health Worker hours
Register now by clicking the link in the attached flyer!

We are proud to support the wonderful students and staff at Besser Elementary again this school year! Nora Pizzino, School Psychologist; Rachel Gilin, School Social Worker; Monica Saddler, Speech Pathologist; and Audrie Spicer, Teacher Consultant....together, we have over 65 years of educational experience between us! Looking forward to an AMAzing year! #beAMAzing

AMA-ESD 31N therapist, Lauren Tallant, was able to provide so many fun and engaging activities for students at Hillman Elementary school this summer due to the generous YAC grant through Northeast Michigan Community Foundation. Just another example of how our Northeast community organizations collaborate together to provide for our students.

Family engagement is a partnership among families, students, educators and community partners built on trust, respect and common goals, so that every learner thrives.

In the first of its kind in Michigan, The Michigan Community Schools Coalition (MCSC) and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are co-hosting a statewide event to spotlight both the work of the 10 Regional MiFamily Engagement Centers and 155 community schools dedicated to building, growing, and sustaining key family engagement and partnership practices across the state.

This two-day conference will take place at The Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and offers a unique opportunity for people across Michigan to come together for shared learning and direction setting. MCSC and MiLEAP are anticipating 225 attendees, across the full family, school, and community partnership ecosystem—families, educators, district and ISD leaders, community schools and student success coordinators, local organization leaders, early literacy and out-of-school time partners, and state leaders from MiLEAP and the Departments of Education (MDE) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS)—all working together to support positive outcomes for children.

The AMA ESD Instructional Services team is ready to launch the 2026–2027 school year! Here is how we are supporting our schools:

📚 Literacy: Professional learning for elementary teachers.
🎯 Teacher Clarity: Unpacking standards and analyzing learning progressions at the secondary level.
🧸 GSRP: Early childhood training on assessments and positive behavior support.
🤖 Tech & Data: Leading local AI integration in education.
⭐ STARS: Preparing for evidence-based reading intervention.
💙 31n Therapy: Providing school-based mental health care.

Here’s to a great year ahead! #beAMAzing