
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
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AMAESD Special Education staff were able to spend time in the learning zone deepening their knowledge in special education legal topics & updates. Pictured from left to right: Ashley Peterson (SE Supervisor), Lauren Grulke (SE Supervisor), Mary Zann (Director of Special Education), Jessica Pilarski (SE Supervisor), and Morgan Meyer (TCTA).


Join us for TOT SPOT at Hillman Elementary Library on Wednesday, February 12th at 10-11:30 am. TOT SPOT is a playgroup for children 0-5 years old. We look forward to seeing you there


Representatives from Alpena, Alcona, and Atlanta school districts, along with AMA staff, participated in the MiMTSS Dyslexia Summit watch party on January 31, 2025, to deepen their understanding of dyslexia. Together, they explored how to identify its characteristics, assess effectively, and align interventions for the needs of all readers. The Literacy Essential Instructional Practices continue to serve as a strong foundation for helping every student become a confident reader and writer.



Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference Returns to Alpena on August 6, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v4DN7gmhjAo
Alpena, MI– The Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference returns to Alpena Community College on August 6, 2025, offering educators, technology specialists, and industry leaders a day of collaboration on technology-driven teaching strategies.
This year’s keynote speaker is **Mark Lyons**, Instructional Technology & STEM Integration Program Director for Saginaw ISD and Region 9 Director of REMC. With over two years of national presentations on AI in education, Mark brings expertise from his background as a Special Education teacher and his work in STEM integration. He holds degrees from Saginaw Valley State University and Central Michigan University.
Beyond education, Mark co-founded "All Music Is Power", a nonprofit promoting inclusive music education, and serves as a Chapter Leader for **Makers Making Change**, which supports economic and social inclusion for people with disabilities.
The conference will feature hands-on workshops, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed to help educators integrate technology effectively. A "call for speakers" will be announced soon, inviting educators and innovators to contribute their insights.
Supported by Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District, REMC, and the MiSTEM Network, the event aims to provide valuable professional development for educators.
For updates, contact:
Ashlie O’Connor
oconnora@amaesd.org
AMAESD

On January 30, 2025, the Aplex in Alpena was abuzz with excitement as families gathered for a vibrant and engaging community event centered around family engagement and resource sharing. The event, designed to foster connections and provide valuable information to families, featured a series of interactive tables hosted by various community family resources.
The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with parents, children, and community members eagerly exploring the many offerings available at the interactive tables. Stations were thoughtfully designed to provide hands-on experiences and valuable insights into the resources and services available to families in the community.
Among the highlights of the event were tables hosted by local educational organizations, health service providers, and community groups. Families had the opportunity to participate in creative activities, receive information and learn about programs tailored to support children of all ages.
The event also served as a platform for families to connect with one another and build a stronger sense of community. Organizations exchanged tips, shared experiences, and discovered new ways to support children’s growth and development. The Family Resource Center, Family Engagement Center and Literacy Hub provided crafts and games for the children and shared cookies, which displayed a QR code for a survey that will serve to help create family engagement programs in Region 3 which includes AMA ESD, COP ESD, COOR ISD and IOSCO RESA.
The family engagement event at the Aplex proved to be a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of family life.



Thank you @AllysonApsey for your gift to a lucky Hillman High School classroom! Allyson spoke at the fall symposium that the AMA ESD hosted for local school districts and gifted a lucky teacher a free speaking event for her students!
Allyson shared her inspirational writing journey and gave each student a signed copy of her children's book, "The Princess of Serendip." Hillman students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and many were excited to give the books to their siblings for Christmas!


Alcona Elementary School was featured in the newsletter published by Western Michigan University titled, High Impact Leadership for School Renewal! This article highlights the ROAR room and the impact it is having on students' social, emotional, and behavioral success. The team's commitment to the overall well-being of students is inspiring! Read the full article at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GZSsFMxuQVtbDCCs3rYIifdDRsssrvAP/view?usp=sharing

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


Join us at Alpena County Library on Wednesday, February 5th for TOT SPOT. Open to all children ages 0-5. We hope to see you there from 10-11:30 a.m.


Good morning! Tot SPOT at Alpena Library is canceled today due to Alpena district schools closing - Wednesday, January 29th. We will see you again in Alpena on February 5th!
Take some time to hug your little ones today and tell him/her what makes you so proud of them! #smiles

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


Join us for TOT SPOT at Alpena County Library on Wednesday, January 29th at 10-11:30 am. TOT SPOT is a playgroup for children 0-5 years old. We look forward to seeing you there


Parents, caregivers, childcare providers, teachers, and family support staff: Join us for our annual, virtual, Early Childhood Conference - Building Blocks for Kids, Birth to Five, on February 22nd!
We are so excited to host our Keynote, Susan MacDonald! Find out more about her here: https://inspiringnewperspectives.com/about/
Register at https://miregistry.org/, and see the email on the flyer for additional support.
Thanks to our dedicated partners Great Start to Quality Northeast Resource Center, @CheboyganOtsegoPresqueIsleParentCoalition, @COOR/Iosco Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition.


AMA Great Start Collaborative is bringing Early Literacy tips and parent-child activities together through our Birth to Five Home Libraries nights.
Each eligible family will take home a mini-library of high-quality books for their 0-5 children.
Register here, ASAP, to ensure a spot: https://forms.gle/a4htthfy12LpxZnFA. Questions? Call 989-354-5366.
Please share this opportunity with families of children ages birth to five!


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


CANCELLED: Due to school closure, TotSpot will be cancelled on January 22nd. We look forward to seeing you on February 19th at Alcona Elementary School.


AMA START trainers Katelyn Dusdal & Audrie Spicer facilitated the final day of a 3 part training series focused on evidence based practices for students with Autism.


