Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District

We’re proud that Ashlie O’Connor, AMAESD’s Instructional Technology and Data Specialist, was recognized for her leadership in scholastic Esports across Michigan. As a board member of the Michigan Scholastic Esports League (MSHEL), Ashlie helps expand opportunities for students to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, and digital citizenship through competitive gaming.

Ashlie also coaches Pied Piper Esports in the Unified League, creating inclusive opportunities for students of all abilities to compete, build confidence, and experience the excitement of representing their school community.

Thank you, Ashlie, for your commitment to innovation, inclusion, and meaningful student engagement!

5 months ago, Meaghan Gauthier

Ashlie O'Connor holding recognition award

🌟 Join Us for the Spreading HOPE Workshop! 🌟

What if we focused not only on what can go wrong in childhood—but also on what helps children thrive?

The Spreading HOPE Workshop introduces participants to the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework and explores how positive childhood experiences can promote resilience, healthy development, and long-term well-being.

This interactive training is designed for educators, childcare providers, social workers, healthcare professionals, community partners, parents, and caregivers who want to better understand the impact of both adverse and positive experiences in a child's life.

📅 June 30, 2026
🕤 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 BJs Catering & Event Center, Gaylord
Topics include:
✅ Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
✅ Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
✅ The HOPE Framework
✅ State and local data
✅ Practical applications for families, professionals, and organizations
✅ Community connections and resources

🎓 Free Continuing Education Available

📲 Register using the QR code on the flyer or use this link: https://forms.gle/Xd1hcXvT1nEG7AsaA

We hope you'll join us as we work together to spread HOPE throughout our communities! 💙

5 months ago, Jean Kowalski

The MiFamily Engagement Center Region 3 invites all K-5 AMA ESD families to participate in a free, family-focused movie night on August 14th, 7:30 – 10:30 PM at the Alpena Band Shell. This is an informal opportunity for school staff and families to connect, meet next year’s teachers, socialize, and share important school information while fostering strong relationships for the year ahead.

6 months ago, Jean Kowalski

👋 We’re out in the community sharing exciting news — PreK for All!

Stop by one of our summer events to learn how your family can access no-cost preschool, no matter your income.

📍 Check the events flyer to find us
📞 Or call 989-278-5990

We’d love to connect and answer your questions!

#BeAMAzing #PreKforAll #NEMCSA #GSRP #HeadStart #SummerEvents #Alpena #Alcona #Montmorency

6 months ago, Danielle Hansen

Flyer titled “Let’s Talk Preschool: Find Us at Community Events” listing family-friendly events across the AMA area from March through September 2026. Events include library nights, festivals, park activities, fairs, and community celebrations in Alpena, Alcona, Ossineke, Harrisville, and surrounding areas. The flyer encourages families to meet preschool staff, ask questions, and learn about preschool enrollment opportunities. Contact information and preschool program logos are included.

Educators in Alpena, Montmorency, and Alcona Counties - Do you have an innovative idea or practice you would like to share with other educators? If so, please submit a proposal to teach a breakout session at HSET in August! Either use the QR code on the flyer or follow this link, https://forms.gle/8hbyY844kMRVAio4A.

6 months ago, Meaghan Gauthier

On May 1st, the AMA ESD welcomed several parents into Kerri McCrimmon's Early Childhood Special Education classroom to learn about fine motor skill progression from Dr. Jamie McClintic (Occupational Therapist). The content included the importance of early skill development along with specific activities for home to help develop strength and coordination for school readiness. The parents were extremely engaged and asked wonderful questions. Bringing professionals alongside parents to work collaboratively is such a powerful part of this program.

6 months ago, Jamie McClintic

Dr. Jamie McClintic at the smart board presenting to a group of parents sitting in classroom chairs.

Calling all educators in Alpena, Montmorency, and Alcona Counties! We hope to see you at the Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference in August!

6 months ago, Meaghan Gauthier

Flyer for Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference on August 6, 2026 at Alpena Community College

Michigan families and community members are invited to a conversation about healthy births, families, and communities.

Perinatal Collaborative Region 2 & 3
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The Aplex 5:00 to 7:00 pm
701 Woodward Ave| Alpena, MI

6 months ago, Jean Kowalski

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

6 months ago, Jessica Pilarski

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

6 months ago, Jean Kowalski

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

6 months ago, Jessica Pilarski

Jean Kowalski, MiFamily engagement coordinator, and Lauren VanAlmen, MiFamily engagement and literacy coach, attended the Harrisville District Health Department No. 2. Mini Health Fair on Wednesday. They shared valuable resources with members of the Harrisville community and engaged in meaningful networking with both attendees and fellow participants at the fair.

6 months ago, Jean Kowalski

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

6 months ago, Jessica Pilarski

AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things

#beAMAzing

6 months ago, Jessica Pilarski

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

7 months 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

7 months 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.

7 months 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.

7 months 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

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

7 months 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.

7 months 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