
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.


Certified CPI Trainers Rachel Gilin, Sarah Griffore, and Kaitlynn Rousseau hosted over 60 staff from Alpena Public Schools and Atlanta Community Schools today! Staff were engaged in content regarding behavior de-escalation and methods to reduce the likelihood a student acting out.


Director of Special Education, Mary Zann, and Special Education Supervisors Ashley Peterson, Jessica Pilarski, and Lauren Grulke welcomed local district administrators and leaders for breakfast and updates on special education programs and supports.


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


Yes, it’s that time of year again…dare I say it?! There are so many ways to “be ready” for school - working on an earlier bedtime routine, picking out clothes the night before to save time; the list goes on. https://www.healthline.com/health/back-to-school-routine-tips-for-parents-and-kids
One way the AMA Great Start Collaborative works with community partners to support families as they get ready for back-to-school is through Shoe Palooza. We’ve worked for over 8 years, annually, raising funds to purchase new athletic (gym) shoes for children ages 3-12.
Please see the flyer for details, share widely, and make requests at this link: https://forms.gle/BN6eKKrry4jndxZ3A


The AMA Great Start Collaborative had the honor of sponsoring a fun family event with Jim Gill at the Brown Trout Festival in Alpena, MI last week. We danced any way we wanted to, and stopped when he said FREEZE!! Jim Gill did not disappoint in delighting adults and children for his Sing-a-thon of Celebrated Songs!
What a joy it was to see literacy building fun in action through word, song, and movement. We cannot wait to see the release of the extraordinary Video Book that children engaged in making with their families at that event!
#JimGill
#TalkReadSing
#beAMAzingGSC
#beAMAzing
#BrownTroutFestival







We are bringing Jim Gill back! We will have two shows on July 22nd - at 3 pm and 6:30 pm. Music play for families to sing, clap & dance together! After the concert, families will have the opportunity for children to create a page that can be part of our community video book project. The concert will be in the Big Tent at the Brown Trout Festival!
#AMAGSC
#TalkReadSING
#JimGill
#beAMAzing


Happy 4th of July to our community, the families and children we serve, and our colleagues.
Shout out to our partners with Dean's Transportation for another amazing job of decorating and participating in our community parade!










AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


Alpena elementary leadership teams are hard at work strengthening their positive behavior systems! They dedicated two days this summer to engage in professional learning and collaboration at the AMA ESD to have a stronger start next fall. Good work Alpena!!


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


The AMA ESD, in partnership with MAISA, held our first Math Learning Lab at Wilson Elementary. Eight teachers came together to learn and observe a math routine called Number Corner in Sarah Knoodle's 1st-grade classroom. Sarah, with support from her instructional coach, Brandie Gapske, has spent the year focused on the implementation of this daily math routine, as well as the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Mathematics. We are so thankful they were willing to open their doors for other teachers to learn from their experience and see the instructional practices in action. We look forward to hosting more Learning Labs in our districts in the years to come! #beAMAzing #MiMathEssentials




AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing


AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
