The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This month, we’re continuing our schoolwide commitment to character development, with a special focus on the trait of Courage. Our goal is to help students grow into kind, strong, and thoughtful individuals, and Courage is a key part of this journey.

In our classrooms, we’re helping students understand that Courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking positive action despite fear. Whether it’s raising a hand in class, standing up for a friend, or trying something new, Courage shows up in many everyday moments.

Here’s how we’re exploring Courage at school:

• Daily conversations and reflection prompts that ask students to think about times they’ve been brave.
• Stories and role-playing to practice speaking up and making kind, courageous choices.
• Celebrating real-life examples of students showing Courage in small and big ways.

We believe that the development of Courage is a joint effort between the school and families. You play a crucial role in building your child's Courage at home. Here are a few ways:

• Talk about times you’ve needed Courage—even as an adult. Whether it was going to a job interview or having a tough conversation, sharing your experiences helps kids see Courage in action.
• Praise effort, not just success. Let your child know you’re proud when they try something challenging or take a risk, regardless of the outcome.
• Role-play tricky situations like saying “no” to peer pressure or asking for help when something’s hard. Practicing makes it easier in real life.

And remember: Courage grows through encouragement. Even the most minor brave steps, when recognized, can have a significant impact on a child's confidence and character development. Your recognition is a key part of our collective effort.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership in shaping the hearts and minds of our students. Together, let’s continue to foster Courage in our students.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

We are so grateful for the Alma Elementary PTO (AEPTO) and all they do to support our students, staff, and school community! Their dedication makes a huge difference every day, from sponsoring field trips, book fairs, and family engagement events to providing support for staff and enriching the student experience.

The AEPTO will host the Fun Run on May 2, 2025, with a goal of raising $65,000 to continue funding these incredible opportunities. Thank you, AESPTO, for your tireless work and unwavering commitment to Hillcrest and Pine Elementary Schools!

Below is the Hillcrest Swim Program Schedule. Your child's teacher will be sending additional information via the APS App-Rooms. Please contact the office for any questions you have.

Dear Parents and Caregivers of Alma Public Schools Elementary Children,

Happy Spring! We are excited to have your children back in school, rested, refreshed, and entering the homestretch toward summer break. I believe we notice change more acutely after an absence, and I am living this through your children. They seem taller, wiser, and remarkably mature! This past week your children faced the challenges of readjusting to sleep and wake schedules, work requirements, and the stress that comes with timelines, expectations, and mishaps. We had transportation changes and occasional breaks in water pipes due to road construction, and your children met these unprecedented challenges with grace and acceptance. I’m beaming this week with gratitude for the privilege to be present and witness this type of growth. I hope you are seeing it too and patting yourselves on the back for the resilient, brilliant children you are raising. Thank you! And as always, please do not hesitate to reach out if any need arises. While I celebrate all that has been accomplished this year in your child’s life, I remain aware of the challenges, struggles, and hard stuff that life is made of, still to come. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Anne Swan, LMSW

K-5 Counselor

aswan@almaschools.net

1st Grade Courage

2nd Grade Courage

3rd Grade Courage

4th Grade Courage

5th Grade Courage

Student of the Week and Month:

Earning Student of the Week or Month honors as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Student of the Week or Month honors:

Late Start or Early Release

Alma Public Schools will implement Late Start or Early Release Days September through May. The dismissal time for Hillcrest is 11:38 and Pine Avenue’s early release is 11:43 am. The school day at Pine Avenue will begin at 11:43 on the late start days. Please note, Late Start days are on Wednesdays and our Early Release days will be on Fridays.

February 28-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

March 12-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

April11-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

May 14-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am