The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

This school year, Alma Public Schools is proud to launch Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner, two research-based programs designed to deepen students’ understanding of math through hands-on exploration, visual models, and collaborative learning.

Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive curriculum that blends direct instruction with inquiry-based learning. It emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world application. Students engage with manipulatives, visual representations, and structured routines that build number sense and problem-solving skills. Bridges is designed to meet the needs of diverse learners, offering multiple entry points and scaffolds to ensure every student can access rigorous math content.

Number Corner, a key component of Bridges, is a daily skills-building program that reinforces concepts through calendar-based activities. Each month introduces new patterns, data collection, and mathematical reasoning tasks that connect to grade-level standards. Number Corner is designed to be interactive and engaging, helping students build fluency and confidence in a low-stakes, high-impact format.

Together, Bridges and Number Corner support a balanced approach to math instruction—one that values both depth and flexibility. Teachers are equipped with rich resources, embedded assessments, and professional development to ensure strong implementation. Students are encouraged to think critically, explain their reasoning, and collaborate with peers.

As we move forward with this new program, families can expect to see math instruction that is more visual, more connected, and more student-centered. We are excited about the potential of Bridges and Number Corner to transform how our students experience mathematics—and to build a foundation of skills that will serve them for years to come.

We look forward to sharing more information with you during Coffee with the Principal.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow and Ms. Jaeck

Respect Grade 1

Respect Grade 2

Respect Grade 3

Respect Grade 4

Respect Grade 5

As we begin the school year, we want to ensure every child has access to nutritious meals. While Michigan has not yet finalized its state budget, students will receive free breakfast and lunch through September 30, 2025. After that date, meal eligibility may change depending on state funding.

To prepare for any changes and ensure your child continues receiving meals, we strongly encourage all families to complete the Household Information Report as soon as possible. This form not only helps determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals—it also directly impacts our school’s Title I funding.

Title I funds support essential programs like reading and math interventions, classroom resources, and additional staff to help students succeed. When families complete these forms, it strengthens our ability to provide high-quality instruction and support for all learners.

You can complete the form online at the link provided below, or reach out directly to our Food Services Coordinator:

Grace Kaczorowski

(989) 466-7529

gkaczorowski@almaschools.net

Thank you for partnering with us to support every child’s success—your action makes a difference.

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:

In Mrs. Benjamins' classroom, first-grade students are engaging in meaningful Science hands-on activity about bird beaks and how they eat food. In Ms. Krejcik-Schmitt art class, students celebrated International Dot Day this week. This art holiday celebrates beginning artists who are encouraged to just make a mark (like a dot) and see where it takes you! Be sure to check on The Dot book and The Dot song on youtube.com