The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

As your partner in your child's education, the MTSS process is implemented across the classrooms at Hillcrest and Pine Avenue. The Michigan’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a proactive framework designed to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students. It’s not a program—it’s a way of thinking and working together to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.

MTSS is built on three tiers of support:

• Tier 1: Universal Supports

All students receive high-quality instruction and behavior expectations in the general education setting. This includes clear routines, engaging lessons, and strategies that benefit every learner.

• Tier 2: Targeted Supports

Some students may need additional help in small groups. These supports are short-term and focused on specific skills or behaviors, such as reading fluency or self-regulation.

• Tier 3: Intensive Supports A few students require individualized interventions. These supports are more intensive and may involve specialists, deeper assessments, and customized plans.

The MTSS process begins with universal screening—a way to check how all students are doing academically and behaviorally. From there, educators use data to identify students who may need extra support and monitor their progress over time. If a student isn’t responding to an intervention, the team adjusts the approach. Importantly, MTSS is a collaborative system. Teachers, specialized teachers, administrators, and families work together to make decisions. Families are encouraged to share insights and ask questions—your voice matters. At its core, MTSS is about equity, early intervention, and continuous improvement. It helps schools create safe, inclusive environments where every student can succeed. To learn more, visit Michigan’s MTSS Family Fact Sheet.

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 Mr. Nevins’ classroom, fifth-grade students are engaging in meaningful math discussions, learning to collaborate and support each other’s problem-solving.