ACS District Newsletter

November 27, 2024

Superintendent's Message

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to all our families for a safe, relaxing, and joyful time together. Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on what we cherish most, and I am deeply grateful to lead a district filled with extraordinary staff members who go above and beyond each day to provide phenomenal educational opportunities for every student. I am equally thankful for our outstanding students and the supportive parents who contribute so much to our school community. Whether it's through academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or the countless ways you show your commitment to our schools, your efforts do not go unnoticed.

As we look ahead, I assure you that our district remains focused on addressing our most pressing needs to ensure a bright future for all. By working together and maintaining open communication, we can overcome challenges and continue to thrive as a district. May this Thanksgiving bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and the chance to create lasting memories!

-K. VonHiltmayer

Congrats to OP and AMS!

GREAT news! The U.S. News & World Report confirmed their ranking lists for the 2025 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools. Orchard Primary and Almont Middle School placed among the top 40% in the state. As expressed above in the Superintendent's Message, our staff and students are second to none. We are extremely proud of our students' academic achievements and appreciate this well-deserved recognition. Please Note: The U.S. News & World Report has not released the 2025 Best High Schools yet.

It's Official! Welcome Officer Retzler to ACS!

Officer Michael Retzler is assigned as the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for Almont Community Schools. Officer Retzler will begin (full-time) in January 2025! The entire school community is excited to work alongside Officer Retzler.

Little Background Information: Officer Retzler graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He was an officer in Shelby Township for four years before joining the Almont PD. He has been with the Almont PD for the past three years. Officer Retzler is married and has two children. Officer Retzler enjoys camping, riding his dirt bike, and hunting when he is not at work. He looks forward to building relationships with our students and staff to ensure the best and safest school experience for all.

AMS Walkway- Completed!

Our AMS safety walkway has been completed! A big THANK YOU to Jason Frederick (ACS Maintenance Director) for working diligently on this project to ensure the safety of our students! Other sinking fund projects being considered at this time are as follows:

AHS Exhaust Fans
AHS Fire Alarm Panel
AMS Gym Floor (Stripping/Refinishing)

Meet Three New ACS Teachers!

AMS 7th Grade ELA Teacher- Ms. Jaimie Koehl

Our new teachers have been asked the same three questions:

1. What are you enjoying most about Almont Community Schools at this time?

Ms. Koehl's Response: I am enjoying building relationships with my students and other staff members. The people in Almont Comm Schools are so supportive, kind, and welcoming. I also love the involvement of the students. Every day there is something new and exciting happening!

2. What do you enjoy doing with your family and friends when you are not teaching?

Ms. Koehl's Response: When I am not teaching, I usually spend my time reading a book, cooking, and relaxing with my family. In warmer weather, I spend as much time as I can outdoors with my friends. I love trying out new sports, being in nature, and hanging out on Lake St. Clair.

3. What are you looking forward to most this holiday season?

Ms. Koehl's Response: I come from a large family, so I cannot wait to spend time with all of my loved ones this holiday season.

AHS Special Education (Resource) Teacher- Mrs. Andrea Bristol

1. What are you enjoying most about Almont Community Schools at this time?

Mrs. Bristol's Response: As an Almont alum myself, it has been exciting to return to ACS as a teacher. I have most enjoyed getting to know my colleagues and students. It is my pleasure to be a part of my hometown community and support the next generation of students on their educational journey.

2. What do you enjoy doing with your family and friends when you are not teaching?

Mrs. Bristol's Response: Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, painting, and watching my children participate in basketball and gymnastics.

3. What are you looking forward to the most during this holiday season?

Mrs. Bristol's Response: As we near the holiday season, I look forward to having time to relax, enjoying cozy fires, and connecting with family and friends. One of my favorite holiday traditions is spending time as a family on New Year's Eve playing games, competing in mini challenges, and doing silly activities all night long as we wait to celebrate at midnight.

AHS Math Teacher- Mrs. Harmony Zielinski

1. What are you enjoying most about Almont Community School at this time?

Mrs. Zielinski's Response: The thing I am enjoying most about teaching in Almont is that I feel like I am making a difference and contributing to my own community, which is very special for me! One of my favorite things is running into students and families around town, like at the Heritage Festival or seeing students trick or treating on Halloween. It is always fun to interact with my students in a different setting!

2. What do you enjoy doing with your family and friends when you are not teaching?

Mrs. Zielinski's Response: When I'm not teaching, I love spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy photography, especially taking senior photos!

3. What are you looking forward to most during this holiday season?

Mrs. Zielinski's Response: I am most looking forward to spending time with my family and my husband's family over the break. We always hit as many family parties as we can...so, we have about eight parties to go to this year. It will be exhausting, but I always enjoy catching up with the family and friends I don't see throughout the year!

Rachel's Challenge says THANK YOU!

The AHS Rachel's Challenge Group would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the Penny Wars Competition and the Community Pop Can Drive. Over $300 was raised; this money will be used to send care package to military members during this holiday season.

AHS Students Engaged in Learning & More!

See PHOTOS below!

1st Photo: Mrs. Zielinski's Problem Solving students made Rube Goldberg machines; the students had to create a 30 or 60 second challenge. One group made their entire project out of old board games.

2nd Photo: Mrs. Begin's students are pictured investing macromolecules to solve where the "deceased" last ate a meal.

3rd Photo: ACS Music Program's Annual Apple Pie Fundraiser

4th Photo: 8th Grade students practiced filling out (future) job applications in Mrs. Camire's Careers class.

5th Photo: Congratulations to Mrs. Amanda Myers (Theater Director) and the entire cast of Clue! This play was absolutely phenomenal! Everyone is already looking forward to a spring performance!

AMS Students Engaged in Learning & More!

See Photos Below:

1st Photo: Ms. Arnissi's 6th grade students are pictured at the Firemen's Pancake Breakfast in honor and remembrance of their brothers who lost their lives on 9-11. The students created a beautiful Freedom Flags banner and models of the Twin Towers to present to the firemen as well.

2nd Photo: The 4th grade students dissected sheep eye balls...as always, it is an unforgettable experience!

3rd Photo: Mr. Wetzel's 7th grade band students take the lead and conduct the daily warm-ups.

4th Photo: Mrs. Petrovich's 5th grade science classes made slime; they experimented with various materials to see if any chemical reactions would occur.

5th Photo: Mrs. Sullivan's 6th grade students in her PLTW Energy & Environment class worked through iterations of their blade designs for the most powerful and wind turbines. The team who reels up the most metal washers in their bucket wins a large pizza from Roza's!

OP Students Engaged in Learning & More!

1st Photo: For the eighth year, Mrs. Szwejk's first graders wrote letter to veterans thanking them for their service.

2nd Photo: Mrs. Chayka's kindergarten PE class played a Turkey Hunt Relay game. The best part of the game was hearing all of the things that our students are thankful for: "family, friends, teachers, pets, our school, their home lives, and even bananas".

3rd Photo: Mrs. Tencza's 3rd grade Art/Tech class created a Mini-Golf Course through a STEAM project. The students are pictured enjoying each mini-golf station!

4th Photo: The Daughters of the American Revolution came to do a flag presentation for Mrs. Ruhala's third grade class. The students learned how to fold an American flag!