ACS District Newsletter

As we step into March, I am proud to say that our district continues to have a successful and productive school year. With spring just around the corner, we look forward to longer days, warmer weather, and the energy that comes with the changing season. This time of year brings many exciting opportunities for our students, from academic milestones to athletic competitions, performances, and special events. It is always inspiring to see our students, staff, and families come together to celebrate achievements and create lasting memories. As we move through the final months of the school year, I encourage everyone to stay engaged and continue striving for excellence. Your support and dedication make a meaningful impact on our schools and community. Let’s make the most of this season and look forward to all the great things ahead!

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this District Newsletter as it contains important information. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me at 810-798-8561 at your earliest convenience.

In Michigan, schools are granted six forgiven days (sometimes called "Act of God" days) per school year for weather-related closures, power outages, or other emergencies. These days do not need to be made up. If a district exceeds the six forgiven days, we can apply for a waiver from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to forgive up to three additional days. Any closures beyond the approved forgiven days must be made up to meet the state’s required instructional hours.

Our Current Status

So far this school year, we have used eight forgiven days. This means:
✅ Our original six forgiven days are used.
✅ We will apply for two additional forgiven days through a waiver.
⚠️ Any future snow days will need to be made up at the end of the school year unless further waivers are granted.

We will continue to monitor the weather and prioritize student safety when making closure decisions. If additional makeup days become necessary, we will communicate the updated calendar as soon as possible.

As we navigate flu season, our school district remains committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all students and staff. We are implementing rigorous cleaning and sanitization practices, ensuring that high-touch surfaces and common areas are disinfected regularly to help mitigate the spread of illness. Our dedicated custodial team works tirelessly to uphold these high standards, and we extend our sincere gratitude for their diligence in keeping our schools safe. Additionally, we encourage everyone to practice proper handwashing, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community healthy!

As promised, ACS is committed to transparency! Please go to https://www.almontschools.org/projects to view all of the work that is being done around our school campus. The (Board) Building & Site Committee met on March 5, 2025 to discuss future project priorities. I look forward to providing more details and updates at the Board of Education Work Session on Wednesday, March 18th at 6:00 PM in the AMS Media Center.

If you are considering Preschool for your child during the 2025-26 school year, please plan on attending the Preschool Parent Information Night on Wednesday, March 27th at 7:00 PM in the AMS Cafeteria. Kimberly VonHiltmayer (ACS Superintendent), Barb Lewis (AMS Principal), Adam Bruno (OP Principal), Star Sutphin (GSRP Preschool Teacher), Renee Porter (Tuition-based Preschool Teacher), Linda DeTavernier (Lapeer County Early Childhood Coordinator), and Becca Robertson (Lapeer County Early Childhood Specialist) will be in attendance to answer as many questions as possible.

Just a heads up to our Almont community...

The Almont Police Department has scheduled an "Active Threat Response Training" on Saturday, March 15th from approximately 8:00-3:00 PM at Almont High School. Thank you to Chief Daniel Willis and Officer John Swatowski for organizing this event to ultimately ensure the safety of our ACS students and staff. Our SRO (Officer Michael Retzler), a few staff members, and a handful of high school student volunteers will also participate in this event.

The 2025-2026 School of Choice window will open for eligible grades in May. Information that will include the exact dates the window is open, grades eligible for School of Choice Information, and how to submit an application will be posted on our website by early May. Please check https://www.almontschools.org/parents_students/school_of_choice for updates. Thank you.

Almont High School:

• Elizabeth Lovasz (Special Education Teacher)
• Jessica Geiger (Part-Time HS Administrative Assistant)

Almont Middle School:

• Andrea Ropes (Special Education Teacher)
• Autumn Smith (Art Teacher)

• What inspired you to become a teacher, and what do you love most about teaching? My younger sister inspired me to become a teacher. She has cognitive impairments and grew up in the special education program. I watched the teachers that truly helped her flourish and prepare her for life after high school. I knew that I wanted to be one of those teachers who worked to foster as much independence in their students as possible. The thing that I love most about teaching is watching students put together the skills that we have learned in class, whether they be academic or life skills related.
• What is one piece of advice you have for students to succeed in your classroom? My piece of advice for students to succeed in my classroom would be to always try their best and ask questions when they have them.
• If you could have any superpower to use in today's world, what would it be and why? If I could have any superpower in today's world, it would be to teleport. I love to travel and it would be nice to get to my destinations faster or even enjoy some warm weather on the weekend of a snowstorm!

Mrs. Geiger is our new HS Part-Time Administrative Assistant! We are very excited to have her in the front office to assist with attendance and other duties. With that being said, you can still find Mrs. Lemon in the main office down the hall (now housed in her own office in the HS Counseling Office).

• What inspired you to become a teacher, and what do you love most about teaching? I wanted to prove that everyone could learn and to protect children is what inspired me to be a teacher. I was a child who struggled through school because of my ADHD. Teachers gave up on me because I didn't think like the rest of the class. I knew that I could learn. I just needed the right teacher. I wanted to be that teacher. I had a teacher that treated me poorly because I was different. I wanted to protect children from feeling as badly as she made me feel. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing the light bulbs go off and watching a child's confidence grow.
• What is one piece of advice you have for students to succeed in your classroom? Take it slow and ask questions. Learning takes time. It's not always easy; however, it is worth it.
• If you could have any superpower to use in today's world, what would it be and why? Telepathy. I would be able to read my students' minds. If I knew what was going on in their minds, I could better help them with their emotions and their studies.

• What inspired you to become a teacher, and what do you love most about teaching? My best friend inspired and encouraged me to become a teacher. Growing up, I absolutely loved learning—everything about school fascinated me, especially art and reading. However, my best friend struggled with school due to a learning disability. It broke my heart to see her get so frustrated and upset over something I loved so much. So, I began to help her. The moment she understood and had her "ah-hah!" moment after I explained something really impacted me. I loved being able to empower her and watch her feel more confident! From that moment on, I knew I needed to help people for the rest of my life. What I love most about teaching is seeing kids light up with understanding and get excited to create. I love watching their confidence grow when they’re proud of something they’ve made. Those moments of joy and accomplishment make teaching incredibly rewarding.

• What is one piece of advice you have for students to succeed in your classroom? The key to success in my classroom is effort. I don’t expect perfection, but I do expect students to try their best. Hard work and persistence will always lead to growth.
• If you could have any superpower to use in today's world, what would it be and why? If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to bring my drawings to life. Imagine being able to draw a gallon of paint and instantly have a real one appear! It would be an incredible way to create supplies for my classroom and help others in creative ways.

Thank you to everyone who donated at least one dollar to help the families in California who lost everything in the horrific fires. ACS raised $1700; our donation was sent to the American Red Cross-Los Angeles.

A special thank you to Ms. Lohorn's and Mrs. Bartlett's classes for their high participation rate and raising the most money across the district! 🙂 Please see pictures below.

Thank you to all of our staff, parents, and students who embrace March is Reading Month! Please see the pictures below that highlight some of our fun and creativity across the district.

Orchard Primary:

• Mrs. Szwejk's students are enjoying books and more in their individual tents!
• Mrs. Conner's students are reading by campfire ("Blackout Friday").
• Mrs. Odett's students are learning to read and make recipes. For all of their hard work, they get to eat what they make!
• Mr. Flinn's students are working and reading around the campfire.
• Almont Raider football players are reading to Mrs. Kloeckner's students.

Almont Middle School:

• Mrs. SaintOnge has invited Mystery Readers into her classroom throughout the month of March.

Almont High School:

• Mrs. Blum's students enjoy reading in their teacher's classroom library!
• Mrs. Camire's class just started a non-fiction unit. They are working on text structures and text features.

• 3-31-25 thru 4-4-25 No School...Spring Break
• 4-18-25 No School...Good Friday