ALANSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
It Takes a Village!
Thank you, Alanson community! With your support, Alanson Public Schools’ bond request passed in May 2024. Many large projects started this past spring and then continued into the summer.
The overhangs that were above each door on the elementary/middle school end of the building have been removed. The brick has been replaced and cleaned up where those canopies used to be. The bus garage is now insulated so it can be heated during the winter months, and a new bus has been purchased. Other projects include: a newly updated locker room, flooring throughout the building (library, elementary/middle school classrooms, high school corridor, main entrance, and cafeteria entrance), new toilet partitions in all bathrooms, and new exterior doors on the elementary/middle school wing for better security.
SAMUEL LOOMIS, K-12 MUSIC TEACHER
Why did you become a teacher? I am a first year teacher! Fresh out of school from Washington State University. I became a teacher because I wanted to motivate kids through music and spread the joy of learning how to be a musician to the student world.
What have you liked most about APS so far? I love how the school feels like a family/community and that I get to teach all grades the joy of music.
What is one interesting fact about yourself that you’d like to share? I can play over 25 different musical instruments!
DANI OELKE, MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Why did you become a teacher? This is my 4th year teaching! I knew I always wanted to work with students, I just didn’t know in what capacity. In 2020, I became an Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional and fell in love.
What have you liked most about APS so far? The close-knit community and family feel!
What is one interesting fact about yourself that you’d like to share? I lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, for 2 years. I loved it! But I am so happy to be back home in NoMich. Also, I got married on Oct. 4.
JENNIFER SILLMAN, MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER
Why did you become a teacher? I am in my 23rd year of teaching! I fell in love with the idea of teaching when I read the Anne of Green Gables series when I was in elementary school. Anne became a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, and that became a dream of mine! Although I don’t teach in a one-room schoolhouse, Alanson is pretty darn close to it. I teach very small class sizes, and I am able to teach the same kids for consecutive years!
What have you liked most about APS so far? I love the students and families. The Alanson students are my absolute favorite students of my entire career! And the families are incredibly supportive of the teaching staff here in Alanson. What is one interesting fact about yourself that you’d like to share? When I was in middle school, I lived in Scotland. Our Navy had a submarine dry dock station in Holy Loch, Scotland, and my dad was a Naval Officer.
Alanson welcomes international exchange students
Alanson is thrilled to host two international exchange students this year: Paula Burniol Corominas from Spain and Luisa Genn from Germany.
Paula noted her surprise at America’s reliance on driving and the extensive distance between locations. Luisa, on the other hand, is enjoying how simple it is to form friendships and appreciates that the small school environment makes joining sports teams easy.
Both students are participating in the International Cultural Exchange Services (I.C.E.S.) program, which connects students from around the world with local host families. This program fosters lasting bonds and provides our students an opportunity to experience different cultures firsthand.
This year marks Ashlee Herrington’s fifth
year hosting exchange students. She earnestly recommends the host experience to others.
“The students pay to get into this program, but there’s still a gamble on whether they get placed or not,” she noted. “The company I use had over 700 students waiting for a placement this year.”
Ashlee admitted to being nervous when she first started hosting, worrying that students wouldn’t like the small area, but she shared that “they each have thrived.” Ashlee stated that some students struggle in larger school districts, where they “can get lost in the shuffle.”
Linda Temple is a first-time host and has had a wonderful experience. “I would definitely volunteer for this next year!” she
said. “Our coordinator paired us very well, and all of our personalities go so well together! I am learning so much!”
Luisa Paula
Class of 2026: Resilience and determination in this tight-knit class
The Alanson Public Schools community is buzzing with pride and excitement as we spotlight the Senior Class of 2026. This remarkable group of 19 students is preparing to take their final steps across the APS threshold and onto their next great adventure. Their journey to this moment has been anything but typical, a testament to their incredible strength, adaptability, and perseverance.
This tight-knit class is a unique blend of students; many have been friends since kindergarten, others joined in elementary school, and a handful became part of the group during high school. This year, the graduating class will also proudly include two foreign exchange students walking the stage. This diversity has only enriched their experience and memories.
The Class of 2026 faced challenges early in their middle school years. They spent their 7th-grade year navigating virtual learning during the pandemic and then their 8th-grade year working to regain footing in the classroom afterward. Yet, they’ve met every obstacle with resilience and determination.
When asked about their upcoming graduation, the students’ enthusiasm was evident. After some good-natured joking about sleeping in and enjoying free time, the seniors shared their genuine excitement about becoming adults, pursuing college and career paths, and, of course, planning the legendary senior prank!
We are proud to see the varied and ambitious plans taking shape:
• Terran Costello has already gained a head start on his career path, planning to attend a trade school for welding. He spent the last two years attending the welding CTE class in Pellston and even completed a summer apprenticeship as a welder in Onaway.
• Tristen Barnett is looking forward to immediately entering the workforce, eager to join the working world and begin his career.
• Foreign exchange student Luisa Genn shared her appreciation for the high school experience, noting she is enjoying her American classes because her home country of Germany has a more rigid curriculum.
Throughout their time at Alanson, this class has created countless memories. Some of their favorites include time spent on sports teams, field trips, and the simple joy of making new friends.
• Preston Nelson shared how grateful he was to be welcomed into the school community when he joined as a freshman.
• Logan Barnett fondly recalled the excitement of getting ready with the cheer team before games.
The Alanson Class of 2026 is an exceptional group who have proven their ability to overcome adversity with grace, humor, and grit. Let’s celebrate this class and wish them all the best as they prepare for the next steps! We know they will make the APS community proud.
In memory of Jackson McCardle, water safety classes will begin for students
The Alanson Public School community is heartbroken following the tragic loss of Jackson McCardle, a 14-yearold incoming freshman who was a cherished member of our small school.
The APS family is still grieving the tragic loss, who passed away on August 3, 2025. Jackson was a valued member of our student body, and his absence is deeply felt by his classmates, teachers, and staff across the Alanson area.
Jackson was more than just a student; he was a beloved son, brother, and friend. He was widely recognized for being incredibly creative and thoughtful, consistently expressing himself with originality and precision beyond his age. Jackson’s celebration of life was held on Aug. 23, 2025, at Sturgeon Bay, where family and friends gathered to share treasured memories and comfort one another.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Alanson Public School announced a permanent commitment to water safety in Jackson’s honor, ensuring his memory creates a lasting legacy of care and protection for future students.
Beginning in February 2026, current 4th-grade students will start receiving annual swimming lessons at the Harbor Springs Community Pool, provided by certified instructors. This program will continue each year for all students at that grade level.
In addition to the practical lessons, APS will host three educational assemblies in May 2026, tailored to each grade brand, presented by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. These age-appropriate presentations will address critical water safety topics, including:
• The scope and signs of drowning
• Essential survival strategies
• Understanding Great Lakes currents
• Comprehensive beach and water safety practices
The middle school student council, along with the 9th grade students, are also planning a special way to honor Jackson at the school.
This comprehensive, two-pronged initiative reflects the school’s dedication to turning tragedy into preventative action, ensuring students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the region’s waters safely.
Viking Athletics off to a great start!
Coach Kylie Hicks returned for her 4th season coaching volleyball and has had a successful season. Another year with JV and varsity for volleyball led to some great player development.
Middle school basketball coach James Hungo is coming back for another year. He is excited to continue building the middle school program with plenty of returning talent.
Coach Nikki Leech is coming back for her 4th season as girls’ basketball coach and while we haven’t started yet, this year will be a development year with some great younger talent stepping on the court. It’s exciting to see student-athletes stepping up and not only committing to athletics, but as role models for the younger students as well.
Boys’ varsity basketball will see coaches Troy Johnson and Jason Peters step onto the court to get the season rolling next month. There has been consistent attendance for summer conditioning and open gyms so the season looks to be great!
5th graders go ‘Pedaling with a Purpose’
What do 215 5th grade students, including Alanson’s, and dozens of volunteers have in common? They all participated in 2025’s Pedaling with a Purpose, a Top of Michigan Trails Council program. This 8-mile educational bike ride takes place on the North Western State Trail and includes science, geography, history, and most importantly, health. They read maps, take nature walks, discover local history, and learn the life cycle of fish, as well as basic bicycle mechanics and group bicycle riding etiquette. Thank you for this opportunity for our students, Trails Council!
Alanson Public Schools
7400 North Street Alanson, MI 49706
To Current Resident
7400 North Street
Alanson, MI 49706