Welcome to Almont Community Schools
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Central Office
401 Church Street
Almont, MI 48003
PH: 810-798-8561
FAX: 798-2367
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Joseph B.Candela, Superintendent
email: jcandela@almontschools.org
Student Population: 1559
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:00 Mon-Fri
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Click here for map
***New***
Family Athletic Pass
Power Announcement and Report
We will be sending Progress Reports and Report Cards electornically so please:
Check here for detailed instructions to enter your e-mail address into your students Power School Account
School Connect
Another great way to be connected to Almont Community Schools!
We are using the School Connect app to keep you involved in what is going on at our school. If you have not downloaded the School Connect app already, do it today! School Connect is available for Apple, Android, and any other device with the ability to access the internet! Be sure to turn on push messages for our school! Check out their website for more information. (www.schoolconnectservices.com)
NEW STATE LAW REQUIRES PARENTS TO SIGN FORM REGARDING CONCUSSION AWARENESS
Michigan recently became the 39th state to enact a law requiring all school districts and sports -related organizations to provide educational materials about concussion awareness and the risks of concussions to each student. The law also requires parents or guardians to sign a form acknowledging that they have received Concussion Awareness information from the school district. This signed form must be kept on file with the district until the student turns 18. All Almont students will be receiving this form this year to be put in their file.
Check out these recent Tri-City Times articles:
ALMONT DISTRICT SET FOR ROLLOUT OF iPADS
ALMONT — The future is now in Almont, where teachers and students in grades 5-12 will soon shift from traditional textbooks to iPads as their primary teaching and learning tools.
The transition to digital textbooks will begin in August, with an orientation date set for parents on August 12, followed by full implementation on September 3.
In recent months, members of the district's Technology Committee have been meeting regularly to discuss and fine tune the transition process.
Schools Supt. Joe Candela believes Almont's teachers, students and parents are enthusiastic about becoming the first school district in Lapeer County to implement the new technology.
"We're very excited about this," said Candela. "Our teachers and students are on board and equally excited about the change.
"It's gonna' be a real game changer for education in Almont," he said. "This is about twenty-first century education for twenty-first century learners. Digital curriculum offers flexibility and customization that can enhance individual learning."
Candela pointed out that the shift to digital textbooks could not come at a better time, given that the district's aging and outdated textbooks are in need of replacement, and at considerable expense.
Noting that that replacement books would cost about $120,000 per subject area, Candela said the leasing of iPads will represent a savings over the long term.
Candela said the district is purchasing 1,020 Wi-Fi iPads, scheduled for delivery by mid-June and distribution to students and parents on August 12.
He said parents must accompany their child at the time they receive their iPads, for the purpose of asking questions, signing for the equipment and discussion of protocol regarding its safe-keeping.
"It will be the student's iPad to use, but it is still owned by the school district," said Candela. "That means that students must treat them with respect and care.
"At the end of each school year, the iPad will be returned and wiped clean of its content," Candela continued. "When students return for the following year, they will have all the necessary apps downloaded onto their iPads."
Candela said parents will be advised of their iPad pickup date and time via "instant alerts," notices and mailings. The information will also be available on the district's website at: almontschools.org.
Dan Allen, Technical Coordinator for the Lapeer County Intermediate School District, expects both students and parents to quickly adapt to the implementation process. But regardless of any adjustment period, Allen is confident the district is on the right track with its move to iPads.
He alluded to the fact that traditional textbooks become obsolete in a short period of time, while digital learning tools keep students abreast of the very latest information and developments.
"Today's kids already tend to learn digitally," said Allen. "This is about a natural progression in education. It's the direction the world is moving."
He stressed that the district has taken every possible step to ensure student safety and eliminate their exposure to inappropriate and dangerous websites.
"It is our responsibility to create policies and procedures to protect students," Allen said. "Various security measures and filters are installed to filter out spam, viruses and dangerous content."
Allen added that the State of Michigan is expected to shift to electronic standardized testing by the 2014-2015 school year; yet another example that schools are turning the page on the past and looking to the future.
The Almont Schools website features an opinion piece touting the benefits of shifting to the new technology.
"The Almont School District joins others across the country and in the state in making the shift toward the future," said school officials. "Almont's bold move gives us an opportunity to follow this growing trend firsthand as the district's students forge ahead into the future.
"Teachers are excited and it isn't a far stretch to say students will be thrilled with the iPads as well. With care and parental cooperation and oversight, the shift to digital learning seems poised for success."
Our Opinion
Almont district’s bold move a learning opportunity.
Almont’s bold move to transition from hardcopy text books into the digital realm is a first for the area that seems necessary in the modern age. Technology is such a big part of everyday life for everyone, whether age four or 94. It seems logical, then, and quite fitting that it be as major a component in the learning process if we want to create students who will be best prepared to compete in the 21st century. The move is also in line with President Obama’s Digital Learning Playbook plan,which calls for all students to use digital textbooks by the year 2017.Digital textbooks have advantages in the learning environment. As Almont educators point out, hard copy books are often obsolete within a short time of their issue, and digital curriculum offers flexibility and customization that can enhance individual learning. The Almont School District joins several others across the country and in the state in making the shift toward the future. Teachers are excited, and it likely isn’t a far stretch to say students will be thrilled with the iPads as well. With care, and parental cooperation and oversight, the shift to digital learning seems poised for success. Almont’s bold move gives us all an opportunity to follow this growing trend firsthand as the district’s students forge ahead into the future.
District Excels on Latest Report Card
Almont Community Schools officials and teachers have much to cheer about following the August 2 release of the Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE) 2012 Statewide Student Achievement report cards. In the annual top-to-bottom ranking of all Michigan schools, Almont Orchard Primary School and Almont
High School achieved “Reward School” status, distinguishing them among the top five percent of schools making the greatest academic progress over the previous four years. Orchard Primary finished in the 94th percentile among Michigan elementary schools, while Almont High School ranked in the 77th percentile, making them the only two Lapeer County schools to achieve “Reward School” status in 2012. On Tuesday, Almont Schools Supt. Joe Candela was glowing with pride upon hearing the results of the latest school progress report. “We’re very proud,” said Candela. “This speaks to the quality of people we have at all levels in this school district; from our teachers, to our support staff, parents and students. “Everyone plays a role in the success of a school district,” he continued. “This is something we can all celebrate.” Candela added that Almont Middle School finished in the 63rd percentile, or slightly below the required level for “Reward School” status. After receiving a congratulatory phone call this week from MDE representative Dan Reardon, Candela said he was advised the middle school is also on track for high achievement results. “Testing at the middle school level is always tough because that age group (grades 5-8) is going through so many changes,” said Candela. “Mr. Reardon said a 63 is a good score, though it’s still one we want to improve on.” Noting that all three Almont schools met the required Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) standard, Candela said Almont parents can be confident their children are being prepared for life post-high school. “We’re very proud of our academics,” said Candela. “The numbers don’t lie. We have a solid school district that is preparing our young people for the challenges that lay ahead. “These latest results are a great achievement for Almont Schools and for our entire community.” In another matter, Candela said the roof restoration project at the high school will begin this week, the bulk of which will be completed by the start of school in the first week of September. He said high school students will also find new carpeting and drinking fountains when they return to their classrooms.
Our Mission
Almont Community Schools are committed to helping all students become responsible, independent, caring and contributing members of a changing society.
Vision Statement
Every student will achieve academic and personal success.
