Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.---Henry J Kaiser, industrialist

Michigan schools started the school year with several opportunities; reduced budgets, declining enrollment, staff reductions, and the expectation schools would provide more and better services. 

            Fortunately Alba Public School has been working hard to increase academic achievement. Our efforts have not been sidetracked by the budget problems of this last summer.  Some of these problems missed us altogether.  During a time when many schools have declining enrollment our enrollment increased. More parents are learning the educational value of enrolling their children in smaller schools.

             Our plans for this year are to continue with the Coalition of Essential schools.  We have been honored with recognition by them as a full Coalition School. This program has helped us to restructure our curriculum and train teachers to do an even better job of teaching.

              There are a number of reasons why our students do well academically.  Our smaller size allows more time for teachers to provide one-on-one help. The restructured curriculum provides for integrated and properly sequenced instruction. Staff development has provided our teachers with more tools to match instruction methods with individual learning styles and do it more effectively.  And our technology and new facilities are a foundational component in our improvement.

            This year we will provide a Palm Pilot to all 7^th grade students for the year. They can even take it home. It comes with a small folding keyboard and will permit students to do some computer related tasks at home.  When they are in school they have access to computers in every classroom.  Our student to computer ratio is better than most schools with only 2-3 students per computer.

            Our new building is a wonderful facility. The bright, clean interior and new equipment encourage students to do their best. 

             I dont want to end without recognizing the vital part parents play in the academic success of students. The cooperation and support of encouraging parents is a primary reason our school is doing so well.  

            If you have not seen our new building and technology, please feel free to call and schedule a convenient time to come and visit us.