Students: This event is located at the West Branch site! Please join us if you can!

The West Branch AEA campus is closed today, December 1, 2025, following the closure of West Branch-Rose City Schools. Students are encouraged to log in to their courses from home today. Stay safe, and we hope to see you on Tuesday!

Because of the government shutdown, some SNAP (Food Assistance) benefits may be delayed.
If you need food, call 2-1-1 or visit www.211nemichigan.org to find free local resources, such as pantries, community meals, and emergency support.
If you want to help, 211 can connect you to organizations that need food donations, volunteers, or funds right now.
💙 Whether you need help or want to give help, 211 is here for both.
#211Helps #CommunitySupport #EndHunger #SNAPDelay #NEMIstrong

AEA starts the 2025/2026 school year on Monday, August 25, 2025. We are excited to welcome new and returning students next week!

Congratulations to our AEA Michigan Works Career Navigator, Kristy Schaefer, for being recognized at the 2025 Summer Summit. Kristy received the Authentic Value Award.

"Living our Values: Authentic. Recipients of the Authentic Value Award are recognized for the honesty, vulnerability, and trust they bring to their work — fostering real relationships and making a meaningful impact on Michigan’s youth. "

The Ticket to Tuition giveaway’s deadline is right around the corner! Ten winners will get $50,000 and 40 winners will get $10,000 for tuition in a Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) account. Students can enter by filling out their FAFSA and texting CASH to 855-50K-TICKET by May 16.

Celebrating Tina Williams: Championing Alternative Education in Michigan Our Northern Michigan communities proudly celebrate the outstanding leadership of Tina Williams, Director of the Alternative Educational Academy (AEA). Recently honored with the “Alternative Education Administrator of the Year” award by the Michigan Alternative Education Organization (MAEO), Williams has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to students and her transformative impact on alternative education in Michigan. As Director, Tina Williams has been the driving force behind AEA’s mission to serve students who thrive outside traditional classrooms. With campuses in Ogemaw, Iosco, and Gladwin Counties, the Academy offers innovative, student-centered programs tailored to meet diverse learning needs. Under her leadership, AEA has become a vital resource for students seeking a flexible and supportive educational environment. Highlights of Tina Williams' Leadership: ● Regional Impact: Oversees alternative education across Iosco, Ogemaw Counties, broadening access to quality education. ● Student-Centered Approach: Ensures students receive personalized support to succeed academically and personally. ● Innovative Programming: Leads initiatives that provide non-traditional, responsive educational experiences. ● Community Engagement: Partners with parents and local organizations, including efforts like “Raising Digitally Responsible Youth.” ● Staff Support: Honored with the 2024 Employer Patriot Award for supporting a staff member’s service in the U.S. Army Reserves. ● Resilient Leadership: Adapts programs to meet evolving student and community needs. Tina Williams' recognition by MAEO reflects her visionary leadership, advocacy, and deep dedication to alternative education. Her work exemplifies the qualities essential for success in this field: adaptability, collaboration, trauma-informed practices, and a relentless focus on student well-being. Through her leadership, the Alternative Educational Academy continues to equip students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Her work has made a lasting impact on the lives of students and earned the deep appreciation of the communities she serves. General Information about Alternative Education Leadership Effective leadership is crucial in alternative education to create environments where students who have not found success in traditional settings can thrive. Alternative education administrators often require a unique set of skills and perspectives: ● Visionary Thinking: They need to envision and implement non-traditional approaches to learning that cater to diverse student needs. ● Student-Centered Approach: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing the individual challenges and strengths of each student is essential. ● Strong Advocacy Skills: Leaders in this field often need to advocate for their programs, staff, and students within the wider educational system and community. ● Collaborative Spirit: Building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners is vital for the success of alternative education programs. ● Adaptability and Resilience: The alternative education landscape can be dynamic, requiring leaders to be adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. ● Understanding of Trauma-Informed Practices: Many students in alternative education settings have experienced trauma, so leaders need to promote and support trauma-informed approaches within their schools. Prestigious distinctions like the "Alternative Education Administrator of the Year" from the Michigan Alternative Education Organization (MAEO) recognize the impactful leadership and forward-thinking approaches of educators committed to student success in alternative settings. Tina Williams was honored with this award in recognition of her sustained and exemplary leadership at the Alternative Educational Academy, reflecting the highest standards of the profession.

Is Your Teen's Phone a Source of Stress? Help Them Navigate the Digital World with Our Free Guide! In today's hyper-connected world, technology is an inescapable part of our lives, especially for our teens. While it offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity, it also presents unique challenges. Are you concerned about your teen's screen time? Do you struggle to keep up with the latest apps and online trends? Do you worry about the impact of social media on their mental health and self-esteem? You're not alone. Navigating the digital landscape with teenagers can feel overwhelming. That's why we've linked a comprehensive online guide, "Raising Digitally Responsible Youth," designed to equip parents with the tools and knowledge they need to support their teens in developing healthy and responsible digital habits. This free guide offers practical advice and actionable strategies on a range of crucial topics, including: Managing Screen Time: Learn effective techniques for setting healthy boundaries and encouraging balanced technology use. Navigating Social Media: Understand the challenges and opportunities of social media and how to help your teen develop a healthy relationship with these platforms. Cyberbullying Prevention: Gain insights into identifying, preventing, and addressing cyberbullying, ensuring your teen's online safety. Digital Citizenship: Teach your teen the importance of responsible online behavior, including respecting others, protecting their privacy, and understanding the consequences of their actions. Open Communication: Learn how to foster open and honest conversations with your teen about technology, creating a safe space for them to share their experiences and concerns. Mental Wellbeing and Technology: Explore the impact of technology on mental health and discover strategies for promoting positive mental wellbeing in the digital age. This isn't just about restricting technology; it's about empowering your teen to become a responsible and ethical digital citizen. "Raising a Technologically Responsible Youth" provides the guidance and support you need to help your teen thrive in the digital world. Ready to take the first step? Access our free online guide today. https://resources.saferschoolstogether.com/view/474771331/ Invest in your teen's future and equip them with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. We believe that by working together, parents and teens can harness the power of technology for good. Let our guide be your partner in this journey. We encourage you to read it, share it with other parents, and start the conversation today. Let's raise a generation of technologically responsible youth, together!

Parents, Providers, and Community Partners: The Alternative Educational Academy of Ogemaw County (AEA OGEMAW) is committed to creating a school environment that enhances lifelong wellness practices. As required by law, the Board has adopted a Michigan State Board of Education Model Local School Wellness Policy, which is periodically reviewed. AEA OGEMAW knows the importance of community involvement, so your feedback is appreciated. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDgSevT4yywj6QZoq6tEQT95g7LnkfLNtu6oC2Ky7l8mtOKg/viewform?usp=sharing

Congratulations to the AEA Alterbots who competed at Milford High School February 27-March 1st. The team finished their robot build and coding, made strategic alliances with other teams, and learned so much at their first competition of the season. We are so proud of you!

February 13, 2025-The AEA of Ogemaw County will be closed for in-person learning on Thursday due to the weather. Students are encouraged to attend their courses from home.

The AEA of Ogemaw County West Branch campus is OPEN tomorrow, February 4, 2025.

The AEA of Ogemaw County is closed for in-person learning on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 due to extreme cold temperatures. Online coursework is available for students to attend from home. The West Branch site will be open as a warming center from 9:00-12:00.

The AEA of Ogemaw County is closed for in-person learning on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 due to extreme cold temperatures. Online coursework is available for students to attend from home. The West Branch site will be open as a warming center from 9:00-12:00.

The AEA of Ogemaw County is closed for in-person learning today, January 17, 2025, following the closure of WB-RC schools. All school activities are canceled, but students are encouraged to work on their courses from home. The West Branch campus will be open as a warming center from 9:00-12:00.