ALPENA ALL SAINTS SCHOOL
October 9, 2026 Newsletter
"A Christ Centered Community of Learners Guided by Our Catholic Traditions"
At All Saints Catholic School, our curriculum is designed not only to promote academic growth but also to help students develop strong character and grow in their faith. This year, our staff is encouraging students to make a “Mustard Seed Commitment” by choosing small, meaningful actions that reflect the love of Jesus in their daily lives.
The idea comes from Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, which teaches us that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. In the same way, small, consistent acts of kindness, responsibility, and faith can make a big difference in our lives and in the lives of others.
A Mustard Seed Commitment might include saying “thank you,” praying each day, reading a bible verse before breakfast, or spending five minutes cleaning a bedroom before bedtime without being asked. These simple actions help children build positive habits, strengthen their faith, and become more thoughtful and responsible individuals.
Parents will find Mustard Seed tickets in their children’s Friday Folders. These tickets can be used to recognize and celebrate the small good deeds students do at home. Students will bring their completed tickets back to school and exchange them for a wooden bead representing a mustard seed. Each bead will be added to the stem of a classroom “Mustard Seed Plant” as a visible reminder that small acts of goodness can grow into something beautiful.
Together, we can nurture a community where faith takes root, kindness flourishes, and our students grow into the people God calls them to be. One small act at a time, we can make a big difference!
May you grow in God’s love and peace,
Melissa Doubek
“Give of your hands to Serve, and your hearts to Love.” Mother Teresa
The idea comes from Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, which teaches us that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. In the same way, small, consistent acts of kindness, responsibility, and faith can make a big difference in our lives and in the lives of others.
A Mustard Seed Commitment might include saying “thank you,” praying each day, reading a bible verse before breakfast, or spending five minutes cleaning a bedroom before bedtime without being asked. These simple actions help children build positive habits, strengthen their faith, and become more thoughtful and responsible individuals.
Parents will find Mustard Seed tickets in their children’s Friday Folders. These tickets can be used to recognize and celebrate the small good deeds students do at home. Students will bring their completed tickets back to school and exchange them for a wooden bead representing a mustard seed. Each bead will be added to the stem of a classroom “Mustard Seed Plant” as a visible reminder that small acts of goodness can grow into something beautiful.
Together, we can nurture a community where faith takes root, kindness flourishes, and our students grow into the people God calls them to be. One small act at a time, we can make a big difference!
May you grow in God’s love and peace,
Melissa Doubek
“Give of your hands to Serve, and your hearts to Love.” Mother Teresa
- Friday, October 16th will be teacher professional development so no school for students. This was moved from October 12th, as a note No Public School busing will be available on October 12th.
- October 15th is a Free Dress Friday as a reward for following the dress code.
- Fall Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 25th
- Book Fair October 26th-30th.
- Parent Teacher Conferences on October 29th and 30th. No school on October 30th.
- Monday, Nov 2nd will be the All Saints Day parade.
- PTO meeting on November 2nd
- Picture retakes are on November 3rd.
- Christmas Pageant is on Tuesday, December 15th.
Reminder: No APS busing on Monday, October 12th and no school on Friday, October 16 for teacher professional development.
At All Saints Catholic School, we believe that God works through each of us to share his love and kindness with the world. As part of our mission, we strive to grow not only strong students, but also thoughtful problem solvers and compassionate individuals.
This week, ASCS is proud to recognize second-grade student Blayke Hibbler! Blayke demonstrated responsibility and respect when she noticed fellow students making poor choices in the gym while their teacher was away. She brought the situation to Mrs. Doubek’s attention, explaining that she “just wanted to make sure that students weren’t being disrespectful.” Blayke recognized the time and effort her gym teacher had put into preparing fun activities for the students and understood the importance of respecting both her teacher’s hard work and the school environment. We are proud of Blayke for showing such thoughtfulness, integrity, and respect for others!
As the fall weather turns colder, ASCS students, staff, and parishioners came together to share the warmth by collecting blankets for those in need. The generous donations were delivered to the Center of Charity for distribution, demonstrating our commitment to serving others and living out the Catholic call to social justice.
PRESCHOOL BALANCE AND COORDINATION
Our preschool students are so blessed to have Physical Therapist Kayla Maleport providing physical fitness activities.
Cooler weather is coming. Please send your child with appropriate outer gear to go out on the playground. It is recommended that young ladies start wearing leggings underneath their skirts to keep their legs warm.
FREE Dress Fridays are a REWARD for students who have been following the dress code. If a student has not followed the dress code (did not bring tie for Mass, wearing sweatshirt that does not follow the dress code, etc.) then they do not receive the reward and must wear clothes that follow the dress code on Free Dress Friday.
FREE Dress Fridays are a REWARD for students who have been following the dress code. If a student has not followed the dress code (did not bring tie for Mass, wearing sweatshirt that does not follow the dress code, etc.) then they do not receive the reward and must wear clothes that follow the dress code on Free Dress Friday.
Recently, the All Saints Catholic School Wellness Committee have met to develop the school's Wellness Policy. At All Saints Catholic School we believe that the human body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are committed to fostering a school environment that supports the health, well-being, and God-given potential of every student.
This Wellness Policy (LWP) was established in accordance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) School Nutrition Programs and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service requirements. It supports healthy eating, physical activity, and holistic development so students can fully engage in their academic and spiritual formation. Click on the link below to view the ASCS Wellness Policy
This Wellness Policy (LWP) was established in accordance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) School Nutrition Programs and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service requirements. It supports healthy eating, physical activity, and holistic development so students can fully engage in their academic and spiritual formation. Click on the link below to view the ASCS Wellness Policy
WINNING WEEK FOR THE CONCLUSION OF THE VOLLEYBALL SEASON
The young ASCS volleyball team consists of twelve 5th-7th grade young ladies. In the final week of their season the team took on Alcona's 7th grade team and Petoskey St Francis Xavier's 6-8th grade team. The Archangels battled to take wins from both teams. Congratulations to the team and a HUGE thank you to coach Nicole Smith and Chrissy Curtis.
Each month, All Saints Catholic School recognizes a student who exemplifies excellence in Faith, Service, and Academics. For the month of October, ASCS is proud to honor 8th grade student, Quentin Allen.
Quentin has been a wonderful role model and a “big brother” to many of the younger students in the Aftercare Program. He is an active member of both the Holy Gears Robotics Team and the Archangel Science Olympiad Team. Quentin especially enjoys playing basketball. This year, he has also shown significant growth in taking responsibility for his classwork, becoming more organized, accountable, and focused on completing his assignments.
LEARNING ABOUT HABITATS
Kindergarten learned about different habitats this week in science. The students have been discussing needs vs. wants for plants and animals. The students built bird houses with sticks, grass, and moss!
HULA HUTS
The students in Mrs. Skiba's physical education class worked cooperatively to make "Hula Huts."
PROTOTYPING FOR ROBOTS
The middle school students have been working on building their robots for the upcoming Biobuzz season. The early stages of the build season are confronted with several challenges and prototypes that prove ineffective. This is all part of the engineering process.
Recently the Holy Gears robotics team members helped the Knights of Columbus at their breakfast.
Become a Gift Bearer
We are looking for families to volunteer to present the bread, wine and offertory (the gifts) to the priest during each of the Masses on the weekend.
Can you help?
It is a simple but very needed ministry.
Please talk to me to go on the schedule or ask the ushers at Mass if you are needed for this ministry on that day.
Bless you and Thank you! Mrs. Doubek and Mrs. Benson
We are looking for families to volunteer to present the bread, wine and offertory (the gifts) to the priest during each of the Masses on the weekend.
Can you help?
It is a simple but very needed ministry.
Please talk to me to go on the schedule or ask the ushers at Mass if you are needed for this ministry on that day.
Bless you and Thank you! Mrs. Doubek and Mrs. Benson
Upcoming Service Opportunities:
- Needed: someone who can cut a quote from vinyl with a "Cricut" to adhere to a wall in the school.
- We are always looking for more help with recess and lunch help in the cafeteria. Contact the office if you can help or know someone who is interested.
- Attending PTO Meetings and volunteering for PTO events
- St. John the Baptist Church cleaning
- Weeding in the Grotto
- Tree trimming on campus lawn
- Mentoring FIRST Robotics teams.
- Coaching boys basketball
- Popcorn Friday volunteer for October 23rd.
- Volunteers for the Fall Family Fun Festival on Sunday, October 25th
Don't forget to log your service hours in FACTS. Include the date, hours served, description, and person verified by. Volunteer time by grandparents also count towards your family service hours.
BUILDING ROBOTS FOR THE NEW FIRST LEGO LEAGUE ROBOTICS SEASON
Mrs. Austin and Mrs. Beltinck have been working with the 4th and 5th grade students to build robots for the missions in the 2026-27 game called Bioglow. Bioglow is a biodiversity themed robotics season. The students are writing code to make their robots accomplish missions on the game field.
To learn more about this year's theme, click on the Youtube video below.
WE NEED YOU
The next PTO meeting will be Monday, November 2ndth. Please join us at 5:30 in the middle school classroom. Click on the link below to view the October meeting notes.Winter is coming and it sneaks up on us fast. Let's work together to prepare the kids for the cold weather! All Saints PTO is organizing a Snow Gear Swap. Please drop off any gently used winter gear in the provided bins at school, starting the week of October 19th-25th! A free "Shop the Swap" will then be set up at the school on October 28-30th for anyone interested!
Any questions please contact Nicole Smith, nsmith@alpenaallsaints.org.
SHOWING OFF HIS JUMP ROPING SKILLS
WEDNESDAY MASS AT ST. JOHN CHURCH
Everyone is welcome to join us for the Children's Mass on Wednesday's at 9:00 am at St. John the Baptist Church. During the Children's Mass, the students have the opportunity to serve out the ministry of the church as Altar Servers, readers, and singing in choir.
******Important notice about Wednesday Masses at St. John the Baptist church: For the safety of the children, doors will not open to the public until 8:40 am and will be locked after Mass begins. Parishioners should enter the door by the St. John the Baptist statue.******
Wednesday 10/14/26
Lead by 3rd Grade
Reader: Owen
Psalm:
Prayers of the Faithful: Ellie and Braxton
Servers: Nora, Finley, Max
Offertory: Jayden, DeeDee, Austin
Ushers: Jack, Ambrose, Harley, Aliyah
Choir: Middle School
Bible Verse for the month is:
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12
Morning Prayer Song of Praise: "Confidence"
The students of All Saints School will be offering Spiritual Prayer Bouquets, by praying for you or another individuals. To request a Spiritual Prayer Bouquet, email the following information to Melissa Doubek (mdoubek@alpenaallsaints.org). A class of students will send a card with the number of prayers said. You may request a Spiritual Bouquet for you or another person.
Name of the person to receive Spiritual Bouquet
Address to send the Spiritual Prayer Bouquet card
Event (for example birthday, grief, trying times, illness, etc.)
All Saints Parish - Consisting of the churches of St. Anne, St. Bernard, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, and St. John the Baptist, All Saints Catholic School, Holy Cross Cemetery and the Friendship Room.
Office: 817 Sable Street Alpena, MI 49707 - 989.354.3019
School Office: 2550 S. 1st Ave Alpena, MI 49707 - 989.354.4911