It seems that a rumor is circulating among some groups of people in the community.

The rumor is the same rumor that made its way around our nation last year and even surfaced in two Michigan school districts last year.

In every instance, the rumor was debunked and shown to be completely false.

For the record, Alpena Public Schools does not allow cat-litter boxes in our schools or bathrooms. Alpena Public Schools has not installed cat-litter boxes in our school bathrooms. If we were to discover that someone has put a litter box in a bathroom or anywhere else on our property, we would remove it immediately, because … we have not installed nor do we allow cat-litter boxes on school property.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, when we talk about phantom litter boxes in school bathrooms, we must also talk about the issue of the school district supposedly allowing students to bark and meow at other students. Again, Alpena Public Schools does not allow students to bark and meow at other students. When that kind of behavior is observed and/or reported to us, we work diligently to address the problem.

Since we are talking about students supposedly barking and meowing at other students, we need to talk about whether the school district allows students to wear animal ears, tails, dog collars with leashes, and other such accessories.

No, Alpena Public Schools does not allow students to wear animal ears, tails, dog collars with leashes, and other such accessories, as they do not align with our dress code, which seeks to maintain a learning environment free from disruptions. Just to clarify, Halloween or other celebrations like Spirit Week might be an exception.

If you truly pay attention to what is going on in Alpena Public Schools … I mean push the rumors aside, and pay attention … I am confident that you would be very proud.

Just this past week, we celebrated “We Are Wildcats” week as a district.

Students and staff showed their pride in our district every day through fun activities, we inducted our newest member of the Alpena Alumni Hall of Fame, a student earned national recognition for his academic accomplishment, a student-athlete received written accolades from an opposing team parent recognizing his impressive character displayed during competition, and the list goes on and on.

Alpena Public Schools is a great place to be … as it should be … and as it is.

And that is no rumor.

Dave Rabbideau is the superintendent of Alpena Public Schools. During his 20-plus-year career in public education, he has served as an elementary teacher, building principal, and central office administrator. Mr. Rabbideau is currently completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Oakland University.