AGS NEWS

Eric Rettenmund, Principal

Zachary Bradley, Assistant Principal

Lisa Wissinger, Dean of Students

Melissa Welsh, Counselor, MA, LPC, SCL

Barb Stinson, Secretary

Randi Thorp, Clerk

March

30 - Spring Break

April

6 - Return from Spring Break

15 - PSAT 8 (8th Grade only- Early Dismissal) 6th and 7th Grades DO NOT REPORT

21 & 23 - MSTEP for All Grade- Levels

27 - No School (PD Day for Teachers)

**NOTE: It was dress like a student day LOL!!

Congratulations to Breonna for being named AGS Student of the Month! Breonna has demonstrated outstanding leadership by organizing the school’s Kindness Club, which also created a meaningful showcase on kindness. She played a key role in launching a schoolwide Kindness Month initiative and led an SRT session focused on kindness, culminating in students creating heartfelt cards for children in the hospital. Breonna consistently spreads positivity and compassion, making a meaningful impact on our AGS community.

Pictured above: 1st year principal 2009 / Final Year 2026

After 25 incredible years at AGS, we announce the retirement of Mr. Rettenmund at the end of this school year with both gratitude and a touch of bittersweet emotion. Throughout his time here, he has worn many hats—teacher, coach, and administrator—leaving a lasting impact in each role. From inspiring students in the classroom, to building teamwork and character on the field, to leading with care and dedication in the office, his commitment to AGS has been unwavering.

Mr. Rettenmund often reflects on the relationships built along the way as his most cherished memories. The laughter, challenges, and shared successes with students and staff have shaped a legacy rooted in connection and purpose. He has been deeply supported by an incredible community—our dedicated staff, caring families, and central office leadership—all of whom have played a meaningful role in his journey.

While we will greatly miss his presence, leadership, and steady encouragement, we celebrate the lasting mark he leaves on AGS. His impact will continue to be felt for years to come. We wish him all the best in this well-earned next chapter. In recognition of his outstanding service and contributions, we have selected him as Staff Member of the Month.

We are working hard, but we need more photos! If you have any school-related pictures of AGS students only, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE share them through the link below for a chance to be featured. It is ok if you are unsure how to tag, just add the photos and we will take care of the rest! Reach out to Lisa Wissinger at lwissinger@fentonschools.org with an questions. Thank you for helping us create an amazing yearbook! To pre-order your yearbook, visit ybpay.com and use the yearbook code: 14635326. The order deadline is April 19, 2026.

Like many districts across Genesee County, AGS will be prohibiting “Needohs” and similar sensory fidget items in classrooms once we return from Spring Break. Recently, we’ve seen a concerning increase in these items being intentionally broken (creating significant messes), thrown during lunch periods, and used in ways that disrupt the learning environment and impact instruction.

While we recognize that some students use these items for sensory support and stress relief, the current misuse has made it difficult to maintain a safe and focused environment for all students. Our priority is ensuring that classrooms remain places where teaching and learning can happen without disruption. With state testing on the horizon we feel it is necessary start this protocol upon return from Spring Break.

How families can help:

• Please do not send Needohs or similar items to school with your child.
• Talk with your child about appropriate ways to manage stress and frustration during the school day.
• If your child benefits from sensory supports, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can work together to identify appropriate, school-approved alternatives.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all students

We need your help! Recently, we’ve noticed a concerning uptick in destructive behaviors involving student Chromebooks. These devices are essential tools for learning, and we want to ensure every student has a functional, reliable device to use every day. To keep our technology in top shape, we are asking you to partner with us in reinforcing expectations at home.

How You Can Help:

• The "Check-In": Take a moment this week to look at your student’s Chromebook. Are there missing keys? Cracks? Stickers or drawings that shouldn't be there?

• The Conversation: Talk with your student about being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible with school property. Remind them that these devices are on loan and need to last.

• Safe Storage: Encourage students to keep their Chromebooks in their cases (if provided) and away from food, drinks, or the floor where they can be stepped on.

Why It Matters

When a device is damaged, it doesn't just cost money and potentially end in a monetary fine—it costs learning time. Students without a working device miss out on interactive lessons and digital assignments. State testing (PSAT/MSTEP) has moved to a digital format which requires all students to have a device. We want to ensure that all of our students have a reliable, working device. We appreciate everything you do to support our school community. Let’s work together to keep these tools ready for learning!

A huge shout-out to Mrs. Killian and a group of our talented students for spending their SRT time giving back! Together, they hand-crafted beautiful lap blankets for a local senior center. This project wasn't just about learning a new skill; it was about bringing comfort and a smile to our neighbors. We are so proud of these Tigers for proving that a little creativity and a lot of heart can make a big difference!

Please click below to access the website for registration!

I will email parents and students their group assignments within the next week. The Group Guidelines are as follows:

• Groups are limited to a maximum of 6 students.

• Students must be in a group. If one is not chosen, no problem. I will add them to a group.

• While these are the official "check-in" and "bus" groups, students are free to meet up and enjoy the park with all of their friends once we arrive!

I will send more reminders and a full itinerary as the trip date approaches. Thank you for your support in making this a safe and fun experience! If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa Wissinger at lwissinger@fentonschools.org or 810-591-7763.

AST will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays directly after school in the media center and will end at 3:15 with bus pickup scheduled for 3:25 PM. A completed permission slip is required for students to stay for AST. The permission slip is a Google Form that parents must fill out. Click the button below to access the permission slip!

Mrs. Melissa Welsh, Counselor, MA, LPC, SCL

mwelsh@fentonschools.org

• During March, all 8th graders will be completing a 4-year plan for high school. This is a very general plan that helps students visualize their numerous options and opportunities as they prepare for high school. The 4- year plan is updated each year throughout your child's high school experience as part of the EDP process.
• XELLO: Most AGS 8th graders have completed their career exploration work in XELLO this year. As a reminder, XELLO connects parents with their child's preferred career matches and clusters based on their interests, skills, and personality. As part of our requirements for EDPs, we need at least one parent to activate a XELLO account. Weekly account activation reminders will be emailed to parents/guardians if your child does not have a parent account linked in XELLO.

As always, please feel free to reach out to Wendy Nellis, AGS Career Advisor, with any questions at wnellis@fentonschools.org.

I am excited to share that while my title has changed, my role remains the same. As your Student and Family Engagement Coordinator, I continue to focus on attendance and truancy, managing our valuable resources, and fostering strong connections between school and home. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns about attendance—your engagement is crucial to our success. Additionally, remember to complete our Tiger Paw Pantry request Google form if your family needs support.

Below, you'll find quick links and important information for frequently asked questions:

• At-Home Resources: Explore resources you may need to support your student's learning at home.

• Attendance Policy: Find everything you need to know about our school's attendance procedures.

• Want to Donate? Click the Tiger Paw Pantry button below to easily support our school programs.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our coordinator, Lauren Underwood directly at 810-591-7750] or lunderwood@fentonschools.org.

The AGS PTO is run by parent volunteers, and your support—whether it's your time, knowledge, helping hands, or a donation—is essential for a successful school year full of exciting events!

This year, we are hoping to establish Parent Representatives for each grade, especially for 6th graders, to help coordinate volunteers and be a point of contact. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and help out! If you're interested in volunteering in any way, please fill out this quick form: https://forms.gle/1y3CuJ96L4WCsx5o6 Thank you, Go Tigers!

Future PTO Meeting Dates: March 12, April 9, May 14

Our AGS PTO No Fuss Fundraiser has begun! The PTO is asking for a one-time donation to support all the activities we provide to the AGS community. Similar to the past 4 years, if we meet our goals, we will not have any other fundraisers and won't be asking students to sell anything. We can't do this without your support.

The top earning student in each grade wins a pizza lunch with 3 friends and Mr. Rettenmund!

If a business donates a minimum of $250 to your student, we will display their logo on a sponsor banner on the fence line in front of AGS! Add the business name during the checkout process.

We will report the leader boards periodically and share the final results Tuesday, April 7th.

CLICK BELOW and thank you for supporting the AGS community!

It feels like just yesterday they were starting kindergarten, and now they’re heading to high school. We want to send our 8th graders off in style with a night of dancing and memories! To make the magic happen, we need a little help behind the scenes. Click the link below to access the SignUp Genius!

The 8th Grade Awards - Friday, May 8 @ 6:30. Dance immediately following.

Scan Your Receipts, Support Our Students!

Earning money for our school just got a whole lot easier. No more clipping—the Box Tops program is now 100% digital!

How to help in 60 seconds:

1. Download the Box Tops for Education app or CLICK HERE

2. Select our school.

3. Scan your grocery receipts (physical or digital) within 14 days.

If you shop online or use grocery pickup, you can simply forward your digital receipts to receipts@boxtops4education.com using the same email associated with your account!

The app automatically finds participating products and credits our school 10¢ per item. It’s "free money" that goes directly toward classroom supplies and school events. Every scan counts!

Email: erettenmund@fentonschools.org
Website: http://fentonschools.org/andrew-g-schmidt-middle-school/
Location: 3255 Donaldson Drive, Fenton, MI, USA
Phone: 810.591.7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fenton-Area-Public-Schools-110556712352619/
Twitter: @fentonschools