AGS NEWS

Eric Rettenmund, Principal

Zachary Bradley, Assistant Principal

Lisa Wissinger, Dean of Students

Melissa Welsh, Counselor, MA, LPC, SCL

Stephanie Miller, Counselor, MSW

Barb Stinson, Secretary

Randi Thorp, Clerk

January

1 - Happy New Year!

5 - School Resumes (2nd Semester Begins)

13 - ELA Curriculum Night

19 - No School - MLK Day

21 - Drake Strong Day - wear Green

February

10 - Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences (4 - 7 PM)

13 - 1/2 Day (6th - 12th)

16 - No School

As part of our curriculum adoption process, Fenton Area Public Schools offers an opportunity for parents and guardians to join us to discuss prospective instructional materials and ask questions regarding the curriculum.

AGS is currently piloting ThinkCERCA for 6-8 English Language Arts. ThinkCERCA is a blended learning curriculum that builds critical thinking and writing skills by immersing middle schoolers in complex texts, teaching them to analyze, find evidence, and construct arguments/narratives. It focuses on core ELA skills like reading comprehension, vocabulary, and argumentative writing, using scaffolds like interactive vocabulary, partner reading, and chunking texts, with features for personalized learning and data tracking for teachers. It also encompasses and embeds an AI component that provides immediate feedback and suggestions to students' work.

If you would like to learn more about this platform and our pilot this year, please join us on January 13th, from 5:00-6:00 P.M., at the District Board Office.

Hello 8th Grade Families!

It’s time to start planning our 8th-grade trip to Cedar Point on Monday, May 11, 2026! We are currently gathering a preliminary headcount to secure buses and lock in the best possible pricing for admission tickets and meal plans. What we need from you:

Please take 60 seconds to fill out this quick Google Form no later than Tuesday, January 13: CLICK HERE to access the form! On the form, you can let us know:

• If your student plans to attend.

• If YOU are interested in joining the fun as a parent chaperone!

You can still join the AGS and FHS Ski/SB Club through the end of Jan!

Mrs. Loria is out at Mt. Holly most Fridays 3:30-6:00. (1/9-If Mt Holly is open, Mrs. Eastman will be there instead 4.30-6:30.)

Pick up information in the office or email Mrs. Loria: mloria@fentonschools.org.

Join the club Remind for up to date info. @2526skisb

Congratulations to Natalya and Alex, our AGS Students of the Month! They were recognized for their willingness to help others and their consistently positive attitudes. Thank you both for Showing Your Stripes and for helping to make AGS a great place for our staff and students!

Congratulations to Mr. Long, our AGS Staff Member of the Month! Mr. Long is being recognized for consistently going above and beyond to help wherever he is needed. Thank you for your dedication, teamwork, and the positive impact you make on our AGS community every day!

We are excited to introduce Darla, our school’s new therapy dog! Darla has been visiting our middle school twice a week this school year to become acclimated to the environment. She has already begun building positive connections with students and staff. She will complete her certification at the end of this month and will officially become a full-time member of AGS.

We are thrilled to welcome Darla as a full member of our school community and look forward to the comfort, calm, and support she will continue to provide.

PTO is selling Hungry Howie’s FUN Raiser Cards for $25 each! Over $100 in discounts redeemable at the locations listed on the example below and good until June 30, 2026. This is such a fantastic deal and great to use over the holiday break! Cash or check in an envelope to the AGS office, or Venmo friends and family payments accepted. The cards are in hand and we’ll work with you on how to deliver them before break. We appreciate your support!

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!

If you have any school-related pictures of AGS students only, please share them through the link below for a chance to be featured. We look forward to seeing all the memories you've captured!

Choose a tag for your photos. Some examples include: Football, Basketball, Clubs, First Day of School, etc. Also, rename the photo with the student(s) name and grade please! See the screenshot below! 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.

Schedule changes for the second semester are complete. Counselors met with students before & directly after the holiday break to take care of any elective requests.

Mrs. Melissa Welsh - last names A - M

mwelsh@fentonschools.org

Mrs. Stephanie Miller - last names N - Z

stmiller@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!

We have fantastic news for the 2025-2026 School Year! The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is continuing the Michigan School Meals program, which means every student, Pre-K through 12, can eat one breakfast and one lunch for free every single school day!

What This Means for Your Family:

• Free Meals for All: Your child can receive one complimentary breakfast and one complimentary lunch daily, regardless of your family's income.

• Focus on Learning: The state recognizes that hungry students struggle to focus and concentrate in class. This investment ensures that all children have the nutrition they need to succeed in the classroom.

We are thrilled that all students can benefit from healthy, free meals throughout the entire school year, making mornings and lunchtimes a little easier for everyone! CLICK HERE to access all school menus.

We aim to keep you informed and supported throughout the school year! 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 FHS PPC class is presenting "Who's Crazy Now" in the Black Box this Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:00. We would love to see you there! In an asylum for school teachers driven crazy by their students, hilarity ensues when the sane are mistaken for patients.

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