Hello Au Gres-Sims Families,
The decision to close our schools is never one that I take lightly, nor one that I wish to make, it is a decision of necessity. School provides so much for our students and not being able to welcome our students in is always a difficult call. Ultimately that decision comes down to the safety and welfare of our students and staff. If we cannot safely drive our buses and deliver your most precious commodities to and from school then the decision to close is what we have to do. As I shared with you earlier this school year regarding school threats, the only thing that supersedes student learning is student safety.
I have been asked by people in the community what goes into the decision to call a "snow day". The answer to that inquiry has two answers, a long version and a short version. The long version involves detailing the conversations with the road commission, reading multiple sources for weather, talking with our neighboring districts (some of which we drive through for different reasons), and taking stock of the voices of the experienced bus drivers on our staff. The short answer is much simpler, I get on the roads and I drive them, most of the time in the early morning hours.
With the four days that we were off this week, we have now had 9 days of school called off this year. We are allowed a variance of 6 days on a yearly basis and may apply for a waiver from the State for an additional 3. We will filing that waiver and weather permitting will not need to call off any more school this year.
Have a wonderful weekend AGS and remember in ice and snow keep it nice and slow.
-Mr. Ming
K-12 Principal's Update
Although it’s still a few weeks away, it’s never too early to prepare. On March 17, from 4-7 pm, we will be holding MS/HS Parent Teacher Conferences. Even though you can gain a lot of information through Skyward, it never replaces face to face conversations regarding student progress.
We often provide different self management learning opportunities for students, but not often for parents. Well, below are some online opportunities.
- Improving Your Sleep- classes begin Mar. 3- https://events.anr.msu.edu/SLEEPSpring22/
- Relaxation, Alternatives to Anger- classes begin Mar. 8- https://events.anr.msu.edu/relaxmar/
- Stress Less With Mindfulness- classes begin Mar. 14- https://events.anr.msu.edu/slmmar/
- Adverse Childhood Experiences- classes begin May 11- https://events.anr.msu.edu/ACEsMay11/
As our winter sports seasons come to a close, it means district playoff basketball action is near. Next Monday our girls team travels to the district site of Hillman to take on the Fairview Eagles at 7:00 pm. As they continue to win and progress through their district, upcoming games would take place on Wednesday and Friday.
Transitioning from winter sports, spring sports will be here before you know it. It’s time to dig out the running cleats and the mits! Athletes, make sure you have a physical before practices begin and that you are maintaining your grades so you can be an active participant as soon as games begin.
And last but not least, a quick bussing update for the families of route 4 of Cory Brown. Due to a shortage of drivers, there will be no afternoon transportation next Thursday and Friday, March 3 and 4. Sorry for the inconvenience.
From the Desk of Mrs. Socha
I am excited to spend this week telling you about March is Reading Month! Next week, we will kick off the beginning of an entire month devoted to celebrating Reading! We have a lot of fun things planned throughout the month from elementary through secondary!
Our elementary Reading Month theme is “Wild About Reading!” Our elementary will be decorated in a jungle theme, and students will be receiving activity calendars and reading logs with grade-level goals from their teachers. We will start and end the month with kick-off and wrap-up assemblies, and I have heard that there may be some special guests! We will also be hosting a Family Literacy Night on Tuesday, March 22nd. More information about Family Night will be coming out soon.
Our middle school students will once again be reading a whole-school novel during reading month. This year, Mrs. Sinclair has selected the book “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park. Middle school students will be reading part of the book each day with her in their ELA class. A calendar of events will be emailed to students and posted in the school, which includes dress-up days, trivia contests, and House activities for House points or Scholastic Book Fair Dollars.
The high school students will have access to a menu board of activities that they can choose from for a novel study of their choosing to celebrate reading month. These will be shared by their ELA teachers. Students will have the chance to earn extra credit and other rewards. They will also have the opportunity to take part in the same spirit days as middle school.
Finally - we will also be having our Secondary Book Fair the week of March 14th - March 18th. It will be open at various times throughout the week and will also be open the evening of March 17th during Secondary Parent/Teacher Conferences. Below you will find a link to our school Book Fair Webpage with information about the Book Fair, including an interactive flyer as well as the availability to shop starting now. There is also a place to sign up for an eWallet for your student, which allows you to create an account for your child and load money onto the account for them to spend at the Book Fair. This can also be shared with family and friends to contribute to as well. Then, at the Book Fair, we can look up your student’s eWallet and allow them to purchase with the funds in their account, without having to deal with them handling cash. Also, if you would like to sign up to volunteer at the Book Fair, click the sign-up like for Book Fair volunteers and I will be in touch. Here is the link to our Book Fair page.
Athletics Update
The girls basketball district brackets have been drawn, with all games to be hosted by Hillman. AGS will play on Monday, February 28 for a 6pm game. If our girls win, they will take on Atlanta on Wednesday, March 2 at 7pm. The district championship game is scheduled for Friday, March 4 at 7pm. Good luck to our Wolverines in their playoff push!
Next Week's Game Schedule
- M 2/28: Girls Varsity Basketball MHSAA DISTRICTS AWAY @ Hillman, 6pm
- Tu 3/1: MS Volleyball AWAY @ Oscoda (vs. Oscoda/Tawas), 6pm
- Tu 3/1: Boys Varsity Basketball AWAY @ Atlanta, 6pm
- W 3/2: ***Girls Varsity Basketball MHSAA District Semi-Final, 7pm***
- Th 3/3: MS Volleyball AWAY @ W-P (vs. W-P/Posen), 6pm
- Th 3/3: Boys JV/V Basketball AWAY @ Charlton Heston Academy, 6pm
- F 3/4: Boys JV/V Basketball AWAY @ W-P, 6pm
- F 3/4: ***Girls Varsity Basketball MHSAA District Final, 7pm
- Sa 3/5: MS Volleyball AWAY @ Mio Tourney, 9am
Important Dates
MARCH
- WED. 3/2: 8-9a Coffee with the Superintendent (Back at Au Gres Cauffee!)
- THU. 3/10: 2:55p Junior Band Festival at Standish-Sterling Central
- WED. 3/16: Early Release for all students at 1pm
- THU. 3/17: Middle School and High School Parent-Teacher Conferences
- FRI. 3/18: End of 3rd Marking Period
- MON. 3/21: 6p Board of Education Regular March Meeting
- TUE. 3/22: 5p Family Literacy Night
- MON 3/28 - FRI 4/1: Spring Break
APRIL
- THU. 4/7: 4-6p Kindergarten and Preschool Round-up
Help Wanted at AGS
https://www.ags-schools.org/employment-opportunities--95
Job Opportunities at AGS
Full-time Special Education Teacher (1.0, but flexible to part time if desired by the candidate)
We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Miller in the district administration office, (989) 876-7157.
Congratulations to Mr. Tracy Stoldt!
As a STEM STAR recipient, Mr. Stoldt received an award and a $250 grant to enhance STEM education in his program or classroom.
AGS is very proud of Mr. Stoldt and his dedication to making learning come to life with STEM!
Au Gres-Sims School District
Email: web@ags-schools.org
Website: www.ags-schools.org
Location: 310 South Court Street, Au Gres, MI, USA
Phone: (989) 876-7150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuGresSims/?ref=br_rs
Twitter: @agsschools