The Au Gres-Sims School District

Across our district, we are united by a shared belief: our students deserve learning environments that inspire curiosity, support growth, and reflect the pride we have in being Wolverines. I am excited to introduce the Au Gres-Sims School District’s Capital Projects Plan—an initiative designed to ensure that our facilities remain beautiful, safe, innovative, and ready to meet the needs of both today’s learners and the generations who will follow.

Back in August the district presented an audacious bond project that included both necessary facility upgrades for everyday orderly operation and a plan for a unique facility that we believed would enhance the learning experience and lives of the people of this community. While we were disappointed that the bond was not approved by the constituency we respect the result and have spent the time since reflecting, revising, and reevaluating.

Over the past several months, we have listened closely to staff, students, families, and community partners. Their voices guided the development of a long-term vision that focuses on maintaining and enhancing the spaces where our children learn, grow, and succeed. This plan reflects a careful balance of stewardship and strategic investment: maintaining the integrity of our buildings, supporting up-to-date educational spaces, and strengthening our ability to attract and retain families in our community. To be clear, the district will not be pursuing a dome in this plan, but will instead focus on the maintenance and efficient operation of our current facilities.

As we move forward, you will see communication that highlights the core features of the plan, the timelines involved, and the opportunities for continued community feedback. Transparency and collaboration will remain at the heart of every step. Currently, the district is conducting a survey about how we can better communicate (linked below) and we encourage all members of the community to participate.

In the coming weeks and months, we will host community discussions, share visual concepts, and provide detailed information to help every resident understand both the “why” and the “how” behind this initiative. We will do this slowly and methodically so as to not overwhelm, but to inform each step of the way.

This plan is more than a facilities update—it is a commitment to our children and to the future of Au Gres-Sims. By investing in strong roots today, we allow our district to continue growing, thriving, and expanding opportunities for all students.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Au Gres-Sims School District. Together, we will continue building a school community that is vibrant, welcoming, and #PoweredByPurpose.

Hey AGS Nation,

If you weren’t able to attend the holiday band concert, you truly missed out. It was a wonderful evening showcasing our Wolverines’ musical talents. I’m always amazed at how Mrs. Gordon can take those early squeaks and shape them into such a beautiful, polished sound.

This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Supporting Others. Whether it’s classmates, coworkers, friends, or people in our community, Supporting Others creates a big ripple effect. In the classroom, helping someone out builds trust and stronger relationships, and it makes the room feel safe and welcoming. When students feel supported, they’re more willing to join in, take chances, and grow.

Outside of school, supporting others brings people together. It helps us understand each other better, spreads kindness, and reminds us that none of us are facing things alone. Even small acts of help can inspire others to do the same, creating a positive cycle that lifts everyone up.

Thanks and remember Wolverines that when we lift others up, we all rise together.

Go Wolverines!

With exams approaching in our final days before we have our holiday break, this is a great time for secondary students to finish the semester strong. Students are encouraged to prepare for exams, complete any missing assignments, and use class time to ask questions or get extra help. Staying organized, turning in late work, and studying a little each day can make a big difference. Families can help by encouraging good sleep habits, regular attendance, and quiet time for study at home. Together, these small steps can lead to a strong finish and a more relaxing break! Remember if your student needs extra help at home they have access to Khanmigo and Paper which offer tutoring help.

Khanmigo

Paper

At the same time, our elementary students have made wonderful progress during the first half of the year! Classrooms are celebrating learning with fun holiday-themed activities that build skills while keeping students engaged. These special moments help make school exciting while reinforcing everything students have learned so far this year.

Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters

While we focus on ending these last three weeks on a strong note, please remember that student attendance is critical for them to perform well on their midterm exams in the middle and high school. Each day prepares students for these tests. Please make sure your student is in attendance each day to ensure their success on the midterms. Reminder that high school students and eighth graders taking Algebra I must pass two out of three components of this first semester to gain credit in their classes. Each credit is necessary for graduation.

Below are two helpful articles on how to help “calm the chaos” and “manage meltdowns” with children during the holiday season:

“Calming the Chaos: Stress-Reducing Strategies for Children During the Holiday Hustle”

https://www.foothillsacademy.org/community/articles/stress-reducing-during-the-holidays

“Managing Meltdowns During the Holiday Season”

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/managing_meltdowns_this_holiday_season

The holidays are upon us and though this is usually a happy time of year it can also bring stress and worries as well. Here is a good exercise your child or even you can do when feeling overwhelmed during this time of year or anytime you are feeling overwhelmed or worried.