The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
September 11, 2001. It's hard to believe that has been 25 years. As I walked around the district this week the same thought kept running through my mind, all of these students are blissfully ignorant to the terror that took place that day a quarter century ago. Even some of the staff of the district were too young to remember the events of that day, and the changes that came about as a result...but not all of us. For many, we still remember with absolute clarity.
It is said that every generation has it's defining tragedy, an event that shapes its citizens, their beliefs and future actions. For some it was the Kennedy assassination, for others the Challenger explosion, and for my generation it was the terrorism of September 11, 2001. Analysts have suggested that the pandemic of COVID-19, the rise in school-related violence, or the dawning of artificial intelligence could be this generation's defining tragedy, but I disagree. These events, while change-inducing and difficult in their own way, pale in comparison to the impact that a single moment catastrophe can have.
No, I don't think that moment has happened yet and quite frankly, I hope it never does. Through our systems, practices, and processes we do our best to protect our students and create a safe and secure learning environment...and I think we do a pretty good job of it. But, it takes more than planning and systems to prevent generation-defining tragedies.
Tonight, this weekend, or whenever you are reading this, I want you consider a few thoughts I've reflected on this September 11 and use them as conversation starters with your own child.
- Education helps ensure that important events do not become merely dates in a textbook. Remembering Challenger or September 11 means helping the next generation understand its history, its significance, so that they may carry its lessons forward.
- Stories of ordinary, everyday people becoming heroes out of necessity during the events of September 11 are commonplace. They are stories of people rising to the occasion, beating back obstacles, performing under pressure and adversity, and engaging in extraordinary acts of service to their fellow humans. We don't need a tragedy to honor ourselves and others through courage and service, through our decisions and actions.
- After the shock and horror of those early morning attacks took place the nation was hurting, its people were hurting. Emotions were raw, but there was also an incredible feeling of unity as people of all different creed, class, race, and background united as Americans. There was compassion for strangers and a level of empathy that in the 25 proceeding years I have not felt since. We, as a country, were unified then. Mutual respect, dignity, compassion, and understanding --- even when we have differences of opinion and viewpoints --- are critical components that we need in our country, our community, and our schools.
Remembering and Sharing --- Courage and Service --- Respect and Understanding
This is how we work together to prevent a life-defining tragedy for this generation.
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
Mr. Ming
'ROOMS' SUPPORT
We are seeing wonderful progress with our implementation of Rooms for our district communications. We are, however, still working with our families to troubleshoot some access. Some of those issues may be on our end, integration issues that we will have to resolve, but others fall into the category of individuals and their devices.
A quick troubleshooting guide is linked below, with things you can try. If you've tried both your email address and your phone number (no spaces for either) and that still hasn't worked, then give these common fixes a try.
Additional resources are published on the Apptegy website and are also linked below.
Thanks for your patience as we implement this new platform.
Principal's Perspective
Hello AGS Nation!
This week, AGS was focusing on the character strength of Curiosity!
Curiosity is more than simply asking questions. It is the desire to learn, explore, discover, and understand the world around us. Curious people are willing to wonder, investigate, and look at things from different perspectives.
In the classroom curiosity is a powerful part of learning. When students are curious, they become more engaged in the learning process. Instead of simply looking for the “right answer,” they begin asking “Why?” “How?” and “What if?”
Curiosity doesn't stop when the school day ends. It helps us become better friends, family members, teammates, employees, and community members. Curiosity helps students develop a lifelong love of learning. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, and open-mindedness. Most importantly, it reminds students that learning isn't something that only happens in school, it is something we can do every single day.
As we focus on Curiosity this week, let's encourage our Wolverines to ask questions, explore possibilities, and never be afraid to wonder.
Stay curious Wolverines!
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing” — Albert Einstein
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
In accordance with State of Michigan requirements, official score reports for last spring's M-STEP assessments are being sent home to parents and guardians of students currently in grades 3–11. They should be delivered in the mail over the next week.
These individual student reports provide detailed information about your child’s academic progress and proficiency in core subject areas. Along with our regular classroom assessments, M-STEP results serve as a helpful tool to identify your student's strengths, target areas where they may need extra support, and help us tailor our instruction to keep them on track for future success. Please keep an eye out for these reports in the mail/with your student. If you have any questions about how to interpret the scores or wish to discuss your student's results, please feel free to reach out.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
We know that family schedules, appointments, and unexpected illnesses happen. Whenever your child needs to be absent, please remember to call the attendance line as early as possible so we can update our records and help coordinate any missed learning materials. Students need a doctor’s note for any appointments to be excused. You can keep track of your child's attendance using the fridge magnet coming in the mail soon or check their overall progress anytime via Skyward.
Counselor's Corner
Welcome Back to School!
Welcome to a fresh new school year! Whether you are stepping into our halls for the first time or returning as a familiar face, I am thrilled to welcome you back. I’ve spent the summer getting ready, and can’t wait to support our students, families, and staff as we dive into an incredible year ahead.
Seniors:
Scholarship opportunities are emailed to school email weekly and local scholarships will become available in early spring.
Once Rooms is fully up and running please watch for information on Caps and Gowns and other senior information.
FAFSA will open October 1st and we will have two FAFSA nights to support the students and parents with this process. Completing the FAFSA is a graduation requirement, if you have questions please reach out via email or stop in the office.
MS/HS:
As of Tuesday 9/8/26 schedules will be in place and there will be no moves unless deemed necessary by administration.
Class meetings will be held in September to discuss academic requirements and needs for graduation, Career Center, and Dual Enrollment.
Reach Out Any Time!
My door is always open. If your student needs extra support, or if you simply have a question, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or by stopping by the counseling office. Emailing is the fastest way to reach me as my voicemail box will not accept voicemails. (cardinala@ags-schools.org)
Let’s work together to make this year the best one yet!
Ashley Cardinal
FREE/REDUCED LUNCH FORMS
We are pleased to inform you that Au Gres-Sims School District will be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the School Year 2026-2027.
In place of the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application we still need your household to fill out and sign the Education Benefits Form SY 2026-2027. This report is critical in determining the amount of money that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs.
Look for this to come home with your student soon.
ATHLETICS UPDATE
The new school year is underway, and that means fall sports are here! We're excited to welcome our athletes back to the field and court for another great season.
Good luck to all of our fall athletes and coaches! We can't wait to cheer you on and watch you represent our school with pride, teamwork, and school spirit!
GO WOLVERINES!
SCHEDULE
Mon. 9/14
- 5p V Boys Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Shepherd
- 5:30p JV Volleyball Tri AWAY @ Ogemaw
- 6p MS Volleyball AWAY @ Hale
Tues. 9/15
- 6p Varsity Girls Swim (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Ogemaw Heights
- 6p JV Volleyball HOME vs Hillman
- 7:15p V Volleyball HOME vs Hillman
Wed. 9/16
- 6p MS Football HOME vs Charlton Heston
- 6p MS Volleyball HOME vs Whittemore-Prescott
Thurs. 9/17
- 6:30p JV Football HOME vs Alcona
Sat. 9/19
- TBD V Volleyball Tournament HOME vs Owen-Gage
Celebrate with fresh new spirit gear with your name on it—literally.
The best Wolverines spirit wear available is waiting for you at Sideline. Score hundreds of styles from top brands with designs and other details like your name, player number, year and other custom options.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The PTO plays an important role in supporting our teachers and students with many of the extras that make AGS so great. Consider joining this wonderful group and helping to make this school year a special one.
EVENTS:
- Homecoming Carnival: Friday, Oct. 2
- Holiday Bazaar: Saturday, November 7
POPCORN FRIDAYS: The PTO pops the corn on selected Fridays throughout the school year in the elementary building. Volunteers are needed to make this happen, with a report time of 8:00 a.m. Your son/daughter's teachers will be reaching out to you different times throughout the year.
Please consider volunteering:
- September 25
- October 9, 23
- November 6, 20
- December 4, 18
- January 15, 29
- February 12, 26
- March 12
- April 9, 23
- May 7, 21
IMPORTANT DATES
SEPTEMBER
- 16: 1p Dismissal - Professional Development for Staff
- 21: 6p Board of Education Regular Meeting
OCTOBER
- 7: Walk & Roll to School Day
- 14: 1p Dismissal - Professional Development for Staff
- 15: 4p-7p MS/HS Parent-Teacher Conferences
- 19: 6p Board of Education Regular Meeting
HELP WANTED AT AGS
We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Freehling in the district administration office, (989) 876-7150 and she will put you into direct contact with Laurie Crane at ESS-WillSub
