Au Gres-Sims Families,
I have a couple of odds and ends for readers this week.
First, we had a couple of curveballs thrown our way this week with the temporary loss of a few services, aspects of school that we often take for granted. As our community knows all too well, our phones have been down this week and we have been in contact (with our personal devices) with the companies involved to get them restored. Thursday and Friday we arrived on campus to find that our internet was also down, a completely unrelated service to our district. Crews for both services have been dispatched and are developing solutions so that we can be back to our full capacity. In the meantime, I must commend the staff and students and our families on how well they have all pivoted. We have all become dependent on technology for our daily lives, and it was encouraging to see the problem-solving and flexibility that happened when it had to so that we could continue the teaching and learning process.
The second item I have for you this week is a new feature of our bond webpage, a "Did You Know?" card at the top of the page. Each week, a new card will appear, with information about the bond project that you are asking about. The explanation given each week will be presented in short, succinct, and bullet-pointed answers to give you a spoonful of new information with each sitting. Keep checking back for more information!
From the Desk of Mr. Zeien
In a couple of weeks I will pass along some helpful information on preparing for high stakes testing. One of the things noted will be the importance of sleep. Although it is always beneficial to have a good night's rest the night before a big event, sleep shouldn’t be one of those things that is good to have just “once in a while”. Although much of the information can be applied to different age groups, today’s newsletter focuses on sleep for teenagers.
The Impact of Sleep on Your Teen's Mental Health
If your teenager isn't getting enough sleep, the consequences may be serious. Depressive thoughts, difficulty paying attention, and increased stress are often exacerbated by inadequate sleep. Teenagers need more sleep than adults and don't often get it. In fact, more than 70% of teenagers aren't catching enough Z's during the week. Given the effects a lack of sleep can have on a growing body, having a tired teenager may be a bigger problem than you thought. The teenage years are a time of incredible physical and mental growth. Young people who are tired are more likely to get into car accidents, experience depression, and deal with other unfortunate side effects.
How much sleep should teens get?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. That's more than adults need; most people over the age of 18 can get by on just 7 hours of sleep. According to Michigan State University, many teenagers struggle to get enough rest. The school says 70 to 80% of teenagers get less than 8 hours of sleep per night, and 30 to 40% of teenagers get less than 6 hours of sleep each night.
What's impacting teen sleep?
There are several common reasons that teenagers get less sleep than recommended. Some of these reasons can't be totally avoided, but certain lifestyle changes can help teenagers achieve a better sleep schedule. For example, dealing with stress. Dealing with stress can make it harder for teenagers to get enough quality sleep. According to a 2022 study based on a self-reported questionnaire, stress is more likely to result in poor sleep for teenage girls than boys. However, all teenagers may struggle to fall asleep if their minds are racing. Kids who are balancing a social life, sports practice, homework and home life may be so busy that getting 10 hours of sleep is often unachievable unless they shed some obligations. Sleep is tied to the state of teenage mental health. A 2021 study of Florida youth found that students who reported insufficient sleep also reported several mental health problems. For instance, students who said they didn't get enough sleep were more likely to report feeling sad or hopeless than students who reported getting sufficient sleep. Students who lacked enough sleep were also more likely to report serious thoughts of self-harm. A systematic review of research on inadequate sleep in adolescents also found that insomnia is consistently linked to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
Sleep tips for parents with teens
There are several ways parents can encourage better teen sleep at home. Changing some habits could make a big difference. One way is to practice good sleep “hygiene”. Teenagers may be prone to having a messy room, and this can actually affect sleep habits. Good sleep hygiene means having a collection of healthy habits that encourage peaceful sleep. Your teenager can create a soothing sleep environment by keeping a clean bed, taking a hot shower 30 minutes before bedtime, using aromatherapy and shutting blinds to keep out exterior light. Another way is to stick to a schedule. Routines can help build a positive relationship between teens and sleep. Inconsistent sleep times make it hard for a teenager's body to fall into a predictable rhythm. Encourage your teen to go to sleep and wake up at a similar time each day, and if you can keep the schedule on the weekend, even better. Limiting screen time before bed also helps. As Harvard explains, blue wavelengths encourage our brains to remain attentive and may improve reaction times. While this is helpful during the day, it's easy to see why looking at blue lights at night would make it harder to fall asleep. Consider enacting a media curfew for your teenager. If they stop looking at devices with blue lights, including smartphones and tablets, for a few hours before bed, they may be able to fall asleep faster. And lastly, consider diet changes. Caffeine is a major sleep disruptor. Even beverages like decaffeinated coffee or tea may have small amounts of caffeine, so read labels carefully. Your teenager should avoid all caffeine in the afternoon and evening if they're having a hard time falling asleep. Spicy foods and certain proteins can also disrupt sleep. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that foods like pepperoni and processed cheese may trigger something called norepinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that stimulates the brain. No more pizza right before bed!
The bottom line is that teenagers need more sleep than adults, and they often don't get it. During the week, early first bells at school mean it's impossible for kids to sleep in. Encouraging an early bedtime and good sleep hygiene can make a big difference in your teen's life. Not only will it be easier for your teen to concentrate at school, but they may be less likely to have negative thoughts and experience anxiety.
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
Mrs. Cardinal's Weekly Update
How to talk about Suicide with children and teens:
In the last week Arenac County lost two young adults to suicide. Talking to your children about suicide is a difficult but important conversation. It’s essential to approach it with care, honesty, and age-appropriate language. Here are some guidelines and thoughts on having these difficult conversations with your students and/or their friends. It is a major misconception that if you talk about suicide it increases the chance someone may die by suicide. Statistics actually show that talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. If you know of anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts they can text 988 to reach a hotline where there is someone to help 24/7.
1. Create a Safe Space
Choose a quiet, comfortable place to talk.
Let your child know they can share their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Keep your tone calm and reassuring.
2. Use Age-Appropriate Language
Young children (under 10): Keep explanations simple. Example: "Sometimes, people feel very sad and don’t know how to ask for help."
Tweens and teens: Be more direct and use real terms like "suicide," while also emphasizing help and hope.
3. Be Honest but Gentle
If the conversation is triggered by a loss, provide truthful but sensitive information.
Avoid euphemisms like "went to sleep" that may confuse younger children.
4. Encourage Open Dialogue
Ask open-ended questions like:
"Have you heard about suicide before?"
"How do you feel about this?"
"Do you ever feel really sad or hopeless?"
Listen without interrupting or overreacting.
5. Validate Their Feelings
Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even angry.
Reassure them that they are not alone and that help is available.
6. Emphasize Help & Hope
Explain that suicide is preventable and that there are people who care.
Let them know that talking to someone (parent, teacher, counselor) is always okay.
7. Monitor & Follow Up
Keep an eye on changes in behavior, mood, or social withdrawal.
Check in regularly and keep the conversation ongoing.
If they express suicidal thoughts, seek professional help immediately.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
Reading is more fun and engaging when shared! Partner reading is a simple but powerful way to support children’s literacy skills, build confidence, and encourage a love for books.
Partner reading involves two people—whether it's a parent and child, siblings, or even friends—taking turns reading aloud together. This strategy improves fluency, comprehension, and listening skills while making reading a shared experience.
How to Practice Partner Reading
Take Turns Reading
- Read a book together and take turns reading every page or paragraph.
- For younger readers, parents can read longer sections while the child reads shorter, simpler parts.
Echo Reading (Great for Early Readers!)
- The parent or older reader reads a sentence first. The child repeats the sentence, copying the expression and rhythm.
- This helps with fluency, pronunciation, and confidence.
Stop & Discuss
- Pause occasionally to ask questions:
- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “How is the character feeling?”
- “What’s the most exciting part so far?”
- This encourages comprehension and deeper thinking.
Why Partner Reading Works:
Builds Confidence – Children feel supported as they read together.
Improves Fluency – Hearing and practicing fluent reading helps with speed and expression.
Encourages Discussion – Talking about the book makes reading more meaningful.
Creates Connection – A great way to bond with your child while reinforcing literacy skills.
AGS Health Clinic News
We are officially back under construction after completing the 50% construction state inspection for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing! Last week the walls went up, more than just studs in the former classroom, and the clinic began to take shape. The sanding and finer details of the drywall were the marks of progress this week.
The new anticipated opening of the clinic is mid-April to early May and we will update that as we get closer. Prior to the clinic opening we will be sending home paperwork packets and will be making a number of announcements about that process. There is nothing to look for yet, just the continued progress of our clinic construction.
Pathways to Potential
Did you know you have a MDHHS worker right in your school? My name is Kirstie McCaffrey, and you can find me in the main office. My direct phone number is 989-313-5387. I work with the school as part of the Pathways to Potential program.
The Pathways to Potential program is a state-run initiative implemented in 2012 and designed to help students succeed in school and life. The program places MDHHS caseworkers in schools across Michigan to serve as Success Coaches, working with students and families to overcome obstacles to success in school.
Please reach out to me for more information.
Athletics Update
Congratulations to Coach Blackmore and the Boys Varsity Basketball team on a successful season. The team lost a nail-biter of a game this week in district play to conclude their season, but things are looking bright for the program after a season of improvement and growth!
SCHEDULE
Mon. 3/3
Girls Basketball Districts @ Mio Au-Sable
~ 7pm Whittemore-Prescott vs Fairview
Wed. 3/5
Girls Basketball Districts @ Mio Au-Sable ~ Semifinals
- 5:30pm Mio vs Winner of 3/3/25 competition (Fairview or Whittemore-Prescott)
- 7pm Au Gres-Sims vs Hale
TICKETS FOR THIS GAME MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH GO FAN AT THE LINK PROVIDED BELOW. PASSES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS THIS IS AN MHSAA EVENT.
https://gofan.co/event/3307028?schoolId=MI4040
Fri. 3/7
Girls Basketball Districts @ Mio Au-Sable ~ Championship
- 7pm Championship Game
Top Brands for Diehard Fans (Like You)
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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.
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 and different times throughout the year. Please consider volunteering!
- March 14, 28
- April 11, 25
- May 9, 23
Refundable Tax Credits
Refundable tax credits put money back in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers. The IRS offers various resources to explain these tax credits.
Visit eitc.irs.gov to learn more about Tax Credits
