The Au Gres-Sims School District

Au Gres-Sims Families,

In the Spring of 2025 (last school year) students in grades 8-10 took the Preliminary SAT, either the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10. Michigan is one of two states that uses the PSAT results to identify students to take Advanced Placement classes, taking advantage of the College Board's Advanced Placement Potential Tool. This tool statistically identifies students who are likely to score a 3 or better in an AP course. Scoring at this value or higher (on a 5-point scale) qualifies high school students to receive college credit while in high school.

This topic is relevant to you because in the next few weeks letters will be arriving from the state to the families of students who have been identified for advanced coursework. By the Michigan Department of Education's estimate, some 80,500 letters will be mailed out across the state!

Au Gres-Sims does not have AP Courses but we do have advanced curriculum options available for our students at no cost to families. Through our partnerships with Delta College, Alpena Community College, and Kirtland College students have the opportunity to duel enroll, that is to say that they can earn both high school and college credit. Our educational relationship with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has enabled AGS to apply for and receive 2% grants each year for these duel enrollment courses. This means that our students, as long as they pass the class, our students (and their families) do not have to pay a dime. This is truly an AGS advantage!

Speaking from firsthand experiences taking AP classes while in high school, working in high schools throughout my career, and seeing my own children take duel enrollment courses here at Au Gres-Sims I can tell you that our opportunity for college credit through advanced courses is more advantageous for students and their families. A few advantages include:

Transferability: AP classes may lead to college credit depending on the institution and the score earned on the test, while duel enrollment courses are college credits.
Cost: there is an exam cost for AP tests, usually between $75-$100. Duel enrollment courses cost more overall, but they are covered by AGS/Tribal Grants
Selection: for an AP course to be taught in any hour of our school day would require at least 10 students to A) want that class and B) be able to fit it into their schedule. AGS students in duel enrollment courses might be the only one from AGS, virtually connecting into classes with students from other schools in the area, as well as on their main campuses.

Keep an eye out for letters in the mail, and hold onto them if you receive them. While we do not offer AP courses at AGS, we do offer advanced coursework that I believe is a better option for our students. If you receive that letter about your son or daughter's potential, review it with them and set up an appointment with our counselor, Mrs. Cardinal, to learn more about what is available.

From the Desk of Mr. Miller

Hey AGS Nation,

The phrase “practice what you preach” definitely comes to mind when I think about this week’s P2 Character Strength of Forgiveness… and a few of Dan Campbell’s play calls this season. As a lifelong Honolulu Blue & Silver supporter, forgiveness gets a little harder to practice each year…but I’m still hanging in there! 🙂

This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Forgiveness. Forgiveness plays a big role in building positive relationships and healthy environments. In the classroom, it helps students move past mistakes, fix relationships, and stay focused on learning instead of holding onto anger. It encourages empathy and understanding and helps create a space where everyone feels safe and supported.

Outside of school, forgiveness is just as important. It helps people let go of stress, heal, and maintain strong relationships. When we release resentment, it’s easier to move forward and handle challenges with a clearer mindset. Learning to forgive is a life skill that supports emotional well-being and meaningful connections.

Thanks and remember, we are NOT the “Same Old Lions”!

Go Wolverines!

Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update

I’ve had the pleasure of popping in to observe classrooms over the last few weeks and the teaching and learning happening has been a great thing to see. These observations highlight the many great things happening for our students each day. Teachers are delivering well-developed lessons that thoughtfully integrate HMH into reading instruction, ensuring students are actively engaged and building strong literacy skills. Students are using past instruction and skills to jump into a lesson and bring their ideas to the lesson showing ownership of their learning. In social studies, lessons on Early America are enriched with a variety of meaningful resources that deepen understanding and spark curiosity. Students are looking at visual depictions of early life and then matching the instructional text that supports the opinion being relayed in the visual. Working with multiple forms of information allows students to make deeper connections to what they are learning. All of our teachers continue to demonstrate incredible dedication, working tirelessly to break down concepts and ensure every student understands the lessons. The collective hard work, intentional planning, and passion for student success are clearly evident throughout our classrooms.

One quick reminder, if your student is struggling with homework at home, remember that they have access to two different platforms where they can get help with homework. They have access to Khanmigo and Paper which offer tutoring help when they are not in school with their AGS teacher.

Information on how to login to both is linked below.

Khanmigo

Paper

Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters

As we approach mid-winter break, we want to remind families how important it is for students to be in school both in the days leading up to the break and when we return. These days are full of active learning, new instruction, and opportunities to review key skills, not “down time.” Missing school before or after a break can create gaps in learning and make it harder for students to stay on track. We appreciate your partnership in helping students finish strong before the break and jump right back into learning when we return!

Weekly Update from the Dean's Den

Fun ideas to practice math concepts at home together

Mrs. Cardinal's Weekly Update

Dear Families,

As we move into the winter months, shorter days, colder weather, and busy schedules can impact students’ moods, energy, and routines. This season is a great time to pause, check in, and focus on wellness—both at school and at home. Below are a few tips, reminders, and resources to help support students of all ages during the winter months.

Winter Wellness Tips for Students

Keep routines consistent: Regular sleep schedules, balanced meals, and daily movement help students stay focused and emotionally regulated.
Get outside when possible: Even a short amount of daylight and fresh air can improve mood and energy.
Practice self-care: Encourage activities students enjoy—reading, drawing, listening to music, journaling, or spending time with family.
Stay connected: Winter can feel isolating. Checking in with friends, teachers, and trusted adults makes a big difference.

Supporting Social & Emotional Health
Winter can bring increased stress, anxiety, or low motivation for some students. Please reach out if you notice:

Changes in mood or behavior
Increased irritability or withdrawal
Difficulty concentrating or completing schoolwork
Ongoing sadness or worry

Academic Support & Goal Setting
This is a great time for students to:

Reflect on progress so far
Set short-term academic or personal goals
Ask for help when needed

Encouraging students to focus on effort, growth, and persistence can help them stay motivated through the winter stretch.

Counselor’s Corner Reminder
I am always available to support students and families. If you have concerns about your child’s academic, social, or emotional well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,

Ashley Cardinal

K–12 School Counselor

Health Clinic News

Just a few more weeks until the staff of the clinic will be ready and we will be able to open our doors to our beautiful new school-based health clinic. Paperwork went out a few weeks ago and we are still collecting it in the main office.

There will be a Parent Advisory Committee meeting for the the Health Clinic on Tuesday, February 16 at 6pm in the Elementary Library. We are looking for more parent participation and would love to have you. If interested, contact Mr. Ming (mingc@ags-schools.org) for more details, or just plan on showing up that night.

Athletics Update

The make-up dates for the boys and girls basketball games AT Mio, previously canceled on January 23rd, have been rescheduled.

Girls Varsity will be played on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 @ 7:30p

Boys JV and Varsity will be played on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 starting at 5:00p

GO WOLVERINES!

SCHEDULE

Mon. 02/09

6p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/Tawas) HOME vs Cadillac

Tues. 02/10

5:00p JV Boys Basketball HOME vs Mio (Parents Night)
6:00p V Girls Basketball HOME vs Mio
7:30p V Boys Basketball HOME vs Mio (Parents Night)

Wed. 02/11

5p JV Boys Basketball HOME vs Whittemore-Prescott
6:15p V Boys Basketball HOME vs Whittemore-Prescott
7:30p V Girls Basketball HOME vs Whittemore-Prescott (Senior Night)
7:15p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/Tawas) AWAY vs FNV @ Saginaw Bay Ice Arena

Fri. 02/13

7:30p V Girls Basketball AWAY @ Mio

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY PROCESS

The Middle School/High School Handbook has been updated to reflect changes in the process for athletic eligibility. A copy of that process is provided as an attachment below. Eligibility will now be pulled every week, starting with the 3rd week of the semester. These changes have been shared with the coaching staff and will be communicated with their student athletes.

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AGS Academic Athletic Eligibility Requirements

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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 8:00a.m. Your son/daughter's teachers will be reaching out to you at different times throughout the year.

Please consider volunteering!