The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
Next week is the AGS Staff Appreciation Week, the time when we will not only celebrate our amazing teachers, but also recognize the important contributions of all of our staff members. We are excited to be pampering our teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, kitchen staff, bus drivers, administrators, directors, counselors, and every other employee in the district. We are able to do this because of the incredible support we have from our community and businesses around town. We will be individually thanking them all in the future (because we don't want to give away anything to our staff just yet), but we are truly spoiled to have such amazing support in our area.
The absolutely free and fast words of affirmation for appreciation drive is also going strong, with over 40 entries already submitted. I cannot stress enough how much sharing just a few words of gratitude means to the people who work in our district. This week students in grades 7-12 were invited to contribute their messages and the response has been great. If you haven't done so already, I would encourage you take a few moments to sit down with your son or daughter to write and submit one (or more) of those messages together. You can submit as many positive messages as you like and they will be all delivered to our staff next week.
Thanks again for the support of our schools and staff members.
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
Congratulations to our Middle and Senior Bands! They competed in the State Band Festival this past Thursday and once again represented Au Gres-Sims at the highest level. Their commitment, along with Mrs. Gordon’s dedication to achieving a truly beautiful sound, is second to none.
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Purpose. At Au Gres-Sims, our purpose is simple and clear: to do what is best for our students (WBS), both in the classroom and in the community. Every decision we make, every conversation we have, and every action we take, our goal is to have them centered around supporting student growth, success, and well-being.
Whether it’s through strong instruction, positive relationships, extracurricular opportunities, or community involvement, we are committed to providing our students with the tools and experiences they need to succeed. Our focus extends beyond academics, helping students develop the character, responsibility, and skills needed for life beyond school.
Thanks & continue with purpose Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
With just a handful of students finishing their MSTEP makeup test this week, we are closing the books on our state testing for this year. Making sure all students in grades 3 through 11 take each of their assigned tests is a big lift. We are thankful for each staff member who helps us to get these done and to the parents for making sure their students are in attendance. Also, to the students for giving their best effort on these most important tests. We know these are time consuming and not the favorite of our students but the assessments are a great data point for us here in the district to base our instructional decisions on. We now look forward to our final weeks of school, closing out instruction and maybe just maybe some warmer weather to spend some time outside on field trips, field days and fun activities.
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
As we enter the final stretch of the school year, consistent attendance remains as important as ever. Each day in May is filled with meaningful instruction, along with exciting activities that celebrate students’ hard work and growth. From special events to incentive days, there are many opportunities for students to be part of the fun, but they can only benefit if they are here. Let’s finish the year strong by making attendance a priority and ensuring every student can take part in these memorable end-of-year experiences.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to AGS Elementary next week!
It will be hosted in the elementary science lab. The times and dates are below:
- May 5th, 6th, 7th & 12th: 7:45-8:15 a.m.
- May 5th, 7th, & 11th: 3:15-4:30 p.m.
- May 6th: 3:15-5 p.m.
You can also shop online using this link:
Counselor's Corner
School Counselor Newsletter: Finishing the School Year Strong
Dear Families,
As we head into the final month of the school year, this is an important time for students of all ages. May and early June can feel exciting, busy, and sometimes overwhelming. With end-of-year testing, final projects, spring activities, and the anticipation of summer, students may need extra support to stay focused and finish strong.
Here are some helpful reminders and tips to guide your child through the last stretch of the school year:
Stay Focused on Academics
Even though summer is just around the corner, these final weeks matter. Encourage your child to:
Stay on top of assignments and deadlines
Ask for help when needed
Students can need to pass 2 out of 3 Marking Periods/Final Exam with 60% to earn credit
A strong finish can make a big difference in confidence and overall success.
Keep Routines Consistent
Maintaining structure helps students stay balanced. Try to:
Keep consistent bedtimes and morning routines (it can be hard with sports)
Limit late-night screen time on school nights
Set aside time each day for homework or review
Support Emotional Well-Being
The end of the year can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, stress, or even worry about transitions. Check in with your child regularly by:
Asking open-ended questions about their day
Listening without rushing to solve problems
Encouraging healthy ways to cope with stress (exercise, time outside, creative activities)
Wishing you a positive and refreshing spring season,
Ashley Cardinal
School-Based Health Center Grand Opening
The amazing news last week was that the AGS School-Based Health Center has officially opened. To celebrate this wonderful partnership with Sterling Area Health Center and great opportunity for our students and staff there will be a Grand Opening Ribbon Ceremony on Friday, May 8 from 1-2pm. Please see the news release and attached flyer for details.
Breakfast & Lunch Menu: May 4 - 8, 2026
Athletics Update
Wet weather has certainly dampened the flow of spring sports, but hopefully we are back on track for a fun-filled season of contests. Please note that there have been a number of schedule changes to our sports schedules to accommodate the rain and flooding that we have experienced this season.
SCHEDULE
Mon. 05/04
- 4p Girls Varsity Softball HOME vs Hale
- 4p Boys Varsity Baseball HOME vs Hale
- 4p MS Track AWAY @ Alcona
Tues. 05/05
- 2p Varsity Track AWAY @ Fairview
- 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Pinconning (Senior/Parent Night)
Wed. 05/06
- 4p Boys Varsity Golf AWAY @ Hillman - Thunder Bay Resort
- 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Ogemaw Heights
Thurs. 05/07
- 4p Girls Varsity Softball AWAY @ Posen
- 4p Boys Varsity Baseball AWAY @ Posen
Fri. 05/08
- 4p JV Boys Baseball AWAY @ Tawas
- 4p Varsity Track AWAY @ Alcona
- 4p MS/Varsity Track AWAY @ Alcona
Sat. 05/09
- 9a Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/ SSC) AWAY @ Alma
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.
Gifts that Score Big on Mother's Day
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!
- May 8, 22
Important Dates
MAY
- 18: 6:00p.m. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education in the Elementary Library
- 20: 1:00p.m. Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
- 25: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
- 29: 7:30p.m. Class of 2026 Graduation
Community Events
- May 15: Arenac Community Funds Golf Outing (see attached flyer and registration form for details)
- May 24: 1p Memorial Day Parade (see flyer)
- July 4: Arenac County Fireworks Festival (see attached flyer for details)
