The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
This week I want to share a couple of quick-hitters for you, rather than my typical single-topic post.
Athletics:
Girls basketball is still in season, with the MHSAA Districts this week, but Spring sports are just around the corner. At AGS, we offer middle and high school boys and girls track, as well as baseball, and softball. Additionally, we have a girls soccer cooperative team with Standish-Sterling Schools. This spring we are also offering a boys golf team. For all athletic information, please get in touch with Mr. Ostrander, our Athletic Director.
Health Clinic:
I had multiple conversations with Sterling Area Health Center this week, as well as with our new clinic medical provider and we are getting close to opening. Our medical provider is completing her training, and the rest of the staff is being hired in. Our students that are part of the clinic advisory committee are designing an art project for the decorations that will go on the walls in the clinic, and more information about that will be coming out soon.
One of the first things that we will be looking to do when the clinic is open is scheduling sports physicals for the 2026-27 school year. Any sports physical completed after April 15 will be good for the entire 2026-27 school year. A great aspect of the clinic is that when open, we can start scheduling these appointments early, instead of trying to get many covered in a single night.
Board of Education Vacancy
I would like to thank Trustee Laura Storey for her outstanding service to the Au Gres-Sims School District. After over 5 years of service to our district and community Ms. Storey has stepped down to take on the changes that come from additional demands from her own employment.
Her stepping away means that we have a vacancy on our Board of Education. Individuals who are interested should register their interest, in writing, to me (mingc@ags-schools.org) by Thursday, March 19. Candidates who register their interest will be interviewed by the sitting board members at a special board meeting on Monday, March 23, starting at 6p.
Spreading Love
To close the month of February, staff members participated in an activity where they recognized their peers through the giving of hearts (stickers) with adjectives used to describe each other. The activity was designed to remind all of us that giving of love is the best way to receive love. I was impressed by our staff, and how giving they were, a big reason why AGS is such a wonderful place.
As we march toward March, I wish you and your families a wonderful weekend,
Mr. Ming
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Humility. When I think about humility, I think about quiet confidence and strength of character. In our school, humility shows up when students are willing to learn, accept feedback, admit mistakes, and celebrate the success of others. It allows growth to happen because students understand that learning is a process and no one has all the answers.
In athletics, humility is just as important. It is competing hard while respecting your opponent, listening to your coach, supporting your teammates, and handling both wins and losses with class. The strongest leaders and teammates are often the ones who let their actions do the talking.
I see humility across the AGS community every day. I see it in students supporting each other, in staff members always looking for ways to improve, and in our athletes who represent AGS with pride and sportsmanship. Humility keeps us grounded and reminds us that success is not about one individual, but about the strength of our entire Wolverine pack.
Thanks and Go Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
As we move into the final stretch of the school year, we encourage families to ask their child about the goals they are currently working toward in school. Many students have specific growth targets tied to classroom learning and benchmark assessments. A simple conversation at home about what they’re practicing, improving, or striving for can make a big difference. When students know their families are aware of and invested in their goals, it increases motivation and confidence. Supporting reading at home, reviewing math facts, encouraging completion of assignments, and celebrating progress all help strengthen growth before the end of the year. We truly value the partnership between home and school as we work together to help every student succeed.
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
The flu season continues to have a strong hold on many of our families right now leading to an increase in absences. We completely understand keeping your students home when they are sick and encourage this practice when your student has those classic symptoms. Students need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning as well as no vomiting or diarrhea for a 24 hour period before returning. We are taking steps to mitigate the spread of illness in our building and hope you are encouraging your students to do the same. Please talk with students about the importance of hand washing often, not sharing food and drink as well as the importance of a full night's sleep to help them stay healthy. If your student is staying home due to illness, please be sure to call our attendance line and leave a message letting the office know so that it can be marked accordingly in Skyward.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
Last week, we talked about the effects of “scary” media and children. This week, we are considering the impact of social media and adolescents, and anxiety in children. Below are some links pertaining to this topic.
Counselor's Corner
Hello Students & Families,
I hope everyone is staying/getting healthy and warm as we fight through February and the cold/sickness it has brought. As a reminder, if your student is sick, please keep them home. Students must be fever-free or puking-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Mental Wellness Tip
Winter months can sometimes affect mood and energy. Try these simple wellness boosters:
Get outside for fresh air when possible
Keep a consistent sleep routine
Stay connected with friends or family
Talk to someone you trust if you’re feeling overwhelmed
Remember — asking for help is a sign of strength.
High School Corner
Explore scholarships and financial aid opportunities that are emailed from Mrs. Cardinal
Seniors: reach out for transcript or application support
Juniors/Sophomores: begin career and college exploration
Family Connection Idea
Have a short conversation this week:
What makes a good friend?
How do you show kindness?
What is something you appreciate about yourself?
These conversations help strengthen emotional skills and relationships.
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.
Our medical provider is starting her training next week, so the countdown to the grand opening is just around the corner. Look for more information soon.
Athletics Update
SCHEDULE
Mon. 03/02
Girls Basketball District Tournaments at Hale
- 7p Fairview vs Whittemore-Prescott
Wed. 03/04
- 5:30p V Girls Basketball Districts ~ Mio vs Winner of Fairview/WP @ Hale
- 7p V Girls Basketball Districts ~ Au Gres-Sims vs Hale @ Hale
Fri. 03/06
- 7p V Girls Basketball District Championship Game @ Hale
Spring Swag has Sprung
Gear up for spring with lightweight layers you can throw on or peel off. Customize in your favorite designs, colors and more to rep your Wolverines pride.
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!
- March 13, 27
- April 10, 24
- May 8, 22
Important Dates
MARCH
- 16: 6pm Regular School Board Meeting in the Elementary Library
- 18: 1pm Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
- 19: 4-7pm MS/HS Parent Teacher Conferences
- 20: End of 3rd Marking Period
- 23: Special Board Meeting - Board Member Interviews and Appointment
Community Events
- Mar. 6 - Arenac County Celebration Fund - Casino Night Fundraiser & Reverse Raffle (see attached flyer)
- Mar. 18 ~ 28 - Food Bank of Eastern Michigan Distribution Schedule (see attached flyer for details)
Yearbooks are on Sale NOW!
Au Gres-Sims Yearbooks for the 2025-26 school year are on sale now.
Yearbooks are available to order two ways:
At the school, February 20 through March 10
Forms are being sent home with students
Completed forms should be submitted to Mrs. Richardson
Online, now until May 1 at this link: https://book.hrimaging.com
Click the BLUE "Order Now" bar
Type "Au Gres" into the search box
Select "Au Gres-Sims Schools (Au Gres, MI 48703)" ...the second option
Type in your student's last and first name
Cost to order is the same, $37.00 and the books will be delivered in the fall.
Arenac Community Funds Now Accepting Grant Applications
The Bay Area Community Foundation's Community Partnership Grants for Bay and Arenac Counties are open for their first cycle of 2026!
Our local nonprofits are the driving force behind positive change in our region. These grants support impactful work in:
- Arts
- Education
- Environment
- Human Services
- Recreation
- Community Initiatives
Here's how to apply:
- Start by submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) through our grants portal.
- Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026.
- Applications will be reviewed in April, with funding decisions announced in mid-May.
- Visit bayfoundation.org for full details and to access the grants portal.
- Questions? Connect with Grants Program Officer, Madi Syring, at (989) 893-4438 or email her directly at madis@bayfoundation.org.
Don't miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life and make a lasting impact!
