The Au Gres-Sims School District

King of the Road Driving School has been a great partner with the Au Gres-Sims School District in providing the necessary components to get our young people on the road safely. They are providing Segment 1 shortly with instructors Ron Luckett and Jay Bartlett. Classes will be held in the elementary in Mr. Bartlett’s room, room 120. Below are general details for the classes, but for more information please contact them at 989-600-5519 or kotrdrivingschool@gmail.com.

Segment 1 - 3:30-5:30 class times

• Week 1 - February 17-20
• Week 2 - February 24-27
• Week 3 - March 3-6

Are you age 25 or older and interested in pursuing a degree or certificate from a Michigan Community College or training school? Michigan Reconnect is a tuition free scholarship program that can help. And for a limited time those that are 21-24 may also be able to get assistance. For more information go to https://www.michigan.gov/reconnect

If you are looking for assistance, NEMSCA of Arenac County has information on Rental Counseling, Homebuyer Education, and a Financial Literacy Class. For more information call 989-258-4653 or email gagnona@nemsca.org for dates, or go to the nemsca.org website.

Does the frequent use of cigarettes, alcohol, cocaine, or cannabis bring a “high risk of harm”? According to 12-17 year olds, the answer is yes … except for the use of cannabis where only 35% feel smoking marijuana once or twice a week brings a high risk of harm. Unlike when “we were kids”, cannabis products are much more potent than in the past. Naturally, this also increases the risk for addiction and psychosis by altering brain chemistry, which can include life long consequences. This is even more harmful to adolescents as their brain is still developing into early adulthood and can alter functioning such as memory, problem solving, and mood regulation. This, in turn, can lead to increases in depression and suicidal ideation. Obviously, all of this inhibits the ability to be successful in school, and the results don’t change whether an individual smokes marijuana or ingests it while vaping. So, as with other substances, public health officials recommend that parents talk with their kids about the risks of cannabis use. Click on the link above to help start these conversations.

We just wanted to share a reminder that our students in grades six through twelve have access to online tutoring after school hours through our partnership with the company Paper. Attached here is a document explaining how students can access this service at home. We understand that students need support beyond their time in our building, and this will enable them to access tutoring assistance even after they leave for the day. We hope that our students take advantage of this opportunity and get the extra help they need for their classes. We believe this additional support will contribute to our students’ academic success. Students can use this service to access live 1:1 tutoring services after school to get help with their classwork. They can also submit writing assignments for review before the due date and have help with getting them polished and ready for submission. This service is a great opportunity for our students to ensure student’s success in their classes.

Some of our elementary students have also had the opportunity to attend tutoring sessions twice weekly starting in January to build skills where they need support. Three of our dedicated staff members spend two hours a week with students after school filling in the gaps in their learning.

Both of these opportunities for our K-12 students will be helpful as we approach our State testing starting in April.

Chronic Absenteeism

Next week is a short week for us as we have our Mid-Winter break. Students will only be in the building for four days with a day off on Friday. Ensuring students are here each day for instruction before and after our break is important as teachers are digging into curriculum and preparing students for State testing. Attendance letters will start going out in the mail for second semester as students accumulate absences. Please be sure to get doctor’s notes for days your student has an appointment and also call the school and leave a message on the attendance line when they are too sick to be in attendance. Keeping communication open with the school about missed days helps us prepare necessary materials for your student upon their return to make sure they are up to date with their learning.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a complex process, but with the right approach, you can maximize your chances of getting the most financial aid possible. Here are some key tips and tricks to make the process smoother:

1. Get Started Early

• The FAFSA opens October 1 each year (though for 2024-25, it was delayed until December 2023).

• Some aid is first-come, first-served, so don’t wait until the deadline.

• Check state and school deadlines—some are earlier than the federal deadline (June 30).

2. Gather Necessary Documents Before Starting

Having everything ready will make the process faster. You’ll typically need:
✅ Social Security Number (SSN) (or Alien Registration Number if not a U.S. citizen)
✅ Driver’s license (if applicable)
✅ Federal tax returns (1040) from two years prior (e.g., for 2024-25 FAFSA, use 2022 tax info)
✅ W-2s and records of income (for both student and parents if dependent)
✅ Bank statements, investment records (if applicable)
✅ FSA ID (create one at studentaid.gov)

3. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)

• The IRS DRT allows you to import tax info directly from the IRS into your FAFSA.

• Reduces errors and may prevent verification delays.

• Note: Some income details may be masked for security reasons, but they still transfer correctly.

4. Don't Leave Any Questions Blank

• Use “0” or “Not Applicable” instead of leaving fields blank.

• Errors or missing information could delay your application.

5. List Multiple Schools

• You can list up to 20 colleges/universities to receive your FAFSA info.

• Even if you’re unsure where you’ll apply, add schools now—you can always update later.

6. Understand Dependency Status

• If you’re under 24, you’re generally considered dependent, meaning parent information is required.
  

• Exceptions include:
  

• Married

• Active duty military

• Orphan/ward of the court

• Legally emancipated

• Homeless or at risk of homelessness

• If you have unusual circumstances, contact your school’s financial aid office.
  
  

7. Report ALL Required Income & Assets

• Parental and student income is a major factor in aid eligibility.

• What to report:
  ✅ Wages, salaries, and taxable income
  ✅ Checking/savings account balances
  ✅ Investments (stocks, bonds, real estate not including primary home)

• What NOT to report:
  ❌ Home value (primary residence)
  ❌ Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pensions)
  ❌ Life insurance policies

8. Be Honest, But Strategic

• Large amounts of student savings may reduce financial aid eligibility.

• If possible, spend student savings on education expenses before filing FAFSA.

• Parent-owned assets affect aid less than student-owned assets.

9. Sign & Submit the FAFSA Correctly

• Both the student and a parent (if dependent) must sign using their FSA IDs.

• If you don’t sign electronically, you’ll need to print, sign, and mail a signature page, which delays processing.

10. Review Your FAFSA Submission

• After submitting, check your Student Aid Report (SAR) for errors.

• If corrections are needed, log back in to make changes ASAP.

11. Follow Up & Apply for Other Aid

• Some colleges require additional forms like the CSS Profile.

• Look for state grants and scholarships (they may have separate applications).

• Contact the financial aid office if your family’s financial situation has changed (e.g., job loss, medical bills).

12. Reapply Every Year

• FAFSA is not a one-time form—you must submit it every year to remain eligible for aid.

Final Tip: Don’t Pay for FAFSA Help

• FAFSA is 100% free at studentaid.gov.

• Be wary of scams charging fees for “filing assistance.”

Going Deeper: Connecting Books to Real Life

One of the most powerful ways to make reading meaningful for children is by helping them connect stories to their own lives. When children see themselves in books or recognize familiar experiences, they engage more deeply, build empathy, and improve comprehension. Below are strategies to strengthen these connections, making books come alive beyond the page.

1. Relate the Story to Personal Experiences

Encourage your child to think about moments in their own life that are similar to what they’re reading.

How to Practice:

• Before reading: “This book is about making new friends. Have you ever felt nervous about meeting someone new?”

• During reading: “The character lost their favorite toy—has that ever happened to you? What did you do?”

• After reading: “What part of the story reminded you of something that’s happened in your life?”

🔹 Example: If reading Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, talk about a time your child had a tough day and discuss how they handled it.

2. Discuss Life Lessons from Books

Many books teach moral lessons, resilience, or social-emotional skills. Use these moments to talk about important values and behaviors.

How to Practice:

• “What lesson do you think this story is teaching?”

• “How can we use what we learned from this book in real life?”

• “Is there anything you want to try or do differently after reading this?”

🔹 Example: If reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio, talk about kindness, inclusivity, and standing up for others.

3. Compare Book Characters to People They Know

Helping children see similarities between characters and real people fosters empathy and deeper understanding. It also encourages them to reflect on how they relate to others.

How to Practice:

• “Does this character remind you of a friend, teacher, or family member?”

• “How is this character similar or different from you?”

• “What advice would you give this character if they were your friend?”

🔹 Example: If reading The One and Only Ivan, ask, “Ivan is very protective of his friends. Do you know someone who always looks out for others?”

📚✨ This week, choose a book and find a way to connect it to your child’s life—whether it’s through discussion, an activity, or simply reflecting on shared experiences. Let’s bring stories to life!