The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
Love (and appreciation) are the flavor of the week, as we look to celebrate the people that we love this weekend for Valentine's Day. The holiday is a good reminder during this dark and cold time of the year that it is always prudent to tell, and show, the people you care about just how much they mean. While the expression of love changes over time and through circumstances, our time is short, and the relationships in our lives mean so much, and we could all probably use a little more love in our lives.
Teachers are the at the heart of our school district and in a couple of months we will celebrate them (and our entire staff) for Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-May 8). This year the Michigan Department of Education is seeking student- and family-created teacher appreciation videos in a project they've designed to celebrate and recognize the teachers we love so much. What better way to shower our amazing AGS teachers than with a video, eternalizing your kind words.
Here is what MDE is looking for: videos that feature Michigan students and families sharing what they appreciate about their teachers. These videos may be featured on the MDE website and social media platforms for the whole month of May. Videos will be accepted Wednesday, February 18 through Wednesday, April 15. More information and criteria for videos can be found on the Teacher Appreciation month webpage.
If you'd rather keep the message more private you could also create content and send it directly to the AGS teacher or I'd be happy to share it with them as well. Thanks for your consideration to share the love with our amazing teachers.
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Love. Love is more than just a feeling. It’s shown through kindness, patience, respect, and genuine care for others. I have observed this firsthand in
Au Gres-Sims classrooms. Whether it’s a teacher taking extra time to help a struggling student, greeting students at the door with a smile, or calmly working through challenges with patience and understanding, our staff consistently demonstrates what love in action looks like.
I also see this same spirit reflected in our students and throughout our community. Students supporting one another, offering encouragement, and showing empathy toward their peers are everyday examples of love in action. Our families and community members continue to show their care and commitment through their involvement, generosity, and support of our school.
Together, these efforts create a safe and supportive environment where students feel valued and understood. When students know they are cared for, they grow in confidence, take academic risks, and become more open to learning.
Thanks and keep spreading the love Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
As we move further into the school year, our focus remains on continuous growth for every student—both academically and socially. Teachers across all grade levels are analyzing student data, refining instruction, and providing targeted support to ensure each learner is making meaningful progress. In addition to strong academic instruction, we continue to prioritize social-emotional learning by helping students build skills such as self-regulation, resilience, collaboration, and responsible decision-making. These skills not only support classroom success but also prepare students for positive relationships and future opportunities. Consistent daily attendance plays a key role in both academic achievement and social development, as students benefit from being present for instruction, peer interaction, and community-building experiences. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s growth each day.
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
We are seeing an increase in seasonal illness right now, and we understand that there are times when students need to stay home to rest and recover. Keeping sick children home helps prevent the spread of illness and protects both students and staff. When your child is absent, please be sure to call the attendance line to report the reason for the absence. This ensures the absence is marked appropriately and prevents unnecessary attendance letters from being sent home. Accurate communication helps us maintain correct records while also supporting families during times of illness. As always, when students are feeling well, consistent attendance remains important for maintaining academic progress and staying connected to their classroom community.
Counselor's Corner
Hello Students & Families,
February is a great time to reset goals, build positive connections, and continue supporting student well-being as we move through the winter months. This month we encourage students to reflect on how they treat themselves and others. Positive relationships help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Ways students can show kindness:
Offer encouragement to a classmate
Include others during activities
Practice active listening
Use respectful language (in person and online)
Express gratitude to teachers, friends, and family
Families can support this by talking at home about empathy, respect, and healthy boundaries.
Social–Emotional Learning Spotlight
We are working with students on:
Managing emotions and stress
Problem-solving skills
Responsible decision-making
Building confidence and resilience
Tip for home: Ask your child one of these questions:
“What was something positive that happened today?”
“How did you handle a challenge this week?”
“What’s one goal you have before spring break?”
As always, I’m here to support our students and families. Please reach out anytime with questions or concerns.
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.
Boys JV and Varsity will be played on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 starting at 5:00p
GO WOLVERINES!
SCHEDULE
Mon. 02/16
- 4:30p JV Boys Basketball AWAY @ Saginaw Arts and Sciences(SASA)
- 5:45p V Boys Basketball AWAY @ SASA
- 7p V Girls Basketball AWAY @ SASA
Wed. 02/18
- 5p JV Boys Basketball AWAY @ Mio
- 6:15p V Boys Basketball AWAY @ Mio
Thurs. 02/19
- 6p V Girls Basketball HOME vs Hillman (Parents Night)
Fri. 02/20
- 6p JV Boys Basketball AWAY @ Hillman
- 7:15p V Boys Basketball AWAY @ Hillman
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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!
- February 27
- March 13, 27
- April 10, 24
- May 8, 22
Important Dates
FEBRUARY
- 16: 6pm Regular School Board Meeting in the Elementary Library
- 18: 1pm Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
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
Community Events
- Feb. 21 - Arenac Community Funds - Trivia Night (see attached flyer for details)
- Feb. 21 - Family Winter Fun Fest (see attached flyer for details)
- Mar. 6 - Arenac County Celebration Fund - Casino Night Fundraiser & Reverse Raffle (see attached flyer)
The Wolverine Wake-Up
Greetings Everyone,
It's almost Valentine's Day and love is in the air, the birds are chirping... oh who are we kidding, we just want the chocolate! On this week's episode of The Wolverine Wake-Up we're eating chocolate. Some of it is good, and well some of it is...you'll just have to watch this week's show, and find out how it ends. Spread the love and watch it with a friend or loved one, and better yet Subscribe to our channel!
Click this Link to Watch The Wolverine Wake-Up Issue 139
Cordially,
The Editor-in-Chief
