The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
What else can we say any more other than "WOW" and just enjoy the magnificence of the AGS Bands?!? There's not much to say, just the expectation of excellence, earned and never taken for granted. That was on display this past week when our junior and senior bands traveled to U of M Flint for the District Band Festival.
For those who have never attended, Festival is the showcase event where our bands are judged each year on their quality. The event is split into two categories, a three-piece performance that includes a march, a required piece, and a selected piece) and a sight-reading session. Scores are assigned 1-5, with one being the best (1= superior, 2 = excellent, 3 = good, 4 = fair, 5 = poor).
While the concert performance is fun, the sight-reading is where the excellence of our band stands out. Bands are provided a piece of music that they have never seen before, then given 5-minutes to review it (without playing their instruments), before having to perform it. Under the direction of Mrs. Kim Gordon, our musicians are machines with the process; immediately going into hyper study mode with the section leaders highlighting the tricky points, followed by Mrs. Gordon asking questions and unified military-esque correct responses. The whole impressive feat of preparation is only eclipsed by the actual playing of the piece...again, something the musicians have never seen before.
This year's festival performance may just be the best I've ever witnessed. The comments from the judge were indicative of just how talented and well-prepared our students are to perform. A 50+ year veteran band director and judge told our junior band that their sight reading was almost perfect...by senior band standards. The same judge shared to our senior band there was nothing he could improve upon, no feedback that would enhance their performance, and that their sight-reading was worthy of being their concert performance! Basically, he meant that our students playing the song for the first time played it a level as good as a piece that they had rehearsed for months...with 5- minutes of prep!
It would be easy to take our AGS band for granted around here, but I urge you not to. We have a great thing going and a truly gifted teacher leading the charge in Mrs. Gordon. Make sure you enjoy what we have while we have it, and never take it for granted!
Check out their performance videos below. Only the concert performances are included as it is not permitted to record the sight-reading.
Junior Band
Scoreboard
Senior Band
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Love of Learning, and with March being Reading Month, it really ties together. When I think about a love of learning, I think about curiosity and growth. It’s students asking thoughtful questions, exploring new ideas, and feeling proud when something finally clicks. It goes beyond grades or assignments. It’s about developing a genuine excitement to improve and challenge yourself.
Reading plays a big role in that. Books open doors to new perspectives, spark imagination, and build confidence. When students find something they enjoy reading, it helps fuel that internal motivation to keep learning.
Beyond school, a love of learning becomes even more important. It helps students adapt, stay resilient, and continue growing no matter what path they choose. March is Reading Month is a great reminder that encouraging curiosity and a love of reading now helps build habits and mindsets that will benefit our students for the rest of their lives.
Thanks and keep wanting to grow Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
Michigan requires students in several grade levels to participate in statewide assessments each spring. Students in grades 3–7 take the M-STEP in English Language Arts and Mathematics, while 5th grade students also take M-STEP Science and Social Studies. In 8th grade, students take the PSAT 8/9 for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the M-STEP for Science and Social Studies. At the high school level, 9th graders take the PSAT 8/9, 10th graders take the PSAT 10, and 11th graders take the SAT, the new WIN Learning and Work Readiness(replaces WorkKeys) and M-STEP Science and Social Studies. These assessments help measure how well students are mastering Michigan’s academic standards and provide valuable information to schools and families about student progress.
Our teachers prepare students to show what they know throughout the entire school year through aligned instruction, practice with grade-level skills, and reviewing key concepts. The month of March is especially important, as teachers focus on identifying any remaining gaps and helping students feel confident and ready. State testing begins shortly after spring break, so the learning and preparation happening in classrooms right now plays a key role in helping students show what they know.
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
As we begin to see some slightly warmer temperatures, it is a welcome reminder that spring is on the way. Warmer weather gives our students more opportunities to get fresh air, spend time outside, and even air out our homes after a long winter. Fresh air and outdoor activity can be great for both physical and mental well-being. At the same time, we know that cold, flu, and other illnesses are still circulating and impacting some of our students and families. Continuing to follow healthy habits such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when ill helps reduce the spread of germs in our schools. When students are healthy and able to attend regularly, they benefit from consistent instruction and stronger connections with their teachers and classmates. We are looking forward to getting past this stage of illness that has had such a strong hold on many families and enjoying spring when it finally emerges.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
Is your child struggling with attention and completing tasks? Below are two articles to help navigate and support your child’s attention span, growth and success.
Counselor's Corner
Preparing for Michigan State Testing – April 2026
April brings an important time of year for our 3rd–11th-grade students — Michigan State Assessments. These tests give us valuable information about student growth and help guide instruction, supports, and future planning.
What Tests Will Students Take?
Grades 3–7: M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress)
Grade 8: M-STEP and PSAT 8/9
Grade 9: PSAT 9
Grade 10: PSAT 10 and M-STEP (Science & Social Studies)
Grade 11: SAT with Essay, WIN Readiness Assessment, and M-STEP (Science & Social Studies)
These assessments measure progress in subjects like English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
Student Achievements:
Career Center students participated in the Skills USA competition, and several of our very own placed in the top three, earning them a trip to states.
First Place Winners:
Jacob Boensch - Technical Drafting
David Czarnik - Precision Machining-Lathe
Austin Campbell - Precision Machining-Overall
Second Place Winners:
Amber Boensch - Quiz Bowl
Third Place Winners:
Randon Marcum - Crime Scene Investigation
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.
Athletics Update
Congratulations to all of our winter athletes and coaches on a wonderful cold-weather season. We transition now to our third season of the sports calendar, SPRING!
Spring is in the air—and so is the excitement of spring sports season! As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, our student-athletes are heading outside, ready to compete, improve, and represent our school with pride.
Spring schedules will be posted soon!
Level Up Your Spring Break
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: 6pm Special Board Meeting - Board Member Interviews and Appointment
- 30 - April 3: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
APRIL
- 6: School Resumes
Community Events
- Mar. 7 - Arenac County Celebration Fund - Casino Night Fundraiser & Reverse Raffle (see attached flyer)
- Mar. 18 - Movie at the Au Gres Community Library (see attached flyer for details)
- Mar. 18 ~ 28 - Food Bank of Eastern Michigan Distribution Schedule (see attached flyer for details)
- Mar. 26 - Euchre Night Scholarship Fundraiser (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!
