AGS NEWS

Eric Rettenmund, Principal

Megan Yelle, Assistant Principal

Lisa Wissinger, Dean of Students

Melissa Welsh, Counselor

Paige Millikin, Social Worker

Stephanie Miller, Social Worker

Barb Stinson, Secretary

Randi Thorp, Clerk

February

14: No School for Students (Teacher Work Day)

17: No School (Presidents' Day)

25: Parent/Teacher Conferences (Virtual)

28: 1/2 Day (Y5 - 12 grade)

This week (Feb 3rd-7th) was National School Counselor Week! We want to express our deepest gratitude to Melissa Welch and Stephanie Miller for their incredible dedication and support of our students and families.

They are invaluable members of our community, helping students navigate everything from academics to social-emotional growth, and providing crucial resources for families. Their compassion and commitment make a real difference. We're so lucky to have them at AGS!

Please turn in your submission for the yearbook Cover contest to the office by February 13th.

Use white standard sized paper or cardstock with colors of orange, black, white, gray and make it Fenton themed. The design should be vertical & original to the student submitting it.

Email Ms. Fleury (Todorovsky) if you have any questions. Mtodorovsky@fentonschools.org

Please click on the button below to access the FHS Newsletter. The newsletter contains important information regarding scheduling as well as deadlines for application and audition courses. Also, to join the Scheduling Google Classroom, the 8th grade join link is: wodtgsb.

Owen was nominated by two of his teachers for the student of the month. Ms. Couch remarked that Owen "has an amazing heart and is always willing to help." Mrs. Thomas described Owen as "hard working and said he is an absolute gem!" Congratulations, Owen, and thank you for spreading kindness and positivity throughout AGS.

Mrs. Martin received several nominations for staff member of month. One common theme prevailed throughout the nominations ... "she goes above and beyond for her students." Mrs. Martin is a phenomenal educator and a true team player. Congratulations Mrs. Martin and thank you for helping to make AGS a great place to learn!

Mrs. Domerese and Mrs. Sayer awarded Finn and Ryan with Link of the Month honors for December and January. Congratulations Finn and Ryan! Thank you for your leadership, positivity, and your mentorship to fellow students.

Hello Parents,

Due to the unexpected Ice Day, the book fair will be extended through lunches on Monday, February 10!

To make their book-buying experience even smoother, you can send them with cash, or you can load up their e-wallet with funds! This digital option is super convenient and lets them shop without worrying about lost money. 😉 Just click this link to add money to their e-wallet: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/andrewgschmidtmiddleschool

Happy Reading!

SUPPORT FOR YOUR STUDENT - In addition to your student's teachers, administrators, & staff @ AGS, we have school counselors & social workers that are available to support your student's mental & emotional health needs. Please feel free to reach out if you are concerned about your student, to any of the following:

Mrs. Melissa Welsh, MA - School Counselor (last names A - M) -

mwelsh@fentonschools.org

Mrs. Stephanie Miller, MSW - Social Worker (last names N - Z) -

stmiller@fentonschools.org

Mrs. Paige Millikin, LMSW - Special & General Education School Social Worker - pmillikin@fentonschools.org

Mrs. Shayna Irvine, LMSW - Easter Seals Outpatient Therapist servicing AGS students by referral - sirvine@eastersealsmorc.org

AST is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. AGS Teachers are present and transportation is available for students residing within the district. AST is on an as-needed basis so students can come as much or as little as they would like. On the days of AST, students will need to sign up using a Google Form on the AST Google Classroom page before 2:00 PM to be able to stay. The purpose of AST is for students to receive help with homework/class work, ask questions from the teachers, or have a quiet place to work. However students must have something to work on. A light snack will also be provided. Please make sure to pick up students by 3:20.

A parent preference Google Form is included below. Please fill it out if your child plans on attending AST.

AST Google Classroom code for your child: rzzjgqy

Please email Mrs. Sayer for more information.

Mrs. Sayer: mailto:esayer@fentonschools.org

During second semester our district has started the process of adding additional security features to our schools including, high visibility placards, emergency pull stations in student areas as well as linked security lighting in our buildings. The implementation is taking place between now and February, and we will be having training with our staff, students and administrators as well as educating our community on the importance of these features and what the use for them is. Below is a picture of a smart classroom with some of the features that we are adding to help keep our students and staff safe. If you'd like to learn more about these added features please take a look at the link to the LockOut USA - https://lockoutusa.com/

The AGS PTO meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM in the AGS conference room. The PTO helps to support school assemblies, teacher supplies, 8th grade honors/dance, library books, scholarships for field trips, and much more! Thank you for supporting our PTO.

Next Meeting: February 13, 2025

The Varsity Tutors Platform gives your student more opportunities to learn at their own pace. 24/7 on-demand chat tutoring and on-demand essay review are live tutoring resources to help your student with any questions about homework, classwork, or test prep. Live group classes, recorded classes, and celebrity-led StarCourses allow your student to learn more about the subjects they’re interested in, and add a touch of fun. Assessments and self study practice problems provide

opportunities to drill skills towards mastery. And college prep & admissions resources ensure that

your student has the best resources available to secure their future.

Link: https://varsitytutorsforschools.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

The middle school health curriculum is delivered by PE/Health teachers in SRT class throughout the school year. This will begin in in the next couple of weeks and will continue until the end of the year. The teachers will teach approximately 4 lessons/units for 30 minutes during SRT. Attached below is a health letter that contains more information. Additionally, a health waiver form is attached. The waiver is only required for those who choose to OPT OUT of the district mandated health class. Students will receive a copy of the letter and waiver 2 weeks prior to taking health class. If you choose the OPT OUT option, please return the waiver before health class begins. You may print the form attached to this email and return it to the main office at any time or complete/return the form when your student receives it 2 weeks prior to class. There are also additional copies in the main office. We will be posting updates in the AGS NEWS, including a schedule of when the class will be taught in your child's SRT.

Please contact the main office (810 591 7700) with any questions. Thank you!

Attachments:

Health Letter .png

Health Waiver.png

Below is the code to join PhotoCircle. You'll want to download the app & then request to join the group for this year's yearbook album where you may submit photos to be considered. The link is also posted in the comments for those who have issues with the posted link below.

Submission Guidelines: Please only add photos of AGS events, sports & activities. Please add a caption to each picture with a short description of what the picture is of & who the students are in the picture. PLEASE DO NOT ADD NON-AGS RELATED SPORTS & ACTIVITIES TO THE ALBUM. This causes many wasted hours to the yearbook design process when things such as youth sports, sleepovers & parties are added. Thank you!

Please email Ms. Fleury with any questions or concerns regarding the yearbook. mtodorovsky@fentonschools.org

Photo Circle Link: only click this link once you have downloaded the app.

https://join.photocircleapp.com/NZB1CW0AYY

School of Choice window for 2025-26 school year is Monday, February 24 - August 15, 2025. School of Choice paperwork will be posted/available on the Fenton Area Public Schools website on Monday, February 24th as well.

This School of Choice form will be found on our enrollment page at www.fentonschools.org closer to the March 1st date.

Online enrollment for new students and the registration of current students who may have moved out of the district will be open on Monday, February 24, 2025.

• New families will want to create a Parent Vue account to enroll students.
• Current FAPS families will login to your existing Parent Vue account to add new students and/or update your current students' information. NOTE: If you are a current FAPS family and having trouble logging into your account please contact Mrs. Ebert at cebert@fentonschools.org. DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT.
• Enrollment info link:

https://fentonareaschoolsmi.sites.thrillshare.com/page/enrollment

Below are a few updated photos showing the progress of our new main office addition. During this time, the entrance off of Shiawassee may be closed. There will be more details in the FAPS newsletter and on the FAPS website as the project continues. We are excited about improving the facility for our staff, students, and families.

To help keep our schools and community safe, you can use this confidential tip line to report any suspicious or threatening behavior.

Email: erettenmund@fentonschools.org
Website: http://fentonschools.org/andrew-g-schmidt-middle-school/
Location: 3255 Donaldson Drive, Fenton, MI, USA
Phone: 810.591.7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fenton-Area-Public-Schools-110556712352619/
Twitter: @fentonschools