The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
Have you ever had a question and experienced the frustration of not getting in touch with the right person? Don't you just wish that you knew the who the right person was so you could skip all the messy back and forth? Getting caught in the switchboard purgatory can be a frustrating experience and that is why we have developed a COMMUNICATION FLOW CHART for you.
Similar to our athletic "chain of command" this flow chart establishes a clear step-by-step contact list for a variety of common topics that we are questioned about, starting with the person most likely to be able to answer the question right away. As noted at the top of the flow chart, many of the people listed have extension numbers provided. To access these you must call the main line of the district at (989) 876-7157 and enter the extension when prompted to do so.
Our goal is to improve our communication with you, to getting you the answers that you are looking for. Please aid us in that process by taking full advantage of our communication flow chart.
Communication Flow Chart
Communication Flow Chart
A Note on Snow Days
We faced some wild weather this week, not altogether atypical of Michigan in the spring, but crazy nonetheless.
Friday's cancellation marked the 7th day that we have had to call off due to the weather this school year. There is no need to panic yet, nor change your end of school year plans yet however. While the state allows up to six cancelations each school year, they also allow for a waiver to be completed to grant an additional three days under extenuating circumstances. AGS will be applying for that waiver in about a month's time, once the threat of winter weather is in our rearview mirror.
If any changes must be made to the end of year calendar we will communicate out well in advance.
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Perspective. When I think about perspective, I’m reminded how much it shapes everything we do, both in and out of the classroom. The way we choose to look at a situation often determines how we respond to it. In school, perspective can be the difference between giving up and pushing through, between seeing a mistake as failure or as part of the learning process. The same holds true for us as adults. Our mindset influences our tone, our patience, and the environment we create for students.
I see a strong, positive perspective throughout AGS Nation. I see it when staff adjust and step up without hesitation. I see it when students support one another and choose to compete with class and character. I see it in our community’s continued support of our schools. That collective perspective matters. It keeps us steady when challenges arise and reminds us that we are all working toward the same goal.
At AGS, we cannot control everything that comes our way, but we can control how we respond. Choosing a positive perspective helps us continue moving forward together as one Wolverine family.
hanks and keep that positive perspective Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
As we approach state testing after spring break, our teachers are continuing to support not only students’ academic preparation but also their social-emotional readiness. While tests measure certain academic skills, it is equally important that students feel confident, calm, and prepared to do their best. In classrooms, teachers are helping students practice strategies such as setting goals, managing stress, staying focused, and maintaining a positive mindset when faced with challenging tasks.
These social-emotional skills are valuable not just during testing, but throughout life. Encouraging students to take their time, try their best, and remember that mistakes are part of learning helps build resilience and confidence. Families can support this at home by reminding students that tests are simply one way to show what they have learned. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, and offering encouragement can go a long way in helping students feel ready and confident on testing days.
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
Regular school attendance plays an important role in supporting students’ social-emotional development. Being in school each day allows students to build relationships with their teachers and classmates, develop a sense of belonging, and practice important skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and perseverance. These daily connections help students feel supported and confident in their learning environment.
We also understand that students and families occasionally face challenges such as illness or other circumstances that require time away from school. When absences do occur, communication with the school is very helpful. Please remember to call the attendance line so absences can be recorded properly. Working together, we can support both the academic and social-emotional growth of our students while helping them stay connected to their school community.
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.
Encourage a Positive Mindset
Remind your child:
“Just do your best.”
“This is a chance to show what you’ve learned.”
“One test does not define you.”
Prioritize Sleep
A consistent bedtime routine is key. Aim for:
Elementary: 9–11 hours
Middle/High School: 8–10 hours
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
We know that everyone is eager to see the clinic open, especially in light of the difficult illnesses that we have been seeing this winter. Sterling Area Health Center is completing their staffing of the clinic and we are planning on being open soon. We expect confirmation of our open date next week and can't wait to share.
To spruce up the look of the health clinic the student advisory group has developed a great idea, an art contest for our elementary, middle, and high school students. Winning entries will have their themed artwork framed and mounted in the clinic, giving it color and a more welcoming feel. Information will go out to students and staff next week about this opportunity, so look for that soon!
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—well for some of the week at least--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 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; Elementary Family Literacy Night
- 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. 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:
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.
The Wolverine Wake-Up
This week's episode of The Wolverine Wake-Up features a topic that affects us all, but you'll have to watch this week's episode to find out more. Remember to like and subscribe and thank you for supporting our show! Follow this link to watch The Wolverine Wake-Up Issue 140:
