The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
The first week of the 2026-27 school year has come to a close and it was wonderful to have our students back on campus. This old building just isn't the same without our life blood, our reason for existing, walking these halls. I bring up "old" for a couple of closely linked reasons.
This building, which was actually two separate buildings at one point, is old. How old you might ask? You might never guess by looking at it, but the elementary has been around since 1958, and the secondary building since 1960. That is quite old...grandparent or even great-grandparent old. The reason that you might never guess that our building is close to 70 years old is because of the pride and care that we have taken to preserve it over the years.
AGS has been fortunate to employ some amazing people in our maintenance department over the years and it is because of their commitment to excellence that our students and staff reap the benefit of a beautiful facility to learn in each day. That maintenance department is now led by Mr. Brian Duncan, and together with the regular crew of custodians, and additional summer maintenance staff they are owed a debt of gratitude for the hard work that they put in this summer to making this old building shine.
A building that looks this good and functions this well doesn't happen by accident. It is only through great people and the commitment of this community that our building looks much younger than the 70ish years it has been open to the Au Gres area.
Maintenance Department
Summer Maintenance Crew
Thank you to Shannon Compau (Pigg), Bob Strano, Krystal Metevia, Chelsie Gorecki, and Jay Bartlett for their summer maintenance support.
INTRODUCING 'ROOMS' FOR FAMILIES
Look for information to come through your email soon regarding ROOMS and how you can reduce the app clutter on your phones and get all things AGS in one spot. For a preview of the platform check out the attached flyer.
In the meantime, download the free AGS App for your smartphone, it will be the easiest way to keep in touch with all the classes, activities, and sports teams that your student participates in.
Download on the App Store (Apple iOS)
STUDENT PICK UP SAFETY
To keep everyone safe and our campus running smoothly, we’re asking families not to line up for pick-up before 2:45 PM. Arriving too early creates congestion and safety concerns in our main parking lot as well along Court Street.
Why it matters
Student safety: Early lines block access to our main office, making it harder for end of the day meetings with families and potentially preventing emergency personnel from responding if needed.
Instructional time: When cars stack up, classrooms are disrupted and students lose valuable learning minutes.
Traffic flow: Backups spill onto local streets, delaying buses and emergency vehicles and frustrating neighbors.
Neighbor relations: Idling and blocked driveways impact local residents and businesses; we want to be good community partners.
How you can help
Arrive at or after 2:45pm—our dismissal line moves quickly once it begins.
Use the designated lanes and posted signs; follow staff directions.
Keep crosswalks, driveways, and bus areas (for student activities) clear at all times.
If you’re early, consider a quick errand or a short loop around the block to return at the correct time.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe, efficient dismissal for every student—your cooperation makes a real difference!
Principal's Perspective
Hello again, AGS Nation!
Congratulations as we wrap up an awesome first week! A positive tone has been set, we tackled the new schedule, and kicked off what is sure to be an incredible school year. Let’s keep the positive momentum going!
Get ready to say cheese, Wolverines! Tuesday, September 1st is Picture Day! Bring your best smile, your best hair, or at least try to avoid the “I just rolled out of bed” look :)
And a quick reminder that Labor Day is coming up. There will be no school Friday, September 4th, or Monday, September 7th.
Here’s to a year full of big wins, great memories, and endless growth!
Go Wolverines!
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
What an incredible first week of school! Classrooms across every grade level are already buzzing with energy, curiosity, and bright ideas. Our teachers have wasted no time diving straight into meaningful learning and establishing classroom routines.
To ensure every child receives the exact support and challenge they need, teachers have also begun initial benchmark assessments. These quick, diagnostic checks give us a clear baseline of each student’s current learning levels. Rather than measuring what students don’t know, these benchmarks serve as our roadmap, helping teachers tailor instruction, set achievable goals, and start pushing every learner to reach their fullest potential right from day one.
We are thrilled with the momentum of week one and look forward to watching our students grow!
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Counselor's Corner
Welcome Back to School!
Welcome to a fresh new school year! Whether you are stepping into our halls for the first time or returning as a familiar face, I am thrilled to welcome you back. I’ve spent the summer getting ready, and can’t wait to support our students, families, and staff as we dive into an incredible year ahead.
How We’re Here to Help
School counselors support students across three main areas: academic growth, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. Here is how we connect with students throughout the year:
Elementary (K–5): Classroom guidance lessons on feelings and friendship, small group activities, and one-on-one check-ins.
Middle School (6–8): Navigating transitions, building executive function and study skills, and supporting peer relationships.
High School (9–12): Academic planning, college and career advising, scholarship guidance, and stress management.
Reach Out Any Time!
My door is always open. If your student needs extra support, or if you simply have a question, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or by stopping by the counseling office. Emailing is the fastest way to reach me as my voicemail box will not accept voicemails. (cardinala@ags-schools.org)
Let’s work together to make this year the best one yet!
Ashley Cardinal
FREE/REDUCED LUNCH FORMS
We are pleased to inform you that Au Gres-Sims School District will be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the School Year 2026-2027.
In place of the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application we still need your household to fill out and sign the Education Benefits Form SY 2026-2027. This report is critical in determining the amount of money that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs.
Look for this to come home with your student soon.
ATHLETICS UPDATE
The new school year is underway, and that means fall sports are here! We're excited to welcome our athletes back to the field and court for another great season.
Good luck to all of our fall athletes and coaches! We can't wait to cheer you on and watch you represent our school with pride, teamwork, and school spirit!
GO WOLVERINES!
SCHEDULE
Tues. 9/01
- 6p V Girls Swim (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs John Glenn
- 6p JV Volleyball AWAY @ Alcona
- 7:15p V Volleyball AWAY @ Alcona
Wed. 9/02
- 5p V Boys Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Gladwin
- 6p MS Volleyball AWAY @ Whittemore-Prescott
- 7p JV Football HOME vs Whittemore-Prescott
Top Brands for Diehard Fans (Like You)
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.
EVENTS:
- Homecoming Carnival: Friday, Oct. 2
- Holiday Bazaar: Saturday, November 7
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 8:00 a.m. Your son/daughter's teachers will be reaching out to you different times throughout the year.
Please consider volunteering:
- September 11, 25
- October 9, 23
- November 6, 20
- December 4, 18
- January 15, 29
- February 12, 26
- March 12
- April 9, 23
- May 7, 21
IMPORTANT DATES
AUGUST
- 28: NO SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER
- 1: School Picture Day
- 4: NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY WEEKEND
- 7: NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY
- 16: 1p Dismissal - Professional Development for Staff
- 21: 6p Board of Education Regular Meeting
OCTOBER
- 14: 1p Dismissal - Professional Development for Staff
- 15: 4p-7p MS/HS Parent-Teacher Conferences
- 19: 6p Board of Education Regular Meeting
HELP WANTED AT AGS
We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Freehling in the district administration office, (989) 876-7150 and she will put you into direct contact with Laurie Crane at ESS-WillSub
