AGS NEWS
January 10, 2025
AGS Office Staff
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
Important Dates
January
6: Return to School!
16: 1/2 Day
17: 1/2 Day
*Week of January 13 - Mid-Term Exams
20: No School for Students
Exam Schedule
Wednesday PM Schedule:
LUNCH:
8th Grade 10:34 - 11:04
6th Grade 11:07 - 11:37
7th Grade 11:37 - 12:07
SRT:
8th Grade 11:09 - 12:07
6th Grade 10:35 - 11:02 / 11:37 - 12:07
7th Grade 10:35 - 11:32
1st Hour: 12:12 - 12:39
2nd Hour: 12:44 - 1:11
3rd Hour: 1:16 - 1:43
4th Hour: 1:48 - 215
Incoming Freshman Transition Meeting
Child Safe Kits
It has come to our attention that families who signed up for the Child Safety Kits are receiving communication from American Income Life soliciting life insurance. When the representative met with elementary and middle school principals about the Child Safe program there was no mention of American Income Life or insurance policies. Had we been informed of this we would not have agreed to participate. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. At the time it was presented, we thought it would be a worthwhile program for our families. AGS did receive a $72 donation check and Mrs. Maszatics' 6th hour won a pizza party as a result. Thank you to those families that participated!
I did speak to our representative and she offered to make herself available if there any questions or concerns. Her name is Jamie Beuschel and she can be reached at 616.275.2978.
Join the Fun! Holiday Games & Volunteer Opportunities REMIX
Dear Parents,
Due to the Snow Day of December 20, our festive fun was postponed! The newly scheduled date is on January 30th during SRT. Your child will be participating in exciting Minute-to-Win-It style holiday games. It will still be a great way to celebrate the New Year and the 2nd semester of the school year!
Volunteer Opportunity:
If you're interested in volunteering in your child's SRT class, please sign up here by Friday, January 24: [Link to sign-up genius]. I understand this time is not as convenient; it was the soonest day to get the fun back in!
Donations:
A huge thank you to all the parents for your generous donations to make our Minute to Win It activities possible! Your kindness will help create lasting memories for our children. We truly appreciate your support!
Counselors' Corner
AS THE END OF THE 2ND MARKING PERIOD APPROACHES, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PLEASE CHECK STUDENTVUE WITH YOUR CHILD TO BE SURE ALL ASSIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND TURNED IN!
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) -
Mrs. Stephanie Miller, MSW - Social Worker (last names N - Z) -
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
After School Tutoring (AST)
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. Seelbinder or Mrs. Sayer for more information.
Mrs. Sayer: mailto:esayer@fentonschools.org
Tiger Paw Pantry Update
Lockout Security Installations
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/
PTO Meetings
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
Basketball Tiger Camp
24/7 On Demand Chat Tutoring
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.
Middle School Health Curriculum
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:
🐅 2024-2025 YEARBOOK POST & INFORMATION 🐅
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.
Important Policy Change - CELL PHONES
AGS Office Addition
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.
Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School
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