The Au Gres-Sims School District

Hey AGS Nation,

This week is a P2 Spiral Week. It’s built into the schedule to give staff time to revisit and deepen understanding of previously taught character strengths. It can be tough to choose with so many great options, but a few of my favorites are Optimism, Perseverance, Integrity, and Teamwork.

When I think about AGS, I see these character strengths in action every day.

Optimism shows up in how our staff and students approach challenges. Even when things get tough, there is a belief that we can find solutions and keep moving forward.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” -Winston Churchill

Perseverance is evident in the way our students and staff continue to push through obstacles, whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or in everyday situations. We don’t give up easily, and that mindset makes a difference.

“If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Integrity is reflected in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. At AGS, we hold ourselves to a high standard and take pride in how we represent our school and community.

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” -Bob Marley

Teamwork is what brings it all together. We support one another, step up when needed, and work together to do what is best for our students.

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” -Michael Jordan

Thanks & these strengths are not just something we talk about, they are part of who we are as a Wolverine Pack!

As we move through the middle of our testing window, we know students may begin to feel some fatigue as they complete multiple assessments over several days and weeks. This is completely normal, and we are proud of the effort our students are continuing to show. We encourage families to help students maintain consistent routines by prioritizing good sleep, healthy meals, and positive encouragement at home. A simple reminder that effort matters more than perfection can go a long way in helping students stay confident and focused. We appreciate your partnership in helping students finish strong and show what they have learned throughout the year.

We are also looking forward to celebrating our students’ hard work at our incentive day in May. Students who demonstrate proficiency on their state assessments will have the opportunity to enjoy inflatables, yard games, and a BBQ as a way to recognize their effort and achievement. We are excited to provide this fun experience as a celebration of the dedication our students have shown throughout the testing season.

Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters

As we finish our first week of testing, we want to remind you how important it is for your child to be at school each day. If a student misses a testing day, they will need to be pulled from regular classes to complete makeup sessions. This results in additional lost instructional time and can make it harder for students to stay on track. Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in academic success. Our staff is here every day to support your child’s learning, and missing class instruction can lead to gaps that are difficult to recover from. Please help us by ensuring your child is present each day. Your partnership is essential in helping them stay on the path to success.

Upcoming Elementary Dates:

April 22nd: Kindergarten Round-Up/Preschool Preview

April 23rd: 2nd/3rd grade field trip Chippewa Nature Center

May 4 - 8: AGS Staff Appreciation Week

May 4 - 8: Scholastic Book Fair

May 6th: Walk/Bike/Roll to School from Park 7:45-8:00am

May 7th: Preschool last day

May 12th: 4th grade DNR State Park Tawas

May 13th: 3rd grade Arenac Courthouse

May 18th: K/1 Saginaw Zoo Field Trip

May 20th: Early Dismissal for Students

May 25th: Memorial Day No School

May 26th: 4/5th graders to Delta College Planetarium

May 27th EL Walk to Library

May 27th: American Heart Association Assembly

May 28th EL Walk to Library

May 29th: Celebrating our Successes - Inflatables

June 1st: Fun Day in the Park (grades 3-5 a.m., grades K-2 p.m.)

(June 2 back-up rain day for June 1)

June 4th: Early Dismissal

June 5th: Last Day for Students Early Dismissal

Spring Into Mental Wellness

As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, spring offers a natural opportunity for renewal—not just in nature, but in our minds and emotions as well. This season can bring excitement and energy, but it can also come with stress as we approach the end of the school year. Supporting students’ mental health during this time is just as important as supporting their academic success.

Recognizing Spring Stressors
While spring is often associated with positivity, students may also experience:

• Increased academic pressure from testing and end-of-year assignments

• Changes in routine or structure

• Social challenges as activities and events increase

• Feelings of restlessness or difficulty staying focused

It’s important to remind students that these feelings are normal and manageable.

Simple Strategies for Students
Encourage your child to:

• Get outside: Fresh air and sunlight can improve mood and reduce stress

• Stay active: Physical activity, even a short walk, helps boost mental health

• Keep a routine: Consistent sleep and homework schedules support emotional balance

• Talk it out: Sharing feelings with a trusted adult or friend can make a big difference

• Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing or quiet moments can help students reset during busy days

Encouraging Positive Connections
Warmer weather means more opportunities for social interaction. Encourage students to:

• Participate in school events or extracurricular activities

• Spend time with supportive peers

• Show kindness and inclusion toward others

Strong relationships are a key part of mental wellness.

Counselor’s Corner
As your school counselor, I am here to support all students—academically, socially, and emotionally. If your child is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just needs someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Early support can make a lasting impact.

Wishing you a positive and refreshing spring season,
Ashley Cardinal