The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families, Community Members, and Supporters,
As we head into the holiday break, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for another meaningful stretch of learning, growth, and community. Your dedication, kindness, and support make our schools a special place to be each day.
Before you depart for your eggnog and gingerbread cookies, there are few important notes to know:
- A district communications preferences survey has been distributed to the community and is open until December 31. If you haven't already done so, please fill it out once! Survey below
- The district's capital projects plan has been posted to our website. Check it out now and frequently for updates.
- AGS will be enjoying Winter Break December 20-January 4. During this time only the Administration Office will be open from 8a-3p each day. The District will be CLOSED December 24-25 and December 31-January 1. Communications with the district will likely be delayed during the break.
I hope the coming days bring rest, joy, and time well spent with those who matter most. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the new year. Until then, have a safe and happy holiday season.
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
This has been a fun and festive week leading into Christmas break, and our elementary students capped it all off with a spectacular Christmas performance. I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday break and has the chance to spend time with friends and family.
Also, a big thank you to the PTO for running the Secret Santa Workshop all week. The students were definitely excited to shop and explore the workshop!
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Self-Control. Inside the classroom, self-control helps students stay focused, make good choices, and create a positive learning environment. It allows them to handle frustration, avoid distractions, and treat others with respect.
Outside the classroom, self-control is just as important. It helps us manage emotions, build strong relationships, and make responsible decisions. Whether facing peer pressure or everyday challenges, self-control helps us pause, think, and choose what’s best.
Overall, self-control sets the foundation for success in school and life. It gives us the ability to pause, think, and choose the actions that move us forward.
Thanks, Merry Christmas, and stay in Control Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
As we head into our two-week holiday break, we hope this time offers a chance for families to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy being together. This break provides students with a well-deserved pause to rest, recharge, and reflect on all they’ve accomplished so far this year. Whether it’s sharing meals, starting a new tradition, or simply spending quiet time together, we encourage everyone to find meaningful ways to enjoy one another. When we return from break, we will have just four school days remaining before the end of Semester One, making it a great time for students to finish strong.
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
As a reminder, regular attendance is essential for student learning and success. Families of students who have exceeded 11 absences may receive phone calls or letters regarding truancy meetings, as increased absences are detrimental to learning and make it difficult for students to keep up with instruction. Attendance will reset at the start of the new semester, and this provides a fresh opportunity for a strong start. We encourage all families to be proactive, set a goal for fewer absences, and partner with us to ensure students are present, engaged, and ready to learn each day.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
Fun ideas for over break:
Build a snow fort using bread pans or storage bins
Spray paint the snow by mixing food coloring and water in an empty plastic spray bottle
Build a blanket fort indoors by draping blankets or sheets over chairs or furniture, use a flashlight inside the fort and play games or read
Make homemade slime
Create a volcano science experiment or other at home science experiments
https://www.childsci.org/home-experiments
Play Charades
Board games
Cook a recipe together and/or create a “theme” dinner night together
Nature walks around home or a nearby park
Have a wonderful, safe break! Enjoy some rest and quality family time together!
Mrs. Cardinal's Weekly Update
Holiday Wishes from the Mrs. Cardinal,
As we head into the holiday break, I want to wish all of our students and families a season filled with rest, connection, and joy. This time away from school is a great opportunity to recharge, reflect on accomplishments, and spend meaningful time with friends and family.
Remember, it’s okay for routines to look a little different over the break—be patient with yourselves and one another. Take care of your mental and emotional well-being by getting enough rest, staying active, and reaching out for support if needed.
I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a strong start to the new year. Until then, have a safe, peaceful, and happy holiday season!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Cardinal
Student Pick Up/Parking
We kindly ask that you refrain from blocking the flow of traffic in St. Mark's Church parking lot so everyone can enter and exit safely.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Health Clinic News
We received great news this week, we have received federal database clearance for the opening of our health clinic. This was a significant step that was delayed by the federal government shutdown. With this hurdle behind us we are excited to move to the next phase, the hiring of staff to run the clinic. Sterling Area Health Center is into this process now and hope to have staffing buttoned up before the holiday.
We are anticipating that we will be opening the AGS Health Clinic the week of January 19, 2026. Following the winter holiday we will be sending home registration packets for families to fill out for each of their students. We are finalizing the times for the clinic but are planning on it being open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays throughout the calendar year.
More information will follow after the new year, be on the lookout!
Athletics Update
As the weather turns colder and we move indoors, we’re excited to kick off another winter sports season here at Au Gres-Sims! Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff are looking forward to a season filled with teamwork, dedication, and school pride.
GO WOLVERINES!
SCHEDULE
Fri. 12/26
- 7:15p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/Tawas) AWAY @ Downriver United - Southgate Arena
Sat. 12/27
- 3:10p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/ Tawas) AWAY vs New Boston United @ Modano Ice Arena
Fri. 01/02
- 5p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/Tawas) AWAY vs Fenton-Linden Area @ Dort Financial Center
Sat. 01/03
- 1p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/ Tawas) AWAY vs Davison @ Dort Financial Center
Mon. 01/05
- 5p JV Boys Basketball HOME vs Alcona Tigers
- 6:15p V Boys Basketball HOME vs Alcona Tigers
- 7:30p V Girls Basketball HOME vs Alcona Tigers
Thurs. 01/08
- 5p JV Boys Basketball AWAY @ Hale
- 6:15p V Boys Basketball AWAY @ Hale
- 7:30p V Girls Basketball AWAY @ Hale
Fri. 01/09
- 7:30p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/Tawas) HOME vs Tri Valley Thunder
Sat. 01/10
- 3p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/Tawas) HOME vs Mid-Michigan Raptors
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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!
- January 16, 30
- February 13, 27
- March 13, 27
- April 10, 24
- May 8, 22
Important Dates
JANUARY
- 5: HAPPY NEW YEAR! - School Resumes
- 9: NO SCHOOL - Staff Professional Development
- 9: End of 2nd Marking Period and 1st Semester
Community Events
- Dec. 22: 11:00a.m. Movie at the Au Gres Community Libary - see attached flyer for details
- Chamber of Commerce Gourmet Nut Fundraiser - see attached flyer for details
The Wolverine Wake-Up
Holiday Greetings from The Wolverine Wake-Up Crew! The holiday season is upon us, and before we take a holiday vacation, we've put together an episode that's sure to put you in a festive mood. While you're at it, be sure to share The Wolverine Wake-Up with your loved ones. If you'd like merchandise from The Wolverine Wake-Up leave a comment in the video, and let us know! Happy Holidays!
Click This Link to Watch The Wolverine Wake-Up Issue 137
Festively,
The Editor-in-Chief
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
Mr. Anthony
Mrs. Tremble and Mr. Strano
Mrs. Vollbach
Ms. Cabala
Ms. Kubik
Ms. Gorecki
Mrs. Fox
