The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
This beautiful line comes from one of my favorite books, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, a tattered tome that I've read many times, often to kick start my new school year. The book is about the relationship between a student and his teacher, one that started formally in the school setting but that ended in the real world on Morrie's death bed. It is a story about love and humility, but most of all it is a lesson on how to live life taught by a true coach - a guide who offers perspective, encouragement, and sometimes hard truths, all rooted in a belief in their player's potential.
During October we celebrate Coach Appreciation Month, the information annual observance to recognize and thank coaches for their dedication and impact. Coaches play an essential role in helping us see what we can’t always see in ourselves. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in life, a good coach provides guidance, structure, and belief when our own confidence wavers. They remind us that progress takes patience and that growth happens not just in our victories but in the way we respond to challenges. A coach’s influence often extends far beyond the game—they help shape character, resilience, and purpose. A true coach doesn’t play the game for you—they equip you with the mindset, habits, and heart to face it yourself.
Ultimately, the importance of coaches lies in their ability to help us become our best selves. They challenge us to set higher standards, to reflect deeply, and to see possibility even in adversity. The lessons they teach—about teamwork, humility, perseverance, and empathy—stay with us long after the season ends. Whether in sports, school, or leadership, every great journey is made stronger by the presence of a caring, committed coach who walks beside us and believes in the player (and person!) we are becoming.
We all need coaches to find and become the best versions of ourselves. We might not recognize their value in the moment, nor understand their methods, but it is fair to say that everyone has benefitted from having a coach in their lives. This month I encourage you to reflect on those people that have served the role of coach in your life and to reach out to them and just say thank you.
Student Trip to Washington DC - Fall 2026
AGS is proud to announce the return of the student Washington DC trip! In order to make the trip as cost effective for our families as possible we are cohorting two grades, with plans to take this trip every other school year. The trip is planned for September 13-17, 2026 for our 8th and 9th grade classes (note, this is NEXT school year...2026-27).
Locally, you may contact Mr. Dittenber with questions. We are partnering with Bennett Travel for this amazing student opportunity and our trip contact is Jeff Bennett. He may be reached by phone (231) 838-1925 or by email: jeff@bennett-travel.com
Registration for the trip is completed online, with instructions contained in the attached documents below. It is not too late to sign up for this great opportunity. Because we started the planning process so far in advance of the trip, you can still sign up using the online process. Don't miss out!
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
This week’s P2 Character Strength was Open-Mindedness. Being open-minded encourages growth, adaptability, empathy, and collaboration, all traits that are valuable both in academic settings and in everyday life. It not only helps you become a better student but also a more understanding and effective person in the world.
Being open-minded is a valuable trait that positively impacts both academic and personal life. In the classroom, open-minded students are more willing to listen to different perspectives, which deepens their understanding and improves their ability to think critically. It also helps them work better in groups, accept feedback, and explore creative solutions to problems.
Outside the classroom, open-mindedness leads to stronger relationships, greater cultural awareness, and more adaptability in everyday situations. It encourages empathy and respect for others' views, making it easier to communicate and connect with people from different backgrounds. In the long run, open-minded individuals are often better decision-makers and more prepared to succeed in diverse work environments.
Overall, being open-minded helps people grow intellectually and emotionally, making it an essential quality for success in school and in life.
Thanks & keep your minds open Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
Even though the weather doesn’t quite feel like fall, we are already well into the school year and focusing on our priorities for student learning. In just two weeks, we will be holding secondary parent-teacher conferences, with elementary conferences following a little over a month later. At this point, teachers have been assessing where students are after six weeks of instruction and are making adjustments to their teaching to best meet individual needs. These conferences are an important opportunity to connect, share progress, and work together to support student success. Please be sure to put these important dates on your calendar now so that you can be in attendance to support your student’s learning. October 16th will be conferences for our middle and high school students and November 13th for our elementary. We look forward to seeing some of our parents in just two weeks to discuss student learning.
Chronic Absenteeism
While we have focused heavily on Count Day this week, attendance is important year-round. Count Day is an important part of Michigan’s education system because it helps determine the funding schools receive to support students. Every student who is present on Count Day is counted toward the resources the district will have for things like teachers, classrooms, technology, and programs. While Count Day is especially important, every school day matters—students learn best when they attend regularly. Each day builds on the last, and consistent attendance ensures students don’t fall behind, stay connected with their peers, and make the most of the opportunities their school provides.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
AGS Elementary students this month have been discussing and learning playground safety with Mrs. Phillips and the importance of using kind words and the positive “ripple effects” they can have on everyone we come in contact with. We posed the question “What if everyone throughout the AGS School District said one kind thing to someone that day, what would be the ripple effect of that? What would that look like, sound like, feel like?” They were excited to raise their hands and share their awesome answers. We then thought about someone we could say one nice thing to, what we would say, and then posed the challenge to carry that out throughout the day, and every day.
Keep practicing safety and showing kindness AGS!
Kindness Ripple Effects
“The ripple effect of one kind act refers to its contagious nature, inspiring subsequent acts of kindness that spread through communities and beyond, creating a chain reaction of generosity and positive change.”
Mrs. Cardinal's Weekly Update
Senior Parents,
The FAFSA officially opened last Thursday and can now be filled out. As a reminder the school will be supporting families that attend the Launch FAFSA/Scholarship night with a $30 gas card and the school will be hosting a FAFSA night with support from Kirtland Community College on December 3rd.
High School Parents (grades 9-12)
In support of Postsecondary opportunities, the school will be hosting a trip to SVSU for a short walking tour and tickets to the SVSU vs Ferris State football game on Saturday November 8th.
Please see the attached flyer for more details.
Warmly,
Ashley Cardinal
K–12 School Counselor
AGS Health Clinic News
We have some great news to share. A press release came out late this week announcing that the Michigan Legislature had passed a state and school aid budget year for fiscal year 2026 (started on October 1). Contained within that budget is continued funding for school-based health clinics.
This means that the construction-completed Au Gres-Sims Health Clinic will be opening soon! The district will be working closely with Sterling Area Health Center over the next few weeks to complete the start up process, and we hope to be open and fully functioning very soon. Look for information to come home soon!
Walk & Roll to School Day
On October 8, students (and their parents) are invited to Walk or Roll to School in promotion of regular physical exercise and healthy habits. See the event details in the attachment below.
Athletics Update
Get ready to cheer loud and show your pride — the fall sports season is officially underway! Whether you're hitting the field, court, or sidelines, it's time to bring the energy, the teamwork, and the heart. Let’s make this season one to remember. Go Wolverines!
SCHEDULE
Mon. 10/6
- 5p V Boys Soccer (CO-OP w/ SSC) AWAY vs Bullock Creek
- 6p MS Volleyball HOME vs Oscoda
Tues. 10/7
- 6p JV Volleyball AWAY @ Atlanta
- 7:15p V Volleyball AWAY @ Atlanta
- 6p V Girls Swimming (CO-OP w/ SSC) HOME vs John Glenn
Wed. 10/8
- 6p MS Football HOME vs Atlanta
Thurs. 10/9
- 6p MS Volleyball AWAY @ Oscoda
- 6p JV Volleyball HOME vs Fairview
- 7:15p V Volleyball HOME vs Fairview
Fri. 10/10
- 7p V Football HOME vs Atlanta (Senior/Parent's Night)
Sat. 10/11
- MS Volleyball NSL Tournament @ Posen
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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.
EVENTS:
- Holiday Bazaar: Saturday, November 1 ~ 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
- Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, November 29
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!
- October 10, 24
- November 7, 21
- December 12
- January 16, 30
- February 13, 27
- March 13, 27
- April 10, 24
- May 8, 22
Important Dates
OCTOBER
- 6: 6p Special Board Meeting - Board Seat Vacancy Interviews
- 8: 11a-4p Blood Drive in the Cyber Cafe
- 15: 1p Dismissal - Professional Development for Staff
- 16: 4p-7p MS/HS Parent-Teacher Conferences
- 24: End of 1st Marking Period
Community Events
- October 15 - 2p.m. Movie at the AuGres Community Library - see attached flyer
- October 18 - Halloween in the Park ~ more info to follow
- December 6 - 6:15p.m. Au Gres Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade - see attached flyer
- Chamber of Commerce Gourmet Nut Fundraiser - see attached flyer for details
The Wolverine Wake-Up
Stay tuned for the next episode!
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
