The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
Since the announcement was made about the health center opening there have been some questions asked about how the whole thing works. Below are some answers:
- Who can be seen in the health center?
- Children aged 3-21, as well as school staff may be seen in the health center. Students do not need to be enrolled at the school-based health center that they are seen in.
- What are the hours of operation for the AGS health center?
- The AGS health center will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, throughout the full calendar year (excluding major holidays), from 7:30am to 4pm.
- The AGS schedule was intentionally set up in partnership with the health center at Standish-Sterling so that students can be seen each day of the week in Arenac County. Students may be seen at the SSC Health Center on Monday and Wednesday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. Additionally, the Whittemore-Prescott health center is open the same time on Wednesdays, a closer option for some of our families.
- What are the insurance requirements for my student to be seen in the health center?
- Every student, regardless of health insurance coverage can be seen in the health center. SBHC staff can assist with obtaining insurance if necessary.
- Do you have to be a Sterling Area Health Center patient to be seen in the AGS health center?
- No. Sterling Area Health Center can serve as the primary care physician (PCP) for your child, but they can also collaborate with your regular doctor.
- What do I do if I don't want the school having access to my student's medical records?
- The school doesn't, and won't, have access to your student's medical records. Reciprocally, the health center will not have access to your student's academic records.
- The health center is a medical entity and must abide by HIPAA regulations and the school must follow FERPA regulations, keeping each set of records protected from the other.
- The school is helping to facilitate the process of completing the required health center paperwork. When we receive those information packets we deliver them to the health center. Alternatively, parents can provide the information packets directly to health center staff if they are more comfortable with that.
- What kinds of services can and cannot be handled in a school-based health center?
- Great question. The attached flyer summarizes this answer well.
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
Hope everyone had a great spring break, spent time with friends and family, recharged their batteries, and is ready to rock and roll into the final marking period!
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Fairness. At Au Gres-Sims, fairness plays a big role in the culture we continue to build together. In our classrooms, fairness means giving each student what they need to be successful, not always the exact same thing for everyone. When students see that expectations are clear and applied consistently, it helps build trust and creates a positive environment where they feel safe, respected, and ready to learn.
While striving to win at all levels, AGS takes great pride in sportsmanship. We value fair play, respect, and integrity above simply winning, and we see those qualities as our true measure of success.
Beyond the classroom, fairness carries into our AGS community. When we lead with fairness, we build stronger relationships, create a sense of belonging, and continue to grow a culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Thanks & continue Powering the Wolverine Pack!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
State testing began this week, and we encourage all families to help students prepare for success. Consistent attendance is very important, as each testing day provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year. Ensuring students get a good night’s rest and start the day with a healthy breakfast can help them feel focused and confident. We also encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about the importance of putting forth their best effort and showing what they know. Next week is especially important, as students in grades 8–11 will be taking the SAT, PSAT, and M-STEP, while our 3rd and 4th grade students will join our 5th graders taking the M-STEP. Testing will take place over the next several weeks and it is imperative that students are in attendance each day. These assessments help us and the state understand student progress and guide instruction to best support learning moving forward.
We are also sharing an exciting opportunity for students interested in STEM learning. Powering the Future: Semiconductor Saturday provides a hands-on experience where students can explore circuits, robotics, and real-world applications of silicon technology. Participants will also learn how the Hemlock Semiconductor industry impacts innovation and future career pathways. This free event includes lunch and is open to K–12 students, offering a great opportunity to spark curiosity and interest in high-demand STEM fields. Please see the attached flyer for more information as well as how to take advantage of this opportunity.
Powering the Future Opportunity Flyer
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
As we enter 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.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
Upcoming Elementary Dates:
April 22rd: 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 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
Counselor's Corner
How Parents Can Help at Home With State Testing
State testing can feel overwhelming for students, but your support makes a big difference!
Prioritize Sleep
A consistent bedtime routine is key. Aim for:
Elementary: 9–11 hours
Middle/High School: 8–10 hours
Well-rested brains perform better!
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Protein + whole grains = steady energy and focus. Avoid excessive sugar on testing mornings.
Encourage a Positive Mindset
Remind your child: Confidence reduces anxiety.
“Just do your best.”
“This is a chance to show what you’ve learned.”
“One test does not define you.”
Important Reminders
Arrive at school on time
Bring charged Chromebooks (if applicable)
Avoid scheduling appointments during testing days when possible
Encourage consistent attendance throughout April
State assessments are just one measure of student growth, but they also offer students an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and progress. With teamwork between home and school, we can help our students feel prepared and confident.
If you have any questions about testing schedules or how to support your child, please contact the school office or counseling department.
Let’s make April a successful month!
Athletics Update
Spring is in the air—well for some of the week at least--and so is the excitement of spring sports season! As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, our student-athletes are heading outside, ready to compete, improve, and represent our school with pride.
SCHEDULE
Mon. 04/13
- 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Bullock Creek
- 4p Boys Varsity Golf AWAY vs Fairview @ Cedar Valley
- 4p Girls Varsity Softball AWAY @ Oscoda
- 4p Boys Varsity Baseball AWAY @ Oscoda
Tues. 04/14
- 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) AWAY @ Ogemaw Heights
- 4p Varsity Track AWAY @ Hale
Thurs. 04/16
- 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Clare
- 4p MS Track AWAY @ Oscoda
- 4p Girls Varsity Softball AWAY @ Charlton Heston
- 4p Boys Varsity Baseball AWAY @ Charlton Heston
Fri. 04/17
- 4p Boys JV Baseball HOME vs Oscoda
Level Up Your Spring Break
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!
- April 24
- May 8, 22
Important Dates
- 15: 1:00p.m. Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
- 20: 6:00p.m. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education in the Elementary Library
Community Events
- April 15 ~ 2p.m.: Movie at the Au Gres Community Library (see attached flyer for details)
- May 15: Arenac Community Funds Golf Outing (see attached flyer and registration form for details)
Yearbooks are on Sale NOW!
Au Gres-Sims Yearbooks for the 2025-26 school year are on sale now.
Yearbooks are available to order two ways:
Online, now until May 1 at this link: https://book.hrimaging.com
Click the BLUE "Order Now" bar
Type "Au Gres" into the search box
Select "Au Gres-Sims Schools (Au Gres, MI 48703)" ...the second option
Type in your student's last and first name
Cost to order is the same, $37.00 and the books will be delivered in the fall.
The Wolverine Wake-Up
Stay tuned while the crew films their next episode!
