The Au Gres-Sims School District

Hey AGS Nation,

This week we celebrated Veterans Day. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all of the veterans who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication protect the freedoms we enjoy, and I do not take that freedom lightly. Thank you for your service and for the example of strength and selflessness you continue to show us all.

This Saturday marks the opening day of Whitetail rifle season, a tradition many of us look forward to each year. As hunters and outdoor enthusiasts head into the woods, it’s important to make safety the top priority both in and out of the field.

In the woods:

• Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.

• Identify your target and what’s beyond it before taking a shot.

• Wear plenty of hunter orange so you’re visible to others.

• Let someone know your hunting plans and expected return time.

• Keep your phone charged and accessible in case of emergency.

On the roads and in the community:

• Be alert for increased deer movement, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Watch for parked vehicles near hunting areas and drive with caution.

• If you’re not hunting, be mindful of those who are and respect posted property lines.

We wish everyone a safe, responsible, and successful opening weekend!

Thanks & Stay Safe Wolverines!

Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity for families to connect with teachers and learn more about their child’s academic growth and classroom experience. During conferences, parents are able to have a chance to review their child’s benchmark assessment results, discuss progress toward grade-level goals, and see how new curriculum materials are being used to support learning. These conversations help ensure that home and school are working together to meet each student’s individual needs. We were glad to see so many of our families at our elementary parent teacher conferences this week. Families should also be on the lookout for state assessment results from Spring 2025, which were mailed out in the last week with report cards. Reviewing those reports alongside current classroom data gives a full picture of each child’s learning journey so far this year. We hope you were able to join us for our elementary parent teacher conferences this fall to discuss your child’s learning. If you were unable to make it, please reach out to your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s progress.

Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters

We were excited to celebrate our first attendance prize giveaways of the year this week! Students who were in attendance on Thursday 11/13 had a chance to have their name drawn just by being in attendance. These days tied to a longer break are often missed by students as they travel for opening day or even to extend a holiday break. Each day missed is a missed chance for instruction. The chance to win fun prizes is part of our ongoing effort to recognize student and family commitment to being present and ready to learn each day. Consistent attendance not only helps students stay on top of their schoolwork but also builds positive habits that lead to long-term success. Thank you for helping your child make every day count—attendance truly makes a difference!

We all need rest to be the best version of ourselves. Being intentional and carving out time in our busy schedules to rest and recharge is valuable and essential.

The American Psychological Association recommends 7 types of rest:

https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health/seven-rest-types

Enjoy the three day weekend!

Winter Weather & Student Mental Health

What families should know

As daylight decreases and temperatures drop, many students feel the emotional impact of winter. Understanding these changes can help families support student well-being throughout the season.

How Cold Weather Can Affect Students

• Less sunlight: Reduced daylight can disrupt sleep cycles and lower serotonin, leading to sadness and fatigue.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Some students may experience seasonal depression during fall and winter.

• Low energy and motivation: Students may feel more tired, making schoolwork harder to manage.

• Social withdrawal: Staying indoors more often can increase feelings of isolation.

• Habit changes: Winter may bring increased carb cravings, oversleeping, or struggles getting up in the morning.

Ways Students Can Cope

• Get sunlight daily: Even a short outdoor walk can boost mood and energy.

• Keep sleep consistent: Regular bed and wake times help stabilize mental health.

• Stay connected: Encourage social time with friends and family — in person or virtual.

• Move every day: Indoor workouts, stretching, or gym visits can lift mood.

• Eat balanced meals: Healthy habits can reduce the “winter slump.”

• Create mood-boosting routines: Include enjoyable activities like music, hobbies, or reading.

Senior Parents,

With FAFSA now open it is time to complete this graduation requirement. As a reminder, there is an event on November 13th at 5 - 7 pm at the Delta College Planetarium. The school will provide anyone with proof of attendance to this event a $30 gas card. As students/families complete the FAFSA the school will also be providing the student and the parent a $50 gas or Amazon card through a grant we were awarded. If you have any questions please reach out to me via email and I will be happy to help.

Warmly,

Ashley Cardinal

K–12 School Counselor