The Au Gres-Sims School District

Hey AGS Nation,

I would first like to give a huge thank you to the Au Gres Fire Department for visiting our school for Fire Day and educating our elementary students! Your time, effort, and dedication to keeping our community safe are truly appreciated. The students loved learning about fire safety and seeing the firefighters and equipment up close. Thank you for making the day both fun and educational!

This week’s P2 Character Strength was Creativity. Creativity is an important part of learning and living. In education, it helps students think beyond memorizing facts and encourages them to explore ideas in new ways. Creative learning builds problem-solving skills, confidence, and teamwork, making school more engaging and meaningful. When students use their imagination, they learn to express themselves and approach challenges with an open mind.

In everyday life, creativity allows people to adapt, make better decisions, and find new solutions to problems. It also supports emotional well-being by reducing stress and helping people express their thoughts and feelings. Whether at work, at home, or in relationships, creative thinking leads to innovation and fulfillment.

Overall, creativity strengthens both education and daily life by inspiring curiosity, confidence, and growth. It helps people see the world differently and find inspiration in every experience.

Thanks & Continue to imagine and innovate, Wolverines!

As we move through the long stretch between now and Christmas break, it’s important to keep encouraging students to stay focused and give their best effort each day. This time of year can feel tiring, but steady attendance, consistent homework routines, and positive encouragement at home all make a big difference. With support from both school and families, students can continue building strong learning habits and finish the year on a high note.

At the same time, students have fun things to look forward to that help keep the school year exciting—like Halloween activities, special fall traditions, and Opening Day of deer season. These moments of celebration add energy to the school routine and give students something positive to anticipate while they continue working hard in the classroom.

Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters

As we wrap up the month of October, we want to remind students to keep an eye out for fun attendance incentives coming soon! Regular attendance is key to learning—every day builds on the one before, and missing class makes it harder to keep up with new material. We’ve noticed some students have had an increased number of absences this month, which not only impacts their progress but may also lead to an attendance meeting with administration. Let’s finish October strong by showing up every day and staying on track together! Keep your eyes open for chances to earn something fun.

Recess: The Fall brisk weather has arrived, with chillier winter months ahead. Students are required to wear a jacket outside at recess if the temperature is below 60 degrees. The weather has been fluctuating so sending your child each day with a jacket, from here on out, is suggested. Hats, gloves, scarves are also encouraged along with rainboots, and soon to be snow boots. Labeling their winter gear with their names is also helpful. Teachers also suggest sending in a clean pair of dry socks, for students to store in their lockers, in case they need to change out of any damp socks that have occurred from being outside at recess.

Oct. 31st: Students are welcome to bring a costume to change into after their lunch recess on this day. We are asking that these costumes be appropriate for school including no gore/blood/fake weapons of any kind, please and thank you. Students will wear their costumes to our PAWS assembly in our MPR that afternoon, and they will then take them off before they go outside for afternoon recess and bring them home with them.

Please take a moment to talk with your student(s) about what it means to be a good friend.

🌟 Being a Good Friend

Being a good friend helps everyone feel safe, happy, and included — at school, at home, and in your community. Read through these tips together and talk about ways to show friendship every day!

💬 1. Use Kind Words

Kind words make people feel happy and cared about.
Students: Say nice things and use polite words like please, thank you, and sorry.
Parents: Encourage your child to notice when someone says or does something kind and to respond with kind words in return.

🗨️ Try saying: “I like playing with you!” or “Thanks for helping me!”

🤝 2. Share and Take Turns

Friends share their time, toys, and ideas.
Students: Let others go first sometimes and share what you have.
Parents: Practice taking turns during games or family activities.

🗨️ Try saying: “You can go first this time!”

👂 3. Listen When Others Talk

Listening shows that you care.
Students: Look at your friend, don’t interrupt, and pay attention.
Parents: Model active listening — when your child talks, pause and listen fully.

🗨️ Try saying: “I’m listening. Tell me more!”

💗 4. Include Others

Everyone wants to feel like they belong.
Students: Invite others to join in games or groups.
Parents: Talk about how it feels to be left out and how your child can include others.

🗨️ Try saying: “Would you like to play with us?”

⚖️ 5. Be Honest and Fair

Good friends can be trusted.
Students: Tell the truth, play fair, and keep promises.
Parents: Praise honesty and help your child practice fairness in daily life.

🗨️ Try saying: “I made a mistake, but I’ll fix it.”

🌧️ 6. Be There When Times Are Hard

Friends help each other through tough moments.
Students: Be kind if someone is sad or upset.
Parents: Encourage empathy — ask, “How do you think your friend feels?”

🗨️ Try saying: “It’s okay. I’m here for you.”

🌈 7. Forgive and Move On

Everyone makes mistakes, even friends!
Students: Say sorry and forgive others when they apologize.
Parents: Talk about how forgiveness helps friendships grow stronger.

🗨️ Try saying: “I’m sorry I got upset. Can we still be friends?”

💛 At Home Connection

• What makes someone a good friend?

• How can you show kindness this week?

• What can you do if a friend hurts your feelings?