Despite still seeing winter jackets in the mornings and at sporting events, there is already a lot of talk about summer plans. While the weather has not quite caught up with the calendar yet, we are coming to the close of another great school year (though we are not done yet!) and that means that it is time to start thinking about what you and your children are going to do over the break.

In the past few editions of the newsletter, and included still within this one, I have shared and will continue to share opportunities for our students to take part in over the warmer months. While a break from the daily grind and routine of formal school is important, it is best to approach summer with an eye toward continued learning. This can be done in many ways, whether it be through a fine arts camp, summer rec program, sports camp, or even a reading club. The point is for your children to continue learning even though school is not in session.

One of the trends that we see played out year after year is that the students who spend time reading, writing, and feeding their educational curiosity do better when they return to our campus in the fall. By no means am I suggesting that students spend their entire summer at the kitchen table, doing 8 hours of schoolwork per day. What I am suggesting is that learning activities be incorporated into their summer fun. During the peak heat of midday is a great time to pick up a book, sit in the shade and read for 30 minutes. Walking our beautiful shoreline and finding fossils, then researching them to learn what they are is another great learning exercise. There are so many learning activities that are available to our students over the summer and helping your students to see those chances will only enhance their love of learning and their performance in school when they return in late August.

Just some food for thought as you begin making those June, July, and August plans. Learning is not limited to the classroom; it can, and should happen everywhere and anywhere curiosity strikes.

Have a great weekend.

Mr. Ming

Thank you to State Trooper Shane Noble from the Michigan State Police Post who provided a Distracted Driving experience on Thursday morning for our students in grades 9-12. This was a great learning experience and hopefully one that our students will take with them every day, and especially going into Prom this weekend.

With prom this weekend, here are some important facts and conversations to have with your children.

• 30% of high school teens report it’s likely they or their friends will be under the influence of drugs or alcohol sometime during prom or graduation season.

• 82% of teens believe their peers are likely to drive impaired instead of calling a parent or guardian for help because they are afraid of getting in trouble.

• 31% of teens know other teens who have been arrested for impaired driving.

• 21% of teens have ridden in a car with an impaired driver.

• 26% of teens have called a parent at least once to pick them up because either they or another driver was impaired.

• 79% of teens would support a program that offers free tows home to avoid the risk of anyone driving impaired, even when it means admitting to their parents or guardians that they’ve been drinking and/or using drugs.

The school year is nearing the finish line and parents, summer camps, and schools are all looking for ways to keep students learning and having fun over the break. That's where the Michigan Learning Channel comes in! The MLC runs an eight-week summer program from June-August and has solutions for preschool through 6th grade. With a new theme each week, there's plenty of scavenger hunts, science experiments, virtual field trips, and instructional content to keep kids busy learning and exploring their world. Take a look at what's in store at MichiganLearning.org/Summer.

Currently, we have 11th and 12th grade students finalizing plans with Mrs. Cardinal on their intent to attend the Bay Arenac Career Center next year. Did you know that the Career Center offers 24 programs? Did you know that taking classes at the Career Center can substitute for certain classes taken here on campus? Did you know that Career Center classes can be counted towards college credit? Did you know that State and national certification testing is available to students in many programs? Did you know that 95% of Career Center graduates go to college and/or work after completing their Career Center experience? Don’t miss out on this great learning opportunity.

Are you having a hard time fitting exercise into your schedule? Start your day out with a morning walk. Morning walks have many benefits. 1) It can help improve your mood by reducing stress and make it easier to manage your day. 2) It increases your productivity by energizing you while also improving your concentration. 3) It can physically help your posture by increasing core muscles to support your spine. 4) It can help you manage your weight by jump starting your metabolism. 5) It can help you sleep better at night. 6) It can reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and some cancers. 7) It can strengthen your bones and reduce your risk for osteoporosis. 8) It can help boost stamina, flexibility, and energy. Today is a great day to start that new routine.

NWEA testing is now underway! Kindergarten-2nd grade students, as well as 6th-11th grade, began the Reading MAP test this week, and Kindergarten-2nd grade concluded the week with the Math test. 3rd-5th grade has a slightly different schedule due to M-STEP testing, so they will be completing their NWEA testing in the coming weeks, starting next week on Tuesday. This week I wanted to give them a testing break while I focus on M-STEP make-up testing. These make-ups will continue through next week for 3rd-8th grade. It will be a very busy few weeks, but we will get everything done! As far as data is concerned for these tests, you can expect to receive your students’ NWEA score reports with your child’s report card at the end of the year. M-STEP score reports are generally released in the early fall and will be sent home to you at that time. Any 3rd-grade student who was flagged under the Read By Grade 3 Law for retention will be contacted by the school directly in the coming weeks.

As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we have been working hard on planning some Summer School options for our students here at Au Gres-Sims. We are very close to having all of the details worked out and I will hopefully be sharing our summer learning options with you in next week’s newsletter. We will have options for elementary and middle school students, as well as credit recovery for high school students. Watch Thrillshare, as well as my upcoming newsletters for flyers and sign-up information for the elementary and middle school sessions. Credit recovery candidates will be contacted directly by the school after final grades have been posted at the end of the year. I look forward to sharing this information with you!

If you are looking for something to do this week, come out and watch our AGS athletes in action.

The middle school track meet that was cancelled on April 17th has been reschedule for May 17th @ Tawas. Since that is the night of the Band Concert, athletes involved in band will compete EARLY in the track meet, with time to get back to AGS and changed for the concert.

Next Week's Schedule of Events:

Mon. 5/8

• 4p MS Track Invite AWAY @ Oscoda
• 4p V Baseball AWAY @ Hillman
• 4p V Softball AWAY @ Hillman
• 4:30p V Soccer AWAY @ Saginaw Nouvel

Tue. 5/9

• 4p V Track AWAY @ Hale (make-up meet)

Wed. 5/10

• 4p MS Track Invite AWAY @ W-P
• 4:30p V Soccer AWAY @ Saginaw Valley Lutheran

Thu. 5/11

• 4p V Baseball AWAY @ Hale
• 4p V Softball AWAY @ Hale

Fri. 5/12

• 4p V Softball HOME vs. All Saints

Sat. 5/13

• 10a V Baseball AWAY @ Tawas (Bolen Park)
• 11a V Soccer AWAY @ Alma Tourney (Games at 11, 12:30, 2)

AGS will be hosting the Huffman Basketball Camp in our main gym on Wednesday, June 28th. The cost of the camp is $35 and is open to students in grades 2-12 (different times). Don't wait to sign up as space is limited. See the flier below for more details and click the link to register.

EVENT SIGN-UP LINK

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, celebrated around the country. Please help the administration in celebrating the hard work and dedication that our wonderful AGS teachers put into their craft.

This does not mean you have to go out and buy gifts for the teachers. Often times, the best gifts are those that are free. A personal message of gratitude goes a long way to the hardworking men and women who care for and lead your children on their educational journeys each day.

Important dates for May and June for the Au Gres-Sims School District.

MAY

• 6: Prom at Tribal Center in Standish @ 8p
• 12: Board of Education Spring Work Session - 12-4 at Elusive Games in Au Gres
• 15: Board of Education Regular Meeting - 6p in Elementary Library
• 17: Early Release for all students @ 1p
• 17: Spring Band Concert @ 7p
• 29: Memorial Day Holiday - no school staff and students
• 31: Senior Class Night (High School Gym)

JUNE

• 1: Middle/High School Academic Awards @ 7p
• 2: Graduation @ 7:30
• 5: Elementary Fun Day
• 7: Early Release for all students @ 1p...Secondary Final Exams hours 1-3
• 8: Early Release for all students @ 1p...Secondary Final Exams hours 4-6

Important and note-worthy events taking place in Au Gres and Arenac County

• May 19: Arenac Community Funds' 21st Annual Golf Outing, Huron Breeze Golf Course (see attached)
• May 28: Au Gres Memorial Day Parade (see attached)
• June 24: Arenac Fireworks Golf Outing (see picture below)

Greetings Wolverine Nation,

How many stripes are on the United States flag? Can you name the first five U.S. presidents? How many States can you name? We're headed to the hallways this week to ask students and staff at AGS these and other general knowledge questions. Click this link to view this week's issue of The Wolverine Wake-Up Issue 85.

The Scoop is back after a couple weeks off due to state testing (and the resulting changed up schedule)! This week's guest was Keagen Bender.

"Find something you love to do and work hard at it. That's how you become great."

The graduating class of 2023 has a new opportunity for funding for post-secondary funding. The amount that ALL seniors are eligible for is dependent on the type of school that they will be attending after graduating from AGS. The key to unlocking that money is filling out the FAFSA and everyone is encouraged to do so.

You may have already received some information in the mail about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and our seniors will be hearing more and seeing more about it from now through the end of the school year. Below are resources to help you with the process, please take advantage of them and call the main office of the school if you need any assistance.

Letter explaining the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS)

MAS Handout

MAS Website

FAFSA Tips Handout

FSA ID Worksheet (FAFSA Login)

Which Parent to use on the FAFSA (students with 2 households)

Job Opportunities at AGS

We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Miller in the district administration office, (989) 876-7157 and she will put you into direct contact with Laurie Crane at ESS-WillSub

Email: web@ags-schools.org
Website: www.ags-schools.org
Location: 310 South Court Street, Au Gres, MI, USA
Phone: (989) 876-7150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuGresSims/?ref=br_rs
Twitter: @agsschools