AGS NEWS

Eric Rettenmund, Principal

Zachary Bradley, Assistant Principal

Lisa Wissinger, Dean of Students

Melissa Welsh, Counselor, MA, LPC, SCL

Stephanie Miller, Counselor, MSW

Barb Stinson, Secretary

Randi Thorp, Clerk

A digital poster titled "ags on break" (assembled from varied magazine clipping letters in orange, black, and gray) on a corkboard background. The poster provides Food Resources, Mental Health Support, and Emergency Contact information for the Fenton/Genesee County area, especially relevant for students during school breaks. A central graphic of an orange and black tiger face/head is positioned beneath the main title. The entire image has black claw marks graphics across it. Key Information Sections (from left to right): Food Resources: (Black and orange text on torn notepad paper in the upper left corner) CENTER OF HOPE (Orange box): 810-620-8167 F.A.R.R. (Orange box): 810-750-6244 FOOD BANK OF EASTERN MI: (Black box): 810-239-4441 Fenton Emergency: (Black and orange text on torn white paper in the lower left corner) 911 CALL OR TEXT! (Large orange box) Fenton Police (Small orange/yellow box): (810) 629-5311 Mental Health Support: (Black and orange text on torn lined notebook paper in the upper right corner) SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: (Orange box) TEXT OR CALL 988 GENESEE HEALTH SYSTEMS CRISIS CENTER: (Black box): 810-257-3740 GENESEE HEALTH URGENT CARE: (Black box): 1040 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507; 810-496-5500

December

19 - End of Marking Period 2

22 - Holiday Break Begins

January

1 - Happy New Year!

5 - School Resumes (2nd Semester Begins)- Please see counselor's corner section below.

Attendance: it is important for students to be present during the scheduled exam days. If a student is absent during exams, please make arrangements with your student's teacher to make up the exam upon return.

Our Semester 1 grade/ report card includes exams as a component, so it is VITAL to make these arrangements sooner rather than later.

Make up arrangements may include:

A mutually agreed upon time before, during, or after school with teacher
During RTI (if time allows the completion of the exam within 30-minute period)
After school with building administrators (Mutually agreed upon time)- Admin are generally here until 3:30 if not later

ThinkCerca Pilot Grades 6-8

As part of our curriculum adoption process, Fenton Area Public Schools offers an opportunity for parents and guardians to join us to discuss prospective instructional materials and ask questions regarding the curriculum.

AGS is currently piloting ThinkCERCA for 6-8 English Language Arts. ThinkCERCA is a blended learning curriculum that builds critical thinking and writing skills by immersing middle schoolers in complex texts, teaching them to analyze, find evidence, and construct arguments/narratives. It focuses on core ELA skills like reading comprehension, vocabulary, and argumentative writing, using scaffolds like interactive vocabulary, partner reading, and chunking texts, with features for personalized learning and data tracking for teachers. It also encompasses and embeds an AI component that provides immediate feedback and suggestions to students' work.

If you would like to learn more about this platform and our pilot this year, please join us on January 13th, from 5:00-6:00 P.M., at the District Board Office.

Congratulations to Natalya and Alex, our AGS Students of the Month! They were recognized for their willingness to help others and their consistently positive attitudes. Thank you both for Showing Your Stripes and for helping to make AGS a great place for our staff and students!

Congratulations to Mr. Long, our AGS Staff Member of the Month! Mr. Long is being recognized for consistently going above and beyond to help wherever he is needed. Thank you for your dedication, teamwork, and the positive impact you make on our AGS community every day!

PTO is selling Hungry Howie’s FUN Raiser Cards for $25 each! Over $100 in discounts redeemable at the locations listed on the example below and good until June 30, 2026. This is such a fantastic deal and great to use over the holiday break! Cash or check in an envelope to the AGS office, or Venmo friends and family payments accepted. The cards are in hand and we’ll work with you on how to deliver them before break. We appreciate your support!

AST will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays directly after school in the media center and will end at 3:15 with bus pickup scheduled for 3:25 PM. A completed permission slip is required for students to stay for AST. The permission slip is a Google Form that parents must fill out. Click the button below to access the permission slip!

AST Permission Slip

If you have any school-related pictures of AGS students only, please share them through the link below for a chance to be featured. We look forward to seeing all the memories you've captured!

Choose a tag for your photos. Some examples include: Football, Basketball, Clubs, First Day of School, etc. Also, rename the photo with the student(s) name and grade please! See the screenshot below! Reach out to Lisa Wissinger at lwissinger@fentonschools.org with an questions. Thank you for helping us create an amazing yearbook!

To pre-order your yearbook, visit ybpay.com and use the yearbook code: 14635326. The order deadline is April 19, 2026.

CLICK HERE to share your photos!

When we return from holiday break on January 5th, the second semester officially kicks off! Please be sure to follow your second semester schedule upon return (mostly relevant for changes in elective classes). Please check Parent/ StudentVue to confirm second semester classes.

Schedule changes for second semester - The deadline for schedule changes (semester electives only) is the end of the school day Wednesday, 1/7/2026.

Mrs. Melissa Welsh - last names A - M

mwelsh@fentonschools.org

Mrs. Stephanie Miller - last names N - Z

stmiller@fentonschools.org

The AGS PTO is run by parent volunteers, and your support—whether it's your time, knowledge, helping hands, or a donation—is essential for a successful school year full of exciting events!

This year, we are hoping to establish Parent Representatives for each grade, especially for 6th graders, to help coordinate volunteers and be a point of contact. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and help out! If you're interested in volunteering in any way, please fill out this quick form: https://forms.gle/1y3CuJ96L4WCsx5o6 Thank you, Go Tigers!

We have fantastic news for the 2025-2026 School Year! The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is continuing the Michigan School Meals program, which means every student, Pre-K through 12, can eat one breakfast and one lunch for free every single school day!

What This Means for Your Family:

Free Meals for All: Your child can receive one complimentary breakfast and one complimentary lunch daily, regardless of your family's income.
Focus on Learning: The state recognizes that hungry students struggle to focus and concentrate in class. This investment ensures that all children have the nutrition they need to succeed in the classroom.

We are thrilled that all students can benefit from healthy, free meals throughout the entire school year, making mornings and lunchtimes a little easier for everyone! CLICK HERE to access all school menus.

We aim to keep you informed and supported throughout the school year! Below, you'll find quick links and important information for frequently asked questions:

At-Home Resources: Explore resources you may need to support your student's learning at home.
Attendance Policy: Find everything you need to know about our school's attendance procedures.
Want to Donate? Click the Tiger Paw Pantry button below to easily support our school programs.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our coordinator, Lauren Underwood directly at 810-591-7750] or lunderwood@fentonschools.org.

Tiger Paw Pantry Flyer/QR Code