The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
As we look ahead to the week of May 4–8, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the incredible people who make our school a second home. This year, we’re doing things a little differently. While the calendar often scatters various "Appreciation Days" throughout the year, we know that a school is a finely tuned machine where every gear matters. Instead of recognizing our teams in isolation, we are bringing everyone together for one big, unified celebration. From the front office to the back of the bus, and every classroom in between, we are one team with one mission, #PoweredByPurpose.
We believe that magic happens when we acknowledge the collective effort required to support our students. Whether you’re crafting lesson plans, navigating a morning bus route, or ensuring our halls are safe and clean, your impact is felt every single day. So, mark your calendars for a week of gratitude—we can’t wait to celebrate the heart and soul of our school community.
The Faces Behind the Magic
While we are celebrating as one family this May, here are the official national recognition days for our diverse work groups:
Administrators: School Principals Day – May 1
Secretaries: Administrative Professionals Day – April 22
Teachers: National Teacher Appreciation Day – May 5
Bus Drivers: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day – April 21
Kitchen Staff: School Lunch Hero Day – May 1
Custodians: National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day – October 2
Paraprofessionals: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day – April 1
Counselors: National School Counseling Week – February 2–6
One easy and free way to express gratitude is through words of affirmation. Often it is the simple act of sharing a few kind words, or positive example of an educator's influence that means the world to the people that dedicate their lives to student learning. I encourage you to fill out this brief form, for as many staff members as you'd like, and even with your student, to share your appreciation to the amazing people that work at AGS.
From the Desk of Mr. Miller
Hey AGS Nation,
Spring is a time of regrowth and new beginnings, but it also brings a busy and fast-paced season. That is why it is so important to sometimes slow down and appreciate the little things.
This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence. At Au Gres-Sims, we are fortunate to be surrounded by both beauty and excellence every day. You can see it in our classrooms where students are engaged and learning, in our staff who go above and beyond to support one another, and in our community that continues to show up and support our schools.
Appreciating the beauty around us helps us slow down and recognize the positive moments that can sometimes be overlooked. At the same time, recognizing excellence reminds us of the high standards we hold and the pride we take in our work. Whether it’s a student achievement, a strong performance, or a simple act of kindness, these moments reflect what makes AGS special.
When we take the time to notice and appreciate both the beauty and excellence around us, we continue to build a positive culture where everyone feels valued and connected as part of our Wolverine family.
Thanks & appreciate even the little things Wolverines!
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
Fourteen of our junior students had the opportunity to participate in the Michigan Supreme Court’s Community Connections program, an experience designed to deepen students’ understanding of the judicial system and the appellate process . Our students attended this unique event at Bay City Central’s auditorium with juniors from the other high schools within our ISD. They were able to observe real court proceedings and gained insight into how legal decisions are made at the state’s highest level. This hands-on learning experience provided valuable exposure to civics in action and helped connect classroom learning to the real world. Students were able to ask questions of the justices and lawyers after the proceedings ended. This experience was a valuable extension of our juniors’ first-semester Civics coursework, bringing their classroom learning to life in a meaningful way. Opportunities like this allow students to engage more deeply with the content, making real-world connections that enhance their understanding beyond what can be achieved in the classroom alone.
Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters
As we begin to see warmer temperatures and more opportunities to get outside, it can have a positive impact on overall health and wellness. Fresh air, sunshine, and increased activity can help reduce the spread of illness and support stronger immune systems for our students. We encourage families to take advantage of the nicer weather and enjoy time outside. Spending time outdoors also supports students’ ability to focus and provides a healthy outlet for extra energy, helping them stay engaged and productive as we move through the final weeks of the school year.
Counselor's Corner
Spring Into Mental Wellness
As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, spring offers a natural opportunity for renewal—not just in nature, but in our minds and emotions as well. This season can bring excitement and energy, but it can also come with stress as we approach the end of the school year. Supporting students’ mental health during this time is just as important as supporting their academic success.
Recognizing Spring Stressors
While spring is often associated with positivity, students may also experience:
Increased academic pressure from testing and end-of-year assignments
Changes in routine or structure
Social challenges as activities and events increase
Feelings of restlessness or difficulty staying focused
It’s important to remind students that these feelings are normal and manageable.
Simple Strategies for Students
Encourage your child to:
Get outside: Fresh air and sunlight can improve mood and reduce stress
Stay active: Physical activity, even a short walk, helps boost mental health
Keep a routine: Consistent sleep and homework schedules support emotional balance
Talk it out: Sharing feelings with a trusted adult or friend can make a big difference
Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing or quiet moments can help students reset during busy days
Encouraging Positive Connections
Warmer weather means more opportunities for social interaction. Encourage students to:
Participate in school events or extracurricular activities
Spend time with supportive peers
Show kindness and inclusion toward others
Strong relationships are a key part of mental wellness.
Counselor’s Corner
As your school counselor, I am here to support all students—academically, socially, and emotionally. If your child is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just needs someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Early support can make a lasting impact.
Wishing you a positive and refreshing spring season,
Ashley Cardinal
School-Based Health Center Grand Opening
The amazing news last week was that the AGS School-Based Health Center has officially opened. To celebrate this wonderful partnership with Sterling Area Health Center and great opportunity for our students and staff there will be a Grand Opening Ribbon Ceremony on Friday, May 8 from 1-2pm. Please see the news release and attached flyer for details.
Athletics Update
Wet weather has certainly dampened the flow of spring sports, but hopefully we are back on track for a fun-filled season of contests. Please note that there have been a number of schedule changes to our sports schedules to accommodate the rain and flooding that we have experienced this season.
SCHEDULE
Mon. 04/27
- 4p Girls Varsity Softball HOME vs Hale
- 4p Boys Varsity Baseball HOME vs Hale
- 4p MS Track AWAY @ Fairview
- 6p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/ SSC) HOME vs. Bullock Creek
Tues. 04/28
- 2p Varsity Track AWAY @ Whittemore-Prescott
- 7p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) AWAY @ Freeland
Wed. 04/29
- 4p Boys Varsity Golf AWAY @ Oscoda - Lakewood Shores
Thurs. 04/30
- 2p MS Track AWAY @ Fairview
- 4p Girls Varsity Softball HOME vs Alcona
- 4p Boys Varsity Baseball HOME vs Alcona
- 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Beaverton
Fri. 05/01
- 4p JV Boys Baseball HOME vs Kingston
Need a Last-Minute Teacher Gift? Get It Fast with SPRINT
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up fast. Head to Sideline now to save on last-minute Wolverines gifts. SPRINT items print & ship in just 1–2 days, so you can say thank you with time to spare. Hurry—sale ends Sunday.
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!
- May 8, 22
Important Dates
APRIL
- 30: Band State Festival at Gaylord Evangelical Free Church
~ Jr. Band 9:35a.m.
~ Sr. Band 10:50a.m.
MAY
- 18: 6:00p.m. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education in the Elementary Library
- 20: 1:00p.m. Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
- 25: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
- 29: 7:30p.m. Class of 2026 Graduation
Community Events
- May 15: Arenac Community Funds Golf Outing (see attached flyer and registration form for details)
- July 4: Arenac County Fireworks Festival (see attached flyer 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.
At a ceremony held on Wednesday, April 22, the Bay-Arenac Career Center recognized outstanding student achievement for the 2025-2026 school year. The Career Center not only provides career and technical education instruction to the six local districts that make up the Bay-Arenac ISD, but also provides service to neighboring charter school districts as well as districts in Midland and Saginaw counties. This means that the AGS students honored shined regionally!
For each program area at the Career Center a very limited number of students were recognized as the Student of the Year, Outstanding Student, Breaking Traditions in the Workforce, 2 Years Perfect Attendance, and National Technical Honor Society.
Receiving Awards from AGS were:
- AMBER BOENSCH - Careers in Education, Outstanding Student
- BENJAMIN EHINGER - Information & Network Technologies, Student of the Year
- DAVID CZARNIK - Precision Machining, Outstanding Student
Additionally, a small number of scholarships were awarded to a very select number of seniors:
- JACOB BOENSCH - Mersen Scholarship
- LEVI JONES - Gene HAAS Foundation Scholarship
AGS Career Center Award Recipients
Amber Boensch
David Czarnik
Benjamin Ehinger
Jacob Boensch
Levi Jones
