Au Gres-Sims Families,
There has been more than just a seasonal change happening around us in the world lately, and changes have been made that will impact the education world. As isolated and insulated as we are at times in Au Gres, the changes that are happening at the federal and state level will inevitably have an effect on the way we do business at AGS. Amongst other changes being made at the government level, the news came down this week that an order was issued to begin the process of shutting down and dismantling the US Department of Education.
I'm not going to judge this executive order as good nor bad, because my personal feelings have no relevance. It is also too early to tell what the implications of these actions will be for our school district and students. One thing is for certain, however, change is happening around us (constantly) and we are not immune to the impact of that change where we live.
The best way to face change is to keep calm, learn as much about it, and to plan accordingly. Right now planning is difficult, as the impact and trickle down effect is not yet known. At the local school district level we experience change all the time, some of it that we drive, and some that is pushed upon us. Through it all, however, we always strive to do what is best for kids and to create the best possible learning and school environment for them. Change is hard. Change is inevitable. Change happens. Like the changing weather, we must adapt to meet change head on.
From the Desk of Mr. Zeien
In a couple of weeks we will be starting our State testing. Although preparation prior to the test is the biggest thing you can do to be successful, there are different things you can do on the day of the test and days leading up to the test. This newsletter is dedicated to some of those ideas.
Don’t cram! In fact, cramming for a test is highly counterproductive. Not only are you less likely to retain the information you need, but cramming also increases stress, negatively impacts sleep, and decreases your overall preparedness.
Get good sleep. Showing up to your test well-rested is one of the best things you can do to succeed on test day. Why should you make sleep a priority? A good night’s sleep will help you think more clearly during the test. It will also make it easier to cope with test-taking stress and anxiety. Moreover, excellent sleep habits have been shown to consolidate memory and improve academic performance, as well as reduce the risk of depression and other mental health disorders.
Get a good breakfast. A mix of complex carbohydrates and healthy protein will keep you feeling full without making you feel sluggish. Whole wheat cereal, eggs, oatmeal, berries, and nuts may be great choices. It’s best to avoid foods that are high in sugar, as they can give you a rush of energy that will wear off quickly, leaving you feeling tired. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
Develop a positive mind set. Don’t underestimate the importance of confidence and a positive mindset in test preparation. Positive rituals can help combat negative thinking, test anxiety, and lack of focus that can easily undermine your success on test day. Engaging in simple breathing exercises and visualizing yourself succeeding on a test is also very helpful. Your rituals can be unique to you, but the important thing is developing a calming habit that will boost your confidence, attitude, and concentration when the test begins.
Mrs. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
As we approach spring break, it’s more important than ever to stay focused and give our best effort each day. The final days before break are packed with essential learning, setting the foundation for success in the upcoming state tests. Let’s make the most of this time, ensuring students are prepared and confident when testing begins after the break. Every day counts — let’s finish strong! Then after only one more week of strong learning, students and their families can enjoy some much needed break time so that they can return ready and refreshed for what April has to offer.
Chronic Absenteeism
Attendance is key! The next five days are filled with valuable instruction and review that will help students feel ready and capable when they face state testing. Showing up, staying engaged, and putting forth their best effort will make a big difference. Let’s work together to make these days count! Then after spring break we have several weeks of important testing so mark your calendar for the following dates:
Tuesday April 8th MSTEP for 8th grade
Wednesday April 9th PSAT 8/9/10th grade
Thursday April 10th WorkKeys for juniors
Tuesday April 15th SAT for juniors
Wednesday April 16th MSTEP for juniors
Our 3rd through 5th grade will test in the morning mostly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays over the weeks of April 8th through the 29th. Their testing is spread out through the month therefore it is important that our upper elementary students are here each morning to give their best on these important tests.
Weekly Update from the Dean's Den
Good readers don’t just read the words—they read between the lines to understand what’s not being said directly. This strategy is called making inferences and it's an essential skill for comprehension, especially as texts become more complex.
This week, we’re helping students become reading detectives—using clues in the text plus their own thinking to figure things out!
An inference is a smart guess based on text clues + what you already know. It’s how readers understand a character’s feelings, predict what might happen, or figure out something the author hasn’t said outright.
📖 Inference by Age Group
🟢 K–2: Start with pictures and simple sentences. Use facial expressions and actions to infer feelings.
🔵 3–5: Focus on character motivations, cause and effect, and hidden messages in dialogue.
🟠 6–12: Infer themes, author’s tone, symbolism, and deeper character development.
Ask questions like “ What is happening here?”, “How do the characters feel?”, “Why did the character make that choice?”, or even “Can you tell what the setting is even though the author didn't tell us directly?”.
Read a book together and pause 2–3 times to make inferences using clues in the story. Have your child explain how they figured something out—even if the book never said it directly. Let’s get curious and read between the lines this week!
AGS Health Clinic News
The clinic is really coming together and things are getting exciting. This week the floor was conditioned and leveled to receive the finish and the cabinets started coming in. Look for more information about the open date following Spring Break!
The new anticipated opening of the clinic is mid-April to early May and we will update that as we get closer. Prior to the clinic opening we will be sending home paperwork packets and will be making a number of announcements about that process. There is nothing to look for yet, just the continued progress of our clinic construction.
Athletics Update
Wow! Spring sports season starts on Monday, March 10. Any and all spring sports athletes should contact their coach for practice dates and times. Student-Athletes must have a valid physical on file with the school prior to ANY sport activity.
- Baseball - Karis Zeien
- Softball - John Freehling
- Track and Field - Drew Horton
- MS Track - Scott McAlindon
- Soccer (Co-op with Standish) - Kacey Bentley
Calling for your help!
National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9, 2025. The Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Educator Excellence wishes to celebrate teachers across Michigan for the entire month of May.
MDE invites parents to submit 15-30 second videos of their students recognizing and thanking a specific teacher for their impact. Cell phones easily capture the videos. Please follow the directions on the flyer. Videos and parental consent must be submitted via the Teacher Appreciation Video Project Google Form. Videos are currently being accepted until Friday, April 16, 2025.
Submitted videos may be posted on the Teacher Appreciation Month webpage and MDE’s YouTube channel. The Office of Educator Excellence’s Facebook (@MIeducator) and X (formerly Twitter) social media pages will be promoting the videos throughout the month of May.
If your child has great things to say about a teacher, use the instructions found on MDE’s website to submit a video today!
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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 8:00 a.m. Your son/daughter's teachers will be reaching out to you and different times throughout the year. Please consider volunteering!
- March 28
- April 11, 25
- May 9, 23
Important Dates
MARCH
- 31: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break begins
APRIL
- 7: School Resumes. WELCOME BACK!
- 9: 4-7pm Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 9: 6:30pm Special Board Meeting
- 16: 1pm Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
- 18: NO SCHOOL - NO SCHOOL
Congratulations to Student Award Recipients
On Monday evening the Tawas Community Band honored both Wayne and Blaise Freeman with a scholarship to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp this summer (a 2 week music camp). They had to submit an application listing their band accomplishments/activities, record themselves performing a solo, write an essay, and get a letter of recommendation from Mrs Gordon.
The Tawas Community Band was only going to give one scholarship, but decided to award both instead. With this scholarship and the scholarship they earned as an All-State Band member, they will both be attending for free (around $1800 value per student).
Congratulations Wayne and Blaise!
The Wolverine Wake-Up
Top o' the Mornin',
Spring has officially sprung! This week on The Wolverine Wake-Up, our Crew members wanted to kick off the new season by asking folks what their favorite Spring activities are, and the answers will surprise you. You won't believe what people said! We would love it if you watched this week's video, you'll be glad you did.
Click This Link to Watch The Wolverine Wake-Up Issue 128
Sincerely,
The Editor-in-Chief
