The Au Gres-Sims School District

While this week's weather has us all doubting it, the calendar tells us that we are only two weeks away from Spring Break. Though it is important to live in the moment and enjoy those vacations, multiple people shared with me a few years ago that they make their reservations for the following year, while they are on this year's trip. With that in mind, the district has prioritized creating and approving a school year calendar for the following school year prior to Spring Break of the current school year.

At the regular meeting of the Board of Education this past Monday, the 2026-2027 school calendar was approved. This calendar is now posted to our website and can be found from the MENU under PARENTS and CALENDAR (click on the + button and select 2026-2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR).

Each year our calendar changes slightly, always dependent on where the holidays fall. Notable differences in next year's school calendar compared to this year include:

• Elementary parent-teacher conferences moving up one week

• Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 25) off of school

• Mid-winter break (February) being reduced from 4 to 3 days, and being bumped back a week

• Good Friday (March 26) not falling during the week of Spring Break (resulting in an extra Friday off for break)

• Graduation moving up two weeks (from May 29 this year to May 21 in 2027) in order to avoid Memorial Day Weekend

• School ending on a Thursday (June 3)

We hope this calendar helps with your trip planning for next year!

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Ming

Hey AGS Nation,

This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Identifying and Appreciating the Good in Others, and what better way to bring that to life than by coming together as a pack of Wolverines to celebrate Family Fun Night, NHS Induction, Parent Teacher Conferences, and of course, great food and music at the Spaghetti & Swing Dinner.

When we take the time to recognize the good in others, it has a powerful impact both in and out of the classroom. In school, it helps build positive relationships, boosts confidence, and creates an environment where students feel valued and supported. When students are recognized for their strengths, they are more engaged and willing to take risks in their learning.

Outside the classroom and throughout our community, this mindset brings people together. It builds trust, promotes positivity, and reminds us that we are all working toward a common goal. At AGS, when we lift each other up, we strengthen not only individuals, but our entire Wolverine family.

Thanks, and let’s keep increasing the Power of our Pack, Wolverines!

Our March early release day provided valuable time for staff to focus on preparing for upcoming state assessments. Most of the day was dedicated to completing required proctor training, ensuring that all staff are fully informed on testing protocols, procedures, and expectations. This preparation is essential not only for maintaining compliance with state guidelines, but also for creating a smooth, consistent, and supportive testing environment for our students. Staff members who are not serving as proctors used this time to collaborate, refine upcoming lessons, and continue strengthening their curriculum to best meet student needs. This balance of preparation and planning helps ensure we are supporting students both during testing and in everyday instruction.

Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters

As we move into the spring months, this is a time when learning really starts to “click” for many students. Classrooms are filled with deeper discussions, group projects, and skill-building that can be difficult to recreate outside of the school day. Even missing just a day here or there can cause students to miss key moments that help everything come together. We encourage families to continue prioritizing consistent attendance whenever possible, while also recognizing that health and well-being come first. Finding that balance helps keep students confident, connected, and on track as we head toward the end of the year. Across the building, staff are preparing our students to show their proficiency on state tests and the consistency of instruction will allow students to shine as we begin these tests in April.

What kinds of words does your child use when something feels hard or frustrating? Encourage your elementary-aged child to replace limiting phrases like “I can’t do this” or “This is too difficult” with growth-oriented language such as “I can keep improving” and “I’ll try another way.” When children learn that mistakes help them learn and challenges help them grow, they build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.

Preparing for Michigan State Testing – April 2026

April brings an important time of year for our 3rd–11th-grade students — Michigan State Assessments. These tests give us valuable information about student growth and help guide instruction, supports, and future planning.

What Tests Will Students Take?

• Grades 3–7: M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress)

• Grade 8: M-STEP and PSAT 8/9
  

• Grade 9: PSAT 9
  

• Grade 10: PSAT 10 and M-STEP (Science & Social Studies)
  

• Grade 11: SAT with Essay, WIN Readiness Assessment, and M-STEP (Science & Social Studies)

These assessments measure progress in subjects like English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Encourage a Positive Mindset

Remind your child:

• “Just do your best.”
  

• “This is a chance to show what you’ve learned.”
  

• “One test does not define you.”

Prioritize Sleep

A consistent bedtime routine is key. Aim for:

• Elementary: 9–11 hours
  

• Middle/High School: 8–10 hours

Counselor’s Corner Reminder
I am always available to support students and families. If you have concerns about your child’s academic, social, or emotional well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,

Ashley Cardinal

K–12 School Counselor

We know that everyone is eager to see the clinic open, especially in light of the difficult illnesses that we have been seeing this winter. Sterling Area Health Center is completing their staffing of the clinic and we are planning on being open soon. We expect confirmation of our open date next week and can't wait to share.

To spruce up the look of the health clinic the student advisory group has developed a great idea, an art contest for our elementary, middle, and high school students. Winning entries will have their themed artwork framed and mounted in the clinic, giving it color and a more welcoming feel. Information went out to students and staff this week. The entry due date is April 10th (see attached)

Spring is in the air—well for some of the week at least--and so is the excitement of spring sports season! As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, our student-athletes are heading outside, ready to compete, improve, and represent our school with pride.

SCHEDULE

MARCH

Tues. 03/24

• 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs. Gladwin

APRIL

Tues. 04/07

• 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) AWAY @ Beaverton
• 4p Varsity Track AWAY @ Oscoda

Wed. 04/08

• 4p Boys Varsity Golf AWAY @ Red Hawk CC
• 4p Girls Varsity Softball AWAY @ Kingston
• 4p Boys Varsity Baseball AWAY @ Kingston

Thurs. 04/09

• 5p Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) AWAY @ Pinconning

Fri. 04/10

• 2p Varsity Track AWAY @ Standish-Sterling
• 4p Girls Varsity Softball HOME vs Caseville
• 4p Boys Varsity Baseball HOME vs Caseville

Sat. 04/11

• 11a Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP w/SSC) HOME vs Swan Valley

The Middle School/High School Handbook has been updated to reflect changes in the process for athletic eligibility. A copy of that process is provided as an attachment below. Eligibility will now be pulled every week, starting with the 3rd week of the semester. These changes have been shared with the coaching staff and will be communicated with their student athletes.

Ready for spring break? Sideline has versatile merch you can customize to rep your Wolverines pride anywhere. Pick the brand and style, then add details to make it all yours.

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!

• March 27
• April 10, 24
• May 8, 22

Important dates for March and April for the Au Gres-Sims School District

MARCH

• 23: 6pm Special Board Meeting - Board Member Interviews and Appointment
• 30 - April 3: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

APRIL

• 6: School Resumes

• Mar. 18 ~ 28 - Food Bank of Eastern Michigan Distribution Schedule (see attached flyer for details)
• Mar. 26 - Euchre Night Scholarship Fundraiser (see attached flyer for details)

• May 15: Arenac Community Funds Golf Outing (see attached flyer and registration form for details)

Au Gres-Sims Yearbooks for the 2025-26 school year are on sale now.

Yearbooks are available to order two ways:

1. 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.

Stay tuned while the crew films their next episode!