The Au Gres-Sims School District

Throughout the month of December we conducted a survey of the community about how we can best communicate our message. As you are well aware there are a lot of different ways that people access information in this fast-paced, information-laden time in which we live. In our small district we consistently strive for efficiency, getting the most "bang for the buck" with our efforts. I'd like to thank every person who took the time to complete the survey and help us meet that efficiency standard.

Here are a couple of conclusions from that communication survey:

• 86% prefer written communication
• Text message, email, and social media (Facebook) are overwhelming sourced for information, while printed materials are not used often
• There is no definitive ONE best source, no single communication method featured more than 23%.
• 58% of respondents felt there are no barriers to receiving school information.

A conclusion drawn from the survey results is that people use their phones to access school information. Furthermore, they want short, succinct, and timely information. One of the best ways to package this kind of school information is through the district phone app, and surprisingly almost 50% of respondents didn't know we had one.

I would like to encourage the community to download the app to their phones and turn on the notifications.

Hey AGS Nation,

Even though this was a short week due to the inclement weather, it was a great week nonetheless! This optimistic way of thinking allowed us to make the most of our time and have two productive days with students. Any guesses on what this week’s P2 strength was? 🙂

This week, we focused on the P2 strength of Optimism. As Melinda Gates reminds us, “Optimism isn’t the belief that things will automatically get better; it’s the conviction that we can make things better.” Optimism helps students and adults navigate challenges by viewing mistakes as learning opportunities and believing improvement is possible. In the classroom, it encourages engagement, perseverance, and positive relationships. Beyond school, optimism supports resilience, stress management, and confidence when facing challenges. By fostering optimism, we’re helping students build a mindset that supports success in school and throughout life.

Thanks and keep striving to make things better Wolverine!

As we close out second semester, we want to recognize the hard work and growth our students have demonstrated throughout the year. This is a great time for families to review final grades, celebrate accomplishments, and reflect on goals for the upcoming school year. If you have any questions about report cards, credits, or next steps for your student, please feel free to reach out to the school. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student success.

Strive for Fewer than Five: Attendance Matters

As we move into the colder and more challenging part of winter, many of our students spend a lot of the school day indoors. Staying healthy during this season takes a little extra care and preparation. Please ensure students dress in warm layers so they are protected from the cold when traveling to and from school and during any outdoor recess opportunities.

We also encourage frequent handwashing to help prevent the spread of germs. Keeping students active is another important way to support overall health, even when indoors. Simple activities such as stretching, yoga, or short movement breaks can help keep bodies energized and focused. Supporting immune systems through nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep makes a big difference as well. Finally, caring for mental health is just as important. Taking time to relax, connecting with family and friends, and getting sunlight when possible can help keep the winter blues away.

All of these healthy habits help students feel their best and support consistent school attendance, ensuring they are present each day for learning and instruction.

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Welcome Back from Winter Break!

A Message from the School Counselor

Welcome back! I hope you and your family had a restful, safe, and joyful Winter Break. As we begin the new year and return to our school routines, this is a great time to reset, reconnect, and refocus on learning, growth, and well-being.

Returning to school after a long break can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, or even a little sadness that the break has ended. All of those feelings are normal. Please know that our school is a safe and supportive place where students are encouraged to share how they are feeling and ask for help when needed.

Starting the New Year Strong

January is a wonderful opportunity to set fresh goals—big or small! Students are encouraged to:

• Practice kindness toward themselves and others

• Set realistic academic and personal goals

• Ask for help when something feels challenging

• Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes
  
  

Remember, growth doesn’t happen overnight. Small steps lead to big success!

Social-Emotional Well-Being Matters

Winter months can sometimes feel long and tiring. Maintaining routines, getting enough rest, staying active, and talking about feelings can make a big difference. If your child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or unusually irritable, reaching out early can help.

I am available to support students with:

• Friendship concerns

• Stress or anxiety

• Emotional regulation

• Academic motivation

• Family or life changes
  
  

Warmly,

Ashley Cardinal

K–12 School Counselor

We kindly ask that you refrain from blocking the flow of traffic in St. Mark's Church parking lot so everyone can enter and exit safely.

Thank you for your cooperation.

We received great news this week, we have received federal database clearance for the opening of our health clinic. This was a significant step that was delayed by the federal government shutdown. With this hurdle behind us we are excited to move to the next phase, the hiring of staff to run the clinic. Sterling Area Health Center is into this process now and hope to have staffing buttoned up before the holiday.

We are anticipating that we will be opening the AGS Health Clinic the week of January 19, 2026. Following the winter holiday we will be sending home registration packets for families to fill out for each of their students. We are finalizing the times for the clinic but are planning on it being open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays throughout the calendar year.

More information will follow after the new year, be on the lookout!

As the weather turns colder and we move indoors, we’re excited to kick off another winter sports season here at Au Gres-Sims! Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff are looking forward to a season filled with teamwork, dedication, and school pride.

GO WOLVERINES!

SCHEDULE

Mon. 01/12

• 5p JV Boys Basketball HOME vs Posen Vikings
• 6:15p V Boys Basketball HOME vs Posen Vikings
• 7:30p V Girls Basketball HOME vs Posen Vikings

Tues. 01/13

• 6p V Girls Basketball AWAY @ Oscoda

Wed. 01/14

• 6p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/ Tawas) HOME vs Cheboygan
• 6p JV Boys Basketball AWAY @ Oscoda
• 7:15p V Boys Basketball AWAY @ Oscoda

Thurs. 01/15

• 6p V Girls Basketball HOME vs SASA (Saginaw Arts and Sciences)

Sat. 01/17

• 2p V Boys Hockey (CO-OP w/Tawas) AWAY @ Gaylord

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.

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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!

• January 16, 30
• February 13, 27
• March 13, 27
• April 10, 24
• May 8, 22

Important dates for January and February for the Au Gres-Sims School District

JANUARY

• 19 6pm Regular School Board Meeting in the Elementary Library

FEBRUARY

• 6 - 9 Mid-Winter Break

• Jan. 17 12pm Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship (see attached flyer for details)
• Feb. 21 - Arenac Community Funds - Trivia Night (more details to follow)

• Mar. 6 - Arenac County Celebration Fund - Casino Night Fundraiser & Reverse Raffle (see attached flyer)

Stay tuned while the crew films their next exciting episode!

We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Freehling in the district administration office, (989) 876-7150 and she will put you into direct contact with Laurie Crane at ESS-WillSub