The Au Gres-Sims School District

I am not a musician. At one point in my life I was taught how to play the recorder and the xylophone, but my ability to do so has long since faded over time. I've tried to pick up the guitar and teach myself, but the time required and the practice necessary has evaded me. I wish I had that skill, but I don't. Maybe one day I'll try again, maybe I won't, but either way I have a deep appreciation and admiration for those who can. Music has an uncanny ability to bring people together, to calm and inspire, and to even transport people through time. Music draws emotions out of even the most hardened of souls, whether played, sang, or listened to.

That was my experience this week, where I had the privilege of bearing witness to the power of music and it's magical effects at the District Band Festival. There I took in both our junior and senior bands performing harmoniously and beautifully. I watched in wonder and felt the pride of seeing our students shine on stage. I witnessed bands from other schools all jamming in to listen to the powerful playing of our small, but mighty group. People tapped their feet along as parents and grandparents and spectators were 100% absorbed by the talented students on stage.

The band program of Au Gres-Sims has been a constant, a testament to what hard work, dedication, and commitment can produce. What we have in our AGS band program is special and unique, something we can all be proud of and enjoy, those who have been there, and those who haven't, the musicians and non-musicians amongst us. AGS Band is a tradition like no other in our district, a welcoming group inclusive of social click or any other demographic. It is special and it is unique and I find myself in awe every time I have the honor of hearing them play.

Congratulations to the SPECTACULAR Mrs. Kim Gordon and the Junior and Senior Bands on earning perfect STRAIGHT 1'S at District Band Festival!!!

Last month the Arenac Independent started a special section of the newspaper recognizing the efforts and successes of students and staff at AGS. Congratulations to the following February winners listed below! Next week the winners for March will be shared.

Student of the Month- Elementary- Zachary Daniel

Student of the Month- Middle School- Ian Donahue

Student of the Month- High School- Stephanie Long

Teacher of the Month- Renee Olar

It is that time of the year where I have the special privilege to announce this year's top 2 AGS Seniors! Congratulations to our Salutatorian, Isabella Freehling. Isabella is the daughter of John and Michaela and will be graduating with a GPA of 4.137. Isabella plans to attend Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in Speech Pathology. And congratulations to our Valedictorian, Mary Czarnik. Mary is the daughter of Stan and Jennifer Czarnik. Mary will graduate with a GPA of 4.159. Next fall, Mary will pursue a degree in Secondary Education, but is still undecided on which college is fortunate enough to get her. Congratulations to these two hard working and wonderful young ladies! They are phenomenal representatives of the Au Gres-Sims School District!

March is National Nutrition Month. It is also “March is Reading Month”. From our Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds coordinator. Josh Miller, here are a list of tried and true books about nutrition that everyone in your family will love:

Bread and Jam for Francis by Russell Hoban

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child

Lily's Garden by Deborah Kogan Tray

Muncha, Muncha, Muncha by Candace Fleming and G. Brian Karas

Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood

The Runaway Garden by Jeffery Schatzer

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds

Tea with Milk by Allen Say

Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco

On the important topic of food, please see the following link for various Food Giveaways.

This week, we have been focusing on preparing for next month’s state testing. The next few weeks are crucial as teachers make the most of their remaining instructional time before testing begins. As parents and guardians, you also play a vital role in helping your students get ready at home. Here are a few ways that we all can help our students over the next month to get ready for these important tests.

How to Help Students Prepare

Teachers, parents, and caregivers all play a role in helping students feel ready for test day. Here are some key ways to support them:
Review Key Concepts – Encourage active learning through review games, study groups, and engaging activities.
Reduce Test Anxiety – Teach students relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk to ease nerves.
Prioritize Rest & Nutrition – A well-rested and well-fed student performs better! Encourage healthy sleep habits and a good breakfast on test days.
Encourage Time Management – Practice pacing with timed practice tests so students get comfortable with the testing format.

By working together, we can help our students approach testing with confidence and motivation. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive testing environment!

Chronic Absenteeism

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time for students to step outside, soak up some sunshine, and enjoy fresh air. Outdoor activities not only boost physical health but also improve mood, focus, and overall well-being. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing a sport, or simply relaxing in nature, encouraging kids to spend time outside can help them feel refreshed and ready to learn! While winter is not yet over, getting outside to enjoy the fresh air helps students stay healthy as we get closer to spring.

Sophomore parents, this is for you. Your students met with myself and Anne Kostus from the ISD to discuss the Early Middle College program. This is an amazing opportunity for our students to be able to earn an Associates degree or Industry Certificate free of charge. Below is a quick one page informational on both Dual Enrollment and Early Middle College.

What is the difference between Dual Enrollment and BAISD Edge Early Middle College?

BAISD EDGE Early Middle College enrollment is only available during the start of your 11th grade year. EMC can continue for a 5th year, dual enrollment does not.

Dual Enrollment (DE): High school students may participate in DE by attending at least one high school course while simultaneously attending an eligible degree-granting postsecondary institution. Students meeting eligibility requirements can enroll up to 10 postsecondary courses.

• A course is eligible if the same course content is not available at the high school or if a student is unable to take the high school course due to a scheduling conflict.

• Course name must be on the student schedule.

• A district must allow the students to dual enroll if they have a qualifying score on the PSAT or Michigan Merit Exam

• Courses must be coded as dual enrollment for TSDL. Course type 07.

Early Middle College (EMC): High school students attend a five-year high school program designed to allow a student to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 transferable college credits, an associates degree from a Community College, a professional certification, the Michigan Early Middle College (MEMCA) technical certificate, or participation in a registered apprenticeship. A district can demonstrate that a student is expected to graduate in fewer than five years based on the number of courses that they will complete.

• Students must be coded 3500, EMC participating, in the Michigan Student Data System (MSDS), no later than the fall certification deadline of the student’s junior year.

• The MMC requires students to enroll in a math/math-related course in the final year of high school and notes on transcript. For EMC students, the fifth year is the final year; therefore, the student is not eligible for graduation until this requirement is complete. See the fifth-year companion document for additional information on math/math-related courses.

The MEMCA Certificate provides verification that the graduate has successfully completed each of the following: a) The State of Michigan high school graduation requirements. b) A member school’s MEMCA approved College Readiness Curriculum. c) A minimum of 15 transferable college credit hours (non-remedial courses). AND one of the following options:

• 100 hours of verified community service

• A minimum of 40 hours of verified career exploration, internship, job shadowing, or clinical experience

• A combination of the two that equals 70+ hours

Other district requirements:

• By March 1 of each school year, a school district or state approved nonpublic school are legally required to provide general information about postsecondary enrollment opportunities such as Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, early and middle college high schools, career and technical preparation enrollment options, etc., to all pupils in grade 8 or higher.

• Districts also are required to send all pupils in grades 9 through 12 who have taken the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) or other state approved readiness assessment, regardless of score, a letter, signed by the pupil’s principal, indicating their eligibility.

• An educational development plan (EDP) is required for each pupil

Making predictions is one of the best ways to get children thinking actively while reading. This week, we’re focusing on how to help children make predictions before, during, and after reading to deepen their understanding of stories!

Making Predictions with Different Ages

Young Readers (K-2): Use pictures and simple text clues. Encourage them to guess what will happen before you turn the page.

Elementary Readers (3rd-5th): Ask them to predict using character actions and story patterns (e.g., “Do you think this character will make a good choice?”).

Middle & High School Readers: Encourage them to make deeper predictions based on themes, foreshadowing, and character development. Ask, “What do you think will happen in the next chapter based on what we’ve learned about this character?

Here are some examples of predictions- Pause after key moments and ask:

• “What do you think will happen next?”

• “Why do you think that?”

• “What surprised you in the story?”

• “What clues in the story helped you make that guess?”

If your child’s prediction was correct, celebrate their thinking! If they were wrong, talk about what changed.

Choose a book, read a few pages, and have your child predict what will happen next. Write it down, then check at the end to see if they are right!

Highlights of the clinic construction this week included the completion of the drywall work, the insertion of door frames, running new ductwork, and installing plumbing lines.

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.

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

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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 8:00 a.m. Your son/daughter's teachers will be reaching out to you and different times throughout the year. Please consider volunteering!

• March 14, 28
• April 11, 25
• May 9, 23

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

MARCH

• 11: 3:30p Wellness Committee Meeting
• 17: 6p Regular Board of Education Meeting
• 19: 1p Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
• 20: 4p-7p MS/HS Parent-Teacher Conferences
• 21: End of Third Marking Period
• 31: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break begins

• March 20 - Euchre Night Scholarship Fundraiser (see flyer)
• April 16 - Teen Science Cafe STEM@SVSU (see flyer)
• June 8 - Au Gres Area Chamber of Commerce Bus Trip to Tigers Game (see flyer)

Dear Subscriber(or soon to be subscriber),

Self care is important, and this week's issue focuses on applying nail polish and eyelashes. Our pro staff invites you to follow step by step to learn the tips and tricks needed for a smooth finish and gravity defying eyelashes.

Thank you for watching!

Click This Link to Watch The Wolverine Wake-Up Issue 127

Cordially,

The Editor-in-Chief

We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Freehling in the district administration office, (989) 876-7157 and she will put you into direct contact with Laurie Crane at ESS-WillSub