The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Good Evening Au Gres-Sims Families,
This week I sent four separate communications about the changes that we will see starting on Monday. COVID-19 has forced schools across Michigan (and the world) to rethink all of our processes, often changing multiple times, the procedures that we have used for years. All of these changes are being done with the safety and security of our staff and students at the forefront of our decision-making. We are utilizing the most up-to-date- information possible and following the guidance of the state department of education, governor's office, and health departments to do everything in our power to ensure a safe return to school. This has meant changes and thus the communications sent out this week. If you did not have a chance to read each of the four communications on: health screening, drop off/pick up, food service, and safety protocols, please make sure you review the re-posted documents linked below in this newsletter.
In closing I would like to share a reflection that I've had during this crazy pandemic. While the whole world has been effected by this incredible change to our daily lives, what has struck me the most is one of the positives that has emerged from it. I know you are thinking, there hasn't been anything positive about COVID and to a certain extent, I agree. I do, however, believe that this pandemic has allowed all of us to pause and reflect on what really matters most in our lives. I have seen incredible demonstrations of humanity during this crisis and a better appreciation of what others do. I've born witness to an increase in patience, flexibility, and compassion. These are reality checks that we all desperately needed, and I count myself within that category. Though times are now difficult, it is these important reevaluations of importance that we have all made that will also make us stronger and enable us to emerge on the other side of this pandemic as a closer knit community. I truly appreciate the people of the Au Gres-Sims Community and have been pleased beyond measure by the way that you have responded to starting 100% virtual. I am looking forward to seeing many of our students back in the building, even if it will be a little different from what we are used to.
We will get through all of these changes together because #WolverinesLead and we are #AGSInThisTogether.
Have a great weekend everybody.
-Mr. Ming
Re-Posting of this Week's Communications on Returning to In-Person Instruction on Monday, October 5th
- (Monday): Health Screening & Health Screening_parentdocs
- (Tuesday): Dropoff-Pickup
- (Wednesday): Food Service Changes
- (Thursday): Safety and Procedural Changes
Aerial Picture of Labeled Drop off and Pick up Locations
Per Governor Whitmer’s recent Executive Order 185, masks are required for students in grades K-12. Three masks have been purchased for each student. These masks will be provided to elementary students on Monday at school and for MS/HS students on their first Hybrid day. Families are encouraged to wash these every day.
Because the parking lot is still not finished, students are asked to use the parking lot off of Michigan Avenue across from the Cauffee House and park next to the fence near the football field. For parents dropping off students you will drop off and pick up students at the following locations: MS/HS- at the school entrance across from the Cauffee House on Michigan Avenue, 4th/5th- in front of the main gym on Court Street, 2nd/3rd- in front of the Superintendent’s Office/Elementary on Court Street, K/1st- at the south end of the Elementary building using the gated area to the playground located on Court Street.
And last but not least, Career Center students, don’t forget that starting Monday, you will be attending the Career Center every day, including Wednesdays. Now that we are back to school face to face, your can park with the rest of the students next to the football field and get on the bus at the bus loop. In addition, please feel free to use the back corner door of the Multipurpose Room to get a quick breakfast before heading out on your morning trip.
From the Desk of Mrs. Socha
We are very excited to have our students back on campus next week! The first order of business will be to complete our NWEA testing. We will be starting on this right away in order to complete all of the necessary testing within the required time frame. As we mentioned in our Return to School Infographic, which outlined the face-to-face and virtual options, students who have chosen the virtual option will need to come to campus to complete their testing in a secure location. I will be reaching out to families of virtual students to set up these testing times!
Now that we are returning to campus, we will need students to transport their technology devices back and forth each day. This will be crucially important for students to have these devices on campus, but also at home for the virtual learning days. Below is an overview of what students need to have each day! With almost every one of our district devices currently distributed to our AGS families, we will not have many extras to disperse for students who have left devices at home. Thank you in advance for helping to make sure that students are ready and prepared for each day!
Technology Procedures
When we return to face-to-face instruction, we will need students to bring the following items in their backpacks EVERY DAY!
Chromebooks - fully charged each morning (2nd-12th Grade ONLY)
Chromebook chargers (2nd-12th Grade ONLY)
OneTab in protective case with charger (K-1 only)
Headphones7
Writing utensils (mechanical pencils recommended for secondary)
At least 1 clean mask (must be worn on bus and when entering the school building)
These items are crucial in order for students to have a successful school day where they can engage with daily activities.
We are so excited to see everyone on Monday!
Upcoming Events
10/2 V FB @ home vs Hale @ 7:00
10/6 JV VB Tri @ Fairview @ 6:00
10/6 V VB Tri @ Mio @ 6:00
10/7 JV/V VB @ W-P @ 6:00
10/7 Jr Hi FB @ W-P @ 6:00
10/9 V FB @ home vs Inland Lks @ 7:00 (Parents Night)
Au Gres-Sims School District
Email: web@ags-schools.org
Website: www.ags-schools.org
Location: 310 South Court Street, Au Gres, MI, USA
Phone: (989) 876-7150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuGresSims/?ref=br_rs
Twitter: @agsschools