The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Hello Au Gres-Sims Families,
At AGS we are working hard to instill this mindset into each of our learners. We want our students to ask questions and seek out answers. We want that curiosity of their early years to never fade away, so that they are always motivated to ask how, why, and what. Our goal is to graduate students as lifelong learners who leave our district with the tools to continue their learning independently.
Last week we took on an ambitious project to meet this goal, taking our middle school on a 3-day, 2-night place-based education trip. While some learning took place in classrooms, the vast majority of the lessons our students learned occurred outdoors. Our students were encouraged to let their curiosity drive their learning. Our students learned by doing and by experiencing. Most importantly, our middle school students came to realize that learning does not have to be passive, and in fact, is much better, more effective, and fun when they are active participants.
Learning is a continuous process, one of the most natural processes in which humans engage. It is not limited to schools. In fact, the only limitations on learning are those that we impose on ourselves. We encourage our students and each of our readers to adopt the mindset of continuous improvement through the lens of a lifelong learner, always curious and always wondering.
Have a great weekend AGS. #WolverinesLead #NewTomorrow
-Mr. Ming
K-12 Principal's Update
This year has been very refreshing in the aspect that we are finally able to have some different events on campus. Looking ahead, we are able to get back to hosting blood drives. Our National Honor Society will be hosting our first blood drive of the school year on October 8 from 10-3. We would love to have you on campus to contribute. For more information, call the main office or email our NHS coordinator, Mrs. Celaya, at celayac@ags-schools.org.
Another important date that is quickly approaching is Student Count Day. Our first count day (of two) is Wednesday, October 6. Count day is chosen by the state and helps to determine school funding using information based on student enrollment and attendance. Throughout this important day we will be holding multiple drawings for prizes, but students must be present to win. If your child cannot attend school on this date, it is important that you call in so we can code absences appropriately. Thanks for your efforts in allowing us to receive maximum financial support from the State.
Covid has made life difficult for students and adults and has put us all in troubling situations. If there are youth who are homeless, couch surfing, or thinking of running away from home in Bay and Arenac Counties, Mid Michigan Community Action can help! To learn more about how our youth can be supported go to to the following site: https://www.mmcaa.org/youth.html
Did you know that more than 50% of people who experience symptoms of grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health struggles, do not seek help? Well, “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay”. Throughout the halls you will see posters with a QR code that can be scanned and will automatically connect you with our mental health counselor, Brooke Cunningham. All of these communications are private and confidential. In the near future, more communication will be coming home with this opportunity for each individual student. If you do not want your child to have this optional opportunity provided to them, an opt out form will be provided and your child will not receive the information.
From the Desk of Mrs. Socha
The 2nd week of testing is complete, which means all students (with the exception of middle school) had their scheduled testing sessions. Next week, the middle school will complete their math test, and I will be pulling students in all buildings to complete make-ups. The test window ends on Friday!
Speaking of middle school, Eric Rutherford from Camp Hartley has shared a link to the Camp Hartley store, in case any middle school students want a souvenir from their first trip to camp. The store closes next Friday, October 1st, and items will be delivered directly to the school. I will include a delivery date in a future newsletter entry.
Finally, letters went out at the beginning of this week to all 2nd and 3rd-grade families, as well as any Kindergarten and 1st-grade families of students with an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) to invite you to the Read By Grade 3/Title I Informational meeting. This meeting will be taking place on Wednesday, September 29th from 6:30-7:30 in the Elementary Library. If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please contact me at (989)876-4686.
We have made it through the first month of school! Now testing season is on the horizon with NWEA and many teachers getting ready to have chapter and unit tests. With tests comes anxiety, so here is a short read on how you can help your child if they are struggling with anxiety over a test or another situation.
When kids are anxious, it’s natural to want to help them feel better. But by trying to protect kids from the things that upset them, you can accidentally make anxiety worse. The best way to help kids overcome anxiety is to teach them to deal with anxiety as it comes up. With practice, they will be less anxious.
When a child gets upset in an uncomfortable situation and their parents take them out of the situation, they learn that getting upset is a good way to cope. Instead, it’s helpful for parents to let kids know that they’re going to be okay, even if they’re scared. You can’t promise your child that nothing bad will happen. But you can express confidence that they can face their fears and feel less afraid over time.
You can show your child empathy without agreeing with their fears. For example, you might say: “I know you’re scared to get this shot. It’s okay to be scared. You can get through this, and I’m going to help you.” It’s usually helpful to avoid leading questions (“Are you worried about the test tomorrow?”). Instead, ask open questions (“How do you feel about the test tomorrow?”). You can use your tone of voice and body language to show your child that you’re calm, which can help them stay calm too.
https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/
Athletics Update
Next Week's Game Schedule
- Mon. 9/27: MS Girls basketball HOME vs. Posen 6pm
- Tue. 9/28: JV/V Volleyball AWAY @ Rogers City 6pm
- Wed. 9/29: MS Football AWAY @ Hale 6pm
- Thu. 9/30: MS Girls basketball AWAY @ Oscoda 6pm
- Thu. 9/30: JV Football HOME vs. Oscoda 6pm
- Thu. 9/30: JV/V Volleyball HOME vs. Fairview 6pm
- Fri. 10/1: V Football AWAY @ Hale 7pm
Just a reminder that Football Frenzy cards are on sale until October 1st. Get your card before they're gone!
Important Dates
SEPTEMBER
- SEPT. 29: Read by Grade 3 Parent Meeting, 6:30pm
WE ARE HIRING!
We are hiring for the following positions:
- Cook
- Administrative Assistant to the Principal's Office (Application closes on Friday, Oct. 1)
- Substitute Teachers
- Substitute Bus Drivers
Information can be found under 'Employment Opportunities' on the district website or can be provided by calling the district office at (989) 876-7150.
The Wolverine Wake-up! Written by the Students of AGS
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