The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Au Gres-Sims Families,
Before we all depart for our spring break destinations and some much anticipated rest and relaxation there are a couple of things that I have to share.
First, I hope that everyone has a wonderful break, and even if you and your families are staying in the area, that you are able to catch up on some rest and better prepare for the final quarter of our school year. When we return from break on Monday, April 8th we will be into the final phase of our school year and it goes by fast.
Second, speaking of April 8th, I sent out a letter this week about that day of school and something special that will be happening that day. On Monday we will have a solar eclipse with 94% of the sun being blocked out by the moon, an occurrence that will not happen again in Au Gres for a long time! We will be extending the school day by 15 minutes that day, loading the buses and dismissing at 3:25p. Several more reminders will be going out, but it will be easy to forget over the break.
Third, next Monday through Wednesday (April 1-3) power will be off to the district as we take advantage of spring break to have some electrical work done on our campus. During this time, the phones will be down and messages will be delayed. Access to the building is prohibited during these days, while crews are working on these non-emergency upgrades.
Fourth, I want to make initial mention of an important proposal that will be on the ballot on Tuesday, August 6. That proposal is a RENEWAL OF THE AU GRES-SIMS SCHOOL DISTRICT OPERATING MILLAGE. This measure would enable the school district to continue to levy the requisite millage on non principal residence property (not to exceed the state limit of 18.00 mills) in order to collect our full allotment of funding from the state for the education our children. There will be more information about this after spring break, and leading up to August 6, but this is a critically important proposal for the continued operations of our community school district.
I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday weekend and a relaxing spring break. Take care.
Mr. Ming
From the Desk of Mr. Zeien
Happy Spring Break! I hope everyone has a relaxing break and that maybe you even get a chance to visit somewhere a little warmer! Shortly after we get back from break we will be taking our annual MSTEP/PSAT/SAT tests. Overall, testing will run for about a month, and we will start testing on Tuesday, April 9, with our 5th and 8th grades. Testing at the elementary level will take more dates as they are split up into shorter testing sessions. Grade level student testing will take place on the following dates in April listed below.
Grade 3- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 17, 18, 24, 25
Grade 4- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24
Grade 5- MSTEP ELA/Math/Science/SS- April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 23, 24
Grade 6- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 17, 24
Grade 7- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 17, 24
Grade 8- MSTEP Science/SS, PSAT ELA/Math- April 9, 10, 25
Grade 9- PSAT ELA/Math- April 10
Grade 10- PSAT ELA/Math- April 10
Grade 11- SAT ELA (with essay)/Math, MSTEP Science/SS, SAT Work Keys- April 11, 16, 18
Our 11th graders have long testing days as they take on the SAT test. For information on the SAT (and ACT) test and how to perform well on this high stakes testing, see the article below.
https://wtop.com/news/2024/02/how-to-perform-well-on-sat-act-test-day/
With testing it also often brings a little anxiety. And although a little anxiety is okay, excessive anxiety can greatly hinder your individual success. So, what can we do to prevent test anxiety?
Avoid thinking you have to get every single problem correct. Don't expect to be perfect. We all make mistakes and that's okay. Knowing you've done your best and worked hard is really all that matters, not perfection.
Get the negative thoughts out of your head. If you start to have anxious or defeated thoughts, such as "I'm not good enough," "I didn't study hard enough," or "I can't do this," push those thoughts away and replace them with positive thoughts. "I can do this," "I know the material," and "I studied hard," can go far in helping to manage your stress level when taking a test.
Get enough sleep. A good night's sleep will help your concentration and memory.
Be prepared. That means studying for the test early until you feel comfortable with the material. Don't wait until the night before. If you aren't sure how to study, ask your teacher or parent for help. Being prepared will boost your confidence, which will lessen your test anxiety. Khan Academy is a great resource to learn and practice your testing skills and help in this area.
Take deep breaths. If you start to feel anxious while you're taking your test, deep breathing may be useful for reducing anxiety. Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. Work through each question or problem one at a time, taking a deep breath in between each one as needed. Making sure you are giving your lungs plenty of oxygen can help your focus and sense of calm.
Ms. Steinbauer's Weekly Update
When we return from spring break we start our testing with the M-STEP, PSAT and SAT. Please chat with your students before their return about the importance of testing. A couple reminders as they start those tests on April 9th:
No cell phone, earbuds, or smart watches. Students cannot have these devices during testing or at break time. This is incredibly important as they can invalidate their test as well as everyone else in their testing room. Know that during testing sessions your student’s devices will be in their locker but you can always call the office if you need to speak with them and we will gladly relay those messages.
Encourage your student to get a good night’s rest on Sunday and Monday of our return and each night before they take a test. Tired testers do not perform well.
Encourage your student to eat a good breakfast either here at school or at home. Full stomachs are better for testing as well.
Testing can create a lot of anxiety for students. Another quick help for them is to just take a few deep breaths before they start. Just the act of deep breathing will relax them and get them ready for this important task. As always, if you have questions about our state testing please reach out to your student’s teacher or myself. Have a great spring break and safe travels for anyone heading out of town.
School Breakfast and Lunch Menu: April 8 - 12, 2024
Athletics Update
Nothing says spring like a return to game action...here we go, the final sports season of the school year!
Schedule
Mon. 4/8
- 4pm Varsity Baseball AWAY @ Kingston
- 4pm Varsity Softball AWAY @ Kingston
- 4pm Varsity Track AWAY @ Hale
- 4:30pm Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP with SSC) AWAY @ Millington
- 4pm Varsity Baseball AWAY @ Unionville-Sebewaing
- 4pm Varsity Softball AWAY @ Unionville-Sebewaing
- 4:30pm Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP with SSC) AWAY @ Valley Lutheran
Sat. 4/13
- 9am - Girls Varsity Soccer (CO-OP with SSC) AWAY @ Ogemaw Heights
AGS Gifts for the Whole Family
Hey, Wolverines fan!
This month, we’re highlighting fleece favorites. Available in a range of styles from everyone’s favorite brands, our fleece gives fans a chance to rep their team while staying warm this spring.
- SHOP - SCAN - EARN FUNDS FOR AGS STUDENTS: Download the app today! https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/get-the-app
- Popcorn Fridays: April 12 & 26, May 3, 17, & 31
Important Dates
APRIL
- 1-5: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
- 8: School Resumes - extended school day w/ release at 3:25pm
- 10: Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
- 15: School Board Meeting @ 6pm in Elementary Library
- 17: 1:00pm Dismissal - Staff Professional Development
- 17: Kindergarten Round Up 4-6pm
Community Events
- "Light up the Sky" Raffle - APRIL 8 @ 6:30PM (see below) - Proceeds go to the Au Gres 2024 Fireworks.
- Community Hiring Event - APRIL 18 9a-3p - For jobseekers across Arenac County. See the picture below for details.
- Arenac Community Funds' 22nd Annual Golf Outing - MAY 17
The Wolverine Wake-Up
Happy Thursday,
It's the day before Spring Break, and our Crew members at The Wolverine Wake-Up Studio stayed up extra late, even though it was a school night, and finished this week's issue one day ahead of schedule. We're also aiming for straight A's this semester in all of our classes, or at least being the teacher's pet. Have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break, and be sure to start it off right by watching this week's video.
Help Wanted at AGS
Job Opportunities at AGS
- We are always looking for BUS DRIVERS. If you are interested in driving a bus as a substitute or for student activities, please inquire with the administrative office. We cover the training costs!
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
America & Me Essay Contest Winners!
Mental Health Awareness with Anthony Grupido
Woodworking Projects + End of Marking Period = COMPLETE!
Buddy up and Read!
SIGHT WORD LITERACY CENTER FUN!
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