The Au Gres-Sims School District
www.ags-schools.org
Hello Au Gres-Sims Families,
It is hard to believe that we have reached the conclusion of what has been a very interesting school year. Some of the usual indicators that I have used throughout my career to mark the passage of time and the immanency of the summer break have either been juggled around (as in the case of the sports seasons) or have been altogether missed. Though this year has been different I am very pleased to have borne witness to phenomenal displays of cooperation between home and school and of perseverance as we all took on this pandemic together. All things considered, we reached the finish line of the school year in a sprint, displaying great advances with student learning and a newly rediscovered love of learning. I think it is safe to say that we are all ready to return to normalcy, but I also think it is safe to say that we have all learned new skills and adaptations as the result of this strange circumstance.
Speaking from an optimistic perspective I am encouraged by the work of our staff and the commitment of the Au Gres-Sims families to the education of our children. There is no getting around the fact that this year was difficult, but I want to believe that our situation is improving and that it will continue to improve as we head into the 2021-2022 school year. We still have a lot of work to do as many of our students still have unfinished learning to get caught up on. I encourage all of our families to continue their learning over the summer. This does not need to look exactly the same as the structure of a school day, but if we learned anything from this pandemic it is that we do not need to be in school to learn...learning can and should happen everywhere.
There is no telling what next school year will bring. Month to month, week to week, day to day, even hour to hour over this year we have been forced to adapt to the changing landscape that has been our reality. I am boldened, however, in the knowledge that we have overcome the worst of it and we have come out stronger on the other side. Will next year look and sound normal? I cannot answer that, but what I can say is that we have all developed the tools to face whatever is thrown at us next year.
I want to personally thank all of you for reading our newsletter each week and for actively staying informed with what is happening with your child's learning here at AGS. I hope that you and your families enjoy a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing all of our students back here in late August.
Take care, stay safe, and we will see you soon. #AGSInThisTogether #WolverinesLead
-Mr. Ming
K-12 Principal's Update
Heading into summer, there are many productive ways to keep kids busy. One is through camps. Below is a link to various different camps in the surrounding area and hopefully not “too far” away.
https://greatlakesbaymoms.com/summer-camps-in-the-great-lakes-bay-region/
For our HS folks who are considering summer credit recovery, you may be receiving a letter in the mail after exams when we know what classes have not been passed and will need to be made up. For the most part, summer credit recovery will be similar to years past. One big difference this year is that if you pass your credit recovery class you get your money back! If you have questions or want more details, call the main office.
Planning for next week and the crazy last couple of days, here is the schedule for our early dismissal days on Monday and Tuesday.
-6/7 1st-3rd Exams (1:45 Dismissal) *ALL students must take these on campus
-6/8 4th-6th Exams (1:45 Dismissal) *ALL students must take these on campus, Last student day
8:30-9:45 4th/5th Awards in Main Gym
10:00-11:00 1st/2nd/3rd Awards in Main Gym
10:00-11:00 6th Grade Orientation in Elementary Library- enter through the side doors
11:30-12:30 K Awards in Main Gym
And below is the schedule for MS/HS exams. Reminder, unless a teacher has provided an option for virtual students to take these synchronously at home, all exams must be completed on campus at the time of the exam.
MS/HS Exams
Monday, June 7
1st hour- 8:15-9:47 (1 hour 32 minutes)
2nd hour- 9:52-11:24 (1 hour 32 minutes)
Lunch 11:25-12:00
3rd hour- 12:00-1:45 (1 hour 45 minutes)
Tuesday, June 8
4th hour- 8:15-9:47 (1 hour 32 minutes)
5th hour- 9:52-11:24 (1 hour 32 minutes)
Lunch 11:25-12:00
6th hour- 12:00-1:45 (1 hour 45 minute)
From the Desk of Mrs. Socha
As we wrap up our last full week of school, I took a moment to look back at my first newsletter entries from this unusual school year. It is amazing to see how much things have changed from September. From starting fully virtual, to the Maroon and Gold hybrid schedules in Middle and High School, to finally being back on campus 4 days a week - it is hard to believe that this was all the same school year. We have all learned so much this past year - so much about technology, how to be even more flexible than we were before, how to reinvent the wheel at the very last minute (and then again the very next day,) but mostly we have learned how important and precious it is to have our students here on campus every day. Even though we still don’t know what tomorrow, or next school year will bring - I am confident that we will continue to work as hard as we can to create the best scenario possible for our students. I know that this year has been difficult, but we appreciate the support and partnership that we have had with you this year. Thank you for working with us to continue educating the students in our community during this unique time in history!
For those who have signed up for the Summer Enrichment Program - you will be receiving a follow-up email from me next week, after the registration window closes!
A Welcome End to a School Year Impacted by COVID
The official end of the 20-21 school year is just a few days away. It has been a challenging year for parents, teachers and staff, but I would argue it is the students who have felt the most impact of trying to survive and thrive through a year of the COVID 19 pandemic. Students have had to adjust to virtual learning, adapt to wearing facemasks, and learn how to deal with feelings of concern about friends and family members who have contracted COVID, and even consider the risk to their own health in terms of COVID. Even now, the loss of “normal” school experiences such as field trips, athletics, band performances continues to take its toll on students.
Researchers tell us that because of these circumstances students have experienced heightened anxiety, stress and depression at much higher rates. Fortunately, people are resilient and as we begin to see a gradual return to “normal living”, it is believed that some of these challenging emotional conditions will subside. We have a chance to learn from what we are going through as we reflect on what we have experienced during the year. Here are a few takeaways that have become apparent:
1. Anxiety and depression are very common; as many as 50% of youth are impacted by mental illness.
2. Depression and anxiety are caused by genetics and by our experiences.
3. Depression and anxiety are illnesses; they are not signs of weakness or character flaws.
4. Have hope! Depression and anxiety are treatable! (It may take some work though.)
Situations (like the COVID pandemic) are often beyond the immediate control of those experiencing the situation. To effectively deal with challenging situations, here are a few key steps:
• Notice when your thoughts aren’t helpful or aren’t reasonable, and focus on better thoughts called “coping thoughts.”
• Notice how you’re feeling (sad, disappointed, angry) and rate your feeling on a scale of 1-10.
• Use relaxation strategies (deep breathing, guided meditation, muscle relaxation) to feel better, then rate your feeling again on the 1-10 scale.
• If you’re feeling sad, bored, and tired, don’t go back to bed; get active! Even 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference in symptoms of depression.
• If you’re avoiding something because it makes you nervous, practice facing your fears.
• When faced with a hard situation or upsetting challenge, always ask yourself: what is my real goal in this situation? What behavior would help me get closer to my goal?
As we transition into the summer season, keep practicing these skills. These are not just techniques to use at school. They are adaptable to home, at work and virtually every setting you can imagine. I hope that by doing so, you will have a safe and enjoyable break from school.
Athletics Update
The "summer" schedule for the MHSAA starts on Monday, June 7th. Last week the MHSAA announced that the rapid antigen testing of student-athletes will not be required during the summer workout window.
2021-2022 Sports Physicals
At the same time and location the Pfizer vaccination will be available for any 12-17 year old students (accompanied by their parents). There is no cost for the vaccination.
AGS Middle School Field Day
Important Dates
JUNE
- JUNE 7: Early release all students, 1:45pm; MS/HS Exams 1-3
- JUNE 8: Early release all students, 1:45pm; MS/HS Exams 4-6; LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
- JUNE 21: Beginning of Summer Enrichment Program (ELA); Chromebook pick-up for Mrs. Gordon's summer learning program; Board of Education Meeting at 5:45pm
JULY
- JULY 16: End of Summer Enrichment Session 1 (ELA)
- JULY 19: Board of Education Meeting at 6:00pm
- JULY 26: Start of Summer Enrichment Session 2 (Math)
AUGUST
- AUGUST 16: Board of Education Meeting at 6:00pm
- AUGUST 20: End of Summer Enrichment Session 2 (Math)
- AUGUST 30: First Day of School 2021-2022
This week it's hotter than the Saharan sands.
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