The Au Gres-Sims School District

www.ags-schools.org

Au Gres-Sims Families and Community,

I heard something this week that sums up the start of the young school year better than anything else, "we are back to familiar." The key word here is "familiar" as we have not returned to "normal" and probably never will. The word normal has been redefined, and there is no amount of wishing that will take us back to what school and life was like before March of 2020 (I don't even want to use the word!).

"Familiar" is a good way of putting it, though, as we have brought back many of the things that were such cherished traditions of the past. Those elements, coupled with our new skills learned out necessity, have given us the platform to enhance the school experience for our students. One thing that definitely feels enhanced is the amount of things that pull at us, requiring our attention. That applies not just to the staff of AGS, but also to our students and their families. That is why communication is so critical...and that goes both ways.

We strive to communicate timely and relevant information to our families in a number of different ways that include these weekly newsletters, emails, phone calls, and social media posts. It is a fine balance that we are trying to maintain between keeping you informed and giving you so much information that you get overwhelmed. Our ask of you is this, please continue to read what we send and reach out to us if you can't find the information that you are looking for. Communication is a two way street and we must work together to ensure that we are both in the know.

Thanks and have a happy Homecoming weekend.

Mr. Ming

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K-12 Principal's Update

As a reminder, this Saturday, September 24, author Johnathon Rand will be at Northwoods in Pinconning from 11-1 to share his talents with kids and families. Mr. Rand has many great books, including the Michigan Chillers and American Chillers series. There is no cost to attend the event, and merchandise will be available for purchase. Students can bring their own books to be signed and/or they can also get their photo taken with Johnathon Rand. Special activities will take place while you are waiting in line. This will also be the kickoff for the Northwoods Kids Club which encourages reading literacy and spending time in the great outdoors.

Secondary families, Chromebook insurance for the year can still be purchased, but time is running out. The cost is $22 for HP Chromebooks and $28 for Dell Chromebooks. This offer ends September 26. Insurance must be purchased online using the link below:

https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/agsschools/

Information for our “School Store” was sent out last week for elementary families. For those interested, the opportunity will also be provided next week to MS/HS. Money accumulated from purchases goes directly back into the classroom. Families can also donate separately to the MS/HS specifically, if interested. Once again, all money that comes back to the school will go directly back into the classroom. This will run throughout the year.

The NHS, in conjunction with Versiti Blood Center, will be running a Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 12, from 10:30-3:30. This will take place in the Innovation Lab, and we are asking all donors to check in through the main office. All blood donations stay local and every donation saves 3 ilves!

If you missed pictures this past week, no need to fear. Picture retakes will take place Tuesday, November 1.

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From the Desk of Ms. 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, but we may extend it if needed in order to get all testing complete.

I would like to take a moment o highlight our Elementary School for the outstanding M-STEP testing reports that were recently released by the state. Individual parent reports will be sent home in the coming weeks, but I wanted o take a moment to highlight the hard work of the staff and students. In the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades - we scored well above the state average in all subject areas. Also, in all 3 grade levels we ranked 1st in the ISD out of 18 schools in at least 1 subject area. 4th grade ranked 1st in both reading and math. This is a result of the collective effort and hard work of teachers, parapros, families, and students starting from Kindergarten, where the foundational pieces are built to allow for students to learn and show knowledge at a high level by the time they reach the upper elementary. We are very proud of the growth and continued hard work that we happens in our elementary!

Finally, letters will go out at the beginning of next 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, October 5th from 6:30-7:30 in the Elementary Library. It is highly encouraged that all 2nd and 3rd-grade families attend to learn about the law and the supports we have in place surrounding it. If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please contact me at (989)876-4686.

Breakfast and Lunch Menu for the September 26-30

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Athletics Update

Next Week's Schedule of Events:

Mon. 9/26:

6p MS Volleyball HOME vs. Rogers City/W-P

Tue. 9/27:

6p JV/V Volleyball AWAY @ Mio

Wed. 9/28:

7p MS Football HOME vs. Alcona (Note: this is a time change from the original schedule)

Thu. 9/29:

6p MS Volleyball AWAY @ Rogers City
6p JV/V Volleyball HOME vs. Oscoda (Parent's Night)
6:30p JV Football AWAY @ Mio

Fri. 9/30:

7p V Football HOME vs. Mio

Sat. 10/1:

9a V Volleyball Tourney AWAY @ W-P

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Important Dates

Important dates for September and October for the Au Gres-Sims School District.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

17th: Board of Education meeting 6p
19th: Early Release @ 1pm
20th: Middle School and High School Parent/Teacher Conferences
28th: End of Quarter 1

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Au Gres-Sims is Searching for 2 New Board Members

On November 8th, 4 of the 7 Au Gres-Sims Board of Education seats will be up for election. Two of those seats have candidates running for them, while two are without candidates. These seats will begin their terms in January of 2023.

If you are interested in serving your school district by sitting on the board and shaping the policy that provides the structure for success in our community, then it is not too late to register as a write-in candidate. The deadline to do so is October 28th at 4pm and you can call the County Clerk for more details at (989) 846-4626.

For more information about being a school member, what they do, the time they commit, etc. the best source are the 7 members that currently serve in that role:

Fred Robel
Eric Schwiderson
Laura Storey
Heather Caulfield
Matt Dewyer
Norma Schwiderson
John Popovich

You can also contact the administration office at (989) 876-7150 and set up an appointment with Mr. Ming for an overview of the position and the important role that this role fills.

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Help Wanted at AGS

Job Opportunities at AGS

We do not currently have any job vacancies in the district!

We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Miller in the district administration office, (989) 876-7150.

If you are interested in substitute teaching and need assistance with the paperwork process, a WillSub representative will be in Arenac County twice per month for onsite consultation.