Au Gres-Sims School District Newsletter Postal Patron Non-Profit Organization Au Gres, MI 48703 U.S. Postage PAID Au Gres, MI 48703

Permit No. 7 ECRWSS

www.ags-schools.org TWITTER @AGSschools

Winter 2017 310 Court St., P.O. Box 648, Au Gres, MI 48703 989-876-7150 Fourth Season of Au Gres-Sims Partners with Apptegy Podcasts Begin to Create New Mobile App, Website, in January

and Communications Platform Au Gres-Sims Super- intendent, Jeffrey Col- Au Gres-Sims School opportunity to easily sync communication systems, lier, and Au Gres City District is proud to an- and streamline our email making it easy for dis- Manager, John Stanley, nounce their new part- and Thrillshare notifica- tricts to tell their story. invite you to listen and nership with Apptegy to tions along with social me- Our partnered work with enjoy their weekly Pod- reimagine and extend a dia updates and announce- Au Gres-Sims focused on casts which are the en- dynamic new communi- ments on Twitter and designing and providing a cations platform. Au Facebook.” Collier contin- ‘Gold Standard’ commu- gaging products of a Gres-Sims partnered ued, “National trends indi- nication tool that reflected unique joint communica- with Apptegy, a commu- cate that our community the district’s progressive tions project between the nication solutions com- spends more time using vision.” City of Au Gres and the pany from Little Rock, mobile apps than all other Any user may acquire Au Gres-Sims School Arkansas, to create an digital media combined. the district’s app for free District. These weekly exciting new mobile app, We sought to create a by visiting either the Podcasts dubbed "J & J website, and communi- communication platform iTunes or Google Play in Au Gres" focus on all cation suite for the dis- that was not only more stores, searching for Au trict that will better con- easily accessible to our Gres-Sims School Dis- topics related to business nect students, staff, par- constituency, but would trict, and then download- opportunity & entrepre- ents, business, and com- also allow us to provide ing the app to their mobile neurial ventures, city munity. Au Gres-Sims information in a timely, devices. The district’s management, politics, was the first school dis- efficient, and preferable Facebook page can be education, and the high trict in the State of manner.” In conjunction found by searching for Au quality of life throughout Michigan to partner with with their new mobile app, Gres-Sims School Dis- the region - but primar- Apptegy, and is currently Au Gres-Sims also re- trict; Twitter handle at one of only a select few leased their newly updated @AGSschools; and web- ily, celebrates all of the districts state-wide that website presence and dedi- site at www.ags- positive energy and pro- have taken the progres- cated Facebook page to schools.org. active initiatives taking sive leap to expand com- coincide with their pre- place within the greater munication efforts via a existing Twitter account. Au Gres area, Arenac mobile app for all con- Casey Mikula, Apptegy’s County, and Northeast stituents. Director of Sales, shared, Michigan. The weekly Superintendent Jeffrey “The mobile app provides Collier, stated, “As a a much better user experi- podcasts can be found on public school district, we ence for parents and com- iTunes, on Twitter are thrilled to model this munity members to easily @AGSschools, or amazing new communi- access information.” He at w w w . a g s - cations platform. Our added, “Apptegy’s Thrill- schools.org under the fantastic partnership with share product provides a "Community" tab. Apptegy provides us the single platform to manage Page 2 Au Gres-Sims School District Newsletter Winter 2017 From the Superintendent’s Desk by Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Schools

Dear Au Gres-Sims Community, have established: ~ Alpena Community College provides dual enrollment courses Our Au Gres-Sims School District is amazing! As we col- on our campus. Did you know that our students can earn over 30 lectively continue our relentless pursuit of excellence, the num- college credits while attending Au Gres-Sims High School? ber of partnerships we are forming with community and pri- Wow! vate entities, who are also deeply committed to the education of ~ The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service has provided a greenhouse our area youth, are growing at a tremendous rate! The abun- that is being erected on our campus to support the propagation of dance of opportunities and activity choices for students to par- endangered plant species by our students as a component of our ticipate and be engaged in at Au Gres-Sims is overwhelming, Charity Island STEM studies. both in and out of the classroom. Positivity is building upon ~ The 4H Foundation and Arenac County 4H Leaders Council positivity for our “public school with a private school feel,” have sponsored a full VEX IX robotics classroom kit and re- and our partners are eager to offer their sustained support with sources for elementary science, robotics and engineering studies a building momentum that is central to the story being shared to build and enhance foundations for upper level Science Olym- about the incredible things that are happening for students here piad and FIRST Robotics programs. in Au Gres. Their enthusiastic commitments are positive evi- ~ Bopp-Busch Manufacturing continues to generously partner dence that they share our belief that the size of our district is with and sponsor our competitive FIRST Robotics team. one of our greatest strengths, allowing us the flexibility to con- ~ Our Girls on the Run Club (Au Gres Chapter), an after-school sistently offer the dynamic and unique programming that we running club, inspires and empowers our upper elementary fe- provide for our learners. Embracing and cultivating this pro- male students to be joyful, healthy, and confident. gressive philosophy, the professionals within our established ~ The Department of Health and Human Services has partnered Culture of Learning are actively authoring grant applications to with us to provide a full-time success coach for our students maximize our treasured resources, acting as ambassadors and through the “Pathways to Potential” program. establishing relationships with outside philanthropists and ex- ~ Nike Marathon Kids has partnered with us to provide an after- perts. school activity for upper elementary and middle school students Below are examples of some of the grants (not including to promote healthy, physically active lifestyles. State and Federal grants) received just this fall: ~ Recently a local family anonymously donated new, brand name ~ Grant received from the Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance coats for our fourth grade students valued at over $800. Program for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math This list is only a snapshot, and does not even come close to (STEM) programming. encompassing the extensive scope of our fantastic partners or all ~ Grant received from the Arenac Community Funds through of the magnificent contributions that have been made to our dis- the Bay Area Community Foundation in support of our Science trict on behalf of our children. We are also the fortunate recipi- Olympiad program. ents of the tireless volunteerism, advocacy, and generous spon- ~ Grant received from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative sorship of our Parent Teacher Organization members and Wol- Network (WIN) to support our river quality/watershed studies. verine Pride Association athletic boosters. Further, our area resi- ~ Grant received from the Captain Planet Foundation to sup- dents who volunteer substantial time and talent for the improve- port our Charity Island and greenhouse STEM projects. ment of our facilities and student activities is simply inspiring. ~ Grant received from Target to support our “AGS Travels” We are deeply appreciative and humbled to be the recipients of student program. these good works, which I believe are indicative of the school ~ Multiple grants received from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian district itself. Coupled with this extensive support network, our Tribe to support our extensive initiatives in instructional tech- entire staff continues to excel and live up to the community’s nology and dynamic classroom programs. high expectations and our far-reaching reputation as a Following are some of the partnerships we are fortunate to “Destination District” that truly provides an unequivocal product of excellence in education. We invite you to join us and cele- Home of the Wolverines district newsletter is a publication of Au Gres-Sims School District, published three times annually. Its purpose is to share school district/educational information with the community. brate the knowledge that we represent a growing school district Issues are bulk mailed directly to all district residents. Comments or inquiries may be directed to Au of unbounded student opportunity and unrelenting greatness! Gres-Sims School District Administration, P.O. Box 648, Au Gres, MI 48703, or by calling 989-876- 7150. Yours in Education, 2017 BOARD OF EDUCATION Heather Garry, President Nancy Selle, Vice-President Nicholas Moore, Secretary Important Media Notice Heather Caulfield, Treasurer

Fred Robel, Trustee During the course of the school year, our students are sometimes rec- Norma Schwiderson, Trustee ognized in the newspaper or other media formats for such things as Gregory Walker, Trustee their accomplishments, special projects, upcoming events, or other newsworthy happenings. These opportunities serve to promote and It is the policy of the Au Gres-Sims School District Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis enhance our students, schools, and community. If you do not wish for of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its employment, educational programs, and activities as your child to appear in public relations materials of this nature or on required by Title VI or the Civil Rights Act of 1954, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973. Anyone believing they have been discrimi- our website, a written request must be completed and on file at school nated against should contact Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent, Au Gres-Sims School District, P.O. Box each year, prohibiting them from being recognized in this manner. 648, Au Gres, MI 48703, or call 989-876-7150. Au Gres-Sims School District Newsletter Winter 2017 Page 3 Athletic Admission District Implements New Prices for 2017-18

Responsible Thinking Process Program Contest JV/V JH

As part of the Dis- Thinking process begins will be. The student may Single Person $5.00 $4.00 trict School Improve- with the classroom then sent to the Respon- Senior Citizen 60+ 3.00 2.00 Student 3.00 2.00 ment Plan, the Au teacher asking a student sible Thinking classroom, ______Gres-Sims School Dis- who is not performing which is staffed by a full All Sport Family Pass: trict is implementing a as expected in various time employee, for fur- new student positive situations a series of ther discussion and reso- (Pertains only to IMMEDIATE family members currently living behavior program to questions. The ques- lution of the situation. full-time in the same household encourage students to tions are designed to This process gives stu- and children 18 or under): be thoughtful of their encourage a student to dents the power to stop All Sport Family Pass $200.00 actions, be responsible stop inappropriate be- negative behavior in its All Sprt Single Adult Pass 100.00 and choose positive be- havior, identify what tracks and redirect their All Sport Student Pass 50.00 havior, assist with iden- they are doing wrong, actions toward a positive All Sport Sr. Citizen Pass 50.00 All Sprt Sr. Citizen Couple 75.00 tifying issues that inter- identify what they outcome. Additional ______rupt and/or prevent should be doing, iden- support and parental in- Season Pass: their educational suc- tify any issues that are volvement to address To be purchased for fall, winter, cess, provide support contributing to the be- ongoing problems are or spring sports only: where needed, and to havior, what steps need also part of the program Individual $ 50.00 identify consequences to be taken to rectify to ensure students are Couple 100.00 ______of poor choices and to the situation, and if the able to focus on their hold students person- student is unwilling or academic program and Student Honors Pass: FREE ally accountable for unable to correct the not be hindered by other their behavior. situation immediately, influences that prevent School Closings The Responsible what the consequences or disrupt their success.

We will utilize the Apptegy After-School Tutoring system to notify parents, students, and staff of school Now Available for All Grade Levels closings and delays this year. Please make sure that After-school tutoring vated Cyber Cafe’ for likely studying the same the principal’s office has the is now available for all help with their school subject matter in their correct contact information students, from kinder- work, or just simply take own classes or in classes for your student/family on file. garten through twelfth advantage of a quiet they have taken previ- The following TV stations grade. time and place to study ously. This knowledge will broadcast school clos- Tutoring sessions are or complete homework. of the material gives tu- ings or delays: WNEM being held from 3:15 The tutoring program is tors the ability to explain (Channel 5), WJ RT p.m. - 4:15 p.m. every monitored by certified concepts in ways that (Channel 12), WBKB Tuesday and Thursday teachers at the elemen- are different from class- (Channel 11), and WEYI that school is in session tary, middle, and high room instruction that (Channel 25); and radio sta- through the end of the school levels, and help is their peers may be able tions WSGW (790 AM and school year, with a few available in any given to better understand. 100.5 FM), WGER (106.3 scheduled exceptions. subject. For more information, FM), WTLZ (107 FM), Students have the op- Peer tutors are well contact Mrs. Jamie WCEN (94.5 FM), WIOS portunity to join high prepared to provide tar- Kraatz, Instructional Ser- (1480 AM), WKJC (104.7 school peer tutors in geted assistance to other vices Director, at 876- FM), WQLB (103.3 FM), the beautifully reno- students as they are 7157, extension 335. and WKJZ (94.9 FM). Page 4 Au Gres-Sims School District Newsletter Winter 2017

Au Gres-Sims WINTER Sports Schedule 2017-18

Date Day Team Opponent Site Time

11 Dec Mon JV/V BBB Fairview Fairview 6:00 p.m. 12 Dec Tues JH BBB WP WP 6:00 p.m. 12 Dec Tues JV/V GBB Fairview AGS 6:00 p.m. 14 Dec Thurs JH BBB Mio AGS 6:00 p.m. 14 Dec Thurs JV/V BBB WP* WP 6:00 p.m. 18 Dec Mon JV/V BBB Oscoda* AGS 6:00 p.m. 20 Dec Wed JV/V GBB WP* AGS 6:00 p.m. 4 Jan Thurs JV/V BBB Hale AGS 6:00 p.m. 5 Jan Fri JV/V GBB Hale Hale 6:00 p.m. 8 Jan Mon Basketball Atlanta Triple Header Atlanta 4:00 p.m. 11 Jan Thurs JV/V BBB Posen AGS 6:00 p.m. 12 Jan Fri JV/V GBB Posen Posen 6:00 p.m. 16 Jan Tues JV/V GBB Oscoda* Oscoda 6:00 p.m. 19 Jan Fri V BB SASA AGS 6:00 p.m. 22 Jan Mon JV/V GBB Hillman Hillman 6:00 p.m. 23 Jan Tues JV/V BBB Hillman AGS 6:00 p.m. 25 Jan Thurs JV/V GBB WP WP 6:00 p.m. 26 Jan Fri JV/V BBB WP AGS 6:00 p.m. 29 Jan Mon JV/V GBB Rogers City AGS 6:00 p.m. 30 Jan Tues JV/V BBB Rogers City Rogers City 6:00 p.m. 1 Feb Thurs JV/V GBB Fairview Fairview 6:00 p.m. 2 Feb Fri JV/V BBB Fairview AGS 6:00 p.m. 5 Feb Mon JV/V GBB Hale AGS 6:00 p.m. 6 Feb Tues JV/V BBB Hale Hale 6:00 p.m. 9 Feb Fri Basketball Atlanta Triple Header AGS 4:00 p.m. 12 Feb Mon JV/V GBB Posen AGS 6:00 p.m. 13 Feb Tues JV/V BBB Posen Posen 6:00 p.m. 15 Feb Thurs V Basketball SASA SASA 6:00 p.m. 19 Feb Mon JV/V GBB Mio* AGS 6:00 p.m. 20 Feb Tues JV/V BBB Bay City All Saints Bay City All Saints 6:00 p.m. 21 Feb Wed JV/V GBB Bay City All Saints AGS 6:00 p.m 23 Feb Fri JV/V BBB Oscoda Oscoda 6:00 p.m.

27 Feb Tues JV/V BBB Mio* Mio 6:00 p.m. * ( Non-League Game ) Au Gres-Sims School District Newsletter Winter 2017 Page 5 New Staff Members at Au Gres-Sims

Jill Haag was previously employed at Bay City Public Schools as an elementary teacher before coming to Au Gres- Sims. She earned a teaching certificate in Elementary Educa- tion from Saginaw Valley State University, and enjoys teaching fourth grade at AGS. Mrs. Haag and her family live in Sterling. Jill Haag

Elesha Davidson graduated from Au Gres-Sims High School and earned a teaching certificate in Secondary Education from Saginaw Valley State University. She taught at Hale Area Schools for four years before coming to Au Gres-Sims, and is currently teaching middle school mathematics. Mrs. Davidson lives in Au Gres with her husband and infant Elesha Davidson son.

Brook Begres came to AGS as a veteran teacher from Tawas Area Schools. She earned a teaching certificate in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University, and is also teaching fourth grade for us this year. Mrs. Begres and her husband live in Standish with their fam- ily. Brook Begres

Molly Hasty has many years of teaching experience, having taught most recently at Hale Area Schools for four years. She earned her Elementary Education teaching certification from Saginaw Valley State University, and is teaching first grade this year. Mrs. Hasty and her family live in Au Gres. Molly Hasty

Look who’s back! After a short “retirement,” Deb Bilacic found she was more content when she was doing what she loves the most, which is teaching. Deb rejoined our staff as a K-8 Math and Reading Interventionist this fall and works with stu- dents who need additional academic support. Mrs. Bilacic and her husband live in Twining. Deb Bilacic Au Gres-Sims School District Newsletter Winter 2017 Page 6

SCHOOLS OF CHOICE and THE ACADEMY AT AU GRES-SIMS ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN

Applications will be accepted January 3- 19, 2018 for enrollment second semester, and are available online at www.ags-schools.org under the Quick Links tab, or at the school offices. Call 989-876-7157 for more information.

New Age Limit Allowed for Academy Enrollment The Academy at Au Gres-Sims

The Michigan Department of Education recently Your Life. Your Time. Your Success. raised the age limit for students wishing to enroll in Make the choice that works for you. alternative education programs. Students who have The Au Gres-Sims School District is currently accepting applications from eligible students wishing to enroll in the Academy. This online alternative is a dropped out and are under the age of 22 years old fantastic choice for students who have fallen behind, are struggling to before September 1 of the current school year are graduate, or looking for opportunities beyond traditional high school classes. Academy students will have the flexibility to complete coursework at home now allowed to re-enroll. Additional criteria for enroll- and earn an Au Gres-Sims High School diploma. There is also an opportunity ment in The Academy at Au Gres-Sims must be met, to enroll in classes at the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District’s Career Center or dual-enroll to earn college credit. Find your path to success! as outlined in the advertisement on the right. This is Eligible Students one more great opportunity for students who previ-  Have not been expelled for disciplinary reasons  Juniors and Seniors 16-22 years of age ously turned 20 years old before completing their high  Reside in one of the following school districts: Bay-Arenac ISD, Iosco RESA, COOR ISD, school education to be able to continue and earn their Clare Gladwin RESD, Midland Co. ESA, Saginaw ISD, or Tuscola ISD Applications are being accepted January 3 through January 19, 2018. diploma. Interested persons can call the school at The Academy at Au Gres-Sims 989-876-7157 for more enrollment information. 310 Court Street  PO Box 648  Au Gres, MI 48703 Call (989) 876-7157 or visit www.ags-schools.org/academy Au Gres Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes You to Our Schools and Community! This school district newsletter is generously sponsored by the Au Gres Area Chamber of Commerce. Together, we would like to invite you to join us as we take part in the following upcoming community events.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE AU GRES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!

December 9...... PTO Holiday Bazaar...10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m... AGS Multi-Purpose Room December 13...... AGS Athletic Boosters Ace of Spades Drawing...7:00 p.m...Town & Country Lounge December 16...... Music by Less than Ordinary...7:00 p.m...Ali’s UpNorth December 20...... AGS Athletic Boosters Ace of Spades Drawing...7:00 p.m...Town & Country Lounge December 23...... A Christmas Special with Music by Less than Ordinary...7:00 p.m....Ali’s UpNorth January 11...... Comedy Night Fundraiser with Jason Douglas...7:00 p.m....Town & Country Lounge January 27...... 2018 Winter Festival...Visit the Chamber website for details

Visit the Au Gres Area Chamber of Commerce on the web at www.augreschamber.org for information and events!