Let MI Kids Learn and For MI Kids, For My Schools...

They sound very similar and perhaps you've heard of one or the other. They stand, in fact, in opposition to one another. The topic at hand is the circulation of two initiatives. Together they would change Michigan tax law to allow donors to claim tax breaks on their contributions to "scholarship-granting organizations," or nonprofits that would provide parents and families funding for students who fit certain criteria. Individuals or corporations making donations would be eligible for income tax credits equal to their donations. Essentially, these donations would allow for "Student Opportunity Scholarships" which could cover tuition and fees for private schools, extracurricular activities, and other educational resources. If enacted, these initiatives would allow public school dollars, obtained through taxes, to be used toward private schools and other private entities. This system is commonly referred to as "Vouchers".

Vouchers have been on the Michigan ballot in the past. The most recent appearance of school vouchers on the ballot was in 2000. This measure was voted down with 69% of the votes going against the measure.

Currently, petitions are circling around the State for these initiatives that have been previously vetoed, in the form of legislation, by the Governor. The goal of these petitions is to collect 340,000 signatures. If the requisite number of signatures is obtained then these items could either become ballot language for the November 2022 election OR the Legislature could move to enact it as law.

If you hear about either of these initiatives, Let MI Kids Learn or For MI Kids, For My Schools, and you have any questions, I encourage you to seek out the information that you need to make the best decision on the matter. If I can be of assistance with that, please contact the administration office via phone, or email me at mingc@ags-schools.org

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Ming

Although the end of the year sounds like a long ways away…it really isn’t. For planning purposes, below are some events going on throughout the district for the remainder of the year. We will keep you posted as we gain information and/if things potentially have to change.

-5/14 Prom at 7 at Edmonds Inn

-5/18 PLC 1:00 early release day, Spring Band Concert

-5/27 Last Senior Day

-5/30 No School- Memorial Day

-5/31 BB Pre-districts at WP

-6/1 Graduation rehearsal 8:30-10:00, Senior Class Night in the gym at 6:00 pm

-6/2 Graduation rehearsal 8:30-10:00, 9th Grade Orientation at 5:30, MS/HS Academic Awards (gr. 6-11) at 7

-6/3 Last CC day, Graduation at 7:30 at the football field

-6/4 BB Districts at WP, SB Districts at Alcona

-6/7 Elementary Fun Day at the City Park

-6/8 Elementary Fun Day at the City Park (rain date)

-6/9 1:00 dismissal, MS/HS 1st-3rd hour exams

-6/10 1:00 dismissal, MS/HS 4th-6th hour exams

8:30-9:45 4th/5th Awards

10:00-11:00 1st/2nd/3rd Awards

10:30-11:30 6th Grade Orientation in MPR

11:30-12:30 K Awards

And, as the weather gets warmer, it is finally getting more convenient to get outside and enjoy our loving pets. As much as we love to see precious fur babies, most pets are not allowed on campus, regardless of whether they are on a leash or you are holding them. This applies to athletic contests, also. Thanks for your cooperation in being respectful to all.

We had another busy week of testing, and next week is only going to get busier as we open the NWEA testing window. Like last year, the NWEA is really our biggest focus during this Spring testing session. We are required to report growth as part of the Section 98b Goal Reporting requirement by the state, and we use this to inform so many academic decisions in school as well. The NWEA testing window for students K-11th grade will begin next week. Teachers will have test schedules that they can share. I am also currently making phone calls to contact virtual families to set up testing sessions as well.

I know many families have been asking about summer school opportunities. We will be releasing specific information in about a week or so. For high school students, we will be offering our traditional Credit Recovery program. Students who need to retake classes for credit will be invited directly to the program. Information about that will be coming out soon.

Finally, to help us out with testing - please be sure that your student is coming to school each day with a fully charged Chromebook. We do not have a lot of extra devices in the building, and we also do not have a lot of additional days to do make-up testing. We cannot afford to have students coming to school without their necessary materials. Bringing school-issued Chromebooks to school each day is imperative. We would appreciate your assistance in making sure that students are prepared for school each day! As always, a good night's sleep helps too! If you have any questions regarding testing, please feel free to contact me!

Testing season is in full swing this spring and so is test burnout/anxiety. Here are a few tips that can help students handle these issues.

Ways to help students reduce or alleviate test anxiety include:

• Get your rest. Getting a good night’s sleep many nights before (not just the night before) the test will help kids be well-rested for the grind of taking the test.

• Get comfortable. If students will be sitting for long periods of time, allow them to bring in cushions or pillows to sit on.

• Get lucky. Have students bring in a lucky charm (a rabbit’s foot or four-leaf clover) or something that reminds them of something pleasant (such as a sea shell from a trip to the beach). This is simply something for them to focus on to put them in a good mental space.

• Get confident. Have kids repeat positive affirmations about themselves to get them confident in their abilities. (For example, “I will try my hardest, I will do my best, and I will be proud of what I can accomplish.”)

Testing burnout happens to students after long grueling hours of sitting and trying to stay focused on something that gives them little to no joy. There is also the worry about the pressure to do well on the test. All this and more can lead kids to feeling burned out while being tested. Doing anything that is not enjoyable (such as taking a test) for more than 10 minutes can cause us to lose focus, be easily distracted, and not perform at our best. Therefore, I recommend these simple strategies to help kids avoid test burnout:

• Release your tension. Ask to stand and stretch routinely during the testing. This can be done silently and within a minute or two.

• Release your anxiety. Take a minute or two to close your eyes and visualize success or that happy place that makes them feel good.

• Release the toxins. Your body naturally builds up toxins in stressful situations. One way to remove those toxins from your system is to do deep breathing. Have students take in a deep breath through their nose, hold it for a second or two, and exhale through their mouth. Do this a couple of times to help them relax and release toxins.

Release your doubts. Help kids do positive internal talk. Have them repeat in their head something like, “I can do this and I’m going to be successful.” Simple, positive self-talk can help kids feel more secure during the testing process.

The Health Department has asked us to pass along that it is never too early to start thinking about back to school shots. If you will have a new student joining AGS next year, you can get ahead of the game by scheduling your vaccinations now. See the attachment below for details.

Resources are both linked and attached as PDF files:

• COVID-19 Home Ellume Test Quick Start Guide
• OTC Parent Letter
• MI Backpack Information Packet

The weather might not be as warm was we like, but Spring sports season is heating up.

Next Week's Schedule of Events:

Monday, 5/2

• MS Track AWAY @ Hale, 4pm
• Varsity Softball and Baseball HOME vs. Hillman, 4pm

Tuesday, 5/3

• Varsity Track AWAY @ Fairview Invite, 2pm

Wednesday, 5/4

• JV Baseball AWAY @ Mio, 4pm

Thursday, 5/5

• MS Track AWAY @ Fairview Invite, 2pm
• Varsity Softball and Baseball HOME vs. MLS, 4pm

Friday, 5/6

• Varsity Softball and Baseball HOME vs. MLS, 4pm

Important dates for May/June for the Au Gres-Sims School District.

MAY

• 4th: 8-9a Coffee with the Superintendent @ H&H Bakery
• 14th: 7p Prom at Edmond's Inn
• 16tth: 5:45p Board of Education Meeting (BAISD Budget Presentation followed by regular AGS meeting)
• 18th: Early Release at 1pm ALL STUDENTS
• 27th: Seniors LAST DAY
• 30th: Memorial Day - STUDENT AND STAFF HOLIDAY

JUNE

• 3rd: 7:30p Graduation at AGS Stadium
• 8th: FULL DAY OF SCHOOL (was originally an early release day)
• 9th: Early Release ALL STUDENTS at 1pm, Middle and High School Exams
• 10th: Early Release ALL STUDENTS at 1pm, Middle and High School Exams, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS
• 13th: Teacher Records Day
• 20th: 6p Board of Education Regular Meeting

The PTO is doing a spirit wear fundraiser of AGS Gear. The order opportunity ends on May 2nd, so get it while it lasts!

https://au-gres-sims-spirit-wear-2022.itemorder.com/

We are looking to add several community-minded members to our amazing team. If you or anyone you know might be interested in joining the Au Gres-Sims staff, please check out the employment opportunities section of our website.

https://www.ags-schools.org/employment-opportunities--95

Job Opportunities at AGS

We are also always on the lookout for substitute teachers. If interested, please inquire with Mrs. Miller in the district administration office, (989) 876-7157.

Looking Ahead to the 2022-2023 School Year

We are already planning ahead for next school year and looking for the very best to fill our ranks and join the AGS Family. We need your help! Please spread the word that we are on the lookout for the following positions for the 22-23 School Year.

• Elementary Teacher

• K-12 Art Teacher

• Bus Driver

• Food Services Director

• Special Education Teacher

You know that feeling you get when you wake up and remember it's Saturday, so you can go back to sleep? Yeah we know that feeling too, so if you want to experience that feeling NOW, go ahead and read this week's issue of The Wolverine Wake-Up. Have a great Friday!

Issue 53: April 29, 2022

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