AGS NEWS

Eric Rettenmund, Principal

Megan Yelle, Assistant Principal

Lisa Wissinger, Dean of Students

Melissa Welsh, Counselor

Tiffany Peeler, Counselor

Carol Manners, Secretary

Barb Stinson, Clerk

Randi Thorp, Clerk

September 11 - AGS OPEN HOUSE (6:00 - 7:30)

September 12 - PTO Meeting @ 1:00 PM

September 13 - No School - Staff PD

September 27 - 1/2 Day

October 1 - Picture Retakes

The AGS Open House will be held on Wednesday, September 11 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. We understand the rescheduled date is the same evening as some of our upcoming AGS athletic events and that families may also have previous engagements scheduled. However, we want to provide the opportunity for parents to meet teachers and classrooms. Please understand that teaching staff may also have conflicts that evening as well.

The format is "open house" style, which allows parents to stop in anytime between 6:00 - 7:30 to meet teachers. The Open House is not set up to be a conference, but an opportunity for parents to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and see the curriculums being taught. We look forward to seeing our parents on Open House night!

The Varsity Football Team kicks off the season Thursday evening against Midland Dow. Your support of our athletic teams is appreciate, but please be mindful of the protocols set by Fenton Athletics.

Message from the Fenton Athletic Department:

Students should not bring bags or footballs to the football games. The Reason Why: Over the years, unsuspecting people have been hit by flying footballs, run into by students running around and not paying attention to their surroundings, peer disagreements (close to altercations) amongst kids of all ages take place, and reports of stolen footballs arise. It is recommend that Middle School and younger students should be accompanied by an adult for all games. Go Tigers!

We realize that school drop off and pick up loop procedures are not the most convenient. However, please understand that the safety of AGS students will always be our first priority. The current procedure is considered to be the safest approach as endorsed by the Fenton Police Department and County Traffic Engineers. We appreciate your cooperation and patience during the morning and afternoon drop off/pick times.

Things to remember:

• The loop off of Shiawassee is for PARENT drop off / pick up
• Students may be dropped off / picked up across Donaldson Drive
• There is a crossing guard at Donaldson Drive during drop off and pick up
• The Donaldson Dr. Loop and Entrance is for Bus Traffic Only between 7:00 - 7:25 and at 2:15
• Please do not drop students off at the front entrance (off of Donaldson Drive) until after 7:30 AM - once school is in session.

Thank you again for keeping our AGS Students safe! It could be worse ... check out the school below! Crazy Loop!!

Recently our school board adopted a policy change for our school district. After much research, and feedback from our staff our board of education voted to remove the ability for students to utilize their cell phones during the instructional day. Students are to have them turned off and out of site during the instructional day, with the exception of their lunch period as well as before and after school. Previous to this policy change it was at teacher discretion, and that is no longer the case. The district and board of education feel this change will increase student engagement in academic work as well as hopefully aid in the social media issues that occur during the school day that often times increase student anxiety and decrease student well-being. A copy of a letter that was sent out the day after the August Board Meeting is linked below.

MEETING WITH YOUR COUNSELOR -

Students have been directed to join the Counselor Corner Google Classroom, which provides information about how to meet with their counselors, as well as helpful emotional & mental health support. Please ask your student if they joined this. If not, your child may use this Google Classroom Code: swq53wz to join!

AGS COUNSELORS -

Mrs. Melissa Welsh - mwelsh@fentonschools.org

Ms. Tiffany Peeler - tpeeler@fentonschools.org

Dear Families,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support you have shown me during my time as your school counselor. It has been a true pleasure to assist and work alongside you and your students here at AGS Middle School.

Please note that my last day will be September 13th, 2024. While I will deeply miss the opportunity to work with the amazing students and staff here, I am confident that they will continue to receive exceptional support moving forward.

Thank you once again for the trust and collaboration. Wishing you all the very best.

Warm regards,

Tiffany Peeler, MA, LPC, NCC

The AGS PTO meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM in the AGS conference room. The PTO helps to support school assemblies, teacher supplies, 8th grade honors/dance, library books, scholarships for field trips, and much more! Thank you for supporting our PTO.

Next Meeting: September 12

Gracie, a 2 year old Goldendoodle, is the newest member of the AGS Family. She was recently certified to be a school therapy dog and will be joining us at AGS around September 9th. Gracie is excited to meet our students and help out when needed. Mrs. Seelbinder, AGS Math Teacher, is Gracie's owner. We are looking forward to Gracie's arrival and know that she will make a positive impact on our students and staff at AGS!!

We hope you can join us for the annual Back to School Pancake Breakfast. The event will be held at AGS on Sunday, September 8. The event features Guinness World Record holder Chris Cakes of Michigan, FAPS Principal Pancake Catching Contest, kids games, and more! We hope to see you there! Tickets can be purchased at the door or online by clicking the blue button below.

Wyldlife Club

Saturday, September 7th

AGS Gym

7:00-8:30 PM

*Parent information meeting last half hour before pick up from 8:00 - 8:30 PM

Email: fentonwyldlife@gmail.com with any questions!

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates or more information!

Below are a few updated photos showing the progress of our new main office addition. During this time, the entrance off of Shiawassee may be closed. There will be more details in the FAPS newsletter and on the FAPS website as the project continues. We are excited about improving the facility for our staff, students, and families.

To help keep our schools and community safe, you can use this confidential tip line to report any suspicious or threatening behavior.

Email: erettenmund@fentonschools.org
Website: http://fentonschools.org/andrew-g-schmidt-middle-school/
Location: 3255 Donaldson Drive, Fenton, MI, USA
Phone: 810.591.7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fenton-Area-Public-Schools-110556712352619/
Twitter: @fentonschools