The Au Gres-Sims School District

Although child exploitation is not a topic we like to discuss, it is a reality in all communities throughout the world. It can affect youth of any age, race, geographic location, or socioeconomic status. 1 in 6 of the more than 25,000 missing children reported to the NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) in 2021 who had run away were likely victims of Child Sex Trafficking. Attached is a guide for parents and guardians on Child Sex Trafficking in America from the NCMEC. For support and guidance on child sex trafficking email familysupport@ncmec.org or call 1-800-843-5678.

It may be a little early, but it’s not too far around the corner. The week of February 24 we are fortunate to host the Boys Basketball Districts. District pairings are yet to be determined, but stay tuned for more details.

Thank you to the National Honor Society members and their advisor, Angie Anthony, for our successful blood drives this year. We have another opportunity to give the gift of life coming up shortly on Thursday, March 6, and it will run from 10:30-4:00. To sign up, go to the following link

https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11407192

On Thursday, March 20, we have MS/HS PT conferences. Like last year’s conferences in the Spring, these conferences will run slightly different than Fall conferences. Although conferences still cover the same time frame from 4:00-7:00 pm, the first hour and a half are being scheduled from 4:00-5:30 by invitation only. If you don’t get contacted for the “invitation only” time frame, you can attend conferences from 5:30-7:00 in the normal fashion with teachers meeting with families on a first come first served basis in their classroom.

Over the next three weeks, our students, educators and parents will be participating in the Mi Student Voice Perception Surveys. We will be sending out multiple reminders through our various platforms for parents/guardians to complete these surveys. The surveys give us valuable data about our district that guide the decisions we make in several areas. Parents and guardians will receive an email through Skyward on Monday 2/17, with a letter of explanation as well as the survey link for completing it. We will be working with the students to get their surveys completed in their classroom. We appreciate your willingness to take the time to fill out this survey as we do spend time as a whole staff looking at the data that is collected.

Books provide a safe way to discuss emotions, fears, and challenges your child might face. Stories allow children to see characters navigate difficult situations, giving them a framework for understanding their own emotions and problem-solving strategies. By discussing these moments, you can help your child build emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence in handling real-life situations.

Here are book recommendations for grades K-12 that explore emotions and problem-solving in age-appropriate ways:

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade (Ages 5–8):

📚 Books that Teach Basic Emotions, Problem-Solving, and Social Skills

• The Color Monster by Anna Llenas – Helps children understand and categorize their emotions through colors.

• Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival – A great story about managing anxiety and talking about worries.

• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst – Teaches resilience when things don’t go as planned.

• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld – A touching story about the importance of listening when someone is upset.

• My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook – Helps kids learn self-regulation and waiting their turn to speak.

• I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! by Julia Cook – Teaches children how to accept when things don’t go their way.

⭐ How to Use: Ask, “How do you think the character felt? What could they do to solve their problem?”

3rd – 5th Grade (Ages 8–11):

📚 Books About Self-Confidence, Friendship, and Handling Challenges

• The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig – Explores friendship and inclusion for children who feel left out.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio – Teaches empathy and resilience through the story of a boy with facial differences.

• Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson – Shows the impact of kindness and missed opportunities.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper – A powerful story about perseverance and overcoming obstacles.

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt – Focuses on self-acceptance and finding strengths in learning differences.

• Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lại – A novel-in-verse about resilience and adapting to a new life.

⭐ How to Use: Ask, “Have you ever been in a situation like this? How did you handle it?”

6th – 8th Grade (Ages 11–14):

📚 Books That Explore Identity, Emotions, and Personal Growth

• The Giver by Lois Lowry – Explores emotions, choices, and society’s impact on feelings.

• New Kid by Jerry Craft – A graphic novel about fitting in and racial identity.

• Front Desk by Kelly Yang – A story about resilience and overcoming economic hardship.

• Ghost by Jason Reynolds – A book about running from problems—literally and figuratively.

• A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée – A story about finding your voice and standing up for what’s right.

• The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden – A realistic look at self-discovery and breaking out of stereotypes.

⭐ How to Use: Ask, “What emotions did the character experience? What lessons can we take from this story?”

9th – 12th Grade (Ages 14–18):

📚 Books That Encourage Critical Thinking About Emotions and Life Challenges

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – A powerful novel on identity, activism, and finding your voice.

• Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds – A novel-in-verse about grief, anger, and choices.

• Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson – A raw look at finding the courage to use your voice.

• Turtles All the Way Down by John Green – A novel about OCD, anxiety, and navigating friendships.

• They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera – A moving reflection on life, relationships, and making each moment count.

⭐ How to Use: Discuss, “How do these characters deal with challenges? What can we learn about emotions and decision-making?”

This week, choose a book that explores emotions and have a conversation with your child about how the characters navigate their feelings—it's a small but powerful way to build emotional resilience!