The Timberwolf Times, October 19, 2018 
three fires elementary e-newsletter header

October 19, 2018

A special thanks to our PTO for an enthusiastic and well organized Timberwolf Trot. Also, thanks to you and your children for raising money for our biggest fundraiser!

Howell Public Schools Securing Our Future Sinking Fund Millage

The November 6 election is just a few weeks away. When district residents head to the polls that day, they will be asked to vote on the Howell Public Schools Securing Our Future Sinking Fund proposal. This is an expected no tax rate increase proposal that will provide the district with approximately 1.3 million dollars annually for 10 years to fund upgrades to district security and perform major repairs to district buildings. To help educate voters on this proposal, the district has put together a short video, which you can view here. The district has also created a webpage to share details of the proposal which can be found at HowellSchools.com/SecuringOurFuture.

Halloween Parade - Wednesday, October 31st at 1:45 PM

It has been a long standing tradition for Three Fires students to wear elementary appropriate costumes for our annual Halloween Parade. This year, it is our intention to maintain the positive and fun spirit of this event.  While students are not required to wear costumes on Halloween, those students who do wish to participate are reminded of the following guidelines:

  • Do not wear or bring face paint, masks, or weapons.  Costume accessories that are deemed dangerous or similar to weaponry are not permitted.  

  • Hats/hoods during the parade are ok as long as they do not impede the student’s vision or identity.

  • Students should bring their costume to school in a bag (do not apply face paint before school).

  • Finally, all costumes should maintain the integrity of our school dress code.

​​​​​​​Please understand that these guidelines are put in place to ensure the safety of all our students.  If a student’s costume is found to be inappropriate, she/he will be asked to remove the costume. Parents may view the parade in the gym.  Last year our parking lot was not large enough to accommodate all of our guests for the parade. If you are attending the parade this year, you can park in the bus lot from 1:30-2:45.   Please note, if you plan on staying in the building past 2:45, please do not park in the bus lot. If you park in the bus lot, please enter the building at the B2 entrance. We will have a staff member there to let you in from 1:30 -1:45.   

Technology Update:  Tina Duguay

Students in grades 3-5 have been working on understanding their role in becoming responsible digital citizens. We have discussed how every action taken has a ripple effect on the world around us and in particular in regards to online use. Students have learned about the “Rings of Responsibility” that include being responsible for oneself, one’s community and the world. Learning continues as we take a deeper look at our media choices and reflect on each as a healthy choice versus an unhealthy choice in order to help understand what media balance is. On the more technical side of things, students have taken a quiz on parts of the computer and are practicing their keyboarding skills using typing.com. We are also now in a Sumdog competition with other schools to practice and sharpen our math skills. As we look into the coming weeks we will be covering privacy and security as it relates to personal information and creating strong passwords.

Students in grades BK-2 have learned about the three rules for online safety: (Always ask a parent first. Only talk with people you know and only visits sites that are just right for you.) Your child should be able to relate these rules to you. They also make for great discussion topics at home for reinforcement. At this time, first and second graders are learning about what kind of information is private and should never be shared online. On the technical side of things, these students are practicing their keyboarding skills with site games that help them learn the location of letters. Our BK and kindergarteners are busy learning about fun site games that enable students to practice accurately using the mouse . Ask them to tell you about Mrs. Duguay’s favorite game, Fuzz Bugs. (A pretty fun little game where you have to grab and move the Fuzz Bugs in order to sort and count them.) All students have the opportunity to browse on our Three Fires Elementary webpage to find interesting and engaging games and sites that enhance their learning.

Winter Gear Needed

The temperatures are dropping quickly, so please remember to send your child everyday with a winter coat, hat, and gloves!  If you are in need of any winter gear, please reach out to Ms. Nemeth at [email protected] or 517.548.6387, ext. 84925.  If you have new or gently-used coats and other winter wear that you would be willing to donate to our students, please send it in with your child and label it for Ms. Nemeth.   

Counselor’s Corner:  Helping Children with Friendship - Jeanie Nemeth

Friendships are very important to our social and emotional health!  Often, when children struggle with making and keeping friends, they feel lonely, sad, anxious, or depressed.   Research shows that it is not the quantity of friends children have that matters, but rather the quality of even one or two positive friendships. Thus, to a child, having even just one good friend can make a huge difference!  

Are you wishing to help your child become better at making and keeping friendships?  If so, try teaching them these three basic social skills:

  • Teach them how to break the ice with kids they haven’t met before.

  • Show them how to act positively and appropriately with others.

  • Teach them to manage conflicts/problems constructively.  

To teach these skills to your child, you must first figure out what your child is doing well and also where they might need some improvement.  Specific needs vary from child to child and in different situations. Below are some tips:

  • Observe your child in social settings.

  • Once you have made some observations, determine what social skills your child needs to learn..  For instance, does your child often interrupt others or boss them around? Is your child shy and afraid to try new activities or hesitant to join a group?

  • Explain the steps of the skill and demonstrate how to effectively use the skill.  For instance, if your child wants to join a game of Gaga ball at recess but is hesitant to do so, try saying, “You told me you would like to play Gaga ball at recess.  If you want to play, talk to some of the kids before recess and say, ‘Hi, my name is Jayden. Your game looks super fun! Mind if I join you?’”

  • Help your child practice the skill.  Try various role playing scenarios. This can be fun!

  • Give your child helpful feedback.  Let him know what was done well as well as areas for improvement.  

  • Be patient.  Teaching social skills can take time, and children are at different levels of learning these skills.  Encourage your child and let him know that you are there for him no matter what.

Gleaners Food Bank Fall Food Drive:  October 15th - November 30th

Our student council has started our annual food drive to benefit Gleaners Food Bank.  Each week will have a featured item. For every five items donated, your child’s class can earn a point toward winning a doughnut and cider party.  Featured items are the items for which Gleaners Food Bank has the greatest need. Thank you in advance for your support in the effort to prevent hunger in our community! Below is our features item collection schedule:

  • October 22nd -26th:  Boxed side dishes or meals

  • October 29th - November 2nd: Canned Vegetables

  • November 5th - 9th:  Peanut Butter

  •  November 12th - 19th:  Canned Fruit

  • November 26th - 30th:  Cereal

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/threefireselementary, find our PTO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThreeFiresElementaryPTO/, find us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HowellTFE


Three Fires Elementary School, 4125 Crooked Lake Rd., Howell, MI 48843
Phone: 517-548-6387, Fax: 517-548-7524


Posted by gibbonsk On 22 October, 2018 at 9:05 AM