Congratulations to Reaching Higher Graduates!
We are thrilled to announce the successful graduation of twenty-one 5th-grade students from the Reaching Higher program last evening! Reaching Higher is a leadership initiative that we offer to selected 5th-grade students each year. This program is overseen by dedicated individuals, including Jeanie Nemeth (school counselor), Cheri Carroll (5th-grade teacher), and four volunteer mentors from the community. The graduation celebration showcased the achievements of our students, many of whom bravely faced their fear of public speaking. We extend a thank you to all the parents and family members who took the time to affirm and celebrate our students last night.
Thanks for the Popcorn
A big shoutout to our incredible PTO and dedicated parent volunteers for turning Friday, December 1st into a popcorn-filled delight! Your generosity in popping over 700 bags of popcorn and gifting each student and staff member made the day truly special. The building was filled with an amazing aroma!
Winter PE Newsletter - Important Reminders
Click here to access the Winter Newsletter from our PE Teachers, Mr. Holmes and Mr. Larente. The newsletter includes updates on current instructional topics and a few reminders: ensure your child wears gym shoes, not boots when they have PE. Also, when having gym, please send your child with a labeled water bottle.
Vision/Hearing Screening - Parent Notification
The Livingston County Health Department provides routine vision and hearing screening to identify children who have vision/hearing problems or might be at risk for vision/hearing problems. Click here for more information on this program. Vision Screening is scheduled for January 22-24th for grades 1st, 3rd, 5th and our CI Classes. If you do not want your child screened, or if you’d like your child screened and they are not in grades 1st, 3rd or 5th, please contact our main office at 548-6387 by Monday, January 15th. Children who do not pass the initial screening will be rescreened. If a child does not pass the rescreen, a letter will be mailed home recommending the child see an eye doctor for a complete eye examination. If your student wears glasses or contacts, please remind them to wear them on the date of their screening. Hearing Screening is scheduled for January 17-19th for grades BK, K, 2nd and 4th. Rescreening is scheduled for February 5-6th. If you do not want your child screened, or if you’d like your child screen and they are not in grades BK, K, 2nd or 4th, or if your child has a hearing aid that they cannot remove/replace themselves, please contact our main office at 548-6387 by Monday March 15th. Please contact the Health Department at 517-546-9850 and ask for the Hearing & Vision Coordinator if your child has a programmable shunt or any implanted medical device (child should not be screened due to magnets in audiometer headphones) or if you have any questions regarding Hearing Screening.
District Holiday Card Art Contest
Each year, Superintendent MacGregor selects holiday-themed artwork created by a student to be featured on the district's holiday card. Students from begindergarten through fifth grade are invited to showcase their creativity by submitting an original holiday design for the card. With your help and permission, students should send their artwork to communications@howellschools.com by 5 PM on Wednesday, December 13. Please include the student's name, grade, and school in the email.
Family Educational Series on School Avoidance
On Thursday, December 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., Howell Public Schools is offering an insightful session on school avoidance as part of its monthly family educational series. This webinar will explore common causes and offer strategies to address this challenge. Attend in person at the Howell High School Freshman Campus Media Center, with refreshments and child care available (register at https://bit.ly/3QXLWGL) or join online at https://cookcenter.info/Dec14Livingston. Take advantage of this opportunity to support your child's educational journey!
Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, December 21, 2023
On Thursday, December 21, Gleaners Food Bank will have a Mobile Food Pantry in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The Mobile Food Pantry will be open from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone in the community needing food can drive through and pick up food from the Mobile Food Pantry. A family of 4 receives about 40-45 pounds of food. A family of 5 or more receives double the amount. Each portion includes fresh produce, milk, meat, and shelf-stable items. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
Counselor’s Corner: Jeanie Nemeth
For a more peaceful holiday break, consider these seven suggestions. While kids may be excited about the break, maintaining a structured schedule is crucial for their emotional and physical well-being. Predictable routines make them feel safe and contribute to better behavior.
- Incorporate daily physical activity to reduce crankiness and boredom.
- Keep an eye on sugar intake, as it can impact behavior and mood.
- Encourage community engagement by participating in activities that help others in need, fostering a sense of responsibility and community value.
- Ensure kids get enough rest, even if bedtime is flexible, to prevent exhaustion-induced meltdowns and ease the transition back to a school routine.
- Practice mindfulness and take moments of quiet reflection during the busy holiday season.
- Prioritize self-care to avoid passing stress onto your children, and remember, it's okay to say no to some commitments.
- Ultimately, cherish the well-deserved time with your family, making the most of the holiday break in a peaceful and enjoyable manner.