#PackPride
Thanks to our PTO for organizing the holiday door decorating contest. Mrs. Syrett’s and Mrs. Mitter’s classroom was the winning door! Mrs. Syrett and Mrs. Mitter are donating the reserved parking space they won from the competition to their classroom parent volunteers! Thanks to the entire Three Fires staff and parent volunteers for supporting this contest. The doors all look great and are much appreciated by students and staff! You can view all of the doors on the PTO’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ThreeFiresElementaryPTO.
Holiday Break
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy much deserved time off with family and friends this holiday season! See you in 2023! Please remember that we will be closed from Thursday, December 22nd through Tuesday, January 3rd with classes resuming on Wednesday, January 4th.
Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, December 15
On Thursday, December 15, 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.-5 p.m. Anyone in the community needing food can drive through and pick up food from the Mobile. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
Transportation Update
The Howell Transportation Department is in critical need of additional full-time and substitute drivers. In recent weeks, the district has been unable to staff all of its routes, leading to the cancellation of some routes for the day. While every attempt is made to double routes to transport additional students to school, we are utilizing all licensed staff, including support staff and leadership, to drive routes when needed. If you or anyone you know may be interested in becoming a bus driver, please visit www.BeABusDriver.org. New drivers receive paid training, a signing bonus, and retirement benefits. Additionally, the work schedule is aligned with the school calendar, so drivers receive the same days off as our students.
Superintendent Holiday Card Art Contest
Each year, Superintendent MacGregor selects artwork created by an elementary school student for his annual holiday card. If your child would like to submit a holiday-themed picture to be considered for Mr. MacGregor’s card, please send their artwork to communications@howellschools.com by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 12. Please include the student’s name, grade, and school in the email.
Ugly Sweater or Christmas Colors Spirit Day
On Wednesday, December 21st all staff and students are encouraged to wear an ugly holiday sweater if you have it. If not, any holiday shirt, colors, etc. will do!
Vacancies at Three Fires - Join the Pack!
We have multiple Special Education Paraprofessional vacancies (29.5 hours per week) at Three Fires. See link below to view job qualifications, responsibilities, and the application process information. Please share with whomever may be interested.
https://howell.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=738
Attendance
Please remember to report your student’s absence either by way of the attendance line at 517-548-6387 ext 1, or by emailing tfeattendance@howellschools.com
A More Peaceful Holiday Break: Jeanie Nemeth, School Counselor
Most kids are excited about having time away from school and the freedom to do as they please! What they don't know, however, is that their brain actually craves structure. A predictable schedule and routine (like knowing what is coming next, what is expected of them, and what they need to be aware of) helps kids feel emotionally and physically safe, and will improve behavior at home.
Naturally, school provides this structure for kids. Without school, your child is left without focus and structure and might be zoned out or unable to channel their excess thoughts and energy. Here are 5 quick strategies for providing structure during a traditionally unstructured holiday break:
- Set the stage. You are the role model, so lead by example. If they see you stressed out, they'll feed on that and the tension in the house will explode. If the kids see that you're calm, cool, controlled and reasonably stress-free, their attitude and actions will follow. Like anything, kids take their cues from us so show them that you've got everything under control and they'll follow suit.
- Make a list of activities with your child that he or she would like to do or accomplish during the holiday. Elicit their feedback and ideas. Plan ahead and map it out on a calendar to help your child know what and when things will happen.
- Set a daily schedule. The more input your child has in this process, the higher the likelihood of it being followed. Include daily to-do lists and chores. Schedule time for play, but also for relaxation. Set guidelines for bedtime and wake-up - this consistency is especially important for regulating moods.
- When you have things you just have to get done, try spending some quality time with the kids first, and then do your tasks. For example, if you have to go grocery shopping, take them to a park first…something they like, and something that burns some energy. They will respond better to “Okay, I have to get some things done now,” after they’ve had some quality time.
- Let loose and connect! Give their new video game a try and watch them laugh at you as you lose. Sit down and actually play that board game Santa brought for Christmas. Regardless of their age, whether they are 5 or 15, they are more likely to honor your parenting motives if you show some sort of interest in their activities.
We wish you a wonderful holiday season, and encourage you to “enjoy the little things in life, for one day, you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”
PTO Updates
- Holiday Treat Trolley - Help the PTO provide a special holiday treat for the staff! On Wednesday, December 21st, the PTO will be going door to door delivering treat bags right before the break to our staff. If you can donate items for this event, sign up for an item on the following link. All dontarted items need to be turned into the main office by Monday, December 19th. Click here to sign up to donate items. Thanks in advance for your donations and support!
- Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 4th at 6 PM in the Three Fires media center. All parents are invited to attend to learn more about how you can support our PTO and school.
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