The Timberwolf Times - April 5, 2024 

Monday's Solar Eclipse

As you likely know, a total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 08, 2024. Even though Howell is not in the path of totality, this is still a very exciting astronomical event. However, the risk of eye injury to everyone, especially children who may not understand that the danger of looking directly at the sun is heightened during an eclipse. In Howell, the eclipse will begin at 2:40 p.m., reach near totality around 3:15 p.m., and end by 4:20 p.m. During this time, children are transitioning to their homes, after-school activities, and after-school care, which presents a challenge in providing sufficient adult supervision. Please remind your child that at no time will it be safe to look at the sun without the protection of authentic and properly certified eclipse viewing glasses. To learn more about our district's plan for the eclipse, please visit https://bit.ly/49vnKTf

 

M-STEP Calendar

This spring, Michigan is administering its required state assessment to all 3rd- 5th graders. The test is called M-STEP - Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. All Howell elementary schools will be taking the online version of the assessment. The state mandates that all schools statewide follow the same testing window.  The Three Fires M-STEP testing schedule is as follows:  

5th Grade:  April 8, 9, 15, 22, 24, 29

4th Grade:  April 10, 11, 16, 17       

3rd Grade:  April 23, 25, 29, 30    

Please mark these dates on your calendar. We are giving parents the testing schedule so that appointments, vacations, etc. can be scheduled around these dates as much as possible. We encourage you to help your student take this seriously and rest well the night before.  

 

M-Step Electronic Device Policy

As we approach the M-STEP assessment window, the Michigan Department of Education has revised its technology policy for non-testing electronic devices. Students are not permitted to use, wear, or access personal, non-testing electronic devices during testing or while on a break when in an active testing session. These electronic devices include but are not limited to smartphones, cell phones, smart watches, Bluetooth headphones, headphones that allow access to voice assistant technology, and computers and/or tablets not being actively used for testing purposes.

 

Senior Survivor Kick-Off Carnival

Howell High School's Student Council is excited to launch this year's Senior Survivor Week with the Senior Survivor Kick-off Carnival. The carnival will be held on Friday, April 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school field house. There will be activities for all ages, including inflatables, games, a photo booth, entertainment, student performances, food trucks, crafts, raffles, prizes, and other attractions. Admission is $10 for children and students ages 3-18 and free for adults and children under 2. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3qff1Ry

 

2024 State of the District Event

On Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m., we will host our State of the District event. During this event, Superintendent MacGregor will update district stakeholders on this district's innovative initiatives and programs, district initiatives, projects relating to the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future bond, and our vision for the future. The event will be held in the Edinburg room at the district's administrative offices. 

 

Spring PE Newsletter 

Click here for the latest edition of our Spring PE Newsletter. This newsletter contains information about upcoming PE learning topics and includes a link to a nutritional guide.

 

Upcoming Music Concerts Dates/Teachers/Times 

Tuesday, April 9th 

     First Grade - Hacker, Domenzain, Swansey @ 6 PM

     Second Grade - Wheaton, Pressel @7 PM 

Tuesday, April 16th 

     First Grade - Hahn, Papuga @ 6 PM

     Second Grade - Austin, Syrett @7 PM 

 

Reminders 

Talent Show Permission Slips are due by April 8. Encourage your child in grades 3-5 to showcase their talent. Access the permission slip here.

Yearbooks - Orders due April 8th and can be ordered online at Yearbook Orders, using Yearbook ID 12175224 . 

Complete the optional 2024-2025 Placement Consideration Form by April 12. 

 

Mobile Dentist

Health and wellness play a huge role in performance, confidence, and success at school. This includes taking care of children’s teeth. Howell Public Schools has partnered with the Mobile Dentist program to offer free/low-cost dental check-ups and cleanings to Howell students.  The Mobile Dentist will be at Three Fires on Friday, April 12 and Tuesday, April 23. Permission forms can still be handed in until next Wednesday, April 10. Or, you can visit the Website to register online. As always, please reach out for support or information: [email protected].

 

Counselor’s Corner: Jeanie Nement 

Want happier and calmer children? It’s simple! Simplify their world.  Too much of anything can be stressful and overwhelming no matter your age. For younger children, stress often presents as irritability, disruptive behavior, and even health issues. Here are three ways to help your child have a simpler life:  

Reduce Clutter:  Keep only the toys and activities that your child consistently enjoys for long periods of time. You may be surprised at how creative your child can get with just a few simple toys.

Loosen Up The Schedule:  Take one or two things off the calendar and allow for more creative play and exploration.

Quality Time, Quality Memories:  While a well-planned and expensive family vacation is fun, the things that will most likely stand out to your child as memorable will be the simple family dinners, the bedtime stories, and the picnics in the park.  

To see the full article, click here.  As always, please reach out for support or information!

 

Family Educational Series

Please mark your calendars for the next installment of our family educational series webinar set for Thursday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. The April session is the ABCs of Substance Use and Vaping. During the webinar, families will learn about signs to watch for, signs of addiction, and ideas for talking to children about vaping and substance use. To learn more about April's session, please visit https://bit.ly/4cs34hG. To join the webinar on April 11, please visit https://cookcenter.info/April11Livingston

 

Schoology/PowerSchool Grade and Assignment Issue

We have learned about an issue regarding confusing grading information for students in grades third through 12 in our learning management system, Schoology. While it is possible that grades can appear in Schoology, they should not be considered the official grade. Official grades are entered into PowerSchool. We recommend using Schoology to keep updated on the daily happenings in your child's class and PowerSchool to monitor attendance, grades, and assignments. 

 

Pinwheels for Prevention

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. To raise awareness of child abuse prevention, our school is joining LACASA, and several businesses, community organizations, and other schools in displaying a pinwheel display in our office as part of LACASA's Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign. To read more about Pinwheels for Prevention, please visit http://bit.ly/3KHOtDj

Posted by tormanes On 16 April, 2024 at 9:46 AM