Picture Day - Monday, October 7
The easiest way to order pictures is online at https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/. Picture Day ID: EVTJ43TWP
Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 11th
Our Trunk or Treat is on October 11th, 6-8 PM at the Three Fires Bus Lot. We still need volunteers and candy donations! If you’re hosting a trunk, please arrive by 5:30 PM and plan for about 1,000 pieces of candy. Vehicles won’t be allowed to move until the event ends to ensure student safety. Costumes should be elementary-appropriate—no gore or weapons. Click here to sign up!
Halloween Parade and Costumes
Our annual Halloween parade will take place at 10 AM on October 31st. If it rains, the parade will be indoors, and parents can watch from the gym. Students can wear school-appropriate costumes, but no masks, face paint, gore, or weapons (including costume accessories). If a costume is deemed inappropriate, it will need to be removed.
PTO Meeting - Monday, October 7th
Our next PTO meeting will be held this Monday, October 7th, at 6 PM in the Media Center. This is a great opportunity to learn how you can support our school and get involved in the exciting activities organized by the PTO. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Join Superintendent MacGregor for a Coffee Chat
Superintendent MacGregor will kick off his Coffee Chat series on Tuesday, October 15, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Edinburgh Room of the district's administrative offices. During the chat, Mr. MacGregor will provide updates on the district's bond projects, share details about the Livingston ESA Special Education Millage renewal and restoration proposal, and answer questions from attendees. To read more, please visit https://bit.ly/4eFgPdo.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
To keep things safe and efficient, please have your child ready when you pull into the school driveway. Keep your child’s belongings in hand, and if possible, stay in your vehicle while they exit from the passenger side. If your child needs help, our teachers are happy to assist. After drop-off, please wait for the cars in front to exit to avoid any unsafe passing. Remind your child to walk on the wolf paw markers on the sidewalk. As cars are released, please pull away from the curb so you are safely away from the students.
Counselor’s Corner: Ms. Nemeth, School Counselor
October is “Make a Plan” month in Howell. That means students are having conversations about the different post-secondary options that are available (college, career, military, technical/trade school). This is a fitting time to introduce you to two great college-savings opportunities: Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). MET is a 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan which allows for the pre-purchase of tuition based on today's rates and then paid out at the future cost when the beneficiary is in college. Click here for more information about MET, or visit https://www.michigan.gov/setwithmet. MESP is a college savings account that you pay into over time. By setting up automatic contributions from your bank account or by payroll deduction (if supported by your employer), making regular contributions is hassle free. MESP can be used at colleges and universities all over the country, and it allows for unused benefits to be transferred between members of the same family. Click here for more information about MESP, or visit www.misaves.com. Both MET and MESP are simple, user-friendly, and can help maximize your savings even on a modest budget. Contributions may qualify for a state tax deduction and can be made automatically. You can even invite others to contribute to your children’s accounts through e-gifting! As always, reach out for support and resources! I am just an email away: [email protected].
Bridging the Special Education Funding Gap
The Livingston ESA Special Education Millage helps bridge the funding gap for special education services across Livingston County. State and federal funding doesn't fully cover the costs of these critical programs, and this millage helps make up the difference. For Howell Public Schools, it generates more than $3 million annually. Learn more about the proposal to renew and restore the millage before the November 5 vote at https://bit.ly/3yYj7VT.
Arc of Livingston Sibshop
The Arc of Livingston will host its first Sibshop event of the year on Sunday, October 20, for children ages 7-13 with a sibling with a disability. Sibshops provide a supportive space for kids to connect, share, and have fun through games, food, and themed activities. The October 20 event will be a Halloween party featuring costumes, food, and pumpkin painting. Sibshops will meet every other month with a new theme. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3ZGp98l.
Complete Your Child Nutrition and Education Benefits Application!
This year, Michigan is providing free meals for all students. However, completing the Child Nutrition and Education Benefits Application can offer additional benefits, such as reduced Chromebook fees, discounts on tests and college admissions, lower-cost home internet, access to the Summer EBT program, and helps our district secure important funding. Please note that free meals do not include à la carte items at the secondary level. To apply or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3BkO45d.
Mobile Food Pantry and Fresh Market Information
Did you know that Gleaners Food Pantry has a mobile option? They offer two dates and locations each month in Howell, where anyone in the community can drive through and pick up food.
Howell High School Mobile Food Pantry
When: Every third Thursday of the month, 4-5 PM
Where: Bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way
Howell Recreation Mobile Food Pantry
When: Every first Thursday of the month, 1-2 PM
Where: Howell Rec Center, 1661 N. Latson Road
Fresh Market Program
What: Pick fresh produce, dairy, and breads
When: Every Wednesday, 10-1 PM and 5-7 PM
Where: Gleaners Food Bank (drive-thru)
For questions, contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
Trunk or Treat with Local Heroes!
Families are invited to a night of free Halloween fun at the Livingston County Sheriff's Office Public Safety Trunk or Treat event! On Friday, October 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 150 S. Highlander Way in Howell, the community can enjoy safe trick-or-treating while interacting with local first responders. Come in costume and enjoy a festive, family-friendly evening! To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3TW846J.
ParentGuidance.org Resources
The Livingston ESA has partnered with ParentGuidance.org to provide families with free parent coaching and mental health resources, including courses and support from licensed therapists. They also offer an "Ask a Therapist" live session, where parents can ask questions and receive guidance on various mental health topics. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4gfYpBH.
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/threefireselementary, find our PTO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThreeFiresElementaryPTO/.