Don’t Miss the Snow & Glow Event Tonight!
Don't forget! The Snow & Glow event is tonight from 5–8 PM! Join us for a fun-filled evening with a Glow Dance, basket drawings, activities, and a silent auction, all hosted by our amazing PTO. If the front parking lot is full, please use the Bus Lot off Latson Road, and enter through the lower elementary playground doors for easy access.
Change Challenge Fundraiser – February 3–14
Get ready for some friendly competition! Three Fires is hosting a school-wide Change Challenge to support our Peer to Peer/TIES program. Each grade level will compete to collect the most coins (which add points) while using cash to sabotage other grades (cash counts as negative points). The winning grade will enjoy a sundae party! Peer to Peer is a student-led program that builds friendships and inclusion by pairing students with and without disabilities to support learning and social growth. We appreciate your support in making this program a success! Click here for details on how the challenge works.
Teacher and Support Person of the Year Award Nominations Due Monday
Howell Public Schools is currently accepting nominations for our Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication and hard work of our outstanding staff members, who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, February 3, at 4 p.m. To read more about the awards or to submit a nomination, please visit https://bit.ly/3PtVngL.
Youth Solutions Select Survey
As part of our ongoing commitment to preparing future-ready students and as part of a partnership with the Highlander College and Career Council and Youth Solutions Select, a non-profit focused on building sustainable career development programs, we will administer a survey to students in grades 3-5 at each Howell elementary school in early February. You can review the survey questions at https://bit.ly/4akBDWu. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out form at https://bit.ly/4hwljUU by Monday, February 3. We also ask all parents to complete a family survey by Friday, February 7. The survey is anonymous, and your feedback will help guide future programs. You can access the family survey at https://bit.ly/4hiscJv.
Help Keep The Buses Rolling – Join The Transportation Team!
Howell Public Schools is actively hiring school bus drivers to keep our routes running smoothly. Right now, it's all hands on deck in the Transportation Department, with dispatchers, mechanics, and supervisors stepping in to cover routes and minimize cancellations. While they are doing everything possible, some disruptions may still occur. Being a bus driver is a rewarding career with great pay, paid training, summers off, snow days, and the opportunity to drive a "big yellow company car." If you're looking for a career change or know someone who is, now is the perfect time to get behind the wheel! Visit BeABusDriver.org to learn more and apply today!
PTO Updates
Our next meeting is Monday, February 3rd at 6 PM in the Media Center.
Three Fires Pool Party, Friday, February 28th 4:30-6PM
Enjoy a night out with family and help Three Fires PTO! Cost $6/swimmer. Three Fires PTO will earn 50%! Highlander Aquatic and Fitness Center Pre-Registration required howellschools.com/aquatics
Open Swim Fundraiser: Support our school by attending Open Swim at the Aquatic Center this January and February. Each visit earns $1 for our school, with a chance to win a $500 bonus. Just mention Three Fires at check-in
National School Counseling Week – Thank You, Ms. Nemeth!
February 3-7, is National School Counseling Week, a time to recognize the important role school counselors play in supporting students, families, and staff. We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Jeanie Nemeth, who provides a listening ear, valuable resources, and educational programs that positively impact our entire school community. If you see Ms. Nemeth this week, take a moment to thank her for all she does!
Counselor’s Corner: Tackling the Winter Blahs, Ms. Nemeth
February often feels like the longest month, with cold weather and shorter days making it tough to stay positive. Here are some simple ways to help boost your child’s mood and energy during this time:
Get Moving: Whether it’s a short walk outside, stretching, or a quick dance party, movement can boost mood and energy.
Stay Connected: Social interactions—whether in person or virtual—help fight feelings of isolation.
Try New Hobbies: A fun new activity like drawing, baking, or building something can spark creativity and joy.
Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to share something you’re thankful for—it’s a small habit with a big impact!
Rest and Recharge: Quality sleep is key! A calming bedtime routine can help everyone feel more refreshed.
Limit Screen Time: Too much screen time can leave us feeling sluggish. Try setting limits and making time for hands-on activities.
Eat the Rainbow: A diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies fuels the body and mind, improving energy and mood.
WHMI “Making the Grade” Award
If you are nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Year, please also consider nominating them for the WHMI “Making the Grade” award. Nominate your favorite Three Fires teacher at https://www.whmi.com/contests/makingthegrade. Each year, four teachers in Livingston County are chosen. Winners receive $600 in fun money, a special WHMI “Making the Grade” Trophy, and a floral bouquet. In past years, our very own Amy Johanningsmeier, Ryan Johnson, Jill Cain, Haley Spisak, and Jenny Watripont have earned this honor. Thank you for taking the time to recognize the incredible work our staff does each day. Your nominations mean so much and help us celebrate the people who make Three Fires a wonderful place to learn.