Math Fact Fluency Finale Success!
On Friday, March 21, our school held the exciting Math Fact Fluency Finale! The top math students from each class competed in a high-energy showdown in front of their classmates. Cheers filled the cafeteria as students showed off their lightning-fast math skills. This fun event was led by our Math Intervention Teacher, Mrs. White. It all started back in January and February, when students practiced their math facts at home with help from their families. Together, they logged an amazing 25,697 minutes of practice! Thank you to all the parents who supported their children along the way.
Grade Level Winners:
1st Grade: Ronan Dole (Mrs. Dancer’s Class)
2nd Grade: John Desormeaux (Mrs. Hahn’s Class)
3rd Grade: Brynnlee Dole (Mrs. Spisak’s Class)
4th Grade: Easton White (Mrs. Halberg’s Class)
5th Grade: Vincent Tafuri (Mrs. Carroll’s Class)
Overall Winner: Vincent Tafuri (5th Grade)! Vincent even beat our upper elementary teachers in a speed round! Teacher Winners: Mrs. Hahn and Mrs. Halberg!
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 8th, 10th, 14th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd
4th Grade: April 7th, 9th, 28th, 30th
3rd Grade: April 15th, 17th, 29th, May 1st
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 get ready for M-STEP testing, we want to remind everyone about the rules for using electronic devices during the test. Students are not permitted to use, to wear, or to access any 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, smartwatches, smart headphones, headphones that allow access to voice assistant technology, and computers and/ or tablets not being actively used for testing purposes. We encourage students to leave these devices at home on testing days. If students do bring them to school, they must be kept in their lockers during testing.
Highlander Robotics Open House – April 28
Come explore the world of robotics at the Highlander Robotics Open House on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Parker Commons! Families and students in grades K-12 are invited to see our robotics programs in action, with robots on display and team members available to answer questions. Interest forms will also be available for those who want to learn more about joining a team.
Yearbooks - Orders due April 20th
Yearbooks are $8 this year and can be ordered online at Yearbook Orders, using Yearbook ID 12175225. Orders are due by April 20, 2025. There will not be any extra yearbooks available beyond those that are ordered.
2025-2026 Placement Consideration Form
If you would like to provide input on your child’s classroom placement for next year, please complete the Placement Consideration Form by Friday, April 11. This form allows you to describe the classroom environment that would best support your child’s needs (e.g., structured, hands-on, quiet, challenging). Teacher requests will not be accepted. Click here to access the form.
Counselor’s Corner: Ms. Nemeth
As we approach the state testing season, it's natural for some students to feel anxious or stressed. These assessments can be challenging, but with the right support, parents can help ease their child’s worries and boost their confidence. Here are a couple of quick tips to help your child navigate testing season with less stress: Maintain a Routine: Encourage your child to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and have a calm morning before the test. A consistent routine can help them feel more relaxed and prepared. Normalize Test Anxiety: Let your child know that feeling nervous is completely normal. Talk about testing as an opportunity to show what they've learned, not something to fear. Remind them that it’s just one part of their school experience, and it doesn't define their abilities. Stay Positive and Offer Encouragement: Give your child words of encouragement leading up to and during the test. A simple “You’ve got this!” or “Just do your best, that’s all that matters” can help reduce anxiety and reinforce a growth mindset. By offering emotional support and focusing on the process rather than the outcome, you can help your child feel more confident and capable during the testing season!
April Celebrating Awareness Themes
There are two Celebrating Awareness themes this month. The first is Autism Acceptance Month, and the second is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Autism Acceptance Month is a time to learn about and celebrate people with autism and the unique ways they see the world. Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us how important it is to keep children safe and support strong, caring families. To learn how your child can participate in this optional program, please visit https://bit.ly/4lhaAQX. Submissions can be made to the office at your child's school.
Highlander Virtual Enrollment for the 2025-26 School Year
As we enter the final quarter of the school year, Howell Public Schools is actively planning for the 2025–2026 school year, including staffing our in-person buildings and Highlander Virtual. As part of this process, the enrollment window for Highlander Virtual is now open for students in grades 6–12. Highlander Virtual students learn from home through Schoology while remaining connected to Howell teachers and having access to social and emotional support, sports, performing arts, and clubs. Families wishing to enroll their child in Highlander Virtual for the first time or those who would like their child to remain in the program for the 2025–2026 school year must complete the Highlander Virtual Application and Consent Form by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025. If you have any questions about the program, please get in touch with Brooklyn Gehringer, Highlander Virtual administrator, at [email protected].
Help Guide Our Health Education Curriculum – Parent Survey Now Open
Every three years, Howell Public Schools seeks input from parents and guardians to help review and guide the district’s sex education and reproductive health education program. As part of this process, the district’s Sex Education Advisory Board is inviting parents to complete a brief survey to ensure the program continues to meet the needs of our students. Please note that this survey is intended for parents and guardians only and is not being administered to students. We value your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts by completing the survey by Sunday, April 14. Thank you for your support and partnership. You can complete the survey at https://bit.ly/3FN6P5x.
April Mental Health Resources
The Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) has partnered with ParentGuidance.org to offer free mental wellness resources for families in Livingston County. Parents can access on-demand courses, self-help tools, and a personal parenting coach for up to 30 minutes per week at no cost. Our Mental Wellness Resources webpage now features the April webinar calendar, including the Ask a Therapist Live event on Wednesday, April 16, where families can receive real-time advice from a licensed therapist. To explore ParentGuidance.org and see how it can support your family, visit https://bit.ly/3AexYvV.