New ELA Curriculum
We are excited to launch Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), a research-based program that helps students build strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This letter shares details about why the district chose this new program, and what you can expect as it is implemented this year: http://bit.ly/4p7lGtP
Working Together for Strong Attendance
Regular attendance helps students learn more, build routines, and form good habits for the future. If your child is absent, please call the office that day and share the reason. For longer illnesses, we may ask for a doctor’s note, and we encourage you to schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. Because frequent absences—excused or not—affect learning, we follow the county’s attendance protocol: notices are sent at 3, 8, and 12 absences, with a required meeting at 12 to make a plan. If attendance doesn’t improve, the district and, if needed, the county truancy office may get involved to connect families with more support. Our goal is always partnership, not punishment. If your family is facing challenges, please reach out so we can work with you to keep your child connected and learning. For full details, please see pages 14–17 of our Student Handbook.
Patriot Day
To commemorate Patriot Day, we would like to encourage our students to wear red, white, and blue on Thursday, September 11. This simple act of wearing the colors of our flag will help instill a sense of unity and pride in our students and remind them of the importance of coming together as a nation.
The Positivity Project
Three Fires Elementary is excited to continue our partnership with the Positivity Project (P2) this school year! P2 is a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping schools with resources that help build positive relationships and empower students to become their best selves. Research shows that strong character-based relationships are the cornerstone of health, happiness, and resilience. All classrooms use P2 lessons during daily class meetings, helping students connect and apply these strengths throughout their day.
P2 also offers a family resource page to support conversations at home, found here: P2 for Families. This page is not password protected, making it easy for families to access. The goal is to provide simple and effective tools for discussing the importance of character strengths and positive relationships together.
Open a Kid Account with Our Student-Run Credit Union!
Did you know your child can open a kid account and start saving money through our LOC Student-Run Credit Union? This is a fun way for kids to learn about financial responsibility while growing their savings! There are no account fees, and LOC will pay quarterly dividends on any balance. It only takes $5 to open an account, and there’s no minimum balance required to earn dividends. The LOC Student-Run Credit Union opens on Wednesday, September 17th. To learn more, visit loccreditunion.com/kids-and-teens. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Hamlin at [email protected]. If you would like to learn more, please click here to view the flyer. The flyer includes two QR codes—one links to a short YouTube video with more information, and the other takes you directly to LOC’s website where you can create an account if you choose. Thank you for taking a look!
Try Something New – Join the Howell Archery Club!
The Archery Club is open to all Howell students in grades 4–12. No experience is needed, and all equipment will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the National Archery in the Schools Program and the Howell Archery program. During the final week of the club, tryouts will be held for a spot on the Howell Archery Team; however, participation in the club is not required to participate in the tryouts. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/4n7dk3q.
PTO Mumkin Fundraiser – Help Us Reach Our Goal!
Our Mumkin Fundraiser is underway, but we are far from our goal of 1,500 items with just over 100 sold so far. These high-quality fall plants are always a favorite, and the money raised directly supports our students, staff, and school programs. Setting up your online account is quick and easy: Click here to register. The last day to order is Wednesday, September 10, with pickup on Sunday, September 21, and setting up your online account is quick and easy. Students can earn fun prizes like Principal for a Half-Day, lunch with a friend, sno-cone coupons, and class popsicle parties. We encourage you to participate and share the link with friends and relatives. We need help on Sunday, September 21 with unloading, organizing, and loading orders into cars. Please sign up here if you can lend a hand.
Counselor’s Corner — Ms. Nemeth (Grades 2-5) & Mrs. Chanavier (Grades BK - 1)
Friendship is an important part of your child’s school experience—and an essential life skill! You can help your child grow their social confidence by practicing simple strategies at home, like making eye contact, introducing themselves, or asking a classmate to play. Talk about what it means to be a good friend: listening, sharing, and being kind. These small conversations and role-plays at home can go a long way in helping your child build strong, healthy friendships and feel more connected at school.
Howell Jr. Highlanders Basketball Tryouts
The Howell Jr. Highlanders competitive youth basketball program will hold tryouts for the 2025–26 season on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, at Parker Middle School. The program is open to students in grades 4–8 who attend Howell Public Schools or live within the district. Players should bring a completed registration form, the $5 tryout fee (cash or check), an appropriately sized basketball, a water bottle, and a jersey or shirt with a number (if available). Players will be informed immediately following tryouts if they have made a team. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/41rWYu4. The Howell Jr. Highlanders Basketball program is affiliated with the Howell Athletic Department.