MacGregor's Message 2.1.19 

Dear Families,


With the snow, rain, and extreme cold over the past two weeks, we will undoubtedly be talking about the crazy weather of January 2019 for some time. We have received some questions regarding the number of “forgiven time” days (snow days) we have used, so I’d like to address those in this message.


Michigan school districts must provide at least 180 days of instruction to K-12 students and at least 1,098 hours of instruction during that time. A district failing to comply with the minimum required days or hours of instruction is at risk of forfeiting a portion of its state aid allocation. However, according to State law, school districts are provided six days of “forgiven time” due to conditions beyond their control. The weather these past two weeks certainly falls into this category.


Before last week, we had used only one of our “forgiven time” days. As of yesterday, we have used seven days; one more than permitted. However, if a school district exceeds the allowable days of “forgiven time” as a result of conditions not within their control, up to three additional days may be granted with the approval of the State Superintendent through a waiver known as an “additional forgiven time waiver.” With Governor Whitmer's Declaration of State of Emergency beginning January 29, I plan to submit a waiver to the State Superintendent requesting these days be forgiven. I will keep you updated on the status of this request.


While we strive to have school in session each day, there are times when we must cancel school to ensure the safety of our students. Closing school is not a decision that I take lightly, and it is often a hard decision to make. However, I will always err on the side of caution when it comes to keeping our students safe.


With a few months left of winter, I hope that Mother Nature has already given us her worst. However, only time will tell. In the meantime, I will surely enjoy the warm-up that is coming this weekend.


At the end of the month, Howell High School will host its second annual TEDx event. The Livingston County Middle School Honors Band concert has been moved to February 15 and next week we will host a parent workshop titled Drugs 101.


Howell High School Plans Second Annual TEDx Event

Howell High School will host its second annual TEDx event on Wednesday, February 27 at 6 p.m. in the Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. The event will feature nine students speaking on topics ranging from empowering young women in STEM fields to new ways to combat bullying. Tickets are $5 each, and all money will go to cover the costs of planning and hosting the event. Tickets can be purchased online at https://goo.gl/3ttYuT.


Livingston County Honors Band Concert Rescheduled

The Livingston County Middle School Honors Band Concert that was scheduled for this evening has been moved to Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. in the Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. This change was made due to the number of snow days that districts have had the past two weeks. Additionally, the Livingston County High School Honors Band Concert has been postponed. However, the new date for the high school honors band concert has not been set.


Drugs 101: Parent Workshop Coming to Howell

Howell Public Schools has partnered with St. Joseph Mercy Health System to host a parent workshop titled Drugs 101 on Tuesday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. This is an informative and educational program for participants to learn about the signs, symptoms, and current trends of teen drugs with a focus on Vaping, Marijuana, Opioids, and Prescriptions. The event is free and open to all parents in Livingston County. To learn more, please visit https://goo.gl/vsTVgz.
Posted by gouldt On Fri, Feb 01, 2019 at 3:50 PM  

 
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