Dear Families,
While this time of the year can get very busy, it is wonderful to have so many positive things happening around our district.
In this edition of MacGregor's Message
- National Assistant Principals Week
- Howell High School Spring Musical
- Howell Public Schools State of the District
- Senior Survivor Carnival
- FCCLA Students Shine at State Event
- Highlander Virtual Enrollment
- Howell Rotary Youth Exchange Program
- Family Educational Opportunities
Last week was National Assistant Principals Week, which celebrated the crucial role that assistant principals play in our schools. Our incredible team of assistant principals and student services advisors support our students, staff, and families. They work tirelessly to motivate students, create a welcoming learning environment, and ensure a safe school environment. Please join me in thanking our assistant principals and student services advisors for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to Highlander Nation.
Opening night of Howell High School's production of "The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical" is Thursday, April 18. This high-energy show, featuring our talented students, promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Join Percy Jackson (Lucas Nolen) on his epic journey as he discovers his demigod status and embarks on a quest with his friends. Additional shows are scheduled for Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21. For more details about the show or to buy your tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/43Tja05.
Our State of the District event is scheduled for next Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m. in the Edinburg Room at the district's administrative offices. During the State of the District, we will showcase the innovative ways that Howell Public Schools is preparing its students to be future ready. We will share updates on various district initiatives including the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future bond. The event is open to all district stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, community members, and local business owners. To learn more about the State of the District, please visit https://bit.ly/3VYsCxq.
While fundraising for this year's Senior Survivor is well underway, we will officially kick off this year's event with the Senior Survivor Carnival on Friday, April 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Howell High School Field House. The carnival will feature games, entertainment, arts and crafts, raffles, inflatables, and more. Admission is $10 for ages three to eighteen, and adults and children two and under are free. An adult must accompany students in eighth grade or below. All funds raised will support the overall fundraising goal of Senior Survivor. This year's Senior Survivor charity is Community Catalysts. This Howell-based non-profit organization provides quality and affordable housing and support services that create communities for seniors, veterans, and homeless individuals to thrive. To read more about Senior Survivor and the Carnival, please visit https://bit.ly/4axUrAS.
Howell High School Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members recently attended and competed at the Michigan State Leadership Conference. FCCLA is a career and technical education student organization that helps prepare students to be future ready. At the conference, four students, Jax Stevens, Andy Brinker, Loralei Miller, and Elania Pennell, earned gold medals and the highest scores in their competitive events to advance to the National FCCLA Conference and Competition. To read more about FCCLA and our students' accomplishments at the state event, please visit https://bit.ly/3JmNXZz.
The enrollment window for Highlander Virtual for the 2024-25 school year is open through next Friday, April 26. Highlander Virtual will continue to be offered to students in grades 6 through 12 for the upcoming school year. As a reminder, Highlander Virtual students work remotely through Schoology but remain connected to Howell teachers, and have access to social and emotional support, sports, performing arts, and clubs. If you would like to enroll your child in Highlander Virtual for the first time, or if you would like your child to remain in Highlander Virtual for the 2024-2025 school year, please complete the Highlander Virtual Application and Consent Form. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024. If you have any questions about the Highlander Virtual program, please contact Brooklyn Gehringer, our Highlander Virtual administrator, at [email protected].
The Howell Rotary Club is accepting applications for host families for its Youth Exchange program. The program provides students 15 to 18 1/2 years old with an opportunity to live abroad with a host family or families and experience the culture of the host country while serving as ambassadors for their home country. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please visit https://www.csrye.org/ or contact Pattie Courtney at [email protected].
The Livingston County Community Alliance has two free upcoming events aimed at reducing and preventing youth substance use. The first will be held on Thursday, May 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and it is titled High in Plain Sight. This event is free and is for adults to learn about current youth alcohol, drug, and vape concealment trends. To learn more about High in Plain Sight, please visit https://bit.ly/4avcbNb. The second event, the highly popular Reality Tour, is set for Thursday, May 16, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Reality Tour is intended for families and their children to attend together. It includes a dramatic presentation of choices made and the consequences of a teen on drugs, family coping skills, and a question-and-answer session with a person in recovery. To learn more about the Reality Tour, please visit https://bit.ly/3JgHyiB.
Have a great weekend, and Go Highlanders!
Sincerely,
Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Howell Public Schools