Dear Families

As we wrap up 2025 and prepare for the holiday season, there is so much to celebrate across Highlander Nation. From progress on our bond projects to the achievements of our robotics teams and the generosity of our community, I am reminded of all that makes Howell a wonderful place to live, learn, and work. 

In this edition of MacGregor’s Message

• Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond update

• Highlander Robotics

• Christmas Elf Program spreads holiday cheer

• Annual holiday card

Work and planning continue for several key projects funded by the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal. Last week, the Board of Education approved bids for the replacement and relocation of the electrical equipment that powers Howell High School, the Field House, and Memorial Stadium. This equipment is original to the building and needs replacement, and its relocation is the first step toward constructing the new Community Center. Planning for the Community Center is moving forward as our architectural and construction management teams finalize designs and timelines. At Highlander Way Middle School, renovations to the special education classrooms are nearly complete, and crews are constructing walls for the band room and academic additions. We also held a bid opening yesterday for the school’s major renovation project, and our construction management team is now reviewing and vetting the bids. At Northwest Elementary, masons continue building the envelope with block walls and brick façade work, and crews have begun placing steel roof trusses on the north side of the building. At Southwest Elementary, masons are also working on the building envelope, and roof trusses are expected to be delivered soon. You can follow all of the projects funded by the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond at HowellSchools.com/Bond.

This weekend, four of our middle school FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams are competing at the FIRST in Michigan FTC State Championship events. Teams KILTS and KUDOS will compete at the Muskegon event, while KRASH and KARMA will compete at the Grand Blanc event. All four teams earned their spots at the state championship based on their outstanding performance throughout the season. Last weekend, Three Fires Elementary hosted the annual Howell Robotics Explore Festival, and it was a huge success. Nearly 130 students from all six Howell elementary schools took part in this year’s FIRST LEGO League season, “UNEARTHED,” where they used STEM skills to explore the world of archaeology. Our K–12 Robotics Program is truly a point of pride for our district, and the skills students develop, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and perseverance, strongly align with the character traits in our Portrait of a Highlander.

On Monday, the Christmas Elf program delivered a full truckload of gifts to the district, bringing holiday joy to our families facing hardships this season. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, the program sponsored 177 Howell students, ensuring they experience a bright and happy holiday season. I am grateful for the compassion our families and community members show year after year as they step forward to support our students in meaningful ways. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the all-volunteer team behind the Christmas Elf program, who dedicate countless hours to organizing, collecting, and distributing gifts. 

This year, we received so many wonderful submissions for our Holiday Card Art Contest. The creativity and talent of our students never cease to amaze me, and each year it becomes more difficult to choose which pieces to feature. This year, we selected artwork by four students, Reagan C., Royce D., Rhett T., and Samantha L. Their artwork will help spread holiday cheer across Highlander Nation this season, and we are incredibly proud of them.

As we head into the final week of school before the holiday break, all of us at Howell Public Schools wish you a joyful holiday season filled with family, friends, and meaningful moments.

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.D

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools