MacGregor's Message 4/9/2021 
Dear Families,

Today, Governor Whitmer called for high schools to voluntarily switch to remote learning for the two weeks following spring break. For us, that would mean switching to remote learning for next week. Due to our state assessment testing schedule at the high school, we will only have one grade level in the freshman campus and one grade level in the 10-12 building at a time Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Based on this, we will continue with in-person learning for high school students next week. Of course, this is subject to change based on the advice and guidance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Livingston County Health Department. At this time, we will continue spring sports following all of the current safety protocols and requirements outlined by the MDHHS and MHSAA.

Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the State of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has reinstated a standard 14-day quarantine for close contacts of COVID-19 cases. This has removed the option of reducing quarantine to 10 days. This updated quarantine guidance was included in the MDHHS's Covid-19 Public Health Frequently Asked Questions, which was updated on April 5. From now on, the Livingston County Health Department and district will be following the standard 14-day quarantine for close contacts. You can read a letter from the health department regarding this at https://bit.ly/3t00vMK.

The fact that MDHHS has felt it necessary to make this change due to the increasing number of cases in the state serves as an important reminder that we continue to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes staying home when showing any signs of illness or with COVID-19 test results pending. It also includes following best public health practices such as wearing a mask when in public, frequently washing hands or using hand sanitizer, and avoiding indoor and large social gatherings.

April 5-9 is National Assistant Principals Week. This is a time to thank and honor our assistant principals and student services advisors for all their hard work in ensuring that each of our students achieves success. We are so lucky to have an incredible team of assistant principals and student service advisors working with our students. Please join me in thanking Mrs. Adrian, Mrs. Gehringer, Mr. McCarthy, Mrs. Morrish, Mrs. O'Connor, Mrs. Pashak, Mrs. Schmidt, Mr. Stolle, and Mrs. Tyrpak for their dedication to our students, families, and community.

This week is also National Public Health Week. I am so thankful for all that the Livingston County Health Department has done for us over the past year. I can not even start to imagine trying to navigate providing in-person learning without the Livingston County Health Department's support. Their advice, guidance, and knowledge allowed us to reopen our schools and maintain in-person learning safely. They played a crucial role in developing our Return to School plan and continue to meet with us weekly to provide important information and updates. They also worked as quickly as possible to vaccinate the educational employees in our district and county.

Next week, the Howell High School Performing Arts Department will present "The Forbidden Cabaret." This is a unique musical revue featuring various popular songs from various musicals. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. April 15-17 and 2 p.m. on April 18. The April 16 performance will also be live-streamed. There is no charge for admission; however, donations are appreciated. Seating will be limited to allow for social distancing, and masks are required for all patrons. Seats should be reserved in advance at https://bit.ly/2ZGF1HK. To read more about "The Forbidden Cabaret," please visit https://bit.ly/39ZXLrj.

A group of students from Innovation Academy is developing an underwater remotely operated vehicle to compete in the Square One Education Network Underwater Innovative Vehicle Design Competition. The students have designed and built their underwater vehicle from scratch and have been perfecting and testing their design to prepare for the competition in May. At the competition, the students will use their underwater vehicle to accomplish various tasks in a given amount of time.

Recently students in Howell High School's Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) club participated in the Michigan FCCLA State Leadership Conference. The conference, which was held virtually, included the opportunity for the students to compete in various competitive events ranging from culinary arts and teaching to career exploration and community service. In the competitive events, Lacey Parton earned a Gold Medal and advanced to the national conference. Working as a team, Victoria Squires, Priscila Garcia-Bonilla, and Benjamin Squires also earned Gold Medals; however, they did not advance to the national conference. Theresa Schroeder was also recognized during the conference for her participation in the Power of One Program. You can read more about these outstanding students at https://bit.ly/2OvP0O7.

Sincerely,
Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S
Superintendent
Howell Public Schools
Posted by gouldt On Sat, Apr 10, 2021 at 12:13 AM  

 
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