Dear Families,

It always seems like my messages get longer and longer as we enter the final stretch of the school year. There are just so many amazing things happening around our district that it is hard to fit them all in.

This edition of MacGregor's Message includes information about:

• Senior Survivor
• Seussical, Our Middle School Musical
• Administrative Professionals Day
• Howell School Board Members Earn Awards
• Northwest Elementary Celebrates Earth Day
• Howell High School Decision Day
• Highlight Round-Up
  

Today was the final day of Senior Survivor 2023. This week has been filled with fun, camaraderie, competitions, and for the survivors, a lack of sleep. I love how Senior Survivor brings Howell High School and the entire district and community together to rally behind a great cause. This year's Senior Survivor raised $188,480 for our Highlander Hownds Therapy Dog program. The money raised will cover the cost of a Highlander Hownd for each of our schools and create a fund to cover many of the costs associated with the care of the therapy dogs. This year's ultimate Senior Survivor was Sean Elberson (Team Chef Sean). To read more about Senior Survivor, please visit https://bit.ly/3oIbkpu.

Next weekend our talented middle school students will present Seussical the Musical. The students have been working for several months, learning their lines and perfecting their roles for this fun and magical performance. Seussical the Musical is a journey into the world of Dr. Seuss, and it is sure to delight audiences of all ages. The show will run May 4-6, with performances at 6:30 p.m. each day and a special matinee on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Seussical features students from both of our middle schools, making this a One Howell show. Thank you to Kelli Falls and all the staff and parent volunteers who made this show possible. For more information on Seussical the Musical, please visit https://bit.ly/423rSa6.

Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day. Our outstanding team of administrative professionals is truly the backbone of our district. They keep our offices running smoothly, greet families, care for students, and so much more. I am so thankful for our team and all that they do each day.

Recently two of our School Board members were honored by the Michigan Association of School Boards for their efforts to improve their leadership skills, demonstrating their commitment to student achievement and continuous improvement. Awards are earned for classes completed in MASB's leadership training program, as well as for conference attendance, years of service, and leadership activities. Courtney Tarara, our Board Vice President, earned a Level 3 Award of Distinction, and Crystal Zurek, one of our Board Trustees, earned a Level 1 Certified Boardmember Award and a Level 2 Award of Merit. To read more about these honors, please visit https://bit.ly/449CfuP.

Last Friday, Northwest Elementary third-grade students celebrated Earth Day by planting wildflowers in four new raised flower beds at the school. The project allowed the students to learn about gardening and wildflowers' important role in producing habitats for bees and butterflies. The raised flower beds were donated to the school by Tanger Outlets, and Todd's services donated the soil and seeds. We are fortunate to have great partners who help support learning opportunities for our students.

Howell High School held its annual Decision Day last Friday. Decision Day celebrates the graduating students and their post-secondary education plans. Members of the senior class entered the school's field house holding signs that represented their post-secondary education plans and heard from guest speaker James Gray, a local entrepreneur, and mixed martial arts coach. The event also included a performance by members of the school's Rock Band class. Regardless of the path these incredible students embark on, I know they will achieve great things. To read more about Decision Day, please visit https://bit.ly/41U5bVO.

Last weekend the Howell High School Quiz Bowl team capped off an impressive season by competing at the Quiz Bowl State Championship Event. The team faced off against the top teams in the state and ended the competition in 10th place. Last Thursday, the Parker Bands had their annual Solo & Ensemble Festival where students prepared solos, duets, trios and quartets for our guest clinicians. The students did a great job with over 50 students earning high rankings. On Monday, the Parker Middle School eighth-grade choir performed at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association State Choral Festival. Only the highest-scoring choirs from District Choral Festivals are invited to perform. In its first season, the Howell High School Esports team advanced to the quarterfinals in the Michigan High School Esports playoffs.

Sincerely,
Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Howell Public Schools