Dear Families

I hope this message finds you well! This week we have many exciting updates to share, from celebrating student successes to highlighting important events and initiatives happening in our district.

In this edition of MacGregor’s Message:

• Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

• National Principals Month

• HHS Student Selected for MDE Student Advisory Council

• Livingston ESA Special Education Millage Renewal and Restoration

• Athletics Alumni Association

• Challenger and Northwest Receive Donations

• Great Start Livingston Parent Series

If you have a freshman, your child should have received an email from me this week regarding my Student Advisory Council. The email invited students to apply to be part of the council. The purpose of the group is to 1) be informed about and advise me on issues facing the district, 2) serve as a liaison to students in the district, 3) work with regional leaders to advance the interests of the overall community, and 4) serve the district and the community. For more information on the council, please click here. The council will meet approximately once a quarter during the school day (Flex Period). Please talk with your child about this opportunity and encourage them to apply. The link to apply to join the council was in the email they received. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 9.

October is National Principals Month. During October, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the fantastic principals who lead our schools. Their dedication, passion, and commitment shape the educational experiences of our students and foster positive school cultures. Each day, they inspire our teachers, staff, and students to strive for their best. They are instructional leaders who gracefully navigate challenges and create environments where students feel safe, cared for, and welcome. This month, join us in recognizing and thanking these remarkable leaders.

Aliya Farrand, a senior at Howell High School, has been selected to serve on the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Student Advisory Council for the 2024-2025 school year. The MDE Student Advisory Council, sponsored by State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice, aims to amplify student voices in the education system. As a council member, Aliya will meet monthly with Dr. Rice and other MDE leaders to offer perspectives on educational policies and initiatives. To read more about this, please visit https://bit.ly/3XKogZO.

On November 5, voters will decide on the renewal and restoration of the Livingston ESA Special Education Millage. This millage provides critical funding to support special education programs across the county, generating millions annually to help cover special education costs for districts like Howell Public Schools. Visit https://bit.ly/3yYj7VT for more information.

The Howell Athletics Department has launched an Athletic Alumni Association. Open to all former Highlander student-athletes, those who join will receive schedule information, updates on the results of games, information about alumni events, and offers to purchase official Highlander spirit wear. Additionally, the first 250 members to join will receive an Athletic Alumni Association window cling sticker. There is no cost or obligation to be a member. To join, please visit https://bit.ly/4drZiUS.

Challenger and Northwest Elementary Schools were selected to participate in the Eckrich Football Tour. This week, Eckrich hosted a tailgate for teachers and made a $1,000 donation to each school. As part of the program, Challenger teacher Jason Babcock will have the opportunity to win $1 million for the school during a football toss contest at tomorrow’s Michigan State versus Ohio State game.

Great Start Livingston will kick off its fall parent education series next Tuesday, October 1. These free in-person parenting classes help enhance parenting skills and offer valuable insights into early childhood development. The first session, Understanding A Toddler’s World, will focus on the unique challenges of toddlerhood, from tantrums to biting, and help parents better understand the social-emotional development of toddlers. Dinner will be provided, and limited childcare will be available. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3MZM3Af.

I hope you have a wonderful fall weekend. Go Highlanders!

Sincerely,