MacGregor's Message 1/24/2025 

Dear Families,


This week, there is lots of exciting news to share from across Highlander Nation! From incredible student achievements and unique learning opportunities to important updates, this edition of MacGregor's Message highlights the many ways we are developing future ready students. 


In this edition of MacGregor's Message:

  • Howell DECA students excel at District Competition

  • Bus Drivers Needed

  • Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal Update

  • MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award Finalist

  • S.C.O.T.S. Bots Go to Lansing

  • Of the Year Award Nominations

  • Howell Education Foundation Golf Outing

  • Enrollment for Next School Year

  • ARC of Livingston Sibshop


Early this month, 54 Howell High School DECA Club members competed at the DECA District 4 Competitive Events, held with the regional DECA leadership conference. Of those students, 17 have qualified to advance to the DECA State Career Development Conference. Five more students are expected to join them when alternates are finalized in February. The top-ranking students in each event qualify for the state conference, with alternates considered if additional spots become available. DECA is an incredible program that helps students become future ready by equipping them with essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, leadership, and time management. Participants also gain exposure to career paths, global business trends, and networking opportunities while earning scholarships and professional certifications. To read more about our students' accomplishments, please visit https://bit.ly/3E4x46C


Due to some recent retirements, we are in need of school bus drivers. Currently, it is all hands on deck in our Transportation Department, with our dispatchers, mechanics, and supervisor picking up routes to try and avoid bus cancellations. While we are doing our best, there will likely be days when cancellations occur. Being a bus driver is a rewarding career that offers excellent pay, paid training, summers off, snow days, and the chance to drive a "big yellow company car." If you're looking for a change or know someone who is, now is the perfect time to shift gears into a new career. Visit BeABusDriver.org to learn more, or submit an application today. 


Last Monday, the Board of Education approved the issuance of the Series II Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future bonds. This action authorized the district to sell up to $200 million in bonds to support significant construction projects and other district-wide improvements. Additionally, the Board approved the purchase of two new school buses using bond funds. These buses will replace the oldest models in our fleet, improving reliability, reducing maintenance costs, and supporting the district's goal of maintaining a 12-year bus replacement cycle. The interior door and lock replacement project at Howell High School is progressing and is now about 65 percent complete. The planning for the replacement Northwest and Southwest Elementary schools is in the final stages, and the design process for the renovations and addition at Highlander Way Middle School continues. To stay updated on the progress of all bond projects, visit HowellSchools.com/Bond


Congratulations to Kylie Pung, who has been named a finalist for the Michigan High School Athletic Association's (MHSAA) Scholar-Athlete Award for the 2024-25 school year. This honor highlights Kylie's dedication on the court, in the classroom, and within the community, embodying the spirit of a Highlander student-athlete. The MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award program, now in its 36th year, will award $2,000 scholarships to 32 outstanding student-athletes across Michigan in February. Kylie's achievement is a testament to her hard work, character, and commitment to excellence.


On Wednesday, our high school FIRST Robotics Team, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots, had the opportunity to meet with Emma Young, Michigan's Education Policy Advisor for Governor Whitmer, as well as Senator Lana Theis and Representative Jason Woolford. The team shared their ideas and initiatives to support robotics programs across Michigan, including funding for teacher mentors, resources for low-income schools to start teams, and creating a state-level robotics position. The students highlighted how robotics increases college attendance rates, improves STEM-related test scores, and builds strong partnerships with Michigan-based companies that bring graduates back to the state. This experience showcased Howell's robotics program as a leader in Michigan, and we are incredibly proud of the S.C.O.T.S. Bots for their advocacy and dedication to advancing STEM education.


It may be cold and snowy now, but sunny days on the golf course are just around the corner. The Howell Education Foundation (HEF) invites you to join them on Friday, June 6, 2025, for the annual HEF Golf Outing at Chemung Hills Golf Club. This event is a great way to kick off summer while making a difference in the lives of Howell students. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, a grab-and-go breakfast, a delicious lunch, prizes, contests, and the opportunity to network with fellow community members while supporting innovative programs and scholarships for Howell schools. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, we hope to see you there. Visit https://birdease.com/HEFGolfing2025 to register your team or become a sponsor.


The Arc Livingston is hosting a Sibshops Valentine's Party on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the STEP Building (LESA). Participants will enjoy games, food, cookie decorating, and more. Sibshops is a group for children ages 7-13 who have a sibling with a disability to meet other kids and hang out. Facilitated by an Arc Family Advocate, siblings are encouraged to share the challenges and celebrate the joy with brothers and sisters in similar situations while having fun. For more information and to register, please visit www.arclivingston.com/sibshops


I hope you have a great weekend. Go Highlanders!


Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.D

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools

Posted by gouldt On Fri, Jan 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM  

 
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