Dear Families,

It has been an exciting and eventful week across Highlander Nation, filled with celebrations and learning experiences. From the groundbreaking for our two replacement elementary schools to students performing in Nashville and exploring the nation’s capital, our Portrait of a Highlander continues to come to life in meaningful ways.

In this edition of MacGregor’s Message:

• Groundbreaking Ceremonies for the replacement elementary schools

• Eighth-grade students visit Washington, D.C.

• Administrative Professionals Day

• Decision Day

• Elementary book vending machines

• HHS to host TEDEd event

• Bus Driver Appreciation Day

• Parker Middle School Choir visits Nashville

• 2025-26 school year calendar

Last week, we celebrated two major milestones of the 2023 Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future bond proposal: the groundbreaking for the replacement of Northwest and Southwest elementary schools. The event brought together students, staff, families, Board of Education members, district leadership, and community members to officially launch the construction of the new schools. Current second-grade students who will be the first fifth-grade class to attend the new buildings participated in the celebration. They performed a song, and three lucky students took part in the ceremonial turning of the dirt. Following a thorough bid review and selection process, contracts have been awarded, and site work is now underway at both sites. We will provide updates on all of the projects funded by the 2023 Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future bond at HowellSchools.com/Bond. 

Our eighth-grade students are currently in Washington, D.C. The experience aligns with our Portrait of a Highlander focus area on authentic experiences and supports the district’s social studies curriculum. Students visited key historical and governmental landmarks, including the National Mall, Capitol Building, White House, National Archives, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Ford’s Theatre, and the Gettysburg Battlefield. The trip reinforces curriculum objectives related to U.S. history, government, and civic engagement.

Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day, and we are fortunate to have the very best administrative professionals supporting our schools and district. These dedicated individuals are like the air traffic controllers of our organization, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly. They are the friendly faces who greet visitors in our offices, the helpful hands when a student isn’t feeling well, and so much more. Please join me in thanking our administrative professionals for all they do each and every day.

This morning, we celebrated Howell High School’s annual Decision Day. Decision Day recognizes our seniors and their post-secondary plans, whether they are attending college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or beginning an apprenticeship. The event was attended by all Howell High School students and several fifth-grade classes from our elementary schools. It is always exciting to see the bright futures our seniors have planned beyond Howell High School.

Recently, Hutchings Elementary and Voyager Elementary received new book vending machines. Once stocked and ready, students will have the opportunity to earn a special gold coin to select a book of their choice, promoting both literacy and positive behavior. With the addition of these machines at Hutchings and Voyager, all of our elementary schools now have book vending machines. This exciting initiative was made possible through a grant from the Howell Education Foundation, with additional support from Meijer. The Howell Education Foundation funds grants like this throughout the year to support our schools and teachers. To help ensure this important work continues, please consider forming a team for the Foundation’s annual golf outing on Friday, June 3, 2025. To learn more or to register, visit https://bit.ly/4itUmkT.

Next Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m., Howell High School will host a TEDEd event. During the event, 11 Howell High School students will share “ideas worth spreading” through original TED-style talks. Topics will include advocacy for women in the medical field, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of understanding when agreement isn’t possible. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/44KJzQ7. 

Tuesday was Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we’re incredibly grateful for our outstanding transportation team. These dedicated professionals ensure that students start and end each school day with a smile, a wave, and a watchful eye. I am so thankful for our bus drivers and all that they do for our district and families. Due to ongoing staffing challenges in the department, everyone from dispatchers to mechanics has stepped up to help minimize disruptions to our transportation services. However, we are still in urgent need of additional bus drivers. If you or someone you know is looking for a new career or a fulfilling retirement job, becoming a bus driver is a rewarding option. It offers great benefits, a sign-on bonus, paid training, and summers off. To learn more, please visit BeABusDriver.org.

From April 10–12, members of the Parker Middle School Choir traveled to Nashville for a three-day performance tour. The students performed at Vanderbilt University, the historic Ryman Auditorium, and recorded at the legendary RCA Studio B. In addition to their musical experiences, students explored the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and several of Nashville’s iconic cultural sites. It was an unforgettable trip filled with music, learning, and memories that will last a lifetime.

On Wednesday, we released the 2025–26 school year calendar. The calendar was developed through the thoughtful and collaborative efforts of the district and the Howell Education Association (HEA) as part of the contract negotiation process. You can view the 2025–26 School Year Calendar at a Glance at https://bit.ly/3ECeGCT. It is also available on the district’s website under the "Parents" tab.

I hope you have a great weekend, and don’t forget the Senior Survivor Kick-Off Carnival is tonight from 6-9 p.m. in the Howell High School Field House. Go Highlanders!

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools