Dear Families,

As we head into Thanksgiving Break and the holiday season, I am thankful for the strong partnerships we have with our families and community as we work together to ensure our students are future ready. From our commitment to aligning our financial resources with the needs of our students to the many opportunities our students have to excel, these partnerships are what make Highlander Nation an incredible place to live, learn, and work.

In this edition of MacGregor’s Message: 

• Annual audit report

• Superintendent's Holiday Card Contest

• Temporary shift in learning environment starting next school year

•  Co-curricular and athletic accomplishments

• Thanksgiving Break 

Last Monday, the Board of Education heard a report on the district’s annual financial audit. The audit results confirmed the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility and demonstrated that we are effectively managing our resources and aligning them with the needs of our students. The district received an unmodified opinion, which is the highest level of assurance, indicating that the audit team did not identify any material weaknesses or instances of noncompliance in the district’s accounting practices or financial records.

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means it’s time for one of my favorite annual traditions: the Superintendent's Holiday Card Art Contest. Each year, I invite students in begindergarten through fifth grade to showcase their creativity by designing artwork for our district’s holiday card, which is sent to families and community members. With your permission and support, students are encouraged to submit an original holiday design by emailing their artwork to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9. Please include the student's name, grade, and school in the email.

As I shared in my emails last week, our construction management firm has recommended that we vacate Highlander Way Middle School during the major renovation scheduled to begin this summer. As we continue planning for the temporary shift in learning environments for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years, we have created a dedicated webpage and a Family FAQ to help keep our community informed. These resources will be updated regularly as plans are finalized. You can find both at https://bit.ly/4ptzWwy. While this shift is temporary, the end result will be a safe, modern, and welcoming learning environment that will serve our middle school students for many years to come.

The Howell High School Esports team has qualified for the Michigan High School Esports League playoffs. The team earned playoff spots in Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 3. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated Williamston 2–1 and Taylor 3–0. The teams will now compete in round two of the playoffs, beginning next week. Esports is organized, team-based competitive video gaming that builds skills like teamwork, strategy, communication, and problem-solving. Through school-sanctioned leagues, students can compete in popular games while gaining opportunities for connection, leadership, and even future career or scholarship pathways. Please join me in wishing our esports athletes the best of luck as they continue their quest for a state championship.

In other co-curricular and athletic accomplishments, our Girls Swim and Dive team won the KLAA-B meet, with Anabelle Respondek setting a new Howell High School record. Our FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams are also off to an impressive start. Team KRASH claimed first place at the Bedford qualifier and earned the Inspire Award, securing a spot at the state championship. Team Karma advanced to the final round of the Hartland qualifier and also won the Inspire Award, qualifying for the state championship as well. Team KILTS has likewise qualified for the state championship based on their strong performances at the qualifier events.

Please remember that there is no school on Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving Break. Classes will resume on Monday, December 1. I hope you and your family have a great weekend and a Happy Thanksgiving. 

Sincerely, 

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools