Dear Families,

On Wednesday night, Howell High School hosted its second annual TEDx event. The evening featured nine student speakers, two musical performances, and one teacher. Each TED talk was inspiring, thought-provoking, and well delivered. As I sat in the audience, I reflected on my time in high school and realized that I would have never been able to give such a high-caliber talk in front of my peers, teachers, parents, and community members. Hosting events like this are just one way to engage students, provide authentic learning opportunities, and allow students to have a voice in their school experience.

The internet can be an incredible educational tool. However, it can also be a scary place. This week, news broadcasts and social media forums have been abuzz regarding an alleged internet “challenge” that has resurfaced. Rumors of the Momo Challenge first started circulating on social media a few years ago, and as with so many things posted online, began circulating again in recent weeks. While the validity of this challenge is being debated, I did want to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts and reminders on the internet and internet safety, which you can read at https://goo.gl/YLXbGZ.

Recently, we heard back from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) regarding our waiver request for three additional “forgiven time days.” MDE has approved our waiver, granting us the three additional “forgiven time days.” With that said, and despite the fact that Woody the Woodchuck predicted an early spring, we still have at least a month of possible winter weather.  What is still unknown is what action, if any, the state legislature will take to provide relief to districts due to this year’s abnormally harsh winter.

Many of our winter sports teams and student groups had very successful seasons so far this year. Our varsity competitive cheer team claimed third place at their district event and for the first time in the program’s history, advanced to the regional competition. The Howell gymnastics team claimed second place at the KLAA Conference Championship Meet with Alyssa Murphey taking first place and Alyssa Weber taking second place in their division. The varsity hockey team will compete in their regional finals tomorrow night. Two members of our wrestling team, Joe Barton and Jonah Schrock, competed in the state individual wrestling finals today. Our boys varsity basketball team will play in their district finals game tonight against Linden. The girls varsity basketball team will take on Holly in their district semifinals game on March 6. Ava Jirasek placed 10th at the MHSAA girls bowling district, advancing to the State finals in Allen Park at 8:00 am on Saturday. The Howell High School JV Quiz Bowl Team was recently named Co-Tri-County League Champions and Zach Charette was named to the Tri-County All-Star MVP team. Last, but certainly not least, our archy teams are having an incredible season filled with many trophies, personal bests, and the Howell High School and Parker Middle School teams have already qualified for the National Archery in the Schools Program National Championship in May.

We have received questions regarding next year’s school calendar. The school calendar is something that is negotiated with our teachers’ union, the Howell Education Association. We are working with the union to set the calendar and will share it as soon as it is complete.  

This morning, WHMI announced that one of our teachers had been selected as a winner in its Making the Grade contest. Tomorrow is my third Coffee Chat of the Year, and this Tuesday is kindergarten and begindergarten registration. You can read more about each of these below.

Amy Johanningsmeier Named WHMI Making the Grade Winner

Three Fires Elementary kindergarten teacher Amy Johanningsmeier was surprised this week when a parade of former students, colleagues, and Buzz Elliot from WHMI came into her classroom to present her with the WHMI Making the Grade award. Each year, WHMI accepts nominations for outstanding local teachers and selects four teachers to honor. Ms. Johanningsmeier received numerous nominations that highlighted how dedicated she is to her students and the lasting relationships she forms with them. To view a video of the surprise, please visit https://goo.gl/1PswdB.

Coffee Chat is Tomorrow, March 2

My third Coffee Chat of the year is tomorrow, March 2 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at The Hive Teen Center. If you are free, please swing by and join me for some good coffee and a great conversation about all of the great things happening around our district, or to ask me any questions that you may have. I genuinely enjoy connecting with our stakeholders during these informal chats, and I hope you will consider stopping by. The Hive Teen Center is located at 214 N. Walnut St. in Howell.

Kindergarten and Begindergarten Registration