Dear Families,

During my weekly meeting with the Livingston County Health Department, they shared that new cases of COVID-19 and the percent of positive tests remains high, however, both are slightly lower than the past several weeks. Once again, the health department assured the county superintendents that it remains safe for schools to be open and that the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the schools remains low.

Next Friday will mark the end of our first semester of the school year. While we have experienced some bumps along the way, I am incredibly proud of the fact that we have been able to maintain in-person learning for our begindergarten through eighth-grade students for the entire semester and for our high school students for 14 weeks before the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Epidemic Order closed all high schools in the state. We have been able to do this thanks to the support from our students, families, and staff in following good public health practices and our district’s safety protocols. With the holiday season approaching, we all need to continue to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 so that the State of Michigan will allow high school students to return to in-person learning and that we can continue to keep our elementary and middle schools open.   

One of my favorite holiday traditions is selecting student artwork for my annual holiday card. This year’s card features artwork by Kinley, a fourth-grade student at Northwest Elementary.  I hope you and your family have an enjoyable and relaxing break filled with peace and happiness.

The annual Howell Public Schools canned food drive to support Gleaners Community Food Bank was a huge success again this year. Next week will be our last meal kit distribution of the calendar year. The district is currently hiring substitute teachers. I have shared more on each of these items below. 

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools

Annual Canned Food Drive a Huge Success

Once again, our school community came together to support Gleaners Community Food Bank during the annual Howell Public Schools Canned Food Drive. During November, our district collected 27 pallets of food and household goods. These items will be used to support families in need right here in Livingston County. 

Meal Kit Distribution and Free Meals Updates

Next week will be the last meal kit distribution of the calendar year. Our Food Service Department will be providing three weeks’ worth of meals at the distribution to support families through the holiday break. There are two distributions each week, on Tuesday’s at the Howell High School Loading Dock from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday’s at the Three Fires Elementary Main Entrance from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Our meal distributions will resume after the holiday break. Additionally, please remember that under federal waivers, all students will continue to receive free school meals for the entire school year.

Howell Public Schools Hiring Substitute Teachers

We are hiring substitute teachers to work in all of our buildings. Being a substitute teacher allows for a flexible schedule that allows you to work when you want to. It is also a great way to 

make a positive difference in your community. Starting pay is $90 per day for a daily substitute teacher and $120 per day for a long-term substitute teacher. This is a great opportunity to earn extra money. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/39VwnLP.