Dear parents,
On Monday, we began our second semester of the year. This caused me to pause for a moment and reflect on my first semester as superintendent of Howell Public Schools. As I reflected on the work that has been accomplished in recent months, it is exciting to know we have built a foundation that will capitalize on our strengths and improve on areas of opportunities. The technology bond will support our needs for the foreseeable future and our new strategic plan will help guide our district for the next three to five years. Looking ahead, I know that the second semester will go even faster than the first. Before we know it, we will be congratulating the Class of 2016 as they walk across the stage. Of course, there are several exciting things that will take place between now and then, like our Kindergarten Registration Event on March 1, Howell High School's spring play "The Diary of Anne Frank" and Parker Middle School’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in April. These are just a few of the many events that will happen between now and the end of the school year. I will be highlighting these are others in future updates.
Last week, third-grade students in Mrs. Nelson’s class at Hutchings Elementary presented persuasive papers on how to improve recess at Hutchings. I was fortunate enough to attend the presentations and was very impressed with the students’ work. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, we honored two high school students who were named winners in the North American International Auto Show poster contest. This year more than 700 students from around Michigan entered the contest. To have two winners from our district truly speaks to the wonderful visual arts program we have. Earlier this week, members of the Parker Middle School sixth grade band took a trip to the University of Michigan. While there, they attended a clinic where they worked on music for an upcoming concert. They also spent time interacting with college students who are pursuing a degree in music education. You can read more about each of these events below.
Hutchings Elementary Students Develop Ways to Improve Recess
Using project-based learning, Hutchings Elementary third grade students recently completed a project that focused on how to improve recess at their school. Students spent time researching their idea, conducting surveys and writing a paper that was presented to their family, teachers and principal. To read about the ideas that students came up with, please visit http://goo.gl/MEiw6Q.
Howell High School Students Named Winners in Poster Contest
Howell High School students Bryen Gatt and Donovan Mattson were both named winners in the 28th Annual North American International Auto Show Poster Contest. Bryen claimed the State Farm Award, which is one of the top two awards given. Donovan claimed first place in the 11th-grade category. To read more about their accomplishment, please visit http://goo.gl/2j8bsA.
Parker Middle School Band Students Visit University of Michigan
Recently, Parker Middle School sixth grade band students went on a unique field trip. The students visited the University of Michigan where they worked with a clinician on music for their upcoming concert and with U of M music education majors. To learn more about this exciting field trip, please visit http://goo.gl/9onpXd.