Dear parents,

What an interesting winter we are having. Last week we saw near record high temperatures and this week we experienced a winter storm. The decision to cancel school is never easy. Whenever inclement weather is predicted, my team and I continually monitor the weather forecasts and road conditions. Additionally, I am in contact with the Livingston County Road Commission and each of the county superintendents. We discuss weather patterns and road conditions in our area. Using all available information, we try to make the best decision possible.

I know some parents felt that we should have released all students early on Wednesday, February 24. There are many factors that need to be considered when discussing an early dismissal. Our buses are used for both our secondary and elementary school routes. We need to stagger dismissal of our secondary and elementary schools to ensure that a bus can safely run its secondary route and return for its elementary route on time. Additionally, parents may not be home to meet their child’s bus if we dismiss all students early. This poses a large challenge for our elementary students. On Wednesday, I checked with our transportation department regarding road conditions throughout the day. I also went out and personally drove several of the roads around the district. Around lunch time, there was a conference call between all of the county superintendents. During that call, it was decided that as a county, we would release secondary students 10 minutes early to provide a cushion of additional time for buses to run secondary routes and return for elementary routes.

During these types of fluid situations, my goal is to keep parents as informed as possible. Over the course of the school day on Wednesday, we sent two email updates, a recorded message and posted updates on our district’s website and Facebook page. Building principals and staff also received several updates throughout the day, so that they have the most up-to-date information to answer any questions parents may have. During these times, there are several things happening behind the scenes. We are a large district with many employees and moving parts. Sometimes, we make preparations such as asking employees to remain on standby in the event that their support is needed. This can lead to misinformation being shared. I encourage parents and community members to always check our district website or Facebook page for official updates from us. This will help stop the spread of misinformation.

Fun and exciting things happen around our district each day. Next weekend, The Howell High School Performing Arts Department will present their production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” During the cold winter months, students at Northwest Elementary have been staying active with an after school soccer club. On March 1, we will welcome the Class of 2029 during our annual Kindergarten Registration event. You can read more about each of these below.

“The Diary of Anne Frank” Comes to Life at Howell High School

 The Howell High School Performing Arts Department will present “The Diary of Anne Frank” March 4, 5 and 6 in the high school auditorium. There will also be a special performance for our eighth-grade students who read “The Diary of Anne Frank” as part of their curriculum. To learn about the play or view showtimes, please visit http://goo.gl/w73Gwe.

Northwest Elementary Soccer Club a Hit with Students

 This winter, students at Northwest Elementary are staying active with an after school   soccer club. The club is organized by Mr. Wildman, Northwest Elementary’s physical education teacher. This is another example of how our dedicated teachers provide unique opportunities for their students. To read a more about this club, please visit http://goo.gl/YBYLiN.

Kindergarten Registration is March 1

 On Tuesday, March 1 we will welcome the Class of 2029 during our annual Kindergarten Registration event. Students and parents will have the opportunity to tour their new school, meet their principal and visit a kindergarten classroom. All students who register on March 1 will receive a special stuffed animal. For more information, please visit http://goo.gl/zIAEjd.