As I shared at our Opening Day, my family has been in a state of transition since mid summer. Our move has provided new adventures and learning in addition to stress and anxiety. I think trying to mask the sometimes difficult nature of change with smiles and humor is disingenuous. Change is scary, it's hard, and at times just plain exhausting. As a family, we are just taking it step by step, supporting one another, asking for help when we need it, maintaining perspective, and pausing every so often to enjoy the ride. The growth in this journey has been worth any discomfort.
As you embark on change in your life (both personally and professionally) please know that the Highlander family is here to support you. There will be successes and setbacks. Thank you for taking a risk to provide new and better opportunities for our students and families. Ultimately, we are in this together. #OneHowell
Adaptive Plan
During my first year, I convened a broad group of stakeholders to develop a Strategic Plan for the district. The intent of the plan is to establish a set of values, goals, and objectives to provide a long-term direction for the district while ensuring alignment to and support for individual school improvement plans. Moreover, with a commitment to maintaining a plan that is able to respond to change, I have intentionally shifted the language from "strategic" to "adaptive." For additional context on this shift, I have linked this article.At the October 9 board meeting I updated our board of education team on the progress on this plan in addition to the short and long-term next steps. In summary, here are some of the key accomplishments from last year:
- Increased safety and security through the addition of a district resource officer (from the Howell City Police Department) and support from the Community Outreach Division of the Livingston County Sheriff's Department
- Increased teaching and learning opportunities through the adoption of a comprehensive instructional framework and the completion of Phase 1 of the technology bond
- Focused on building and sustaining a positive district culture
- Increased social and emotional support through the addition of elementary counseling support
- Increased post-secondary opportunities through the addition of an Early Middle College (Health Sciences and Manufacturing pathways)
- Increased two-way communication with families and staff through multiple forums
- Developed support systems for board and staff through induction programs
- Increased intentional business and nonprofit partnerships
- Maintained a commitment to sound financial stewardship through right-sizing the district
With regards to next steps, there are a number of things in motion and I wanted to update you on a few:
- Five-Year Curriculum Cycle - the Instructional Services Department has identified an Instructional Liaison Team to facilitate the curriculum work identified by our Curriculum Council. Rather than jumping right into standards and scope and sequence work, this team will start by developing an "HPS student profile" of what we want our students to know and be able to do. This will provide a broader foundation and vision for our direction.
- School Reform Priority Areas - through both district and school improvement planning, each level has identified priority areas for growth. Specifically, I wanted to update you on the work occurring at the elementary and high school levels.
- Elementary (Acceleration and Enrichment) - in the context of a comprehensive multi-tiered system of support for our students, we have initiated a process to develop recommendations for a system of acceleration and enrichment for our students. Specifically, we have a team researching best practices and examining feasibility in preparation for both short and long-term recommendations in February.
- High (Innovative Learning Initiative) - a high school team is in the process of developing recommendations for alternative learning opportunities for our secondary students. This team has conducted research and site visits to determine how we can best engage some of our students who have experienced setbacks during their career.
- Social and Emotional Support - this year our 31a at-risk allocation (from the State) increased. These funds must be used to support at-risk students in the district. In turn, we are now using some of this allocation to fund the middle and high school Student Services Advisor positions (formerly Dean of Students). In addition, the board recently approved a Student Services Advisor position at the elementary level. The intent of this position is to provide front line behavior intervention support. While the position is intended to support all elementary schools, it will initially be placed at Three Fires to provide support and assistance with the immediate needs at this building.
I am excited to announce a new partnership to support our students and families facing hunger. Weekend Survival Kits mobilizes communities to provide food on the weekends to children who may otherwise go hungry. We are preparing for a December 1 launch for four schools - Hutchings, NW, SW, and Parker and a mid-January launch for Challenger, Three Fires, Voyager, HW, and HHS. Thank you to our counseling teams for their support in implementing this initiative.
Support and Service Persons of the Year
We are now accepting nominations for the 2017/18 Support Person / Service Person of the Year. Due to the large number of employee groups that support Howell Public Schools, we divided the employee groups into two categories. We will honor a Support Person of the Year (secretary, main office clerk, library services coordinator, bookkeeper, computer technician and non-union support staff), and a Service Person of the Year (paraprofessional and general education aide, copy clerk, mentor, hall monitor, food service, and maintenance). Nominations can be submitted online at https://goo.gl/MVNNte. Nominations are due by Friday, November 10 no later than 4 p.m.
Varsity Volleyball District Playoffs
Our Varsity Women's Volleyball team competes in the State District Playoffs tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. at the HHS Fieldhouse. Let's take advantage of our home court. Come on out and support our girls! GO HIGHLANDERS!Almost, Maine
Our amazing Performing Arts Department is preparing for opening night of Almost, Maine. Set on a cold night in the middle of winter, Almost, Maine is a collection of short scenes featuring various residents of the town falling in and out of love in various unexpected ways. Opening night is Friday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. with additional shows on November 4 at 7:00 p.m. and November 5 at 2:00 p.m. All shows are at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. Advanced sale tickets are available at the HHS main office and Schafer's House of Music.
HHS Student TEDx Event
The high school is coordinating a Student TEDx event on November 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Howell Theater. This is part of our intentional goal of providing more opportunities for our students to have voice in their learning experience. Due to the requirements from TED Talks as well as the venue, this event is not open to the public. The following students will present on the topics listed:
- John Seck (Being aware of racial stereotypes and not letting them define your perspective)
- Ashley Dunn (Gecko's and Nanotechnology)
- Gwyneth Labine (Anti-bullying)
- Allison Mitter (Being comfortable with who you are and not conforming to what other people want/expect)
- Jordan Chantaca (Importance of community service)
- Jakob Ferris (Leadership)
- Andrea Spisak (Cultural awareness)
- Mikayla Norton (Always find the positive in people)
- Jenna Wincher (overcoming challenges posed by dyslexia)
- Jared Osborne (finding passion in school/Photography)
- Special Guest Alumni Emma Badgett (celebrating diversity)
We are fortunate to have the support of the Howell Education Foundation. The HEF was established in 2003 to enhance the work of the Howell Public Schools and, through grants, has provided unique teaching and learning opportunities for our staff and students. If you are interested in applying for a grant click here for the application.
DHHS Fundraiser
The Livingston County Department of Health and Human Services has been a great partner and resource for the district. This year, they are providing on site support for our students and families at Three Fires Elementary. On Monday, November 6 there is a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings to support DHHS. For more information, click here.
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