For Our Kids Bond Proposal - May 7
We are 20 days from the election on May 7. Thank you for your support with informing our families and community about this critical proposal. We rarely have the opportunity to add security features, update aging facilities and equipment, and enhance instructional and extracurricular opportunities while still lowering the debt levy (taxes). Our website has extensive information, each front office has information for distribution, and we continue to share information through a number of social media platforms. In addition, each school has representatives from the Bond Leadership Team to provide resources for their respective building. Please do your part by providing information and getting our families and the community out to vote on May 7.
Legislative Update
Last night, our Board of Education and I had the opportunity to collaborate alongside the other Livingston County Board members and superintendents. We heard a presentation by David Arsen (Professor, College of Education at MSU). Dr. Arsen presented on his decades of research regarding Michigan school finance. His conclusions, that our schools are severely underfunded, are not surprising. However, it's his thorough overview of Proposal A, trends in foundation allowance revenue, and systemic inequities (i.e. the structure of special education funding and school facility financing) that makes his presentation so compelling. His full report is linked here. The School Finance Research Collaborative is another source for comprehensive information related to school funding. We all have the responsibility to understand these issues so we can effectively advocate for the children in our community.
Five-Year Curriculum Review Cycle
As part of the District's Adaptive Plan, we are moving forward with a systemic review of the District's curriculum and resources. To this end, the areas of elementary ELA and secondary science were prioritized this year. The Board took action at the February meeting on the following recommendations from the District's Curriculum Council:
- BK - 5 ELA Curriculum and Resource Adoption - Units of Study for Reading, Writing, and Phonics)
- Middle School Science Curriculum and Resource Adoption - Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP)
- High School Resource Adoptions for Environmental Science and Computer Science. In addition, the Board approved a number of new high school courses (Fundamental Chemistry, Conceptual Physics, STRONGHER / Men’s Weightlifting, Yoga 2, Ceramics 2, Drawing 2, Literary Editing and Publishing, AP Computer Science) to enhance our already strong programming.
Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP)
As I previously communicated, we were awarded a grant through the Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP) through the Michigan State Police in the amount of $244,000. The scope of our grant application includes the replacement of our exterior door access system as well as a new visitor management system. At the March Board of Education meeting, action was taken to approve a bid for a new exterior door access system. This work has begun with the internal wiring of the system and will be completed this summer. We are also moving forward with the implementation of a new visitor management system (through Raptor Technologies). The system will provide instant screening of visitors using a national database, custom alerts for district use, and will provide for more accurate accounting of who is in our buildings. We are piloting this system at a few of our buildings for the remainder of this year in preparation for a district launch in the fall. While there is no single solution to school safety, we will continue to explore and implement strategies that deter unwanted visitors and behavior, maintains safe environments, and best prepare us in case of an unexpected event.
HEF Golf Outing
The Howell Education Foundation is hosting its annual golf outing on Friday, June 7. The HEF provides amazing opportunities for our students and staff through classroom grants. Please consider forming a team and participating in this wonderful event. It's a great time! You can register by clicking here. Supervisor of Maintenance, Operations, and Custodial Services
This position has been posted and we are moving forward with interviews next week. I will keep you updated on our progress.
Unified Champions School (UCS) Recognized at Board of Education Meeting
Hunter Gubeno (2x State Champion) Recognized at Board of Education MeetingHunter became the first male swimmer from Livingston County to win a state title when he won both the 200 and 500 freestyle events at the state meet in Holland. Congratulations to Hunter for his success in the pool and in the classroom.
Guys and Dolls MusicalBravo to the cast, crew, orchestra pit, and directors for a wonderful performance of Guys and Dolls. I am always amazed at the talent of our students involved in our performing arts programs.
Robotics Headed to Worlds
The HHS FIRST robotics team, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots, is headed to the FIRST Robotics World Championship for the second year in a row. The team qualified for the world championship by claiming a Regional Chairman’s Award at the FIRST in Michigan State Championship.
Archery Teams Going to Nationals
Applications Open for the Youth for Service Poster Contest (Michigan Community Service Commission) The Michigan Community Service Commission recently announced the 2019 Youth For Service Poster Contest. They are accepting applications for all elementary, middle school and high school students who are inspired to create original artwork representing the importance of volunteerism and service. The Poster Contest is an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic talents and motivate Michiganders to make a difference in their communities. Winners will have their poster signed by the Governor and be invited to attend the Governor’s Service Awards and a special reception. You can access the application by clicking here. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
Livingston County Catholic Charities Partnership - Two Opportunities
#1: The Reality Tour from Wake Up Livingston is a parent/child prevention experience with lasting impact. It provides the foundation for future discussions. The Reality Tour Includes:
- Dramatic presentation of choices made and consequences of a teen on drugs
- Coping skills to use as a family
- Q & A with youth in recovery
#2: WIA-IAM Straight Talk Presentation - at this event, attendees will hear the dramatic and captivating true story told from the viewpoint of a recovering addict and his mother, a recovering codependent, while learning what tools the two of them used to find health and peace. The performance will also incorporate dance and live music from a band of individuals in recovery. Corey and Jacque have made it their mission to help young people feel comfortable with who they are and to not fall into the peer pressure of using substances to fit into a group. The program is Thursday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m. Click here to register.
Please feel free to share both events with our families.
Please feel free to share both events with our families.
On the Horizon...
State of the District - the annual State of the District is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Parker Middle School Media Center.
Senior Survivor Kick-off Carnival - this year's Senior Survivor is starting with a community-wide Carnival on Friday, April 26 at the HHS Field House.
Howell High School 3rd Annual Decision Day - the HHS counseling department and administrative team are coordinating the 3rd Annual Decision Day on Wednesday, May 1 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Field House. This is a tremendous event that highlights the various pathways our students will take upon leaving us. This year, we have students from a number of our elementary and middle schools joining us in the celebration.
For Our Kids Bond Proposal - VOTE MAY 7!
Highlander Warrior Awards Luncheon - the Highlander Warrior Awards luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, 11:30-1:00 p.m. at the Howell Opera House. This award is our way of recognizing students who are successful in overcoming a challenge, demonstrating perseverance, resilience, and a strong work ethic along the way. Recipients of this honor are determined by staff and administration at each school.
HHS Graduation Ceremony - HHS graduation is on Saturday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. at the Breslin Center. I encourage you to attend to celebrate this milestone with our students and families.
Retirement Celebration - please join us at Clearys to honor our retirees on Tuesday, June 4 at 4:30 p.m.
Inaugural Graduation Ceremony for Innovation Academy - the first-ever graduation ceremony for the Innovation Academy will take place on Wednesday, June 5 at the Howell Opera House.
