#HighlanderNation 03.17.21

Portrait of a Highlander - for the past few years, I have been challenging us to reflect on the essential skills and knowledge each of our Highlanders need as they prepare for their careers, college, and life. As our students navigate a pandemic, it seems this conversation is even more important than ever. The Portrait of a Highlander is intended to be our vision - a vision we continuously strive to reach. Whether we are evaluating our curriculum, collaborating around instructional practices, designing our school day, or reflecting on our grading practices, we need to commit to doing this work through the lens of the Portrait. This is a process and I look forward to continuing the work with all of you.

Vaccination Process - as of this past Sunday, all education employees in the county have had the opportunity to receive at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with many staff already reaching full inoculation. To better understand the number of staff who have received a vaccination and to provide any support as needed, please take one minute to complete this survey.

While the Livingston County Health Department has received a limited number of doses of the vaccine, they made the vaccination of public school employees a priority. Additionally, the health department has provided guidance and support to the district throughout the pandemic. To celebrate National Public Health Week 2021, we would like to present the Livingston County Health Department with thank you notes from educators around the county. If you are inclined to do so, please submit your thank you to the health department at https://forms.gle/zYsxnMrX4yedxxyZ9. This form will be open through Friday, March 26. 

Rick Terres - after a long and distinguished career as a school district business official, Rick is retiring in May. Rick has served Howell Schools for 35 years. His knowledge, experience, and stable leadership have guided the district through some very challenging times. Ultimately, his leadership has allowed the district to maintain a strong financial standing while supporting the wide range of needs in the district. Please join me in wishing Rick the very best as moves into this next chapter of his life - it's guaranteed to involve grandchildren and golf. 

Staff Wellness Opportunity - as part of our ongoing efforts to support staff wellness, beginning the week of March 22 the district is providing an opportunity for staff to participate in a weekly yoga and meditation session. We are excited to partner with professionally trained yoga and trauma instructors for this unique opportunity. The sessions will be conducted once per week at each building in the district. While there are benefits to attending each week, you may register to attend as your schedule allows. For more information and details on how to register, click here. Registration is required and is limited to 20 per session. There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Legislative Update:

Senate Education Committee Testimony - yesterday afternoon I provided testimony to the Senate Education Committee relative to our experience since the pandemic started last spring. To view my statement to the committee, click here. 

Public Act 3 - on March 9, 2021, Governor Whitmer signed into law Public Act 3 of 2021(PA 3) to provide supplemental appropriations for fiscal year (FY) 2020-2021. PA 3 appropriates federal funds approved in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act this past December and state School Aid Fund (SAF) dollars. PA 3 includes a new subsection, which appropriates funds through an equalization formula. To be eligible, districts are required to offer at least 20 hours per week of in-person instruction to all students by March 22, 2021. Eligible districts are also required to confirm adherence to the 20-hour per week requirement at each monthly board meeting. We meet these requirements. All districts receiving these funds are required to submit a plan to MDE that meets the allowable expenses by April 23, 2021. 

The Future of Highlander Virtual - I have received a few questions about the future of Highlander Virtual. We plan to continue this option for our families and currently have an application available to our families. We will monitor interest and determine the programming options available once we have final enrollment numbers. 

Class of 2021 - for your planning purposes, the HHS team is coordinating the Class of 2021 celebrations. Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 and will again be on our campus. Details to follow. Go Highlanders!